Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Following a syncopal episode during sports, what must be ruled out in a young patient?

1. Long QT syndrome

2. Epileptic seizures

3. Cardiac arrest

4. Dehydration

The correct answer is: Long QT syndrome

In the context of a young patient who has experienced a syncopal episode during sports, it is crucial to rule out Long QT syndrome as a potential cause of the syncope. Long QT syndrome is a heart condition characterized by prolonged electrical activity in the heart, which can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly during exertion. Since the episode occurred during sports, this condition could present a significant risk due to the increased physical stress and heart rate during exercise. Identifying Long QT syndrome is important because it can have serious consequences, such as torsades de pointes, which could lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Young athletes often undergo pre-participation screenings, including evaluations for potential long QT syndrome, to prevent such adverse events. The other conditions, while relevant, might not pose the same immediate risk in this specific context. For instance, although epileptic seizures can also cause syncope, they typically present with additional clinical signs or postictal confusion that may not align with a straightforward syncopal episode. Cardiac arrest is often a consequence of underlying conditions like Long QT syndrome rather than a primary diagnosis, and dehydration, while a common issue in athletes, usually presents with other clear signs. Thus, prioritizing the identification of Long QT syndrome is essential