Cardiovascular Emergencies

Question 1

A 66-year-old female with a history of hypertension and diabetes presents with substernal chest pressure of 2 hours duration. Her blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, her pulse is 100 beats/min and irregular, her respirations are 22 breaths/min, and her oxygen saturation is 92%. The patient does not have prescribed nitroglycerin, but her husband does. You should:

Answer 1

Administer oxygen, give her 324 mg of aspirin, and assess her further

Question 2

A dissecting aortic aneurysm occurs when:

Answer 2

The inner layers of the aorta become seperated

Question 3

A patient is cardiac arrest is wearing an external defibrillator vest, which is interfering with effective chest compressions. The EMT should:

Answer 3

Remove the battery from the monitor and then remove the vest

Question 4

A patient tells you that he has a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Which of the following conditions should you suspect that he has experienced?

Answer 4

Acute myocardial infarction

Question 5

A patient with atherosclerotic heart disease experiences chest pain during exertion because:

Answer 5

The lumen of the coronary artery is narrowed and cannot accommodate increased blood flow.

Question 6

After the AED has delievered a shock, the EMT should:

Answer 6

Immediately resume CPR

Question 7

Angina pectoris occurs when:

Answer 7

Myocardial oxygen demand exceeds supply

Question 8

Deoxygenated blood from the body returns to the:

Answer 8

Right atrium

Question 9

Most AEDs are set up to adjust the voltage based on the impedance, which is the:

Answer 9

Resistance of the body to the flow of electricity

Question 10

Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in patients:

Answer 10

Who has experienced a head injury

Question 11

Prior to attaching the AED to a cardiac arrest patient, the EMT should:

Answer 11

Dry the chest if it is wet

Question 12

Risk factors for AMI that cannot be controlled include:

Answer 12

Family history

Question 13

Signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency would MOST likely be delayed in patients who:

Answer 13

Have chronic hypertension

Question 14

The electrical impulse generated by the heart originates in the:

Answer 14

Sinoatrial node

Question 15

The EMT should use an AED on a child between 1 month and 8 years of age if:

Answer 15

Pediatric pads and an energy-reducing device are available

Question 16

When preparing the obtain a 12-lead ECG, the “LL” and “RL” electrodes should be placed:

Answer 16

On the thighs or ankles

Question 17

1.

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom associated with malfunction of an implanted cardiac pacemaker?

Answer 17

A rapid heart rate

Question 18

Which of the following signs is commonly observed in patients with right-sided heart failure?

Answer 18

Dependent edema

Question 19

You and your partner arrive at the scene of a middle-aged man who collapsed about 5 minutes ago. He is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Bystanders are present, but have not provided any care. You should:

Answer 19

Begin high-quality CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible