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Palpitations (PG)
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Course Curriculum
1. What physical examination finding might suggest mitral valve prolapse?
*
Pericardial rub
Gallop rhythm
Mid-systolic click
Loud S2
2. What is the most likely finding in someone with anxiety-induced palpitations?
*
Irregularly irregular pulse
Normal ECG
Delta wave
Prolonged QT
3. Which medication may cause palpitations as a side effect?
*
Omeprazole
Paracetamol
Salbutamol
Amlodipine
4. What is the purpose of a Holter monitor in the assessment of palpitations?
*
Measure blood pressure
Detect intermittent arrhythmias
Screen for valve disease
Assess cardiac output
5. What is the first-line investigation for palpitations in a stable patient?
*
12-lead ECG
Stress test
Holter monitor
Echocardiogram
6. Which arrhythmia is most associated with a fast, regular rhythm during palpitations?
*
Ventricular fibrillation
Supraventricular tachycardia
Torsades de pointes
Atrial fibrillation
7. Which of the following is the most common cause of palpitations in primary care?
*
Benign ectopic beats
Supraventricular tachycardia
Hyperthyroidism
Atrial fibrillation
8. What is the significance of a delta wave on ECG?
*
Indicates heart block
Sign of pericarditis
Suggests myocardial infarction
Suggests Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
9. Which of the following should prompt urgent cardiology referral?
*
History of migraines
Past episode of tonsillitis
History of DVT
Family history of sudden cardiac death
10. Which symptom alongside palpitations would most warrant urgent referral?
*
Syncope
Sweaty palms
Mild anxiety
Fatigue
11. What is the likely diagnosis for sudden onset palpitations that terminate spontaneously?
*
Atrial flutter
Bradycardia
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
Sinus tachycardia
12. Which electrolyte abnormality is most likely to cause palpitations?
*
Hypocalcaemia
Hypokalaemia
Hypernatraemia
Hypermagnesaemia
13. Which endocrine condition is a common reversible cause of palpitations?
*
Hyperthyroidism
Addison's disease
Diabetes
Cushing's syndrome
14. Which of the following is the most important history point in suspected ventricular tachycardia?
*
Dietary habits
Exercise level
Smoking status
History of myocardial infarction
15. Which of the following is most useful in diagnosing paroxysmal arrhythmias?
*
Echocardiogram
Angiogram
Event recorder
Exercise ECG
16. What is a red flag symptom in a patient presenting with palpitations?
*
Increased appetite
Dry mouth
Weight gain
Chest pain
17. Which of the following would raise concern for structural heart disease?
*
Use of inhalers
History of congenital heart disease
BMI of 25
Family history of eczema
18. What is the most appropriate management for infrequent benign ectopic beats?
*
Reassurance
Beta-blockers
Anticoagulation
Radiofrequency ablation
19. Which of the following is an appropriate question when evaluating palpitations?
*
Do you have joint pains?
Do you snore?
Can you tap out the rhythm?
Do you get headaches?
20. Which lifestyle factor can contribute to palpitations?
*
Low salt intake
High protein diet
Vegetarianism
Excess caffeine