Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which diagnostic tool is considered the gold standard for evaluating coronary artery disease?

1. A stress test

2. Echocardiography

3. Cardiac catheterization

4. Spiral computed tomography (CT scan)

The correct answer is: Cardiac catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is regarded as the gold standard for evaluating coronary artery disease (CAD) due to its ability to provide direct visualization of the coronary arteries. This invasive procedure allows for the assessment of the severity and extent of coronary artery blockages. During cardiac catheterization, contrast dye is injected into the coronary arteries through a catheter, and X-ray imaging is used to visualize blood flow and identify any obstructions. Additionally, cardiac catheterization not only helps diagnose CAD but also facilitates therapeutic interventions such as angioplasty and stenting in real time. This ability to both diagnose and treat makes it a critical tool in the management of coronary artery disease. While stress tests, echocardiography, and spiral CT scans can be valuable in certain clinical contexts, they do not provide the same level of detail or capability for immediate intervention as cardiac catheterization. Stress tests evaluate heart function under increased demand but do not visualize coronary arteries directly. Echocardiography assesses heart structure and function rather than providing a clear image of coronary arteries. Spiral CT scans can identify coronary artery disease non-invasively but may not offer the detailed assessment necessary for acute decision-making in patients with suspected significant CAD.