NREMT- Cardiology

You have analyzed a cardiac arrest patient's rhythm three times with the AED, separated by 2-minute cycles of CPR, and have received no shock messages each time. You should: A: continue CPR and transport at once. B: remove the AED and continue CPR. C: request a paramedic unit at the scene. D: consider terminating resuscitation.

A; Although protocols vary from system to system, it is generally agreed that if you receive three consecutive no shock messages, separated by 2-minute cycles of CPR, you should continue CPR and transport at once; it is unlikely that the patient will convert to a shockable rhythm (eg, V-Fib, pulseless V-Tach). En route, coordinate a rendezvous with a paramedic unit if possible; waiting at the scene would only delay further treatment. The decision to terminate resuscitative efforts is made by a physician, and in some cases, a paramedic, after adequately performed BLS and ALS have proven unsuccessful.

A 65-year-old man has generalized weakness and chest pressure. He has a bottle of prescribed nitroglycerin, but states that he has not taken any of his medication. As your partner prepares to administer oxygen, you should: A: administer up to 325 mg of aspirin if the patient is not allergic to it. B: perform a secondary assessment and obtain baseline vital signs. C: apply the AED and prepare the patient for immediate transport. D: assist the patient with his nitroglycerin with medical control approval.

A; Aspirin has clearly been shown to reduce mortality and morbitiy associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and should be given as early as possible; the dose is 160 to 325 mg. Even though this patient has chest pain and prescribed nitroglycerin, you must first complete a secondary assessment and obtain baseline vital signs. Medical control will need this information—specifically the patient's blood pressure—in order to determine whether you should assist the patient with his nitroglycerin. The AED is not indicated for this patient because he is not in cardiac arrest.

How can you help maximize cardiac output during CPR? A: Allow the chest to fully recoil in between compressions B: Deliver rescue breaths until the chest expands widely C: Ventilate the patient through an advanced airway device D: Compress the chest at a rate of no more than 100/min

A; Cardiac output is the amount of blood ejected from the left ventricle per minute. Bearing in mind that even the best performed CPR produces only between 25% and 30% of what the patient's cardiac output would otherwise be, there are several actions that you must take to help maximize this. Allowing the chest to fully recoil in between compressions will help draw blood back to the heart; if more blood returns to the heart, more blood can be pumped from the heart with chest compressions. Delivering each rescue breath over a period of 1 second, just enough to produce visible chest rise, will also help maximize cardiac output. If ventilations are given to fast or too forcefully, intrathoracic pressure will increase, resulting in a decrease in the amount of blood that returns to the heart; as a result, cardiac output will decrease. Ventilations are delivered no differently if an advanced airway device (ie, ET tube, multilumen airway, supraglottic airway) has been inserted. Deliver chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 per minute to a depth of at least 2" (at least one third the depth of the chest in infants and children).

Which of the following structures is the primary pacemaker, which sets the normal rate for the heart? A: Sinoatrial node B: Atrioventricular node C: Bundle of His D: Purkinje fibers

A; Cardiac pacemakers are bundles of nerves that generate electrical impulses and conduct them to the cardiac cells, resulting in contraction of the myocardium (heart muscle). In a normal healthy heart, the sinoatrial (SA) node is the primary pacemaker that sets the inherent rate for the heart. The SA node generates electricity at a rate of 60 to 100 electrical discharges per minute, hence the normal adult heart rate of 60 to 100 beats/min. The atrioventricuar (AV) node serves as the heart's secondary pacemaker; if the SA node fails, the AV node resumes the pacing function of the heart, although at a slower rate (40 to 60 per minute). The bundle of His and purkinjie fibers, located within the ventricles, may serve as tertiary pacemakers if the SA and AV nodes fail; their inherent pacing rate is 20 to 40 per minute.

Ischemic heart disease is a condition in which: A: there is a decrease in blood flow to one or more portions of the heart muscle. B: an acute event leads to a significant decrease in the pumping force of the heart. C: a portion of the heart muscle dies because of a prolonged lack of oxygen. D: the coronary arteries dilate, thus preventing effective blood flow to the heart.

A; Chest pain or discomfort that is related to the heart usually stems from a condition called ischemia (insufficient oxygen). Because of a partial or complete blockage of blood flow through one or more coronary arteries, the tissue of the heart muscle (myocardium) fails to get enough oxygen and nutrients relative to its needs. Therefore, ischemic heart disease is a condition involving a decrease in blood flow, and therefore oxygen, to one or more portions of the myocardium. If blood flow to the ischemic portion of the myocardium is not restored, it eventually dies (myocardial infarction). Dilation of the coronary arteries increases, not decreases, blood flow to the heart. If an event such as a myocardial infarction damages the heart and significantly decreases its ability to contract forcefully, heart failure may occur.

Which of the following patients would be the LEAST likely to present with classic signs and symptoms of acute myocardial infarction? A: 72-year-old female with diabetes and hypertension. B: 64-year-old male with renal disease and depression. C: 55-year-old female with COPD and frequent infections. D: 59 year-old male with alcoholism and angina pectoris.

A; Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort (usually lasting greater than 15 minutes) is present in the majority of patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Other common signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, and diaphoresis. However, elderly female patients—especially those with diabetes—are more likely to present with atypical or unusual signs and symptoms than any other patient population. Diabetic neuropathy—a degenerative nerve condition associated with diabetes—results in decreased sensitivity to pain; therefore, the patient may present without any pain or discomfort. Sometimes, the only presenting signs and symptoms of AMI are generalized weakness, fatigue, or fainting.

