CH 17 respiratory emergencies
*You receive a call for a 40-year-old female with nausea, dizziness, and a headache. During your assessment, you note that her blood pressure is 170/100 mm Hg. The patient, who is conscious and alert, states that she has a history of hypertension, but admits to being noncompliant with her medications. In addition to IV therapy, appropriate treatment for this patient includes:
100% oxygen and transport to the closest appropriate facility.
*Damage to the myocardium following infarction can be minimized if fibrinolytic therapy is administered no later than _____ hours following the onset of symptoms.
12
*The MOST significant risk associated with ventilating a patient too rapidly is: A. gastric distention and regurgitation. B. barotrauma and a pneumothorax. C. inadvertent respiratory alkalosis.
A. gastric distention and regurgitation
*Which of the following respiratory medications is exclusively indicated for chronic asthma treatment or as asthma prevention? A. Advair B. Atrovent C. Alupent D. Proventil
A. Advair
*Acute epiglottitis in the adult is characterized by: A. a severe sore throat. B. a low-grade fever. C. a productive cough. D. a seal-bark cough.
A. a severe sore throat.
*Approximately 20 minutes after receiving a penicillin injection at the doctor's office, a 41-year-old female presents with acute respiratory distress, facial swelling, and intense itching to her entire body. Her level of consciousness is decreased and her breathing is labored with minimal chest rise. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient should include: A. assisted ventilations, IV of normal saline, and epinephrine. B. oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask, IV of normal saline, and albuterol. C. insertion of a King LT airway and a 1,000 mL bolus of normal saline. D. hyperventilation with a bag-mask device and epinephrine via IV push.
A. assisted ventilations, IV of normal saline, and epinephrine
*Characteristics of adequate breathing in an adult include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. asymmetrical chest movement. B. pink oral mucous membranes. C. audible breath sounds bilaterally.
A. asymmetrical chest movement
*You are transporting a 60-year-old male to the hospital for suspected COPD exacerbation. He is receiving 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. As you reassess him, you note that his respirations have decreased and have become shallow. You should: Select one: A. begin assisting his ventilations. B. apply a nasal cannula at 4 L/min. C. remove the oxygen mask and reassess. D. prepare to insert a multilumen airway.
A. begin assisting his ventilations.
*A 60-year-old male presents with shortness of breath and a productive cough of two days' duration. He denies chest pain or any other associated symptoms. Auscultation of his lungs reveals scattered bilateral rhonchi in all fields. His skin is pink, warm, and dry and the pulse oximeter reads 94% on room air. This patient is MOST likely experiencing: A. bronchitis. B. emphysema. C. acute asthma. D. pneumonia.
A. bronchitis.
*A 61-year-old female called EMS after suddenly being awakened in the middle of the night with a feeling that she was "smothering." You arrive to find the patient, very apprehensive and restless, sitting on the living room couch in obvious respiratory distress. Her BP is 160/90 mm Hg, pulse is 110 beats/min and irregular, and respirations are 24 breaths/min and labored. Auscultation of her lungs reveals diffuse rhonchi in all fields. Treatment for this patient should include: A. continuous positive airway pressure and an IV line set to keep the vein open. B. an IV line with a 250 mL normal saline bolus and oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. C. oxygen at 4 to 6 L/min via nasal cannula and up to 3 nebulizer treatments. D. oropharyngeal suctioning and assisted ventilation with a bag-mask device.
A. continuous positive airway pressure and an IV line set to keep the vein open.
*The movement and utilization of oxygen in the body is dependent on all of the following, EXCEPT: A. effective alveolar-capillary osmosis. B. adequate concentration of inspired oxygen. C. adequate number of functional erythrocytes. D. efficient off-loading of oxygen in the tissues.
A. effective alveolar-capillary osmosis
*In contrast to bronchitis, pneumonia typically presents with: Select one: A. fever and chills. B. fluid in the lungs. C. a productive cough. D. varying levels of hypoxia.
A. fever and chills.
*In cases of pulmonary edema, diffusion is impaired primarily because of: Select one: A. fluid-filled alveoli. B. widespread atelectasis. C. decreased cardiac contractility. D. severe pulmonary vasoconstriction.
A. fluid-filled alveoli.
*More carbon dioxide diffuses out of the bloodstream when: A. fresh oxygen diffuses into the alveoli. B. arterial carbon dioxide levels decrease. C. tidal volume is significantly decreased. D. the pulmonary vasculature is constricted.
