SOLUTIONS
Course
RCIS
Question 1
Which of the following is the primary purpose of coronary angiography?
A. To assess heart muscle function
B. To visualize coronary artery blockages
C. To measure blood pressure
D. To perform electrophysiological studies
Answer: B. To visualize coronary artery blockages
Rationale: Coronary angiography is primarily performed to visualize the coronary arteries
and identify any blockages or abnormalities that may lead to ischemic heart disease.
Question 2
What is the typical sheath size used for a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)?
A. 4-6 Fr
B. 7-8 Fr
C. 8-10 Fr
D. 10-12 Fr
Answer: B. 7-8 Fr
Rationale: A sheath size of 7-8 Fr is commonly used during PCI to accommodate the
introducer and other devices while minimizing vascular complications.
Question 3
Which medication is commonly used to prevent clot formation during cardiac
catheterization?
A. Aspirin
B. Atropine
C. Nitroglycerin
D. Amiodarone
Answer: A. Aspirin
,Rationale: Aspirin is routinely administered to patients undergoing cardiac catheterization to
inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of clot formation.
Question 4
What is the primary complication associated with femoral artery access during cardiac
catheterization?
A. Stroke
B. Hematoma
C. Cardiac tamponade
D. Arrhythmias
Answer: B. Hematoma
Rationale: Hematoma is the most common complication associated with femoral artery
access, resulting from bleeding at the puncture site, which can occur due to inadequate
hemostasis.
Question 5
During an electrophysiology study, what does the term "threshold" refer to?
A. The maximum voltage used in the procedure
B. The minimum stimulus required to capture the heart
C. The heart rate during normal sinus rhythm
D. The duration of the cardiac cycle
Answer: B. The minimum stimulus required to capture the heart
Rationale: In electrophysiology studies, the "threshold" is the minimum electrical stimulus
required to depolarize the myocardial tissue and achieve capture, critical for assessing the
function of cardiac conduction pathways.
Question 6
What is the function of a pressure wire during coronary intervention?
A. To visualize the coronary arteries
B. To measure fractional flow reserve (FFR)
C. To deliver medications directly to the coronary artery
D. To perform intravascular ultrasound
Answer: B. To measure fractional flow reserve (FFR)
,Rationale: A pressure wire is used to measure FFR, which assesses the physiological
significance of coronary artery lesions by comparing the pressure distal to a stenosis with the
pressure proximal to it during hyperemia.
Question 7
Which of the following conditions is an absolute contraindication for cardiac
catheterization?
A. Severe renal impairment
B. Known allergy to iodine
C. Active gastrointestinal bleeding
D. Pregnancy
Answer: C. Active gastrointestinal bleeding
Rationale: Active gastrointestinal bleeding is considered an absolute contraindication for
cardiac catheterization due to the risk of exacerbating the bleeding during the procedure.
Question 8
What does the term "collaterals" refer to in coronary circulation?
A. Small branches of the coronary arteries
B. Alternative pathways for blood flow
C. Areas of necrotic tissue in the heart
D. Cardiac veins draining into the coronary sinus
Answer: B. Alternative pathways for blood flow
Rationale: Collaterals are alternative vascular pathways that develop to supply blood to the
myocardium when primary coronary arteries are occluded or narrowed, helping to mitigate
ischemia.
Question 9
In the context of cardiac procedures, what does "sheath" refer to?
A. A type of stent used in PCI
B. A protective covering for the heart
C. A tube inserted into a blood vessel to facilitate access
D. A device to measure blood pressure
Answer: C. A tube inserted into a blood vessel to facilitate access
, Rationale: A sheath is a tube placed into a blood vessel, allowing for the introduction of
catheters and other instruments during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Question 10
What is the purpose of using contrast media in cardiac imaging?
A. To reduce radiation exposure
B. To enhance the visualization of blood vessels
C. To increase heart rate
D. To provide anticoagulation
Answer: B. To enhance the visualization of blood vessels
Rationale: Contrast media are used in cardiac imaging to enhance the visibility of blood
vessels and heart structures, allowing for accurate diagnosis of coronary artery disease and
other cardiovascular conditions.
Question 11
What is the most common complication associated with coronary artery bypass grafting
(CABG)?
A. Stroke
B. Infection
C. Hemorrhage
D. Myocardial infarction
Answer: B. Infection
Rationale: Infection, particularly at the sternal site, is a common complication following
CABG due to the invasive nature of the surgery and the use of multiple incisions.
Question 12
Which of the following is a primary indication for balloon angioplasty?
A. Unstable angina
B. Aortic stenosis
C. Coronary artery stenosis
D. Mitral regurgitation
Answer: C. Coronary artery stenosis