If the patient reports a skipped or missed beat(s), particularly with the sensation that the
heart stopped momentarily, this may indicate the presence of: - ANSWER ectopic
atrial beats (which are very common and mostly benign) occurring with excessive caffeine,
alcohol, or tobacco use
In the elderly population, a report of palpitations should prompt what test in addition to
ECG? - ANSWER TSH level
On some occasions, atrial ectopic beats are precursors to (2): - ANSWER atrial tachy-
cardia or atrial fibrillation
Supraventricular arrhythmias occur most commonly in patients with (4): - AN-
SWER COPD
rheumatic heart disease
valvular dysfunction
hypothyroidism
Ventricular ectopy is more likely to be caused by cardiac pathology than atrial ectopy and
may lead to sudden death. These are (3): - ANSWER - premature ventricular contrac-
tions
- ventricular tachycardia
- ventricular fibrillation
PVCs are very common and, if isolated or asymptomatic, do not require an extensive
workup. However, investigation is indicated if the patient reports that the palpitations / tach-
ycardia lasted how long? - ANSWER > 30 seconds
1
, All reports of palpitations require which test? - ANSWER ECG
Which test is the best for evaluating the function of the heart? - ANSWER ECHO
What are the associated symptoms of palpitations that require immediate workup? (5) - AN-
SWER - chest pain
- diaphoresis
- shortness of breath
- syncope
- extreme fatigue
What test are ordered in a full cardiac workup? (8) - ANSWER ECG, ECHO, Holter Moni-
tor, CBC, Chem 7, Magnesium, Troponins, Thyroid Panel
Untreated peripheral artery disease may lead to (4): - ANSWER - gangrene
- limb amputation
- MI
- CVA
A differential diagnosis for PAD with a strong relationship to smoking: - AN-
SWER Buerger's Disease / thromboangiitis obliterans
Hydrostatic edema refers to accumulation of excess interstitial fluid which results from: - AN-
SWER elevated capillary hydrostatic pressure
Peripheral Edema may be due to (9): - ANSWER cardiovascular / lymphatic / thyroid /
renal / hepatic disease, as well as trauma / infection / coagulopathy / musculoskeletal issue
2
heart stopped momentarily, this may indicate the presence of: - ANSWER ectopic
atrial beats (which are very common and mostly benign) occurring with excessive caffeine,
alcohol, or tobacco use
In the elderly population, a report of palpitations should prompt what test in addition to
ECG? - ANSWER TSH level
On some occasions, atrial ectopic beats are precursors to (2): - ANSWER atrial tachy-
cardia or atrial fibrillation
Supraventricular arrhythmias occur most commonly in patients with (4): - AN-
SWER COPD
rheumatic heart disease
valvular dysfunction
hypothyroidism
Ventricular ectopy is more likely to be caused by cardiac pathology than atrial ectopy and
may lead to sudden death. These are (3): - ANSWER - premature ventricular contrac-
tions
- ventricular tachycardia
- ventricular fibrillation
PVCs are very common and, if isolated or asymptomatic, do not require an extensive
workup. However, investigation is indicated if the patient reports that the palpitations / tach-
ycardia lasted how long? - ANSWER > 30 seconds
1
, All reports of palpitations require which test? - ANSWER ECG
Which test is the best for evaluating the function of the heart? - ANSWER ECHO
What are the associated symptoms of palpitations that require immediate workup? (5) - AN-
SWER - chest pain
- diaphoresis
- shortness of breath
- syncope
- extreme fatigue
What test are ordered in a full cardiac workup? (8) - ANSWER ECG, ECHO, Holter Moni-
tor, CBC, Chem 7, Magnesium, Troponins, Thyroid Panel
Untreated peripheral artery disease may lead to (4): - ANSWER - gangrene
- limb amputation
- MI
- CVA
A differential diagnosis for PAD with a strong relationship to smoking: - AN-
SWER Buerger's Disease / thromboangiitis obliterans
Hydrostatic edema refers to accumulation of excess interstitial fluid which results from: - AN-
SWER elevated capillary hydrostatic pressure
Peripheral Edema may be due to (9): - ANSWER cardiovascular / lymphatic / thyroid /
renal / hepatic disease, as well as trauma / infection / coagulopathy / musculoskeletal issue
2
