Question 1

Which of the following cardiovascular disorders is most likely associated with abnormal pupillary responses (Argyll Robertson pupil)?

Accepted Answer

The Argyll Robertson pupil (a pupil that constricts with accommodation but not in response to light) is characteristic of central nervous system syphilis that often results in thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Question 2

Which of the following cardiovascular disorders is most likely associated with jugular venous distension and exophthalmoses?

Accepted Answer

Massive tricuspid regurgitation produces a markedly elevated venous pressure, usually manifested by a severely engorged (often pulsating) liver. If the venous pressure is sufficiently elevated, exophthalmoses may result.

Question 3

Flushing and paling of the nail beds (Quincke pulse) and a bounding radial pulse are typical physical findings found in which of the following cardiovascular disorders?

Accepted Answer

A Quincke pulse, which consists of alternate flushing and paling of the skin or nail beds, is associated with aortic regurgitation. Other characteristic features of the peripheral pulse in aortic regurgitation include the waterhammer pulse and pulsus bisferiens.

Question 4

Conjunctivitis, urethral discharge, and arthralgia are common symptoms present in which of the following cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

Conjunctivitis, urethral discharge, and arthralgia are common symptoms present in myocarditis i.e. inflammation of myocardium.

Question 5

IA patient arrives with short stature, webbed neck, low-set ears, and epicanthal fold. Which of the following cardiovascular disorders he is most likely suffering from?

Accepted Answer

Short stature, webbed neck, low-set ears, and epicanthal folds are common clinical findings found in coarctation of the aorta which is a narrowing of part of the aorta (the major artery leading out of the heart). It is a type of birth defect.

Question 6

Which of the following disorders are usually characterized by weight loss, depressed mood, feeling of tired, fatigue and frequent, nonspecific abdominal pain?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatic carcinoma should always be considered in depressed middle-aged patients. It's symptoms include weight loss, abdominal pain, apathy, decreased energy, lethargy, anhedonia, and depression.

Question 7

Release of which of the following hormones is inhibited by insulin?

Accepted Answer

Increases in insulin levels inhibit glucagon release from ?-cells of the pancreas. This paracrine effect is a basic element in insulin's control of glucagon's activation of both hepatic gluconeogenesis and lipolysis in adipose tissue.

Question 8

Which of the following metabolic effects is caused by insulin release?

Accepted Answer

One of the key metabolic effects of insulin is to reduce blood glucose (sugar) levels. The deficiency of insulin or resistance to its effect, thus, leads to diabetes mellitus.

Question 9

All of the following statements are true about Type I diabetes mellitus EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

As Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by destruction of Beta islet cells, a deficiency of insulin results. Therefore, treatment plans involve giving insulin injections to such patients to help normalize their insulin levels.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a complication of chronic diabetes mellitus?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension, not hypotension, is considered as one of the common complications of long-term diabetes mellitus.

Question 11

A typical duodenal ulcer is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Duodenal ulcers usually occur between the ages of 30-50 years.

Question 12

Regarding the EKG findings of premature atrial contractions, all of the following are present EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) are a type of premature, irregular heartbeat, or benign arrhythmia which starts in the upper two chambers of the heart called the atria. A PAC usually will also show up on the EKG and be characterized by an odd, misshapen P wave, normal or narrow QRS complex and extra P waves that may be hidden within QRS complex.

Question 13

Which of the following clinical symptoms are NOT usually present in dilated cardiomyopathy?

Accepted Answer

In dilated cardiomyopathy, ejection fraction usually decreases which often results in typical symptoms associated with congestive heart failure.

Question 14

In Parkinson's disease, which neurotransmitter deficiency primarily is responsible for the symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Deficiency of dopamine is primarily responsible for the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about Hashimoto's thyroiditis is true?

Accepted Answer

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, is the leading cause of multinodular goiter in the United States.

Question 16

In which of the following cardiomyopathies is the murmur heard typically decreased when the patients are standing or while performing Valsalva maneuvers?

Accepted Answer

The murmur of restrictive cardiomyopathy is decreased in standing position or while performing Valsalva maneuvers.

Question 17

Which of the following types of cardiaomyopathy is commonly found in hypertensive patients and athletes?

Accepted Answer

Although genetic predisposition is considered one of the key factors in the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, it is also common in hypertensive patients and heavy exercisers e.g. athletes.

Question 18

While evaluating the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, all of the following EKG findings are typically present EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation is diagnosed on an EKG when an irregular heart beat is suspected. Characteristic findings are the absence of P waves, with unorganized electrical activity in their place, and irregular R-R intervals due to irregular conduction of impulses to the ventricles.

Question 19

Which of the following statements is NOT true about different types of sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea. It is caused by a breathing obstruction, which stops the air flow in the nose and mouth.

Question 20

Which of the following types of pleural effusion results from CHF, cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Transudative pleural effusions are caused by fluid leaking into the pleural space. This is caused by elevated pressure in, or low protein content in, the blood vessels. Congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis and nephritic syndrome are the most common causes.

Quiz 1: Physician Assistant

Which of the following cardiovascular disorders is most likely associated with abnormal pupillary responses (Argyll Robertson pupil) ?