Physician Assistant Cardiovascular System Disorders 4

Question 1

Which finding is MOST characteristic of constrictive pericarditis on physical exam?

Accepted Answer

Kussmaul's sign (JVD increasing with inspiration)

Answer

Kussmaul's sign — paradoxical rise in JVP during inspiration — is a classic finding in constrictive pericarditis.

Question 2

A 30-year-old athlete collapses during a basketball game. ECG shows asymmetric septal hypertrophy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Answer

HOCM is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes and presents with asymmetric septal hypertrophy.

Question 3

Which statement about the management of STEMI is correct?

Accepted Answer

Primary PCI is preferred when door-to-balloon time is under 120 minutes

Answer

Primary PCI is the preferred reperfusion strategy for STEMI when it can be performed within 90-120 minutes of first medical contact.

Question 4

A patient's ECG shows a prolonged PR interval, but all P waves are conducted. What rhythm is this?

Accepted Answer

First-degree AV block

Answer

First-degree AV block is defined by a PR interval >200 ms with all P waves conducted to the ventricles.

Question 5

A patient with peripheral artery disease has an ABI of 0.55. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Moderate-to-severe PAD

Answer

An ABI of 0.41–0.70 indicates moderate-to-severe peripheral arterial disease with significant hemodynamic compromise.

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