PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

In patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD), how often should an EKG be performed pre-operatively?

1. Only during emergency procedures

2. Before every surgery regardless of risk factors

3. Always for patients over 50

4. In patients older than 40 for men and older than 50 for women

The correct answer is: In patients older than 40 for men and older than 50 for women

The correct choice emphasizes the recommendation for an electrocardiogram (EKG) in individuals with known coronary artery disease (CAD). Guidelines generally suggest that all adults undergoing non-cardiac surgery who are over a certain age or have specific risk factors should have an EKG to help assess their cardiac risk prior to the procedure. Specifically, the rationale behind recommending an EKG for men older than 40 and women older than 50 is due to increased prevalence and risk of cardiovascular events in these age groups. This screening tool helps identify potential issues that could lead to complications during surgery. For patients with known CAD, an EKG can be crucially informative in preoperative risk stratification and assist in planning for appropriate perioperative management to mitigate any cardiac risks. Therefore, conducting an EKG in this age demographic aligns with best practices aimed at ensuring patient safety during surgical interventions.