EMT Chapter 16 - Cardiovascular Emergencies

Defibrillate

To shock a fibrillating (chaotically beating) heart with specialized electrical current in an attempt to restore a normal, rhythmic beat.

What is cardiac arrest?

When the heart fails to generate effective and detectable blood flow; pulses are not palpable in cardiac arrest, even if muscular and electrical activity continues in the heart.

angina pectoris (chest pain)

When the supply of oxygen and nutrients in the blood is insufficient to meet the demands of the heart, the heart muscle "aches" The heart requires a large supply of oxygen to meet the demands placed on it

________ is calculated by multiplying the heart rate by the volume of blood ejected with each contraction. - Cardiac output - Perfusion - Stroke volume - ROSC

________ is calculated by multiplying the heart rate by the volume of blood ejected with each contraction. *- Cardiac output* - Perfusion - Stroke volume - ROSC

Narrowing of the coronary arteries caused by a buildup of fatty deposits is called:

atherosclerosis.

The ability of cardiac muscle cells to contract spontaneously without a stimulus from a nerve source is called:

automaticity

Which of the following would cause the greatest increase in cardiac output?

Increased heart rate and increased stroke volume

The constant flow of oxygenated blood to the tissues is known as

Perfusion

Signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency would MOST likely be delayed in patients who: - have chronic hypertension. - regularly take illegal drugs. - have had a stroke in the past. - are older than 40 years of age.

Signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency would MOST likely be delayed in patients who: *- have chronic hypertension.* - regularly take illegal drugs. - have had a stroke in the past. - are older than 40 years of age.

The autonomic nervous system controls be _____ node

Sinoatrial node

Normal electrical impulses in the heart originate at the __________.

Sinus node or Sinoatrial node

The left coronary artery

Supplies blood to the left atrium and left ventricle and divides into two major branches

The left and right subclavian arteries

Supply blood to the shoulders and upper arms.

Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in patients: - with a history of an ischemic stroke. - who have taken up to two doses. - who have experienced a head injury. - with a systolic blood pressure less than 120 mm Hg.

Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in patients: - with a history of an ischemic stroke. - who have taken up to two doses. *- who have experienced a head injury.* - with a systolic blood pressure less than 120 mm Hg.

Which of the following represents the MOST appropriate method of assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin tablet? - Encourage the patient to chew the tablet to increase its effectiveness. - Place the medication under the tongue and have the patient swallow it. - Administer the medication sublingually and allow it to dissolve or absorb. - Wait 15 minutes and reassess the patient's blood pressure prior to administering another dose.

Which of the following represents the MOST appropriate method of assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin tablet? - Encourage the patient to chew the tablet to increase its effectiveness. - Place the medication under the tongue and have the patient swallow it. *- Administer the medication sublingually and allow it to dissolve or absorb.* - Wait 15 minutes and reassess the patient's blood pressure prior to administering another dose.

Which of the following signs is commonly observed in patients with right-sided heart failure? - Flat jugular veins - Labored breathing - Pulmonary edema - Dependent edema

Which of the following signs is commonly observed in patients with right-sided heart failure? - Flat jugular veins - Labored breathing - Pulmonary edema *- Dependent edema*

What is acute myocardial infarction?

- heart attack - death of tissue

A 49-year-old male presents with an acute onset of crushing chest pain and diaphoresis. You should: - obtain vital signs and a SAMPLE history. - administer up to three doses of nitroglycerin. - assess the adequacy of his respirations. - administer up to 324 mg of baby aspirin.

A 49-year-old male presents with an acute onset of crushing chest pain and diaphoresis. You should: - obtain vital signs and a SAMPLE history. - administer up to three doses of nitroglycerin. *- assess the adequacy of his respirations.* - administer up to 324 mg of baby aspirin.

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: - obtain a SAMPLE history and contact medical control for advice. - give her high-flow oxygen, attach the AED, and transport at once. - administer oxygen, give her 324 mg of aspirin, and assess her further. - give her one nitroglycerin and reassess her systolic blood pressure.

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: - obtain a SAMPLE history and contact medical control for advice. - give her high-flow oxygen, attach the AED, and transport at once. *- administer oxygen, give her 324 mg of aspirin, and assess her further.* - give her one nitroglycerin and reassess her systolic blood pressure.