Which of the following describes the MOST appropriate method of performing chest compressions on an adult patient in cardiac arrest? A: Compress the chest at least 2", allow full recoil of the chest after each compression, minimize interruptions in chest compressions B: Minimize interruptions in chest compressions, provide 70% compression time and 30% relaxation time, deliver compressions at a rate of 100/min C: Do not interrupt chest compressions for any reason, compress the chest no more than 1 1/2", allow partial recoil of the chest after each compression D: Allow full recoil of the chest after each compression, compress the chest to a depth of 2", deliver compressions at a rate of at least 80/min

A; Effective chest compressions are essential for providing blood flow during CPR. To perform adequate chest compressions, the EMT should "push hard and push fast." Compress the chest of an adult at a rate of at least 100 compressions/min to a depth of at least 2". When performing chest compressions on an infant or child, compress the chest at least one third the depth of the chest (about 1 1/2" for infants, about 2" for children). Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression, and allow equal time for compression and relaxation. Minimize interruptions in CPR to 10 seconds or less. Obviously, chest compressions must be paused when using the AED to analyze the patient's cardiac rhythm or defibrillate and when assessing for a pulse.

The AED analyzes your pulseless and apneic patient's cardiac rhythm and advises that a shock is NOT indicated. You should: A: resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. B: reanalyze the cardiac rhythm for positive confirmation. C: assess for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds. D: open the patient's airway and check for breathing.

A; If the AED advises "no shock," you should immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. Unless the patient starts to move or has other signs of life (ie, coughing), stopping CPR to assess for a pulse should be avoided because it only causes an unnecessary delay in performing chest compressions. The AED is a highly reliable device; if it advises that a shock is or is not indicated, take its word for it! There is no need to reanalyze the patient's cardiac rhythm; this only causes an unnecessary delay in defibrillation (if indicated) and chest compressions.

You are assessing a 70-year-old male who complains of pain in both of his legs. He is conscious and alert, has a blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg, a pulse rate of 110 beats/min, and respirations of 14 breaths/min and unlabored. Further assessment reveals edema to both of his feet and legs and jugular venous distention. This patient's primary problem is MOST likely: A: right heart failure. B: left heart failure. C: pulmonary edema. D: chronic hypertension.

A; If the right side of the heart is damaged, fluid collects in the body (edema), often showing in the feet and legs. The collection of fluid in the part of the body that is closest to the ground is called dependent edema. The swelling causes relatively few symptoms other than discomfort. Another feature of right heart failure is jugular venous distention, which is an indication of blood backing up into the systemic circulation. Left heart failure typically presents with shortness of breath due to fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), which indicates blood backing up from the left side of the heart into the lungs. In severe pulmonary edema, the patient may cough up pink, frothy sputum. Right heart failure and/or left heart failure are also referred to as congestive heart failure (CHF). Chronic hypertension cannot be established on the basis of a single blood pressure reading.

After restoring a pulse in a cardiac arrest patient, you begin immediate transport. While en route to the hospital, the patient goes back into cardiac arrest. You should: A: tell your partner to stop the ambulance. B: contact medical control for further advice. C: analyze the patient's rhythm with the AED. D: begin CPR and proceed to the hospital.

A; If you restore a pulse in a cardiac arrest patient, the AED pads should remain attached to the patient's chest during transport in case cardiac arrest recurs en route to the hospital. You should, however, turn the AED off or disconnect the pads from the AED. If cardiac arrest recurs, you should immediately tell your partner to stop the ambulance and assist you as you begin CPR. Remember that the AED will not analyze the cardiac rhythm if the patient is moving. Once your partner is available to assist, you should analyze the cardiac rhythm, defibrillate if indicated, and immediately resume CPR. Contact medical control as soon as possible, but not before performing CPR and defibrillation.

In addition to supplemental oxygen, one of the MOST effective way to minimize the detrimental effects associated with acute coronary syndrome is to: A: reassure the patient and provide prompt transport. B: administer nitroglycerin in 15 to 20 minute intervals. C: request ALS support for any patient who has chest pain. D: transport the patient rapidly, using lights and siren.

A; In addition to increasing the body's oxygen supply with supplemental oxygen, it is extremely important to decrease oxygen demand and consumption. You can most effectively accomplish this by keeping the patient calm, providing reassurance, and providing safe, prompt transport to the hospital. Traveling at a high rate of speed with lights flashing and siren blasting would clearly increase the patient's anxiety and the heart's demand for oxygen. The decision to request ALS support is based on the patient's condition and your transport distance to the closest appropriate hospital. Unless contraindicated (ie, the patient is hypotensive, the medication is not prescribed to the patient), nitroglycerin should be given in 5-minute intervals, up to three (3) doses.

The quickest way to reduce cardiac ischemia in a patient experiencing an acute coronary syndrome is to: A: sit or lay the patient down. B: keep the patient warm. C: elevate the patient's legs. D: give supplemental oxygen.

A; Ischemia is defined as a relative lack of oxygen. In other words, relative to the body's demand for oxygen, its supply is reduced. The quickest way to reduce ischemia in a patient with an acute coronary syndrome, or ACS (eg, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction) is to reduce the heart's demand for oxygen; simply having the patient cease any exertion and placing him or her in a sitting or lying position will quickly and effectively accomplish this. Although supplemental oxygen increases the oxygen content of the blood and is an important treatment for any patient with ACS, it does not reduce the body's demand for oxygen.

Your partner has applied the AED to a cardiac arrest patient and has received a shock advised message. While the AED is charging, you should: A: continue chest compressions until your partner tells you to stand clear. B: retrieve the airway equipment and prepare to ventilate the patient. C: perform rescue breathing only until the AED is charged and ready to shock. D: cease all contact with the patient until the AED has delivered the shock.

A; It is important to minimize interruptions in CPR, especially chest compressions, when at all possible. All contact with the patient must cease while the AED is analyzing. However, if the AED gives a shock advised message and begins charging, you should resume chest compressions until the AED is charged and ready to deliver the shock; at this point, you should cease contact with the patient. As soon as the AED delivers the shock, resume CPR starting with chest compressions.

After assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin, you would NOT expect him or her to experience a: A: syncopal episode. B: burning sensation in the mouth. C: fizzing sensation under the tongue. D: pounding headache.

A; Nitroglycerin (NTG) dilates the coronary arteries, thus increasing oxygen supply to the heart and relieving a cardiac patient's chest pain. Before assisting a patient with his or her prescribed NTG, there are some predictable side effects you should make him or her aware of. Because NTG dilates the blood vessels throughout the entire body, including those in the brain, a pounding headache is common. A burning sensation in the mouth and/or fizzing sensation under the tongue are also common side effects. Syncope (fainting), however, is not a normal side effect of NTG, and suggests a substantial drop in blood pressure. If the patient becomes dizzy or experiences a syncopal episode after being given NTG, place him or her in a supine position. If necessary, elevate his or her legs to help increase blood pressure.

