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Question 1
Correct
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Lidocaine's antiarrhythmic mode of action is as follows:
Your Answer: Blocks inactivated Na+ channels
Explanation:Lidocaine is a class 1B antidysrhythmic; combines with fast Na channels and thereby inhibits recovery after repolarization, resulting in decreasing myocardial excitability and conduction velocity. However, in ischaemic areas, where anoxia causes depolarisation and arrhythmogenic activity, many Na+ channels are inactivated and therefore susceptible to lidocaine.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 2
Correct
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Which of the following describes the pulse pressure:
Your Answer: Systolic - diastolic pressure
Explanation:During systole, the pressure in the left ventricle increases and blood is ejected into the aorta. The rise in pressure stretches the elastic walls of the aorta and large arteries and drives blood flow. Systolic pressure is the maximum arterial pressure during systole. During diastole, arterial blood flow is partly maintained by elastic recoil of the walls of large arteries. The minimum pressure reached before the next systole is the diastolic pressure. The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressure is the pulse pressure.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 3
Correct
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All of the following are indications for beta-blockers EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Prinzmetal's angina
Explanation:Beta-blockers are contraindicated in Prinzmetal’s angina.Beta-blockers may be indicated in:HypertensionPheochromocytoma (only with an alpha-blocker)AnginaSecondary prevention after ACSArrhythmias including atrial fibrillationHeart failureThyrotoxicosisAnxietyProphylaxis of migraineEssential tremorGlaucoma
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 4
Correct
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The mechanism of action of abciximab is by:
Your Answer: Blocking the binding of fibrinogen to GPIIb/IIIa receptor sites
Explanation:Abciximab is a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and prevents platelet aggregation by blocking the binding of fibrinogen to receptors on platelets.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 5
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT an adverse effect associated with warfarin therapy:
Your Answer: Neutropenia
Explanation:Adverse effects of warfarin:The most common adverse effect of warfarin is bleedingOther common adverse effects of warfarin include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, hepatic dysfunction, pancreatitis, pyrexia, alopecia, purpura, and rashSkin necrosis is a rare but serious adverse effect of warfarin; treatment with warfarin should be stopped if warfarin related skin necrosis is suspectedCalciphylaxis is a rare, but a very serious condition that causes vascular calcification and cutaneous necrosis
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 6
Correct
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Regarding fibrinolytics, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Fibrinolytic drugs act as thrombolytics by directly degrading the fibrin mesh and so breaking up thrombi.
Explanation:Fibrinolytic drugs act as thrombolytics by activating plasminogen to form plasmin, which degrades fibrin and so breaks up thrombi.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 7
Correct
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A patient has a cardiac output of 4.8 L/min and a heart rate of 80 bpm, therefore their stroke volume is:
Your Answer: 60 mL
Explanation:Cardiac output (CO) = Stroke volume (SV) x Heart rate (HR). Therefore SV = CO/HR = 4.8/80 = 0.06 L = 60 mL.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 8
Correct
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All of the following statement about the microcirculation are correct except:
Your Answer: Over the capillary bed, there is a net absorption of fluid.
Explanation:The hydrostatic pressure along the length of the capillary is usually greater than plasma oncotic pressure. As a result, there is a small net filtration of fluid from the capillary into the interstitial space. The regulation of blood flow into the microcirculation is via the vasoconstriction of small arterioles, which is activated by the sympathetic nervous system through numerous nerve endings in their walls. Unlike proteins, most ions and small molecules diffuse easily across capillary walls and thus the crystalloid osmotic pressure they exert is roughly the same on either side of the capillary wall. Because the plasma colloid osmotic pressure is higher than interstitial colloid osmotic, fluid is drawn intravascularly. A reduction of hydrostatic capillary pressure and transient increase in absorption of fluid is a result of arteriolar constriction.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 9
Correct
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What is the primary mode of action of Enoxaparin?
