CSC Research & Evidence-Based Practice 4

Question 1

A trial comparing CABG versus PCI in multivessel CAD uses an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. What is the primary advantage of ITT?

Accepted Answer

It preserves the benefits of randomization and minimizes bias

Answer

ITT analysis analyzes patients in their originally assigned groups regardless of protocol deviations, preserving randomization balance and reducing bias.

Question 2

A new cardiac biomarker has a likelihood ratio positive (LR+) of 12. How does this affect post-test probability compared to a LR+ of 2?

Accepted Answer

LR+ of 12 provides a larger increase in post-test probability

Answer

Higher LR+ values produce greater increases in post-test probability; LR+ ≥ 10 is considered strong evidence for ruling in a diagnosis.

Question 3

During appraisal of a cardiac surgery RCT, you note the allocation concealment was inadequate. What type of bias does this risk?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias

Answer

Inadequate allocation concealment allows clinicians to predict and potentially influence group assignments, introducing selection bias.

Question 4

Which statistical test is most appropriate to compare 30-day mortality rates between two cardiac surgical techniques when the outcome is binary?

Accepted Answer

Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test

Answer

Chi-square or Fisher's exact test compares proportions (binary outcomes) between two independent groups.

Question 5

A cardiology department implements a practice change based on a Cochrane systematic review. Six months later, outcomes are audited. Which EBP step does this audit represent?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate

Answer

The 5th A in EBP (Evaluate) involves auditing the outcomes of the practice change to determine whether it improved patient care.

CSC - Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam Practice Test

CSC - Cardiac Subspecialty Certification Exam Practice Test

CSC Research & Evidence-Based Practice 4