Cardiology — MCQs

A 32-year-old woman presents to the emergency department due to severe, intractable headaches, and bilateral ocular pain. Her symptoms began approximately 2 weeks prior to presentation and have progressively worsened. She initially had right-sided headaches that were sharp, interfered with sleep, and were unresponsive to pain medications. The headache was around her right eye and cheek, and she noticed diplopia with right lateral gaze. Her symptoms were accompanied by fatigue, fever, and edema around the right eye. Approximately 2 days after these symptoms, she developed swelling around the left eye. Medical history is significant for a recent rhinosinusitis infection. Her temperature is 101°F (38.3°C), blood pressure is 133/72 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, and respirations are 18/min. On physical exam, there is ptosis, proptosis, chemosis, and periorbital swelling of both eyes. There is hyperesthesia in the bilateral ophthalmic and maxillary divisions of the trigeminal nerve. Fundoscopic exam demonstrates bilateral papilledema. There is mydriasis and eye muscle weakness in all directions. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A 68-year-old man is referred to the cardiology department with complaints of shortness of breath on exertion that has been progressive for the last 6 months. He has a history of diabetes mellitus type II which is controlled with diet alone. He has a temperature of 37.1℃ (98.8℉), the pulse is 76/min, and the blood pressure is 132/86 mm Hg. Physical examination is notable for a systolic murmur heard best at the right upper sternal border with radiation to the carotid arteries. ECG shows left ventricular hypertrophy and absent Q waves. Transthoracic echocardiogram shows an elevated aortic pressure gradient with severe leaflet calcification and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Which of the following has a survival benefit for this patient’s cardiac problem?

A 28-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 4-day history of lower extremity numbness, weakness, and urinary incontinence. She has not had any trauma. Neurologic examination shows bilateral lower extremity weakness. Stroking the lateral side of the sole of the foot from the heel to the base of the small toe and medially to the base of the big toe elicits dorsiflexion of the big toe and fanning of the other toes. Further examination of this patient is most likely to show which of the following additional findings?

A 25-year-old woman presents to a medical clinic with complaints of right-sided chest pain, which is exacerbated during inspiration. She also reports intermittent fevers for the past 3 months associated with pain in both knee joints. She gives a history of an unintended 3 kg (6 lbs) weight loss in the past 2 months. The blood pressure is 110/84 mm Hg and the pulse is 86/min. On physical examination, a red rash is noted on her face overlying the nose and cheeks. The laboratory findings show that the hemoglobin is 9 g/dL and the total white cell count is 1500/mm3. Which of the following tests would be most specific to help diagnose this patient’s condition?

A 49-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 6-hour history of fever, an itchy rash, and generalized body aches. Ten days ago, he received treatment in the emergency department for a snake bite. His temperature is 38.5°C (101.3°F), pulse is 80/min, and blood pressure is 120/84 mm Hg. Physical examination shows multiple well-demarcated, raised, erythematous plaques over the trunk. There is tenderness to palpation and decreased range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal and wrist joints bilaterally. Urine dipstick shows 2+ protein. Further evaluation is most likely to show which of the following?

A 59-year-old man presents to the emergency department with a sudden onset of severe pain (10/10 in severity) between the shoulder blades. He describes the pain as tearing in nature. Medical history is positive for essential hypertension for 11 years. The patient has smoked 10–15 cigarettes daily for the past 30 years. His temperature is 36.6°C (97.8°F), the heart rate is 107/min, and the blood pressure is 179/86 mm Hg in the right arm and 157/72 mm Hg in the left arm. CT scan of the chest shows an intimal flap limited to the descending thoracic aorta. Which of the following best describes the most likely predisposing factor for this condition?

A 44-year-old male presents to the emergency department complaining of a headache. He reports that he developed a severe throbbing headache with blurred vision two hours ago. He has never experienced symptoms like these before. His past medical history is notable for hyperlipidemia and poorly controlled hypertension. He currently takes atorvastatin and lisinopril. His temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), blood pressure is 210/110 mmHg, pulse is 90/min, and respirations are 20/min. He is oriented to person, place, and time. No bruits or murmurs are noted. Strength is 2+ bilaterally in the upper and lower extremities. What is the next best step in the management of this patient?

A 21-year-old man presents to his physician with a cough that has persisted for 4 weeks. His cough is usually nocturnal and awakens him from sleep. He denies having a fever, but was diagnosed with asthma when he was 15 years old and uses inhaled albuterol for relief of his symptoms. He usually needs to use a rescue inhaler once or twice a month. However, over the last 4 weeks, he has had to use inhaled albuterol almost daily. He does not have symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, headache, nausea, vomiting, regurgitation of food, or burning in the epigastrium. On physical examination, his temperature is 36.8°C (98.4°F), pulse rate is 96/min, blood pressure is 116/80 mm Hg, and respiratory rate is 16/min. On auscultation of the chest, end-expiratory wheezing is present bilaterally. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is 74% of that expected for his age, sex, and height. Which of the following is the best next step in the treatment of this patient?

A 35-year-old man who is a professional baseball player presents with stiffness in his hands. He says he is unable to bat as he would like and feels like he lacks power in his swings. He also has noticed that he sometimes seems to be dragging his feet while walking, and his voice seems to have changed. On physical examination, strength is 3 out of 5 in the extensor and flexor muscle groups in both upper and lower limbs bilaterally. Sensation is intact. Widespread muscle fasciculations are noted. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis in this patient?

A previously healthy 32-year-old woman comes to the emergency department with fatigue and bilateral leg swelling. Her pulse is 92/min, and respirations are 24/min. Physical examination shows jugular venous distention and pitting edema of the lower extremities. Her abdomen is distended with shifting dullness and tender hepatomegaly is present. Cardiovascular examination shows a holosystolic murmur heard best at the left lower sternal border that increases in intensity with inspiration. Which of the following is the most likely predisposing factor for this patient's condition?