CCI Cardiac Stress Testing Protocols 2

Question 1

Which pharmacological agent used in stress testing works by causing coronary vasodilation through A2A adenosine receptor agonism?

Accepted Answer

Regadenoson

Answer

Regadenoson is a selective A2A adenosine receptor agonist that causes coronary vasodilation and is used as a pharmacological stress agent.

Question 2

A patient undergoing a dobutamine stress test develops a sustained ventricular tachycardia at 40 mcg/kg/min. What is the correct immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the dobutamine infusion immediately

Answer

Sustained ventricular tachycardia is an absolute indication to immediately terminate the dobutamine infusion.

Question 3

During a Bruce protocol treadmill test, a patient achieves 85% of maximum predicted heart rate without symptoms or ECG changes. How should this test be classified?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic — adequate heart rate achieved

Answer

Achieving ≥85% of maximum predicted heart rate (220 minus age) constitutes an adequate stress response, making the test diagnostically valid.

Question 4

Which finding during stress testing is considered a high-risk marker associated with severe three-vessel or left main coronary artery disease?

Accepted Answer

Exercise-induced ST elevation in aVR with widespread ST depression

Answer

ST elevation in aVR with widespread ST depression suggests diffuse subendocardial ischemia, indicating left main or proximal LAD disease.

Question 5

What is the primary reason dipyridamole is contraindicated in patients with active bronchospasm or severe reactive airway disease?

Accepted Answer

It potentiates adenosine, which can cause severe bronchospasm

Answer

Dipyridamole blocks adenosine reuptake, raising adenosine levels; adenosine stimulates A2B receptors causing bronchospasm in susceptible patients.

CCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International Practice Test

CCI - Cardiovascular Credentialing International Practice Test

CCI Cardiac Stress Testing Protocols 2