Following administration of nitroglycerin to a man with crushing chest pressure, he experiences a significant increase in his heart rate. This is MOST likely the result of: A: a drop in blood pressure. B: coronary vasoconstriction. C: a cardiac dysrhythmia. D: preexisting hypertension.

A; Nitroglycerin (NTG) is a vasodilator drug. It dilates not only the coronary arteries, but also other arteries in the body. In some patients, NTG may cause a drop in blood pressure, especially if they are taking other medications that cause vasodilation (eg, erectile dysfunction drugs [Viagra, Levitra, Cialis]). In response to a drop in blood pressure, the nervous system attempts to compensate by increasing the heart rate (tachycardia). Common side effects of NTG include a headache, a burning sensation under the tongue, or a bitter taste in the mouth. Always assess the patient's vital signs, before and after administering nitroglycerin.

The middle, muscular layer of the heart is called the: A: myocardium. B: epicardium. C: endocardium. D: pericardium.

A; The heart has four layers. The inner layer is called the endocardium, the middle layer is composed of muscle and is called the myocardium (myo = muscle), and the outer layer of the heart itself is called the epicardium. The pericardium, which is a thin, fibrous membrane, encapsulates the entire heart.

The chest pain associated with an acute coronary syndrome is often described as: A: pressure. B: stabbing. C: cramping. D: sharp.

A; The pain associated with acute coronary syndrome (ie, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction) is commonly described as a feeling of pressure or heaviness, discomfort, or as a crushing pain. Stabbing or sharp (pleuritic) pain is often associated with conditions such as a spontaneous pneumothorax or pulmonary embolism. Do not rule out a cardiac problem just because the patient does not have the "classic" quality of pain, especially if the patient has a history of cardiac problems.

By which of the following mechanisms does nitroglycerin relieve cardiac-related chest pain or discomfort? A: Vasodilation and increased myocardial oxygen supply B: Vasoconstriction and increased cardiac oxygen demand C: Vasodilation and decreased myocardial oxygen supply D: Vasoconstriction and increased myocardial workload

A; Nitroglycerin is a smooth muscle relaxant. Smooth muscle is found within the walls of the blood vessels. Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, including dilation of the coronary arteries, which in turn increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart and reduces myocardial workload. However, care must be taken when administering nitroglycerin to a patient. Because of its vasodilatory effects, nitroglycerin can cause hypotension; therefore, it should not be given to patients with a systolic blood pressure of less than 100 mm Hg.

Which of the following patients is the BEST candidate for the administration of nitroglycerin? A: A woman with chest pain, prescribed nitroglycerin, and a blood pressure of 104/76 mm Hg B: A woman who has taken three doses of prescribed nitroglycerin without relief of chest pain C: An elderly man with crushing substernal chest pain and a blood pressure of 80/60 mm Hg D: A man with chest pain, expired nitroglycerin spray, and a blood pressure of 110/80 mm Hg

A; Nitroglycerin should be administered to patients who have the prescribed, unexpired drug with them and a systolic blood pressure of greater than 100 mm Hg. No more than three (3) nitroglycerin tablets or sprays should be administered to a patient in the prehospital setting. An expired medication should never be administered to any patient, even if the medication is otherwise indicated for his or her condition.

All of the following are components of the Cincinnati stroke scale, EXCEPT: A: pupil size. B: arm movement. C: speech pattern. D: facial droop.

A; The Cincinnati Stroke Scale, which tests speech, facial droop, and arm drift, is a reliable tool that should be used during your assessment of a patient suspected of having had a stroke. To test speech, ask the patient to repeat a simple phrase; he or she should be able to repeat the phrase without slurred speech. If the patient cannot repeat the phrase, or repeats it with slurred speech, a stroke should be assumed. To test facial movement, ask the patient to smile and show his or her teeth; both sides of the face should move symmetrically (equally). If only one side of the face is moving well (facial droop), a stroke should be assumed. To test arm movement, ask the patient to hold both arms in front of his or her body, palms up, with eyes closed and without moving. Over the next 10 seconds, watch the patient's hands. If one arm drifts down toward the ground, you know that side is weak. You should assess pupillary size, equality, and reactivity in any patient with a neurological disorder; however, this is not a part of the Cincinnati Stroke Scale.

Which of the following interventions would the EMT be the LEAST likely to perform while attempting to resuscitate a cardiac arrest patient? A: Insertion of a supraglottic airway device. B: Rhythm analysis with the AED C: Ventilation with a bag-mask device D: Assisting a paramedic with intubation

A; The insertion of advanced airway devices (eg, endotracheal [ET] tube, multilumen airway, supraglottic airway) is generally outside the EMT's scope of practice. However, he or she may be asked to assist a paramedic in the placement of such devices. For example, the paramedic may ask the EMT to retrieve the appropriate equipment or preoxygenate the patient before he or she inserts the device. Operation of the AED and ventilating with a bag-mask device are within the EMT's scope of practice.

Sudden cardiac arrest in the adult population MOST often is the result of: A: a cardiac arrhythmia. B: accidental electrocution. C: myocardial infarction. D: respiratory failure.

A; The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the adult population is a cardiac arrhythmia—usually ventricular fibrillation—in up to 70% of cases. This fact underscores the importance of early defibrillation to shock the heart back into a perfusing rhythm. Evidence has shown that cardiac arrest—again, most often the result of an arrhythmia—occurs in up to 40% of patients experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The risk of cardiac arrest is highest within the first few hours following the onset of an AMI. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in children, not adults. Children generally have healthy hearts and rarely experience cardiac arrest due to a primary cardiac event.

