ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
PRACTICE TEST 100
QUESTIONS
Question 1: Which ECG pattern is most characteristic of atrial �brillation?
Choices:
1) Regular R-R intervals with upright P waves 2) Irregularly irregular R-R intervals with no distinct P waves 3) Sawtooth �utter waves with a �xed conduction ratio 4) Wide QRS complexes with AV dissociation
Correct Answer: Irregularly irregular R-R intervals with no distinct P waves
Explanation: Atrial �brillation produces disorganized atrial activation, so distinct P waves are absent and ventricular conduction through the AV node is typically irregularly irregular.Page 1
Question 2: What is the main electrophysiologic feature that sustains many episodes of atrial �brillation?
Choices:
1) A single stable sinus-node focus 2) Complete block of all atrial impulses 3) Persistent ventricular automaticity 4) Multiple rapidly changing atrial wavefronts and reentry
Correct Answer: Multiple rapidly changing atrial wavefronts and reentry
Explanation: AF is commonly sustained by complex reentrant atrial activity with multiple disorganized wavefronts rather than one organized atrial pacemaker.Question 3: Why can atrial �brillation reduce ventricular �lling in some patients?
Choices:
1) It removes the coordinated atrial contraction that contributes to late diastolic �lling 2) It eliminates ventricular systole 3) It closes the mitral valve throughout diastole 4) It always causes severe aortic regurgitation Correct Answer: It removes the coordinated atrial contraction that contributes to late diastolic �lling Explanation: Loss of coordinated atrial contraction removes the atrial contribution to ventricular �lling, which can be especially important in patients with impaired ventricular relaxation.Page 2
Question 4: Under the contemporary AF staging system, which description best �ts paroxysmal atrial �brillation?
Choices:
1) Continuous AF lasting more than 12 months 2) AF for which no further rhythm-control attempts are planned 3) Intermittent AF episodes lasting up to 7 days 4) Structural atrial disease without documented AF
Correct Answer: Intermittent AF episodes lasting up to 7 days
Explanation: Paroxysmal AF is intermittent AF that lasts up to 7 days. The current staging system places it in Stage 3A.Question 5: Which description best �ts persistent atrial �brillation?
Choices:
1) AF detected only by a smartwatch for less than 5 minutes 2) Continuous AF sustained for more than 7 days 3) AF that has been absent since successful ablation 4) Any AF episode occurring after exercise
Correct Answer: Continuous AF sustained for more than 7 days
Explanation: Persistent AF is continuous and sustained beyond 7 days, generally requiring intervention to restore sinus rhythm if rhythm control is pursued.Page 3