FREE RCIS Emergency Procedures and Complication Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient in the cath lab suddenly becomes pale, diaphoretic, and nauseous with a heart rate of 45 bpm and a blood pressure of 80/50 mmHg. What is the most likely diagnosis and initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Vasovagal reaction; administer atropine and IV fluids

Answer

Anaphylaxis; administer epinephrine

Answer

Myocardial infarction; administer morphine

Answer

Pulmonary embolism; start anticoagulation

Question 2

Which of the following is a key hemodynamic sign of cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

Pulsus paradoxus (abnormally large drop in systolic BP on inspiration)

Answer

A large gradient between LV and aortic systolic pressures

Answer

A prominent 'y' descent in the right atrial waveform

Answer

Low left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP)

Question 3

A patient who underwent a PCI via the right femoral artery 2 hours ago complains of severe, radiating right flank and back pain. They are now hypotensive and tachycardic. This presentation is most concerning for:

Accepted Answer

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage

Answer

Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm

Answer

Arteriovenous (AV) fistula

Answer

Acute limb ischemia

Question 4

During a PCI procedure, the patient develops acute ST-segment elevation and chest pain, and angiography confirms abrupt vessel closure. What is the most critical immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Recross the lesion with a guidewire and perform balloon angioplasty

Answer

Administer a dose of IV morphine

Answer

Prepare the patient for emergency CABG surgery

Answer

Call for a 12-lead ECG

Question 5

A patient develops urticaria, bronchospasm, and severe hypotension immediately after contrast injection. What is the first-line medication for treating this anaphylactic reaction?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Answer

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

Answer

Hydrocortisone

Answer

Atropine

Question 6

A patient on the cath lab table becomes unresponsive, and the monitor shows ventricular fibrillation (VF). What is the single most important and definitive intervention?

Accepted Answer

Performing immediate defibrillation

Answer

Administering intravenous amiodarone

Answer

Starting high-quality chest compressions

Answer

Intubating the patient to secure the airway