After attaching the AED and pushing the analyze button on an adult patient in cardiac arrest, the AED states that a shock is advised. What cardiac rhythm is the patient MOST likely in? A: Ventricular fibrillation B: Asystole C: Ventricular tachycardia D: Pulseless electrical activity

A; Ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib) is the most common initial cardiac dysrhythmia in adult cardiac arrest patients, occurring in up to 75% of all cases. V-Fib is a chaotic quivering of the heart muscle that does not produce a pulse and is due to a massive, uncontrolled electrical discharge of the cardiac cells. The most effective treatment for V-Fib is defibrillation. Some patients are in ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach) without a pulse, which is also treated with defibrillation. Although asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA) do not produce a pulse, they are not treated with defibrillation.

Which of the following chambers of the heart has the thickest walls? A: Right ventricle B: Left atrium C: Left ventricle D: Right atrium

C; The left ventricle is the most powerful chamber of the heart. It does most of the work; therefore, it has the thickest walls. A palpable pulse represents left ventricular contraction. Because the left ventricle does most of the work for the heart, it demands and consumes a significant amount of oxygen. This makes it the most common site for a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction).

Which of the following statements regarding sudden cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation is correct? A: For each minute that defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival decreases by as much as 10%. B: Patients with ventricular fibrillation are typically unconscious, apneic, and have a weak and irregular pulse. C: High-quality CPR often reverses ventricular fibrillation if it is initiated within 2 minutes of the onset. D: Most patients develop ventricular fibrillation within 10 minutes after the onset of sudden cardiac arrest.

A; Ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib), a chaotic quivering of the heart muscle, is the most common dysrhythmia that results in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). In V-Fib, the heart is not beating effectively and is not pumping blood; therefore, the patient will not have a pulse. The single most important treatment for V-Fib is early defibrillation. Even if CPR is begun right at the time of the patient's collapse, the likelihood of survival decreases by as much as 10% for each minute that defibrillation is delayed. CPR alone rarely, if ever, converts V-Fib to a cardiac rhythm with a pulse. V-Fib is often a transient dysrhythmia, and the window of opportunity for successful defibrillation is very narrow. After 10 minutes of cardiac arrest, most patients deteriorate to asystole (absence of electrical and mechanical activity in the heart).

While assessing a man who is complaining of chest pain, he suddenly becomes unresponsive. You should: A: assess for breathing. B: apply the AED. C: open the airway. D: assess for a pulse.

A; Whether a patient is found unresponsive or becomes unresponsive in your presence, you should immediately assess his or her breathing. Quickly look at the chest for visible rise. If the patient is not breathing (or only has agonal gasps), you should assess for a pulse. If the patient has a pulse, open the airway and begin rescue breathing. If the patient does not have a pulse, begin CPR (starting with chest compressions) and apply the AED as soon as possible.

Which of the following statements regarding ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib) is correct? A: Loss of consciousness occurs within minutes after the onset of V-Fib. B: Patients in V-Fib should be defibrillated after every 60 seconds of CPR. C: Any patient in V-Fib must receive CPR for 2 minutes prior to defibrillation. D: In V-Fib, the heart is not pumping any blood and the patient is pulseless.

D; Ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib) is a disorganized, ineffective quivering of the heart muscle. No blood is pumped through the body and the patient is pulseless. Loss of consciousness occurs within seconds following the onset of V-Fib. Patients in V-Fib are treated with high-quality CPR and defibrillation every 2 minutes if needed. When treating a patient in cardiac arrest, whether the patient's arrest was witnessed or unwitnessed, begin immediate CPR and apply the AED as soon as it is available.

A 58-year-old man is found unresponsive by his wife. According to his wife, he was complaining of a "dull ache" in his chest the day before, but refused to allow her to call 9-1-1. His blood pressure is 70/50 mm Hg, his pulse is 120 beats/min and weak, and his respirations are 28 breaths/min and labored. Further assessment reveals that his skin is cool, pale, and clammy. You should suspect: A: pulmonary embolism. B: acute septic shock. C: cardiogenic shock. D: hypovolemic shock.

C; The patient in this scenario likely experienced an acute myocardial infarction the day before. However, because he refused medical care, the infarction has likely damaged a significant portion of his heart, resulting in cardiogenic shock. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart fails as a pump and can no longer meet the metabolic needs of the body; it has a very high mortality rate. The patient's labored breathing is likely caused by pulmonary edema, which occurs when blood backs up into the lungs because the heart cannot effectively pump. There is no evidence of hypovolemia (ie, poor skin turgor) or sepsis (ie, fever). A pulmonary embolism typically presents with an acute onset of pleuritic (sharp) chest pain and difficulty breathing, and is also commonly associated with cyanosis.

When an error occurs while using the AED, it is MOST often the result of: A: misinterpretation of the patient's cardiac rhythm. B: excess patient movement during the analyze phase. C: battery failure secondary to operator error. D: malfunction of the microchip inside the AED.

C; AEDs have a high specificity for recognizing shockable rhythm (eg, V-Fib, pulseless V-Tach); this means that they are highly reliable. It would be extremely rare for the AED to recommend a shock when one is not indicated or fail to recommend a shock when one is indicated. When an error does occur, it is usually the operator's fault. The most common error is not having a charged battery. To avoid this problem, many AEDs are equipped with an alarm that warns the operator if the battery is not fully charged. Some of the older AEDs, however, are not equipped with this feature. Therefore, it is important to check the AED daily, exercise the battery as often as the manufacturer recommends, and always have a spare, fully-charged, battery on hand.

A 50-year-old man presents with crushing chest pain of sudden onset. He is diaphoretic, apprehensive, and tachypneic. You should: A: obtain baseline vital signs. B: perform a complete physical exam. C: apply supplemental oxygen. D: ask him if he takes nitroglycerin.

C; All of the interventions and assessments listed in this question should be performed on a patient who presents with chest pain, pressure, or discomfort. However, supplemental oxygen is indicated for any patient with a potential cardiac problem and should be given as soon as possible; this is especially true when the patient has potential respiratory involvement as well (ie, dyspnea, tachypnea). Administer oxygen in a concentration sufficient to maintain an oxygen saturation of 94% or greater. Aspirin (up to 325 mg) should also be administered as soon as possible, unless the patient is allergic to it. After applying oxygen and administering aspirin, you should perform a physical exam and obtain baseline vital signs. You would inquire about any prescription medications the patient is taking (eg, NTG) during the SAMPLE history.

