CCS Patient Care & Risk Management 3

Question 1

A nurse asks a CCS about the correct technique for measuring ankle-brachial index (ABI). Which ABI value is diagnostic of peripheral arterial disease?

Accepted Answer

ABI ≤ 0.9

Answer

An ABI ≤0.9 is diagnostic of peripheral arterial disease, reflecting reduced arterial perfusion to the lower extremities.

Question 2

Which medication class is the FIRST-LINE pharmacologic treatment for reducing LDL-C in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

Statins

Answer

High-intensity statins are the cornerstone of LDL-C lowering therapy in patients with established ASCVD per ACC/AHA guidelines.

Question 3

A patient recovering from percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent placement is asking about dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). What is the minimum recommended DAPT duration for stable CAD treated with DES?

Accepted Answer

6 months

Answer

Current ACC/AHA guidelines recommend at least 6 months of DAPT after DES placement in stable CAD to prevent stent thrombosis.

Question 4

A 55-year-old male smoker with hypertension has no known CAD. His LDL is 145 mg/dL and 10-year ASCVD risk is 11%. A coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is obtained and is 0. How should this result influence statin therapy?

Accepted Answer

The CAC score of 0 favors withholding statin therapy and reassessing in 5–10 years

Answer

A CAC score of 0 identifies very low short-term risk and can appropriately support deferring statin initiation with reassessment, especially in intermediate-risk patients.

Question 5

Which of the following is a CONTRAINDICATION to cardiac rehabilitation enrollment?

Accepted Answer

Unstable angina with rest symptoms within the past 48 hours

Answer

Unstable angina with recent rest symptoms is an absolute contraindication to cardiac rehabilitation until the condition is stabilized.

(CCS) Certified Cardiovascular Specialist Practice Test

(CCS) Certified Cardiovascular Specialist Practice Test

CCS Patient Care & Risk Management 3