Actual Questions and Answers
Expert-Verified Explanation
This Exam contains:
✪ 40 Questions and Answers
✪ Multiple-choice and True/False Format
✪ Expert-Verified Explanations
✪ Verified with Trusted Textbooks
1. What is the most common cause of pericarditis?
A. Bacterial infection
B. Viral infection after MI or rheumatic fever
C. Fungal infection
D. Hypertension
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Pericarditis often results from viral infections, particularly after myocardial
infarction or due to rheumatic fever.
2. What can pericarditis lead to if untreated?
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Atrial fibrillation
C. Cardiac tamponade
D. Stroke
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Inflammation in the pericardium can result in fluid buildup, compressing the
heart and leading to cardiac tamponade.
3. Which of the following is NOT a common sign of pericarditis?
A. Localized pleuritic chest pain
B. Pericardial friction rub
C. ST segment elevation in all leads
D. Bradycardia
Answer: D
EXPLANATION: Bradycardia is not typical; other symptoms like chest pain, ST elevation, and
friction rub are more indicative.
, 4. What is the primary treatment for pericarditis pain relief?
A. Nitrates
B. Colchicine, NSAIDs, or steroids
C. Beta blockers
D. Digoxin
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Anti-inflammatory drugs like colchicine, indomethacin, and ibuprofen are
used to relieve pericardial pain.
5. What condition is indicated by muffled heart tones?
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Endocarditis
C. Cardiac tamponade
D. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Muffled heart tones are a hallmark of cardiac tamponade due to fluid
compressing the heart.
6. Which condition must be ruled out in any patient presenting with fever and a new
murmur?
A. Pneumonia
B. Endocarditis
C. Atrial fibrillation
D. Pericarditis
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Fever with a new murmur is a classic sign of infective endocarditis, typically
bacterial.
7. What is the gold standard for diagnosing endocarditis?
A. ECG
B. Chest X-ray
C. Transthoracic echocardiogram
D. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
Answer: D
EXPLANATION: TEE provides superior imaging of the heart valves and is the gold standard
for endocarditis diagnosis.