While assessing a patient with chest pain, you note that his pulse is irregular. This indicates: A: acute myocardial infarction or angina pectoris. B: high blood pressure that is increasing cardiac workload. C: abnormalities in the heart's electrical conduction system. D: a dysfunction in the left side of the patient's heart

C; An irregular pulse indicates abnormalities in the electrical conduction system of the heart. The electrical conduction system, beginning with the sinoatrial node as the primary pacemaker, is responsible for initiating the electrical impulses that stimulate the myocardium to contract. An irregular pulse could indicate potentially lethal arrhythmias that could result in cardiac arrest. You should document an irregular pulse and report this important finding to the emergency department.

Which of the following is the BEST indicator of cardiac output? A: Condition and color of the skin B: Quality of the respirations C: Pulse rate and quality D: Systolic blood pressure

C; Cardiac output is the amount of blood ejected from the ventricles each minute. To best obtain an indication of cardiac output, you should assess the rate and quality of the pulse. A rapid, bounding pulse indicates increased cardiac output, whereas a weak or "thready" pulse indicates a decreased cardiac output. Changes in pulse quality (strength) will likely be detected before a drop in systolic blood pressure.

In addition to chest pain or discomfort, a patient experiencing an acute coronary syndrome would MOST likely present with: A: severe projectile vomiting and flushed skin. B: irregular breathing and low blood pressure. C: ashen skin color, diaphoresis, and anxiety. D: profound cyanosis, dry skin, and a headache.

C; Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort is the most common symptom of acute coronary syndrome, or ACS (eg, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction); it occurs in approximately 80% of cases. Patients with ACS are usually anxious and may have a feeling of impending doom. Nausea and vomiting are common complaints; however, projectile vomiting, which is typically associated with increased intracranial pressure, is uncommon. The skin is often ashen gray and clammy (diaphoretic) because of poor cardiac output and decreased perfusion. Less commonly, the patient's skin is cyanotic. Respirations are usually unlabored unless the patient has congestive heart failure, in which case respirations are rapid and labored; irregular breathing, however, is not common. Blood pressure may fall as a result of decreased cardiac output; however, most patients will have a normal or elevated blood pressure. If the patient complains of a headache, it is usually a side effect of the nitroglycerin they took before your arrival; ACS itself usually does not cause a headache.

Aspirin is beneficial to patients experiencing an acute coronary syndrome because it: A: decreases cardiac workload by lowering the BP. B: destroys the clot that is blocking a coronary artery. C: prevents a clot from getting larger. D: effectively relieves their chest pain.

C; Early administration of baby aspirin (160 to 325 mg) to patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has clearly been shown to reduce mortality and morbidity. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) prevents the clot in a coronary artery from getting larger by inhibiting platelet aggregation; in other words, it makes the platelets less sticky, which means that they will have less of a tendency to clump together. Aspirin does not relieve the chest pain or discomfort associated with ACS, nor does it reduce blood pressure. Furthermore, aspirin does not destroy the clot that is blocking a coronary artery; fibrinolytic (clot-buster) drugs actually destroy the clot.

You are treating a 60-year-old man in cardiac arrest. After delivering a shock with the AED and performing CPR for 2 minutes, you achieve return of spontaneous circulation. Your next action should be to: A: provide rapid transport to the hospital. B: remove the AED and apply 100% oxygen. C: assess his airway and ventilatory status. D: reanalyze his rhythm for confirmation.

C; If return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) occurs (eg, a palpable pulse is restored), your first action should be to reassess the patient's airway and ventilatory status. If the patient remains apneic, continue rescue breathing. If the patient is breathing adequately, administer high-flow oxygen. After reassessing airway and breathing, and treating accordingly, you should prepare for immediate transport. Because of the high risk that cardiac arrest can recur following resuscitation, you should not remove the AED pads; simply turn the AED off instead. Analysis of the patient's cardiac rhythm is not indicated because he now has a pulse.

After delivering one shock with the AED and performing 2 minutes of CPR on a woman in cardiac arrest, you reanalyze her cardiac rhythm and receive a no shock advised message. This means that: A: the first shock restored a rhythm and pulse. B: she has electrical activity but no pulse. C: she is not in a shockable rhythm. D: her rhythm has deteriorated to asystole.

C; If the AED gives a no shock advised message, it has determined that the patient is not in a shockable rhythm (eg, V-Fib, pulseless V-Tach). It does not indicate that the patient has a pulse, nor does it indicate that a normal cardiac rhythm has been restored. The AED does not distinguish pulseless electrical activity (PEA) from asystole; it only recognizes them as nonshockable. PEA is a condition in which organized cardiac electrical activity is present despite the absence of a pulse. Asystole is the absence of all cardiac electrical and mechanical activity. If the AED gives a no shock advised message, immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions, until ALS arrives or the patient starts to move.

After applying the AED to an adult patient in cardiac arrest, you analyze her cardiac rhythm and receive a shock advised message. Emergency medical responders, who arrived at the scene before you, tell you that bystander CPR was not in progress upon their arrival. You should: A: perform CPR for 2 minutes and then defibrillate. B: notify medical control and request permission to cease resuscitation. C: deliver the shock as indicated followed immediately by CPR. D: detach the AED and prepare for immediate transport.

C; Information obtained at the scene—whether from emergency medical responders or family members—is not always accurate. If the AED advises you to defibrillate, you should do so and then immediately begin or resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. During CPR, ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, minimize interruptions in chest compressions, obtain the patient's medical history if possible, and contact medical control as needed. At no time during resuscitative efforts should you detach the AED from the patient. Reanalyze the patient's cardiac rhythm after 2 minutes of CPR and follow the voice prompts.

Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in all of the following situations, EXCEPT: A: recent use of Cialis. B: the presence of a head injury. C: history of cardiac bypass surgery. D: systolic BP of 80 mm Hg.