A. fresh oxygen diffuses into the alveoli
*In contrast to an epidemic, a pandemic: Select one: A. is a disease outbreak that occurs on a global scale. B. occurs in more of the population than was expected. C. is usually confined to a specific geographic location. D. is a disease for which a vaccine is readily available.
A. is a disease outbreak that occurs on a global scale.
*Typical signs and symptoms of pneumonia include: A. pleuritic chest pain, fever, and rhonchi. B. dry cough, high fever, and labored breathing. C. weakness, crushing chest pain, and wheezing.
A. pleuritic chest pain, fever, and rhonchi
*A 67-year-old male who smokes three packs of cigarettes per day complains of a productive cough, chills, and generalized weakness. He is in mild respiratory distress; auscultation of his lungs reveals rhonchi to the lower left lobe. This patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with: A. pneumonia. B. emphysema. C. heart failure. D. bronchitis.
A. pneumonia.
*A 77-year-old male with a history of emphysema complains of an acute worsening of his shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain that occurred after a forceful cough. Auscultation of his lungs reveals scattered wheezing on the left side and diminished breath sounds on the right. This patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with: A. spontaneous pneumothorax. B. exacerbated emphysema. C. acute bacterial pneumonia. D. acute pulmonary edema.
A. spontaneous pneumothorax.
*Emphysema, a degenerative disease, is caused by: Select one: A. surfactant destruction and increased alveolar surface tension. B. excessive mucous production by beta2 cells in the bronchi. C. widespread constriction of the bronchioles and air trapping. D. decreased alveolar surface tension caused by excess surfactant
A. surfactant destruction and increased alveolar surface tension.
*Patients with COPD are highly susceptible to pneumonia because: Select one: A. they cannot effectively expel infected pulmonary secretions. B. their immune system is inherently weakened by the disease. C. their age predisposes them to COPD-related lung infections. D. their hyperactive cough reflex leads to alveolar destruction.
A. they cannot effectively expel infected pulmonary secretions.
*Cardiac asthma is a condition in which a patient: A. with congestive heart failure experiences wheezing due to constricted bronchi. B. inadvertently takes too much of his or her beta-blocker, resulting in bronchospasm. C. with a history of asthma develops wheezing caused by an acute cardiac event. D. develops acute respiratory distress when fluid suddenly accumulates in the lungs.
A. with congestive heart failure experiences wheezing due to constricted bronchi.
*Which of the following valves of the heart are semilunar valves?
Aortic and pulmonic
*You are dispatched to a residence for a 69-year-old female with "breathing problems." When you arrive, the patient's husband directs you to his wife, who is sitting on the couch in obvious respiratory distress. She is semiconscious and has labored, shallow respirations. You auscultate her lungs and hear diffuse rhonchi in all lung fields. Which of the following interventions would be of LEAST benefit to her? A. Assisted ventilations with a bag-mask device B. IV therapy with up to a 500 mL normal saline bolus C. Suction of her airway for up to 15 seconds if needed D. Prompt transport and consideration of a paramedic intercept
B. IV therapy with up to a 500 mL normal saline bolus
*All of the following are commonly prescribed medications for patients with a respiratory disease, EXCEPT: Select one: A. Intal. B. Inderal. C. Singulair. D. Beclovent.
B. Inderal.
*Which of the following is generally NOT indicated when treating a patient with a tension pneumothorax? A. Paramedic support B. Medication therapy C. Intravenous therapy D. Ventilatory assistance
B. Medication therapy
*Which of the following clinical findings is MOST consistent with inadequate breathing? Select one: A. Symmetrical chest movement and warm, dry skin B. Respirations of 16 breaths/min and reduced tidal volume C. Increased amount of expired air at the nose and mouth D. Regular breathing pattern and respirations of 24 breaths/min
B. Respirations of 16 breaths/min and reduced tidal volume
*Which of the following statements MOST accurately describes asthma? A. Irreversible airway disease that presents with inspiratory wheezing B. Reversible airway disease caused by an exaggerated immune response C. Irreversible airway disease that results in increased alveolar surface tension D. Chronic respiratory disease caused by long-term exposure to toxic substances
B. Reversible airway disease caused by an exaggerated immune response
*When assessing a patient with difficulty breathing, which of the following findings would lead you to suspect congestive heart failure as the underlying cause? Select one: A. The patient is a long-term smoker and takes corticosteroid medications on a daily basis. B. The onset of the difficulty breathing was acute and the patient takes prescribed diuretics. C. The patient is coughing up thick green sputum and has prescriptions for Atrovent and Advair. D. The patient is receiving home oxygen therapy, has pink skin, and is breathing through pursed lips.