Your Answer: Inhibits factor Xa
Explanation:Heparin acts as an anticoagulant by enhancing the inhibition rate of clotting proteases by antithrombin III impairing normal haemostasis and inhibition of factor Xa. Low molecular weight heparins have a small effect on the activated partial thromboplastin time and strongly inhibit factor Xa. Enoxaparin is derived from porcine heparin that undergoes benzylation followed by alkaline depolymerization.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 10
Correct
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Which of the following is NOT an adverse effect associated with statin therapy:
Your Answer: Aplastic anaemia
Explanation:Adverse effects of statins include:, Headache, Epistaxis, Gastrointestinal disorders (such as constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, and diarrhoea), Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (such as myalgia, arthralgia, pain in the extremity, muscle spasms, joint swelling, and back pain), Hyperglycaemia and diabetes, Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, Interstitial lung disease and Hepatotoxicity
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 11
Correct
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What is the mechanism of action of captopril:
Your Answer: Inhibition of the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
Explanation:Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) e.g. captopril inhibit the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, and thus have a vasodilatory effect, lowering both arterial and venous resistance. The cardiac output increases and, because the renovascular resistance falls, there is an increase in renal blood flow. This latter effect, together with reduced aldosterone release, increases Na+ and H2O excretion, contracting the blood volume and reducing venous return to the heart.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 12
Incorrect
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Captopril should not be used if you have any of the following conditions:
Your Answer: Second degree heart block
Correct Answer: Renal artery stenosis
Explanation:Contraindications indications of Captopril include:- Bilateral renal artery stenosis- Hypersensitivity to ACE inhibitors- Anuria- History of ACEI-induced angioedema- Hereditary or idiopathic angioedema- Co-administration of Neprilysin inhibitors (e.g., sacubitril) with ACE inhibitors may increase angioedema risk; do not administer ACE inhibitors within 36 hours of switching to or from sacubitril/valsartan.If ACE inhibitors are used, they should be initiated only under specialist supervision and renal function should be monitored regularly. ACE inhibitors should also be used with particular caution in patients who may have undiagnosed and clinically silent renovascular disease. This includes patients with peripheral vascular disease or those with severe generalised atherosclerosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 13
Incorrect
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In adult basic life support, chest compressions should be performed at which of the following rates:
Your Answer: 60 - 70 per minute
Correct Answer: 100 - 120 per minute
Explanation:Chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 – 120 per minute.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 14
Incorrect
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Discontinuous capillaries are typically found where in the body:
Your Answer: Renal glomeruli
Correct Answer: Reticuloendothelial system
Explanation:Discontinuous capillaries, found in the reticuloendothelial system (bone marrow, liver and spleen), have large gaps between endothelial cells and are permeable to red blood cells.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 15
Correct
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Regarding ACE inhibitors, which of the following statements is CORRECT:
Your Answer: Angiotensin-II receptor blockers are a useful alternative in patients who cannot tolerate ACE-inhibitors due a persistent cough.
Explanation:ACE inhibitors should be used with caution in patients of Afro-Caribbean descent who may respond less well; calcium channel blockers are first line for hypertension in these patients. ACE inhibitors have a role in the management of diabetic nephropathy. ACE inhibitors are contraindicated in pregnant women. ACE inhibitors inhibit the breakdown of bradykinin; this is the cause of the persistent dry cough. Blocking ACE also diminishes the breakdown of the potent vasodilator bradykinin which is the cause of the persistent dry cough. Angiotensin-II receptor blockers do not have this effect, therefore they are useful alternative for patients who have to discontinue an ACE inhibitor because of persistent cough.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 16
Incorrect
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Which of the following drugs is first line treatment for a stable regular broad-complex tachycardia:
Your Answer: Adenosine
Correct Answer: Amiodarone
Explanation:A regular broad-complex tachycardia is likely to be ventricular tachycardia or a regular supraventricular rhythm with bundle branch block. A ventricular tachycardia (or broad-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin) should be treated with amiodarone 300 mg IV over 10 – 60 min, followed by an infusion of 900 mg over the next 24 hours. If previously confirmed as SVT with bundle branch block, the patient should be treated as for narrow-complex tachycardia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 17
Correct
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A 40-year-old man who has a history of asthma arrives at the emergency department complaining of palpitations that have been going on for 5 days. Which of the following beta-blockers is the safest for an asthmatic patient?