Which of the following medications is commonly given to patients with chest pain to prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger?

Aspirin

Thromboembolism

A blood clot that has formed within a blood vessel and is floating within the bloodstream Until it reaches an area too narrow for it to pass. This causes it to stop and block the blood flow at that point

What is congestive heart failure?

A disorder in which the heart loses part of its ability to effectively pump blood, usually as a result of damage to the heart muscle and usually resulting in a backup of fluid into the lungs.

A dissecting aortic aneurysm occurs when: - all layers of the aorta suddenly contract. - the aorta ruptures, resulting in profound bleeding. - the inner layers of the aorta become separated. - a weakened area develops in the aortic wall.

A dissecting aortic aneurysm occurs when: - all layers of the aorta suddenly contract. - the aorta ruptures, resulting in profound bleeding. *- the inner layers of the aorta become separated.* - a weakened area develops in the aortic wall.

A patient in cardiac arrest is wearing an external defibrillator vest, which is interfering with effective chest compressions. The EMT should: - leave the battery attached to the monitor and remove the vest. - remove the battery from the monitor and then remove the vest. - remove the battery from the monitor and leave the vest in place. - perform ventilations only and allow the vest device to defibrillate.

A patient in cardiac arrest is wearing an external defibrillator vest, which is interfering with effective chest compressions. The EMT should: - leave the battery attached to the monitor and remove the vest. *- remove the battery from the monitor and then remove the vest.* - remove the battery from the monitor and leave the vest in place. - perform ventilations only and allow the vest device to defibrillate.

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? - Uncontrolled hypertension - Thoracic aortic aneurysm - Acute myocardial infarction - Obstructive lung disease

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? - Uncontrolled hypertension - Thoracic aortic aneurysm *- Acute myocardial infarction* - Obstructive lung disease

A patient with atherosclerotic heart disease experiences chest pain during exertion because: - the ragged edge of a tear in the coronary artery lumen causes local blood clotting and arterial narrowing. - the coronary arteries suddenly spasm and cause a marked reduction in myocardial blood flow. - tissues of the myocardium undergo necrosis secondary to a prolonged absence of oxygen. - the lumen of the coronary artery is narrowed and cannot accommodate increased blood flow.

A patient with atherosclerotic heart disease experiences chest pain during exertion because: - the ragged edge of a tear in the coronary artery lumen causes local blood clotting and arterial narrowing. - the coronary arteries suddenly spasm and cause a marked reduction in myocardial blood flow. - tissues of the myocardium undergo necrosis secondary to a prolonged absence of oxygen. *- the lumen of the coronary artery is narrowed and cannot accommodate increased blood flow.*

ventricular tachycardia

A rapid heart rhythm in which the electrical impulse begins in the ventricle (instead of the atrium), which may result in inadequate blood flow and eventually deteriorate into cardiac arrest.

Cardiogenic shock

A state in which not enough oxygen is delivered to the tissues of the body, caused by low output of blood from the heart. It can be a severe complication of a large acute myocardial infarction, as well as other conditions.

acute coronary syndrome (ACS)

A term used to describe a group of symptoms caused by myocardial ischemia (decreased blood flow to the heart)

artifact

A tracing on an ECG that is the result of interference, such as patient movement, rather than the heart's electrical activity.

Aortic aneurysms

A weakness in the wall of the aorta that makes it susceptible to rupture.

A patient with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) tells you that the device's pump flow is continuous. Which of the following should you expect to encounter during your assessment?

Absence of a palpable pulse

Acute coronary syndrome is a group of symptoms caused by what? - Bradycardia - Ischemia - Occlusion - Thromboembolism

Acute coronary syndrome is a group of symptoms caused by what? - Bradycardia *- Ischemia* - Occlusion - Thromboembolism *Acute coronary syndrome is a group of symptoms caused by ischemia, a lack of oxygen that deprives tissues of necessary nutrients, resulting from partial or complete blockage of blood flow.*

If a blockage occurs in a coronary artery the condition is known as

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)

Which of the following represents the MOST appropriate method of assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin tablet or spray?