B. The onset of the difficulty breathing was acute and the patient takes prescribed diuretics.
*Approximately 2 weeks following a total hip replacement, a 70-year-old female complains of a sudden onset of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain. Your assessment reveals perioral cyanosis, blood-tinged sputum, and wheezing to the base of her right lung. As your partner applies high-flow oxygen, the patient states that she has a history of hypertension. You should be MOST suspicious of: A. a simple pneumothorax. B. a pulmonary embolism. C. an acute asthma attack. D. acute left heart failure.
B. a pulmonary embolism.
*When assessing a patient using a pulse oximeter, it is important to remember that: A. an oxygen saturation of greater than 90% rules out hypoxemia. B. abnormally bound hemoglobin may produce inaccurate readings. C. pulse oximetry will determine whether or not to administer oxygen. D. the pulse oximeter provides an accurate reading of the patient's PaO2.
B. abnormally bound hemoglobin may produce inaccurate readings
*When treating a patient who complains of dyspnea, it is important for the AEMT to: Select one: A. closely monitor the patient's cardiac rhythm. B. be prepared to treat the patient's anxiety as well. C. give oxygen via nasal cannula to minimize anxiety. D. routinely request that a paramedic unit respond to the scene.
B. be prepared to treat the patient's anxiety as well.
*Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that results in: A. spontaneous collapsing of one or both lungs. B. excess sodium loss and thick pulmonary secretions. C. acute pulmonary edema and diffuse bronchospasm. D. profound dehydration and a fever greater than 102°F.
B. excess sodium loss and thick pulmonary secretions
*When assisting a patient with his or her prescribed inhaler, it is important to: Select one: A. ensure that the medication is slightly below room temperature. B. have the patient exhale deeply prior to inhaling the medication. C. instruct the patient to hold his or her breath for 20 to 30 seconds. D. avoid a spacer device, as this decreases the medication's efficacy.
B. have the patient exhale deeply prior to inhaling the medication.
*When assessing the severity of nocturnal dyspnea in a patient with a chronic respiratory disease, you should determine: Select one: A. if he or she sleeps on the stomach or back. B. how many pillows he or she sleeps with at night. C. how far he or she can walk before dyspnea occurs. D. if he or she uses a beta2 agonist at least twice per day.
B. how many pillows he or she sleeps with at night.
*A 59-year-old female with a history of poorly controlled hypertension becomes acutely dyspneic, develops profound cyanosis to the upper chest, and becomes unresponsive. She is pulseless and apneic upon your arrival. As you and your partner are performing the appropriate treatment interventions, you discuss the possible cause of her condition, which is MOST likely a(n): A. massive atraumatic hemothorax. B. massive pulmonary embolism. C. large tension pneumothorax. D. acute myocardial infarction.
B. massive pulmonary embolism.
*You are dispatched for an elderly male with dyspnea. When you arrive, you find the patient sitting in a chair. He is semiconscious and unable to effectively communicate with you. As you perform a primary assessment, your partner applies 100% oxygen and a pulse oximeter, which reads 85%. The MOST reliable indicator of cerebral hypoxia in this patient is his: A. complaint of dyspnea. B. mental status alteration. C. inability to communicate. D. decreased oxygen saturation.
B. mental status alteration
*The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, at the cellular level or in the lungs, is called: Select one: A. breathing. B. respiration. C. ventilation, D. oxygenation.
B. respiration.
*An anaphylactic reaction impairs effective breathing secondary to: A. catecholamine release. B. upper-airway swelling. C. diffuse alveolar collapse. D. excess fluid in the alveoli.