Your Answer: Atenolol
Explanation:Atenolol is a beta blocker, which is a type of medication that works by preventing certain natural substances in the body, such as epinephrine, from acting on the heart and blood vessels. This effect reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac strain. Atenolol, bisoprolol fumarate, metoprolol tartrate, nebivolol, and (to a lesser extent) acebutolol have a lower action on beta2 (bronchial) receptors and are thus cardio selective but not cardiac specific. They have a lower effect on airway resistance, although they are not without this adverse effect.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 18
Incorrect
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A 68-year-old man is being treated with digoxin for atrial fibrillation. When serum digoxin levels are above the therapeutic range, he is at highest risk for developing digoxin toxicity if he also develops which of the following?
Your Answer: Hypophosphataemia
Correct Answer: Hypokalaemia
Explanation:Predisposing factors for digoxin toxicity include hypoxia, hypercalcaemia, hypokalaemia and hypomagnesaemia There should also be care taken in the elderly who are particularly susceptible to digoxin toxicity. Hypokalaemia may be precipitated by use of diuretics. Hyponatremia can result in the development of other pathological disturbances, but it does not make digoxin toxicity worse.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 19
Correct
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Which of the following is most true of the sinoatrial node:
Your Answer: Frequency of depolarisation is increased by sympathetic stimulation.
Explanation:Cardiac myocyte contraction is not dependent on an external nerve supply but instead the heart generates its own rhythm, demonstrating inherent rhythmicity. The heartbeat is initiated by spontaneous depolarisation of the sinoatrial node (SAN), a region of specialised myocytes in the right atrium close to the coronary sinus, at a rate of 100-110 beats/min. This intrinsic rhythm is primarily influenced by autonomic nerves, with vagal influences being dominant over sympathetic influences at rest. This vagal tone reduces the resting heart rate down to 60-80 beats/min. To increase heart rate, the autonomic nervous system increases sympathetic outflow to the SAN, with concurrent inhibition of vagal tone. These changes mean the pacemaker potential more rapidly reaches the threshold for action potential generation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 20
Incorrect
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Regarding endothelin-1, which of the following statements is INCORRECT:
Your Answer: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is released from the endothelium.
Correct Answer: Endothelin-1 release is inhibited by noradrenaline.
Explanation:Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an extremely potent vasoconstrictor peptide which is released from the endothelium in the presence of many other vasoconstrictors, including angiotensin II, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and noradrenaline, and may be increased in disease and hypoxia.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 21
Incorrect
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A 60-year-old patient had a sudden onset of palpitations and shortness of breath. He had a history of poorly controlled hypertension and ischemic heart disease. His ECG also shows atrial fibrillation. Based on the patient’s condition, which pharmacologic cardioversion would be best to use?
Your Answer: Flecainide
Correct Answer: Amiodarone
Explanation:Chemical cardioversion, or pharmacologic cardioversion, is the treatment of abnormal heart rhythms using drugs. Flecainide and propafenone are examples of drugs used as chemical cardioverters. However, given the situation of the patient, these drugs are contraindicated for his ischaemic heart disease. Amiodarone is also an antiarrhythmic drug and is the best choice for this situation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 22
Incorrect
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An elderly patient presents to ED following a fall after feeling light headed when standing up. You are reviewing his medication and note that he is taking a high dose of furosemide. Loop diuretics act primarily at which of the following sites in the nephron:
Your Answer: Proximal tubule
Correct Answer: Thick ascending limb
Explanation:Loop diuretics inhibit the Na+/K+/2Cl- symporter on the luminal membrane in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, thus preventing reabsorption of NaCl and water. These agents reduce reabsorption of Cl- and Na+ and increase Ca2+ excretion and loss of K+ and Mg2+.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 23
Incorrect
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What is the most common application of Nitrates?
