Cardiology Practice Questions
Cardiology spans STEMI recognition and reperfusion timing, troponin interpretation, and oxygen use in acute coronary syndromes, which is high-yield on the MCCQE, USMLE Step 2 CK, and PLAB. These four sample questions come from MediLingo's bank of 3,900+ questions across 23 specialties.
Sample questions
Question 1
Which ECG finding defines a STEMI?
a) ≥1 mm ST elevation in 2 contiguous limb leads only
b) ≥1 mm ST elevation in ≥2 contiguous limb leads OR ≥2 mm in ≥2 contiguous precordial leads ✓ Correct
c) ST depression in V1-V3 only
d) T-wave inversion in any lead
Key teaching point: STEMI: ≥1 mm ST elevation in ≥2 contiguous limb leads or ≥2 mm in ≥2 contiguous precordial leads.
Question 2
What is the recommended door-to-balloon time for primary PCI in STEMI?
a) 60 minutes
b) 90 minutes ✓ Correct
c) 120 minutes
d) 240 minutes
Key teaching point: Primary PCI should be performed within 90 minutes of first medical contact (door-to-balloon).
Question 3
A patient has a troponin I of 0.15 ng/mL (normal <0.04). What is the most appropriate interpretation?
a) Definite STEMI — proceed to cath lab immediately
b) Myocardial injury is present; clinical context determines if it is acute MI ✓ Correct
c) Stable angina — outpatient follow-up
d) Always indicates acute coronary thrombosis
Key teaching point: Elevated troponin = myocardial injury; MI diagnosis requires rise/fall + clinical evidence. Always interpret in context.
Question 4
When should supplemental oxygen be administered to a STEMI patient?
a) Routinely to all STEMI patients regardless of saturation
b) Only if oxygen saturation is <90% ✓ Correct
c) Only if the patient is dyspneic regardless of saturation
d) For any patient with chest pain lasting over 30 minutes
Key teaching point: Give oxygen only if SpO2 <90%. Routine oxygen in normoxic patients is not recommended.
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