B. upper-airway swelling
*Which of the following processes occurs during normal inspiration? A. An increase in intrathoracic pressure forces air into the lungs B. The phrenic nerves stimulate the intercostal muscles to contract C. Air is pulled into the lungs when intrathoracic pressure decreases D. The diaphragm contract and ascends, increasing the chest diameter
C. Air is pulled into the lungs when intrathoracic pressure decreases
*You are dispatched to the home of a 64-year-old male patient with lung cancer. The patient complains of acute dyspnea; however, as long as he is sitting upright, his breathing is easier. He denies fever and his breath sounds are decreased over the base of the left lung. What is the MOST likely cause of this patient's symptoms? A. Localized bronchospasm in the lungs B. Consolidation of fluid within the lung C. Collection of fluid outside of the lung D. Air in the pleural space with lung collapse
C. Collection of fluid outside of the lung
*Which of the following physiologic processes does NOT occur in patients with COPD? Select one: A. Diffuse alveolar collapse B. Intrapulmonary air trapping C. Increased surfactant production D. Mucous production from beta2 cells
C. Increased surfactant production
*Definitive treatment to reduce acute respiratory distress in a patient with a pleural effusion involves: A. endotracheal intubation. B. needle decompression. C. a fluid thoracentesis. D. antibiotic therapy.
C. a fluid thoracentesis
*You are assessing a 52-year-old male with respiratory distress. The MOST ominous sign(s) of severe hypoxemia and imminent cardiac arrest is/are: A. audible stridor and facial cyanosis. B. a marked increase in the heart rate. C. a marked decrease in the heart rate. D. minimal-word dyspnea and pallor.
C. a marked decrease in the heart rate.
*A 20-year-old female presents with acute respiratory distress. Auscultation of her lungs reveals diffuse expiratory wheezing. She is in moderate distress and tells you that she has a prescribed inhaler that she uses when this happens. You should suspect: Select one: A. status asthmaticus. B. bronchitis exacerbation. C. an acute asthma attack. D. bacterial pneumonia.
C. an acute asthma attack.
*Chronic carbon dioxide retention, as seen in patients with certain lung diseases, may cause the patient to: Select one: A. develop extended periods of hypocarbia. B. experience acute tidal volume increases. C. breathe on the basis of decreased oxygen. D. develop tachypnea if given 100% oxygen.
C. breathe on the basis of decreased oxygen.
*Patients with emphysema are commonly referred to as "pink puffers" because they: A. develop polycythemia and often grunt during exhalation. B. grunt when they breathe and maintain high arterial O2 levels. C. breathe through pursed lips and may develop polycythemia.
C. breathe through pursed lips and may develop polycythemia
*The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of: Select one: A. pertussis and the flu. B. MRSA and whooping cough. C. bronchiolitis and pneumonia. D. asthma and chronic bronchitis.
C. bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
*The two processes that occur during respiration are: Select one: A. diffusion and perfusion. B. ventilation and diffusion. C. inspiration and expiration. D. oxygenation and ventilation.
C. inspiration and expiration.
*When assessing a female patient with chest pain and shortness of breath, you note that her blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg, her heart rate is 120 beats/min, and she has cyanosis around her mouth. In addition to supporting her ventilations, you should: Select one: A. establish intravenous access. B. perform a secondary assessment. C. prepare for immediate transport. D. give her a bronchodilator drug.
C. prepare for immediate transport.
*Cardiomyopathy may lead to pulmonary edema due to: A. acute injury to the myocardium. B. a profound decrease in heart rate. C. reduced contractile force of the heart. D. weakening of the right side of the heart.
C. reduced contractile force of the heart
*Cheyne-Stokes respirations are characterized by: A. irregular tachypnea with occasional periods of apnea. B. tachypnea and hyperpnea with an acetone breath odor. C. tachypnea and bradypnea with alternating apneic periods. D. impaired respirations with sustained inspiratory effort.
C. tachypnea and bradypnea with alternating apneic periods.
*The process of moving air into and out of the lungs is called: A. breathing. B. respiration. C. ventilation. D. oxygenation.
C. ventilation
*Which of the following physiologic processes occurs during pulmonary respiration? A. Oxygen moves into the systemic cells. B. Oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide. C. Carbon dioxide moves into the capillaries. D. Carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli.