Your Answer: Raised intracranial pressure
Correct Answer: Angina
Explanation:In patients with exertional stable angina, nitrates improve exercise tolerance, time to onset of angina, and ST-segment depression during exercise testing. In combination with beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, nitrates produce greater anti-anginal and anti-ischemic effects.While they act as vasodilators, coronary vasodilators, and modest arteriolar dilators, the primary anti ischemic effect of nitrates is to decrease myocardial oxygen demand by producing systemic vasodilation more than coronary vasodilation. This systemic vasodilation reduces left ventricular systolic wall stress.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 24
Incorrect
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ACE inhibitors are indicated for all of the following EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Correct Answer: Angina
Explanation:ACE inhibitors have many uses and are generally well tolerated. They are indicated for:Heart failureHypertensionDiabetic nephropathySecondary prevention of cardiovascular events
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 25
Incorrect
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Which of the following conditions require IV Lidocaine administration?
Your Answer: Refractory asystole in cardiac arrest
Correct Answer: Refractory ventricular fibrillation in cardiac arrest
Explanation:IV Lidocaine is indicated in Ventricular Arrhythmias or Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (after defibrillation, attempted CPR, and vasopressor administration)
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 26
Incorrect
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Which of the following is NOT a pharmacological effect of beta-blockers:
Your Answer: Reduced blood pressure
Correct Answer: Reduced AV conduction time
Explanation:Effects of beta-blockers:Cardiovascular system: Reduce blood pressureReduce heart rate, contractility and cardiac outputIncrease AV conduction time, refractoriness and suppress automaticityEye:Reduce intraocular pressureRespiratory system:Cause bronchoconstriction
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 27
Incorrect
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What is the recommended dosing regime for amiodarone in the treatment of a stable regular broad-complex tachycardia:
Your Answer: 150 mg IV bolus, followed by an IV infusion of 300 mg over next 20 - 60 minutes
Correct Answer: 300 mg IV over 10 - 60 minutes, followed by an IV infusion of 900 mg over the next 24 hours
Explanation:A ventricular tachycardia (or broad-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin) should be treated with amiodarone 300 mg IV over 10 – 60 min, followed by an infusion of 900 mg over the next 24 hours.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 28
Incorrect
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You are teaching a group of medical students about cardiovascular examination. You are discussing heart sounds and the cardiac cycle. Which of the following stages of the cardiac cycle occurs immediately after the aortic valve closes:
Your Answer: Ventricular filling
Correct Answer: Isovolumetric relaxation
Explanation:Immediately after the closure of the semilunar valves, the ventricles rapidly relax and ventricular pressure decreases rapidly but the AV valves remain closed as initially the ventricular pressure is still greater than atrial pressure. This is isovolumetric relaxation. Atrial pressure continues to rise because of venous return, with the v wave of the JVP waveform peaking during this phase. Rapid flow of blood from the atria into the ventricles during the ventricular filling phase causes thethird heart sound, which is normal in children but, in adults, is associated with disease such as ventricular dilation.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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Question 29
Incorrect
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Which of the following drug classes may cause bronchoconstriction:
Your Answer: Alpha-agonists
Correct Answer: Beta-blockers
Explanation:Beta-blockers, including those considered to be cardioselective, should usually be avoided in patients with a history of asthma, bronchospasm or a history of obstructive airways disease. However, when there is no alternative, a cardioselective beta-blocker can be given to these patients with caution and under specialist supervision. In such cases the risk of inducing bronchospasm should be appreciated and appropriate precautions taken.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Pharmacology
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Question 30
Incorrect
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Nitric oxide release from endothelium is stimulated by all of the following EXCEPT for:
Your Answer: Bradykinin
Correct Answer: Noradrenaline
Explanation:Nitric oxide (NO) production by the endothelium is increased by factors that elevate intracellular Ca2+, including local mediators such as bradykinin, histamine and serotonin, and some neurotransmitters (e.g. substance P). Increased flow (shear stress) also stimulates NO production and additionally activates prostacyclin synthesis. The basal production of NO continuously modulates vascular resistance; increased production of nitric oxide acts to cause vasodilation. Nitric oxide also inhibits platelet activation and thrombosis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Cardiovascular
- Physiology
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SESSION STATS - PERFORMANCE PER SPECIALTY