C; Nitroglycerin (NTG) is a vasodilator drug used to relieve chest pain in patients with cardiac compromise by dilating the coronary arteries and improving blood flow to the heart. Because of its vasodilator effects, it should not be given to patients who have a systolic BP less than 100 mm Hg or to patients who have recently (within the past 24 to 48 hours) taken erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs (eg, sildenafil [Viagra], vardenafil [Levitra], tadalafil [Cialis]). ED drugs also cause vasodilation and may cause significant hypotension if given together with NTG. You should also avoid NTG in patients with a head injury; dilation of the cerebral blood vessels may worsen intracranial pressure caused by the head injury. By itself, a history of cardiac bypass surgery does not contraindicate the use of NTG.

After administering nitroglycerin to a patient with chest discomfort, it is MOST important for you to: A: place the patient supine and elevate his or her legs. B: ask the patient if the discomfort has improved. C: reassess his or her blood pressure within 5 minutes. D: find out how long the discomfort has been present.

C; Nitroglycerin (NTG) relaxes the muscle of blood vessel walls, dilates the coronary arteries, increases blood flow and the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle (myocardium), and decreases the workload of the heart. NTG also dilates blood vessels in other parts of the body, potentially resulting in hypotension. For this reason, you should reassess the patient's blood pressure within 5 minutes after each dose of NTG. If the systolic blood pressure is less than 100 mm Hg, do not give any more NTG. Position him or her supine and elevate his or her legs if needed. Asking the patient if his or her chest pain or discomfort has improved following NTG helps you determine if the drug is working and whether additional dosing is needed; however, detecting hypotension is clearly more important. You should determine when the chest pain or discomfort began during the focused history, which is typically performed before assisting a patient with his or her prescribed NTG.

Which of the following patients would MOST likely present with vague or unusual symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction? A: 55-year-old obese female B: 66-year-old male with angina C: 72-year-old female with diabetes D: 75-year-old male with hypertension

C; Not all patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) present with the classic signs and symptoms one would expect. Middle-aged men often minimize their symptoms and attribute their chest pain or discomfort to indigestion. Some patients, however, do not experience any pain. In particular, elderly women with diabetes may present with vague, unusual, or atypical symptoms of AMI; their only presenting complaint may be fatigue or syncope. Do not rule out a cardiac problem just because a patient is not experiencing chest pain, pressure, or discomfort; this is especially true in elderly females with diabetes.

You should be MOST suspicious that a patient with chest pressure has an underlying cardiac problem if his or her pulse is: A: slow. B: bounding. C: irregular. D: rapid.

C; Of the choices listed, an irregular pulse should make you the most suspicious that a patient with chest pain, pressure, or discomfort has an underlying cardiac problem. An irregular pulse indicates a cardiac dysrhythmia (abnormal cardiac rhythm), which may be a precursor to cardiac arrest. A fast pulse (tachycardia), slow pulse (bradycardia), or bounding pulse can be caused by numerous conditions, not all of which are cardiac related.

The MOST important initial treatment for a patient whose cardiac arrest was witnessed is: A: defibrillation. B: rapid transport. C: high-quality CPR. D: cardiac drug therapy.

C; Regardless of whether a patient's cardiac arrest is witnessed or unwitnessed, the single most important initial treatment is high-quality CPR. Delays in performing CPR have been clearly linked to poor patient outcomes. After CPR has been initiated, apply the AED as soon as it is available. Cardiac drug therapy and rapid transport enhance the patient's chance of survival, but are useless without minimally-interrupted, high-quality CPR.

The myocardium receives its blood supply from the coronary arteries that branch directly from the: A: vena cava. B: right ventricle. C: aorta. D: left atrium.

C; The aorta, which is the largest artery in the human body, originates immediately from the left ventricle where it branches into the coronary arteries. This allows the myocardium to receive blood that has the highest concentration of oxygen. The superior and inferior venae cavae return oxygen-poor blood from the systemic circulation back to the right atrium, where it is pumped into the right ventricle. The left atrium receives freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs.

A patient who is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction: A: most often describes his or her chest pain as being sharp or tearing. B: often complains of a different type of pain than a patient with angina. C: has chest pain or discomfort that does not change with each breath. D: often experiences relief of his or her chest pain after taking nitroglycerin.

C; The type of chest pain or discomfort associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the same that is experienced by patients with angina pectoris (eg, dull, crushing, pressure, heaviness); thus, you cannot distinguish AMI from angina pectoris based solely on the type or quality of pain. Furthermore, the pain associated with AMI, like that of angina, often radiates to the arm, jaw, back, or epigastrium. Relative to other causes of chest pain or discomfort (eg, pleurisy, pneumothorax), the pain associated with AMI and angina does not worsen or improve when the patient takes a breath. Rest and nitroglycerin often relieve the pain associated with stable angina, but are less likely to relieve the pain associated with AMI.

You arrive at the scene shortly after a 55-year-old man collapsed. Two bystanders are performing CPR. Your FIRST action should be to: A: attach the AED and analyze his cardiac rhythm. B: check the effectiveness of the CPR in progress. C: stop CPR so you can assess breathing and pulse. D: insert an oropharyngeal airway and continue CPR

C; Upon arriving at a scene where bystander CPR is in progress, you must first confirm that the patient is indeed apneic and pulseless and needs CPR. Bystanders who are not properly trained often perform CPR on patients who do not need it. After confirming cardiac arrest, you should resume CPR and attach the AED as soon as possible.

When performing two-rescuer CPR on an adult patient whose airway has not been secured with an advanced device, you should: A: continue ventilations as the AED analyzes the patient's cardiac rhythm. B: deliver ventilations at a rate of 8 to 10 breaths/min. C: have your partner pause after 30 compressions as you give 2 breaths. D: avoid synchronizing compressions with ventilations

C; When performing two-rescuer adult CPR, you should perform cycles of CPR, with a compression to ventilation ratio of 30:2. If the airway is not secured with an advanced device (eg, ET tube, multilumen airway, supraglottic airway) ventilations and chest compressions should be coordinated (synchronous). After your partner delivers 30 compressions, he or she should pause as you deliver two breaths. After the airway has been secured with an advanced device, do not attempt to synchronize compressions and ventilations. Compressions should be performed continuously at a rate of at least 100/min and ventilations should be given at a rate of 8 to 10 breaths/min (one breath every 6 to 8 seconds). All contact with the patient must cease as the AED is analyzing the cardiac rhythm.