Administer the medication sublingually and allow it to dissolve or absorb

After the AED has delivered a shock, the EMT should: - immediately resume CPR. - assess for a carotid pulse. - re-analyze the cardiac rhythm. - transport the patient at once.

After the AED has delivered a shock, the EMT should: *- immediately resume CPR.* - assess for a carotid pulse. - re-analyze the cardiac rhythm. - transport the patient at once.

Ventricular Dysrhythmia

Aka ventricular fibrillation dysrhythmia in which the impulse forms in the ventricle (potentially the most serious class of dysrhythmias)

As the blood reaches the lungs it receives fresh oxygen from the

Alveoli

Hypertensive emergency

An emergency situation created by excessively high blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke or aneurysm. greater than 180 systolic blood pressure

Angina pectoris occurs when: - myocardial oxygen supply exceeds the demand. - myocardial oxygen demand exceeds supply. - one or more coronary arteries suddenly spasm. - a coronary artery is totally occluded by plaque.

Angina pectoris occurs when: - myocardial oxygen supply exceeds the demand. *- myocardial oxygen demand exceeds supply.* - one or more coronary arteries suddenly spasm. - a coronary artery is totally occluded by plaque.

Which of the following is a major difference between angina pectoris and AMI?

Anginal pain typically subsides with rest.

Venules

Are the smallest branches of veins. After traveling through the capillaries, oxygen poor blood enters the system of veins starting with the venules on its way back to the heart

After blood travels through the arteries it enters smaller and smaller vessels called

Arterioles

Cardiac muscle cells have a special characteristic called automaticity that is not found in any other type of muscle cells

Automaticity allows a cardiac muscle cells to contract spontaneously without a stimulus from a nerve source

You and your partner have achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a patient who was in cardiac arrest. An ALS unit will arrive in less than 2 minutes. The patient remains unresponsive and has slow, irregular breathing. Further treatment for this patient should include:

BVM ventilation at 10-12 breaths/min and assessment of oxygen saturation.

What is thromboembolism?

Blood clot that floats through blood vessels until it reaches an area too narrow for it to pass, causing it to stop and block the blood flow at that point. - Tissues downstream will become hypoxic. - If too much time goes by before blood flow is resumed, hypoxic tissues die.

Coronary arteries

Blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle. They start at the first part of the aorta just above the aortic valve

Ventricle

Bottom portion of the heart, thicker walled and larger

As the subclavian artery enters each arm it becomes the

Brachial artery, the major vessel that supplies blood to each arm

Arterioles eventually enter the

Capillaries

Capillaries

Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that are about one S. thick that connects arterioles to venules. They are found in all parts of the body and allow the exchange of nutrients and waste at the cellular level

Infarction mean

Death of tissue

What is ischemia?

Decreased blood flow to heart

Deoxygenated blood from the body returns to the: - right atrium. - right ventricle. - left ventricle. - left atrium.

Deoxygenated blood from the body returns to the: *- right atrium.* - right ventricle. - left ventricle. - left atrium.

Increased oxygen demand of the myocardium is supplied through the process of

Dilation or widening of the coronary arteries which increases blood flow

ventricular fibrillation

Disorganized, ineffective twitching of the ventricles, resulting in no blood flow and a state of cardiac arrest.

A 66-year-old woman presents with a stabbing pain in the middle of her chest that radiates to her back. She tells you that the pain suddenly began about 30 minutes ago and has been severe since the onset. She has a history of hypertension, but admits to being noncompliant with her antihypertensive medications. When you assess her, you find that her blood pressure is significantly higher in her left arm than it is in her right arm. What do these signs and symptoms MOST likely indicate?

Dissecting aortic aneurysm

Atrium

Each of the two upper chambers of the heart that receives blood that comes into the heart

(T/F) Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty works by bypassing the coronary artery.

False. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty aims to *dilate, rather than bypass,* the coronary artery.

(T/F) The factors involved in the defibrillation include voltage, current, and amperage.

False. The factors involved in the defibrillation include voltage, current, and *impedance.*

Which of the following signs or symptoms would you NOT expect to encounter in a patient with congestive heart failure?

