Cardiology: complete heart block: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

General Medicine · Cardiology: complete heart block

Sample item

An ECG shows P waves and QRS complexes marching independently at rates of 90 and 35 per minute respectively. What is the treatment of choice if the cause is irreversible?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Permanent pacemaker

AV dissociation with a slow escape rhythm indicates complete heart block. Symptomatic or persistent block needs a permanent pacemaker. Atropine and temporary pacing are used for acute stabilisation.

Option by option

  • A. Digoxin

    Digoxin slows AV conduction further.

  • B. Atropine long term

    Atropine is only a temporising measure and often fails in infranodal block.

  • C. Beta blocker

    Beta blockers worsen block.

  • D. Permanent pacemaker (correct)

    Correct. Permanent pacing is definitive.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More General Medicine questions

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is D, Permanent pacemaker. AV dissociation with a slow escape rhythm indicates complete heart block.

Why is "Digoxin" not the answer?

Digoxin slows AV conduction further.

Why is "Atropine long term" not the answer?

Atropine is only a temporising measure and often fails in infranodal block.

Why is "Beta blocker" not the answer?

Beta blockers worsen block.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiology: complete heart block in General Medicine. Symptomatic or persistent block needs a permanent pacemaker. Atropine and temporary pacing are used for acute stabilisation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cardiology: complete heart block?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.