The energy setting for a biphasic AED: A: must be manually set by the EMT. B: increases by 50 joules with each shock. C: is typically 360 joules. D: is manufacturer specific.

D; A biphasic AED sends energy in two directions simultaneously. This is advantageous because it produces a more efficient defibrillation than monophasic defibrillation, which sends energy in only one direction, and uses a lower energy setting. The energy setting on a biphasic AED is device specific, but typically ranges from 120 to 200 joules. AEDs are preprogrammed by the manufacturer to deliver a specific amount of energy, which eliminates the need to manually set the energy level. Some biphasic AEDs deliver the same amount of energy for each shock; others may escalate the energy level for each shock. Refer to the manufacturer's documentation that accompanies the AED you use regarding the amount of biphasic energy it delivers.

A middle-aged woman took three of her prescribed nitroglycerin tablets after she began experiencing chest pain. She complains of a bad headache and is still experiencing chest pain. You should assume that: A: her blood pressure is elevated. B: her chest pain is not cardiac-related. C: her nitroglycerin is no longer potent. D: she has ongoing cardiac ischemia.

D; A headache and/or a bitter taste under the tongue are common side effects of nitroglycerin (NTG) that many patients experience. If the patient does not experience these side effects, the NTG may have lost its potency. However, if a patient with chest pain takes NTG and experiences these side effects, but still has chest pain, you should assume that his or her pain is the result of cardiac ischemia, a relative deprivation of oxygen to the heart. NTG is a vasodilator drug; if anything, three doses would lower her blood pressure, not raise it. Any patient with nontraumatic chest pain or pressure should be assumed to be experiencing cardiac ischemia, especially if the pain or pressure is not relieved with NTG.

Which of the following types of stroke would MOST likely present with a sudden, severe headache? A: Thrombotic B: Ischemic C: Embolic D: Hemorrhagic

D; A stroke occurs when blood flow to a portion of the brain is interrupted. There are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic, both of which are acute events. Hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured artery in the brain, resulting in intracerebral bleeding, cerebral ischemia, and increased intracranial pressure. A classic feature of a hemorrhagic stroke is a sudden, severe headache (indicates cerebral artery rupture) that is followed by rapid deterioration of the patient's condition. By contrast, ischemic stroke (accounts for approximately 80% of all strokes) occurs when a clot occludes a cerebral artery. If the clot forms locally, it is referred to as a thrombotic stroke; if the clot travels to the brain from another part of the body, it is referred to as an embolic stroke. Acute ischemic stroke typically presents with a sudden onset of confusion, facial droop, slurred speech, and weakness to one side of the body. A headache is uncommon in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Common signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency include: A: chest discomfort, weak pulses, and cool skin. B: vomiting without nausea and hemiparesis. C: unequal pupils, irregular pulse, and pallor. D: ringing in the ears, headache, and epistaxis.

D; Although different sources cite various values, most agree that a hypertensive emergency exists when the systolic blood pressure exceeds 180 mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure exceeds 110 mm Hg. A hypertensive emergency also exists when the systolic BP suddenly rises and produces signs and symptoms. One of the most common symptoms of a hypertensive emergency is a severe headache. Other signs and symptoms include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), epistaxis (nosebleed), bounding pulses, flushed skin (dry or moist), nausea and vomiting, and dizziness. In severe cases, mental status changes may occur and the patient may experience a sudden onset of pulmonary edema. Untreated hypertensive emergencies can lead to a stroke or aortic dissection. By itself, a hypertensive emergency does not usually cause unequal pupils or weakness to one side of the body (hemiparesis); however, these findings may be observed if the patient experiences a stroke secondary to a hypertensive emergency.

A patient whose artificial pacemaker has failed would MOST likely experience: A: hypertension and a headache. B: irreversible ventricular fibrillation. C: dizziness and excessive tachycardia D: weakness and bradycardia.

D; An artificial pacemaker is implanted in a person whose own cardiac electrical conduction system cannot maintain a regular rhythm and rate. If a pacemaker stops working, as when the battery wears out or an internal lead becomes detached, the patient often experiences syncope, dizziness, or weakness because of an excessively slow heart rate (bradycardia). The pulse rate is typically less than 60 beats/min because the heart is beating without the stimulus of the pacemaker and without regulation of its own electrical conduction system, which may be damaged. In these circumstances, the heart tends to assume a fixed slow rate that may not be fast enough to maintain adequate cardiac output. In some cases, the patient's heart rate may be so low that he or she becomes hypotensive.

When treating a patient with chest pain, pressure, or discomfort, you should first: A: administer supplemental oxygen. B: assess the blood pressure and give nitroglycerin. C: request an ALS ambulance response to the scene. D: place the patient in a position of comfort.

D; An important aspect of treating a patient with chest pain, pressure, or discomfort is to ensure that the patient is in a comfortable position. Most of the time, the patient will already be in this position upon your arrival. A position of comfort will aid in minimizing anxiety, which in turn decreases cardiac oxygen consumption and demand. After ensuring that the patient is in a comfortable position, administer supplemental oxygen in a concentration sufficient to maintain an SpO2 of greater than 94%. Following your assessment, if you feel that ALS support is needed, you should request it. If the patient has prescribed, unexpired nitroglycerin; the systolic blood pressure is greater than 100 mm Hg; and the patient has not taken the maximum of three doses, you should contact medical control to obtain permission to assist the patient in taking the nitroglycerin.

The pain associated with acute aortic dissection: A: is usually preceded by nausea, sweating, and weakness. B: originates in the epigastrium and radiates down both legs. C: typically comes on gradually and progressively worsens. D: is typically described as a stabbing or tearing sensation.