D. Carbon dioxide diffuses into the alveoli
*Which of the following conditions would be LEAST likely to result in cerebral hypoxia? Select one: A. Muscular dystrophy Incorrect B. Acute pulmonary edema C. Benzodiazepine overdose D. Methamphetamine overdose
D. Methamphetamine overdose
*Which of the following is the MOST accurate clinical definition of chronic bronchitis? A. Nonproductive cough for 4 months per year for 1 year B. Productive cough for 2 months per year for 2 consecutive years C. Nonproductive cough for 2 months per year for 3 consecutive years D. Productive cough for 3 months per year for 3 consecutive years
D. Productive cough for 3 months per year for 3 consecutive years
*A 70-year-old male presents with an acute onset of difficulty breathing that woke him from his sleep. He has a history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and several heart attacks. During your assessment, you note dried blood around his mouth. The patient tells you that he cannot lie down because he will "smother." What additional assessment findings will you MOST likely discover? A. Diffuse wheezing B. Fever and chills C. Slow respiratory rate D. Pulmonary rales
D. Pulmonary rales
*What acid-base derangement initially occurs in a tachypneic patient without a physiologic demand for increased oxygen? A. Metabolic acidosis B. Metabolic alkalosis C. Respiratory acidosis D. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
*The Hering-Breuer reflex is defined as: Select one: A. an increase in respiratory rate and depth secondary to decreased levels of oxygen in the blood. B. a feedback loop that sends signals to the apneustic center, resulting in increased tidal volume. C. a decrease in respiratory rate and depth secondary to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood. D. a feedback loop that inhibits the inspiratory center, which prevents overexpansion of the lungs.
D. a feedback loop that inhibits the inspiratory center, which prevents overexpansion of the lungs.
*A 56-year-old male complains of difficulty breathing. His wife tells you that he complained of chest discomfort a few days prior, but would not allow her to call EMS. Your assessment reveals rales in the apices and bases of both lungs. This patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with: Select one: A. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation. B. chronic bronchitis. C. acute pulmonary embolism. D. cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
D. cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
*You are assessing a young male with an acute onset of tachypnea. He is conscious and alert with shallow respirations of 40 breaths/min, and complains of numbness and tingling to his face and hands. The patient's girlfriend tells you that he has been very worried about his mother, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Appropriate treatment for this patient includes: A. a nonrebreathing mask without oxygen. B. carbon dioxide rebreathing with a paper bag. C. a beta2 agonist if authorized by medical control. D. coached breathing and oxygen as needed.
D. coached breathing and oxygen as needed.
*A 30-year-old male presents with respiratory distress that began within minutes of being exposed to an unknown chemical at an industrial site. When caring for this patient, it is MOST important to remember that: A. he will likely require frequent suctioning. B. inhalation injuries can cause aspiration pneumonia. C. aggressive airway management may be needed. D. he must be properly decontaminated first.
D. he must be properly decontaminated first.
*You are treating a 2-year-old boy who is experiencing respiratory distress. During your assessment, you note that the child has mild inspiratory stridor, a barking cough, and a low-grade fever. The child is otherwise conscious, is acting appropriate for his age, and has strong radial pulses. Treatment should include: Select one: A. an IV fluid bolus. B. a beta antagonist. C. assisted ventilation. D. humidified oxygen.
D. humidified oxygen.
*Common side effects of inhaled medications used for acute shortness of breath include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. muscle tremors. B. nervousness. C. tachycardia. D. sedation.
D. sedation.
*Which of the following physiologic processes does NOT occur in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
Increased surfactant production
*Which of the following is NOT a component of the cardiac electrical conduction system?
Interventricular septum
*Which of the following cardiac dysrhythmias requires immediate defibrillation?
Nonperfusing ventricular fibrillation
*Which of the following MOST accurately describes the pathophysiology of angina pectoris?
Reversible process in which myocardial oxygen demand exceeds the supply of available oxygen.
*Which of the following represents the correct sequence of electrical conduction through the myocardium?
SA node, AV node, Bundle of His, bundle branches, Purkinje fibers
*What are the physiologic effects of nitroglycerin when given to a patient with suspected cardiac-related chest pain?
Vascular smooth muscle relaxation and coronary artery dilation
*When assessing a middle-aged male patient with chest pain, you note a large vertical scar in the center of his chest. This indicates that he has MOST likely had:
a coronary artery bypass graft.
*When treating a 56-year-old female with chest pain, you have administered two doses of sublingual nitroglycerin; however, the patient's pain has not improved. You reassess her blood pressure and note that it is 104/66 mm Hg. You should start an IV and then:
administer one more dose of nitroglycerin.
*You are dispatched to a nightclub where the manager, a 45-year-old male, is complaining of crushing chest pain that he rates as a "10" on a 0 - 10 scale. He is conscious and alert with a BP of 160/94 mm Hg. The cardiac monitor reveals sinus tachycardia at 140 beats/min. After administering 100% oxygen, you should:
administer up to 325 mg of aspirin.