Hypotension and flat jugular veins

Cardiac output

Is calculated by multiplying the heart rate by the volume of blood ejected with each contraction or the stroke volume it is the volume of blood that passes through the heart and one minute and measures the output of the heart

Chest pain or discomfort that is related to the heart usually stems from a condition called

Ischemia

Most AEDs are set up to adjust the voltage based on the impedance, which is the: - distance between the two AED pads on the chest. - actual amount of energy that the AED will deliver. - direction that the electrical flow takes in the body. - resistance of the body to the flow of electricity.

Most AEDs are set up to adjust the voltage based on the impedance, which is the: - distance between the two AED pads on the chest. - actual amount of energy that the AED will deliver. - direction that the electrical flow takes in the body. *- resistance of the body to the flow of electricity.*

Most often, low blood flow to heart tissue is caused by what? - Atherosclerosis - Thromboembolism - Acute myocardial infarction - Ventricular fibrillation

Most often, low blood flow to heart tissue is caused by what? *- Atherosclerosis* - Thromboembolism - Acute myocardial infarction - Ventricular fibrillation

Prior to attaching the AED to a cardiac arrest patient, the EMT should: - assess for a pulse for 20 seconds. - dry the chest if it is wet. - perform CPR for 30 seconds. - contact medical control.

Prior to attaching the AED to a cardiac arrest patient, the EMT should: - assess for a pulse for 20 seconds. *- dry the chest if it is wet.* - perform CPR for 30 seconds. - contact medical control.

After contraction of the right ventricle, blood flows into the _____?

Pulmonary artery

The blood then returns to the heart after being oxygenated in the lungs through the

Pulmonary veins

Which of the following blood vessels transports oxygenated blood?

Pulmonary veins

Both vena cava join at the ____ atrium of the heart

Right

Risk factors for AMI that cannot be controlled include: - excess stress. - family history. - lack of exercise. - hyperglycemia.

Risk factors for AMI that cannot be controlled include: - excess stress. *- family history.* - lack of exercise. - hyperglycemia.

Signs and symptoms of an AMI

Set an onset of weakness nausea and sweating, chest pain, discomfort, pressure, irregular heartbeat, syncope, shortness of breath or dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, pink frothy sputum (which would indicate pulmonary edema)

The EMT should use an AED on a child between 1 month and 8 years of age if: - special pads are used and the child has profound tachycardia. - his or her condition is rapidly progressing to cardiac arrest. - he or she is not breathing and has a weakly palpable pulse. - pediatric pads and an energy-reducing device are available.

The EMT should use an AED on a child between 1 month and 8 years of age if: - special pads are used and the child has profound tachycardia. - his or her condition is rapidly progressing to cardiac arrest. - he or she is not breathing and has a weakly palpable pulse. *- pediatric pads and an energy-reducing device are available.*

The inferior vena cava carries blood from

The abdomen, kidneys, legs then back to the right atrium

Stroke volume

The amount of blood ejected from the heart in one ventricular contraction.

At the level of the Neath the femoral arteries divide into

The anterior and posterior tibial artery's and peroneal artery which supply the blood to the lower legs and feet

Aorta

The bodies main and largest artery, receives blood ejected from the left ventricle and delivers it to the other arteries so they can carry blood to the tissues of the body

The electrical impulse generated by the heart originates in the: - coronary sinus. - bundle of His. - sinoatrial node. - atrioventricular node.

The electrical impulse generated by the heart originates in the: - coronary sinus. - bundle of His. *- sinoatrial node.* - atrioventricular node.

The superior vena cava carries blood from

The head and arms back to the right atrium

An acute myocardial infarction is more likely to occur in which atrium or ventricle?

The larger, thicker wall the left ventricle which needs more blood and oxygen than the right ventricle

As the iliac arteries enter through the groin, they become

The left and right for moral arteries

At the level of the umbilicus, the descending aorta divides into two main branches

The left and right iliac arteries which supply blood to the groin, pelvis and legs

After blood reaches the right atrium of the heart, it is return to

The pulmonary circulation system for oxygenation

Just below the elbow, the brachial artery divides into two major branches

The radial and ulnar arteries that supply blood to the lower arms and hands

The pain of an acute myocardial infarction signals the actual death of cells in one area of the heart muscle where blood flow is obstructed

This turns into scar tissue and becomes a burden to a beating heart

(T/F) Cardiac arrest is indicated in the field by the absence of a carotid pulse.

True.

