PCCN Exam 1 with Questions and Solutions

PCCN Exam 1 with Questions and Solutions A 58-year-old male with a history of alcohol abuse is a heavy smoker. He complains of pain in his chest in the afternoons when he is sitting and watching TV. ECG shows elevation of ST segments. The most likely diagnosis is: a. Unstable angina. b. Variant/Prinzmetal's angina. c. Stable angina. d. Gastroesophageal reflux disease. ANSWER B: Variant angina (also known as Prinzmetal's angina) results from spasms of the coronary arteries associated with or without atherosclerotic plaques; and is often related to smoking, alcohol, or illicit stimulants. Elevation of ST segments typically occurs with variant angina, which frequently occurs cyclically at the same time each day and often while the person is at rest. Stable angina occurs regularly with activity. Unstable angina occurs when there is a change in the pattern of stable angina. GERD pain may be mistaken for angina. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by: a. Abdominal obesity, decreased triglyceride level, increased HDL level, and hypertension. b. Hypertension, abdominal obesity, and increased HDL level. c. Abdominal obesity, increased triglyceride level, decreased HDL level, and increased fasting blood glucose level. d. Hypotension, decreased fasting blood glucose level, increased triglyceride level, and decreased HDL level. ANSWER C: Metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance) puts people at risk for the development of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, and is