*You are dispatched to a residence for a 4-year-old male who is not breathing. When you and your partner arrive at the scene, you find the child's father is performing mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing on him. The father tells you that his son stuck a pin in an electrical socket. After assessing the child and determining that he is pulseless and apneic, you should:
apply the AED using pediatric defibrillation pads.
*When applying the AED pads to a patient with a surgically-implanted pacemaker, you should:
apply the pads at least 1" away from the pacemaker.
*The coronary arteries of a person with arteriosclerotic heart disease:
are thickened and hardened and lose their elasticity.
*A 49-year-old male complains of acute chest discomfort. He is conscious but restless, and he is noticeably diaphoretic. As your partner is applying 100% oxygen, the patient hands you a bottle of nitroglycerin that was prescribed to him by his family physician. Prior to assisting the patient with his medication, you should:
assess his systolic BP to ensure that it is at least 90 mm Hg.
*The tricuspid and mitral valves of the heart are referred to as:
atrioventricular valves.
*The ability of the cardiac cells to generate an electrical impulse, even when there is no external nerve stimulus, is called:
automaticity.
*After defibrillating an adult patient in cardiac arrest with the AED, you should:
begin or resume CPR starting with chest compressions.
*Unstable angina pectoris is characterized by:
chest pain or discomfort that may not be relieved by rest or nitroglycerin, and that occurs without a fixed frequency.
*You receive a call to a local grocery store for a possible heart attack. Upon arrival at the scene, you find two employees performing CPR on the patient, a 49-year-old male. You should:
confirm that the patient is pulseless and apneic.
*The _____________ arteries arise from the aorta shortly after they leave the left ventricle.
coronary
*Pacemakers in the heart function by:
dictating the rate at which the heart will cycle.
*Treatment for a patient experiencing a cardiovascular emergency begins by:
ensuring airway patency and adequate breathing.
*When treating a patient with a blood pressure of 80/40 mm Hg due to "pump failure," you should:
give a 20 mL/kg crystalloid fluid bolus to improve perfusion.
*During your initial assessment of an unresponsive 47-year-old male, you find that he has slow, gasping breaths. You should:
give two rescue breaths with a BVM and assess his pulse.
*When assessing the severity of nocturnal dyspnea in a patient with a chronic respiratory disease, you should ask:
how many pillows he or she sleeps with at night.
*Following defibrillation of a pulseless and apneic adult in ventricular fibrillation, you should:
immediately perform CPR.
*IV therapy is often needed in patients with COPD in order to:
improve hydration and loosen pulmonary secretions.
*Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system results in:
increased blood pressure and heart rate.
*An acute myocardial infarction is more apt to occur in the left ventricle because:
it is large and thick and demands more oxygen than the right ventricle.
*Effectively performed CPR is a crucial treatment for a patient in cardiac arrest because it:
maintains myocardial and cerebral perfusion.
*The middle, muscular layer of the heart is called the:
myocardium.
*A 50-year-old female is in cardiac arrest. You attach the AED and receive a "no shock advised" message. You should:
perform immediate CPR and reanalyze her cardiac rhythm after 2 minutes.
*Afterload is defined as the:
pressure against which the left ventricle must pump.
*As with angina, the pain associated with acute myocardial infarction is MOST commonly described as:
pressure.
*The aortic valve:
regulates the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the systemic circulation.
*The primary function of the atrioventricular (AV) node is to:
slow conduction from the atria to the ventricles to allow for ventricular filling.
*The three key electrolytes responsible for initiating and conducting electrical impulses in the heart are:
sodium, potassium, and calcium.
*Common side effects of medications used to treat bronchoconstriction include all of the following, EXCEPT:
somnolence.
*A 56-year-old male with a history of coronary artery disease complains of an acute onset of substernal chest discomfort and diaphoresis while moving a heavy box. After sitting down and taking one nitroglycerin tablet, the discomfort promptly subsides. This episode is MOST consistent with:
stable angina pectoris.
*If the level of arterial carbon dioxide drops too low:
tidal volume decreases.
*Blood enters the right atrium via the:
vena cavae and coronary sinus.
*The MOST common cardiac dysrhythmia associated with sudden cardiac death following an acute myocardial infarction is:
ventricular fibrillation.