(T/F) The link in the chain of survival that is the most common determinant for survival is the third link—rapid defibrillation.

True.

Veins become larger and larger and eventually formed the two large

Vena cava. The superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava

What is cardiac output? - The number of times the heart contracts in 1 minute - The volume of blood pumped out by the left ventricle in one contraction - The amount of blood pumped out of the left ventricle in 1 minute - The amount of venous flow return to the right atrium

What is cardiac output? *- The number of times the heart contracts in 1 minute* - The volume of blood pumped out by the left ventricle in one contraction - The amount of blood pumped out of the left ventricle in 1 minute - The amount of venous flow return to the right atrium

What is the most effective way to assist a person with CHF to breathe effectively and prevent an invasive airway management technique? - CPAP - Nasal cannula - BVM with 100% oxygen - Nonrebreathing mask

What is the most effective way to assist a person with CHF to breathe effectively and prevent an invasive airway management technique? *- CPAP* - Nasal cannula - BVM with 100% oxygen - Nonrebreathing mask

When preparing to obtain a 12-lead ECG, the "LL" and "RL" electrodes should be placed: - anywhere on the arms. - on either side of the chest. - on the thighs or ankles. - on the lower abdomen.

When preparing to obtain a 12-lead ECG, the "LL" and "RL" electrodes should be placed: - anywhere on the arms. - on either side of the chest. *- on the thighs or ankles.* - on the lower abdomen.

Which dysrhythmia is the most common cause of sudden death in a cardiovascular emergency? - Bradycardia - Tachycardia - Ventricular tachycardia - Ventricular fibrillation

Which dysrhythmia is the most common cause of sudden death in a cardiovascular emergency? - Bradycardia - Tachycardia - Ventricular tachycardia *- Ventricular fibrillation*

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom associated with malfunction of an implanted cardiac pacemaker? - Heart rate less than 60 beats/min - Syncope or dizziness - Generalized weakness - A rapid heart rate

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom associated with malfunction of an implanted cardiac pacemaker? - Heart rate less than 60 beats/min - Syncope or dizziness - Generalized weakness *- A rapid heart rate*

Which of the following symptoms would you see in a patient with a dissecting aneurysm? - Gradual onset of pain with additional symptoms - Peripheral pulses equal - Sharp or tearing pain - Pain does not abate once it has started

Which of the following symptoms would you see in a patient with a dissecting aneurysm? - Gradual onset of pain with additional symptoms - Peripheral pulses equal *- Sharp or tearing pain* *- Pain does not abate once it has started*

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: - have your partner perform CPR while you question the bystanders. - perform two-rescuer CPR for 5 minutes and request ALS backup. - begin high-quality CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible. - immediately apply the AED pads and analyze his cardiac rhythm.

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: - have your partner perform CPR while you question the bystanders. - perform two-rescuer CPR for 5 minutes and request ALS backup. *- begin high-quality CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible.* - immediately apply the AED pads and analyze his cardiac rhythm.

You are dispatched to a 60-year-old man reporting chest pain and shortness of breath. The patient has angina and is taking nitroglycerin, furosemide, and atorvastatin. You hear crackles when listening to his breath sounds. The patient's difficulty breathing and crackles are due to blood backing up in which part of the body? - The heart - The lungs - The vessels - The arteries

You are dispatched to a 60-year-old man reporting chest pain and shortness of breath. The patient has angina and is taking nitroglycerin, furosemide, and atorvastatin. You hear crackles when listening to his breath sounds. The patient's difficulty breathing and crackles are due to blood backing up in which part of the body? - The heart *- The lungs* - The vessels - The arteries

You are transporting a patient with angina and he loses consciousness on the way to the hospital. When you check, you cannot feel a pulse. What should you do? - Tell your partner to drive faster as you begin CPR on the patient. - Immediately apply the AED and wait for it to analyze the rhythm before taking any other action. - Have your partner pull over the ambulance and come back to help you with CPR and the AED. - Begin CPR and after 2 minutes stop to apply the AED while your partner continues driving to the hospital.

