Quiz: Cardiac Pharmacology and Diagnostics — 10 questions

1. What is the primary purpose of nitroglycerin in cardiac emergencies?

A. To prevent blood clots from forming

B. To dilate blood vessels and relieve angina

C. To increase heart rate during bradycardia

D. To lower blood sugar levels

Answer: (B)

Explanation

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes blood vessels, thereby reducing the workload on the heart and relieving chest pain caused by angina.

2. Which medication is primarily used as a vasodilator for angina relief and is administered sublingually?

A. Aspirin (ASA)

B. Nitroglycerin

C. Warfarin

D. tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator)

Answer: (B)

Explanation

Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve angina and is administered sublingually for rapid effect. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent, Warfarin is an anticoagulant, and tPA dissolves clots but isn't used specifically for angina relief.

3. Which medication is most appropriate for preventing clot growth in the early stages of a myocardial infarction?

A. Midodrine

B. Epinephrine

C. Warfarin

D. Aspirin

Answer: (D)

Explanation

Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, which helps prevent the growth of clots during an early MI, making it a key initial treatment.

4. What is the primary function of aspirin in cardiac treatment?

A. Vasodilation to relieve angina

B. Dissolving blood clots

C. Platelet inhibition to prevent clot growth

D. Lowering LDL cholesterol levels

Answer: (C)

Explanation

Aspirin functions as an antiplatelet, inhibiting platelet aggregation which helps prevent clot extension, crucial in MI management. It does not vasodilate or dissolve clots directly, nor does it lower cholesterol.

5. In EKG interpretation, what does ST elevation typically indicate?

A. Myocardial ischemia

B. Atrial fibrillation

C. STEMI (heart attack)

D. Normal heart activity

Answer: (C)

Explanation

ST elevation on an EKG is a hallmark sign of STEMI, indicating an acute myocardial infarction that requires urgent intervention.

6. Which of the following correctly describes the time window for administering thrombolytics like tPA in stroke?

A. Within 6-8 hours

B. Within 24 hours

C. Within 3-4.5 hours

D. Within 48 hours

Answer: (C)

Explanation

Thrombolytics such as tPA should be administered within 3-4.5 hours of stroke onset to maximize efficacy and reduce hemorrhage risk. Outside this window, the risks outweigh the benefits.

7. What is the typical INR range targeted when anticoagulating a patient with warfarin?

A. INR 0.8-1.2

B. INR 2-3

C. INR 3-4.5

D. INR 4.5-6

Answer: (B)

Explanation

Warfarin therapy aims for an INR of 2-3, which provides effective anticoagulation for conditions like DVT, PE, or atrial fibrillation, with a manageable bleeding risk.

8. Which EKG finding indicates ST elevation and is diagnostic of STEMI?

A. T wave inversions

B. ST elevation

C. Prolonged QT interval

D. Atrial fibrillation waves

Answer: (B)

Explanation

ST elevation on an EKG is a hallmark of STEMI, signifying acute myocardial infarction requiring urgent intervention. T wave inversions suggest ischemia but not the specific diagnosis of STEMI.

9. Which pulse point is commonly assessed to evaluate peripheral circulation and perfusion?

A. Radial

B. Carotid

C. Brachial

D. Dorsalis pedis

Answer: (A), (D)

Explanation

Radial and dorsalis pedis pulses are commonly checked to assess peripheral circulation; carotid pulse is more for central perfusion, and brachial is used for BP measurement.

10. Which clinical sign on lung auscultation indicates fluid accumulation in the lungs?

A. Wheezes

B. Crackles (rales)

C. Rhonchi

D. Stridor

Answer: (B)

Explanation

Crackles or rales suggest fluid in the alveoli, commonly seen in pulmonary edema and heart failure, whereas wheezes indicate airway narrowing.