You are transporting a patient with angina and he loses consciousness on the way to the hospital. When you check, you cannot feel a pulse. What should you do? - Tell your partner to drive faster as you begin CPR on the patient. - Immediately apply the AED and wait for it to analyze the rhythm before taking any other action. *- Have your partner pull over the ambulance and come back to help you with CPR and the AED.* - Begin CPR and after 2 minutes stop to apply the AED while your partner continues driving to the hospital.

You are treating a 50-year-old woman who has just finished a 10k run. She is complaining of crushing pain in the chest radiating down her left arm and nausea, which came on suddenly. She is sweating profusely. What condition should you suspect? - Acute myocardial infarction - Angina pectoris - Congestive heart failure - Cardiogenic shock

You are treating a 50-year-old woman who has just finished a 10k run. She is complaining of crushing pain in the chest radiating down her left arm and nausea, which came on suddenly. She is sweating profusely. What condition should you suspect? - Acute myocardial infarction *- Angina pectoris* - Congestive heart failure - Cardiogenic shock

You are treating a 63-year-old patient whose vital signs are as follows: pulse, 140 beats/min and irregular; respiratory rate, 28 breaths/min; and blood pressure, 90/50 mm Hg. He is complaining of chest pain. Given this information, why would nitroglycerin be contraindicated? - He may have already exceeded the dosage limit. - His blood pressure is too low. - He may be allergic to it. - He may have taken Viagra in the last 24 hours.

You are treating a 63-year-old patient whose vital signs are as follows: pulse, 140 beats/min and irregular; respiratory rate, 28 breaths/min; and blood pressure, 90/50 mm Hg. He is complaining of chest pain. Given this information, why would nitroglycerin be contraindicated? - He may have already exceeded the dosage limit. *- His blood pressure is too low.* - He may be allergic to it. - He may have taken Viagra in the last 24 hours.

Common signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency include:

a bounding pulse, a severe headache, and dizziness.

Ischemia

an inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles.

Treatment of an Acute myocardial infarction

begins with opening the coronary artery with clotbusting or thrombolytic medications or angioplasty which is the mechanical clearing of the artery. It can prevent permanent damage to the heart muscle is done within a few hours

Occlusion

closure of a blood vessel due to blockage

Dependent edema

collection of fluid in the part of the body that is closest to the ground

Cardiac arrest

complete stopping of heart activity

Atherosclerosis

condition in which fatty deposits called plaque or cholesterol build up on the inner walls of the arteries this abstracts flow and interferes with the ability to dilate our contract and can even cause complete occlusion or blockage of the coronary artery

CHF (congestive heart failure)

condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body. It is called congestive because the lungs fill with fluid once the left side of the heart fails to pump blood effectively

In contrast to an automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD), an external defibrillator vest:

delivers high-energy shocks, similar to an AED.

The right side of the heart receives what type of blood from the veins of the body?

deoxygenated blood

Prior to defibrillating a patient with an AED, it is MOST important that you:

ensure that no one is touching the patient.

The main legal risk in using the AED is:

failing to deliver a shock when one is needed.

Pulmonary circulation

flow of blood from the heart to the lungs and back to the heart

Myocardium

heart muscle

Hypertension

high blood pressure 140/90 or higher

When obtaining a 12-lead ECG, the patient should be:

in a supine position with legs uncrossed.

The AED is MOST advantageous to the EMT because:

it delivers prompt defibrillation to patients with ventricular fibrillation.

The right coronary artery

supplies blood to the the right atrium, right ventricle, sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes

An acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs when:

myocardial tissue dies secondary to an absence of oxygen.

Dissecting aneurysm

occurs when inner layers of the aorta become separated, allowing blood to flow between the layers

Your EMS team is performing CPR on a 60-year-old male in cardiac arrest. You connect the AED, push the analyze button, and receive a "no shock advised" message. You should:

perform CPR for 2 minutes and reassess.

The left and right carotid arteries

supply the head and brain with blood

Blood from the Vena Cava enters the _______.

right atrium

Asystole

the absence of contractions of the heart; cardiac standstill. Asystole usually reflects a long period of ischemia

autonomic nervous system (ANS)

the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls the glands and the muscles of the internal organs (such as the heart). Its sympathetic division arouses; its parasympathetic division calms.

Defibrillator pads are placed on the patient's chest:

with one pad to the right of the upper sternum and the other pad to the left lower chest below the armpit.