D; Aortic dissection occurs when the inner layers of the aorta become separated, allowing blood to flow between the layers at high pressure. This separation of layers significantly weakens the aortic wall, making it prone to rupture. Signs and symptoms of acute aortic dissection include a sudden onset of a ripping, tearing, or stabbing pain in the anterior part of the chest or in the back between the scapulae. It may be difficult to differentiate the pain of acute aortic dissection from that of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but a number of distinctive features may help. The pain from an AMI is often preceded by other signs and symptoms (ie, nausea, indigestion, weakness, sweating [diaphoresis]). It tends to come on gradually and becomes more severe as time progresses, and is usually described as a crushing pain or as a feeling of heaviness or pressure. By contrast, the pain associated with aortic dissection is acute and is often of maximum intensity from the onset; it is typically described as a ripping, tearing, or stabbing sensation.

A middle-aged male was found unresponsive by his wife. When you arrive at the scene, you assess the patient and determine that he is apneic and pulseless. You should: A: perform CPR with a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 15:2, apply the AED, and request backup. B: immediately apply the AED, analyze his cardiac rhythm, deliver a shock if indicated, and begin CPR. C: immediately begin CPR, reassess for a carotid pulse after 60 seconds, and then apply the AED. D: begin CPR starting with chest compressions, apply the AED as soon as possible, and request backup.

D; As soon as you determine that a patient is unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic, you should begin CPR starting with chest compressions. The appropriate compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR (one- or two-rescuer) is 30:2. A compression-to-ventilation ratio of 15:2 is used for two-rescuer infant and child CPR. Request a backup ambulance as soon as possible; however, do not interrupt CPR to do so. One EMT should perform CPR while the other radios for assistance. Continue CPR and reanalyze the patient's cardiac rhythm every 2 minutes. If indicated, deliver a single shock and immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. If the AED gives a no shock message, resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. Continue CPR, rhythm analysis every 2 minutes, and defibrillation (if indicated), until backup arrives or the patient starts to move.

Which of the following is the MOST detrimental effect that tachycardia can have on a patient experiencing a cardiac problem? A: Increased stress and anxiety B: Decreased cardiac functioning C: Increased blood pressure D: Increased oxygen demand

D; As the heart beats faster, it consumes and demands more oxygen. Tachycardia can be extremely detrimental to the patient with a compromised heart that is already deprived of oxygen. Keeping the patient calm cannot be overemphasized. The more stressed and anxious the patient gets, the faster his or her heart will beat.

The position of comfort for a patient with nontraumatic chest pain MOST commonly is: A: supine with the legs elevated slightly. B: lateral recumbent. C: on the side with the head elevated. D: semisitting.

D; As with most patients, the position of comfort for cardiac patients typically is the semisitting (semi-Fowler) position. You should allow the patient to remain in the position of comfort both during the assessment phase as well as throughout transport.

Aspirin may be contraindicated in patients with: A: glaucoma. B: diabetes. C: ibuprofen allergy. D: stomach ulcers.

D; Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) inhibits platelet aggregation, thus preventing clots from forming or preventing an existing clot from getting bigger. Aspirin, in a dose of 160 to 325 mg, should be administered to patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome (ie, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction) as soon as possible. Aspirin is absolutely contraindicated for patients who are allergic to salicylates. Because aspirin prolongs bleeding time, it may be contraindicated for patients with stomach ulcers; therefore, you should contact medical control before giving aspirin to such patients. Aspirin is not contraindicated for patients with glaucoma or diabetes. Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Motrin and Advil, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), not a salycilate.

A 60-year-old man presents with chest pain and difficulty breathing. He is pale, diaphoretic, and in severe pain. As your partner applies supplemental oxygen, you assess his vital signs. His blood pressure is 180/90 mm Hg, pulse is 110 beats/min and irregular, and respirations are 24 breaths/min and labored. You ask him if has taken any nitroglycerin and he tells you that he does not have any but his wife does. You should: A: have him swallow up to four enteric-coated aspirin, continue oxygen therapy, and promptly transport him to the hospital. B: transport at once, apply the AED in case he develops cardiac arrest, and monitor his vital signs en route to the hospital. C: contact medical control and request permission to assist the patient with up to three doses of his wife's nitroglycerin. D: complete your focused physical examination and prepare the patient for immediate transport to an appropriate hospital.

D; If a patient with suspected cardiac compromise does not have prescribed nitroglycerin (NTG), complete your focused physical examination, continue oxygen therapy, and transport immediately. Do not administer, or request to administer, any medication that is not prescribed to the patient. If the patient develops cardiac arrest, apply the AED and follow its voice prompts. Do not apply the AED to any patient who is not in cardiac arrest. If your protocols allow you to administer aspirin, give up to 325 mg of chewable baby aspirin (have the patient chew the aspirin before swallowing it). Enteric-coated aspirin (aspirin that is coated to prevent stomach upset) is intended to be swallowed without chewing. It takes too long to dissolve, whereas chewable aspirin has a much faster effect.

A 60-year-old man is in cardiac arrest. You begin CPR while your partner applies the AED. What should you do if you receive a no shock message? A: Reanalyze his cardiac rhythm after 30 seconds of CPR. B: Assess for a carotid pulse for up to 10 seconds. C: Ensure that the AED electrodes are properly applied. D: Resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.

D; If the AED gives a no shock advised message, you should immediately resume CPR, starting with chest compressions. After 2 minutes of CPR, reanalyze the patient's cardiac rhythm and follow the AED voice prompts. You should not assess for a pulse if the AED gives a no shock message; this will only cause an unnecessary delay in performing chest compressions. Rarely, if ever, does CPR alone restore a normal cardiac rhythm and pulse. If the AED electrodes are improperly applied, it will not analyze the patient's cardiac rhythm; instead, you will receive a "check patient" or "check electrodes" message. Continue CPR, rhythm analysis every 2 minutes, and defibrillation (if indicated) until ALS personnel arrive or the patient starts to move.

In patients with heart disease, acute coronary syndrome is MOST often the result of: A: coronary artery rupture. B: atrial damage. C: coronary artery spasm. D: atherosclerosis.

D; In most patients with acute coronary syndrome, or ACS (eg, unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction), atherosclerosis is the underlying problem that causes heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a disorder in which calcium and a fatty material called cholesterol build up and form a plaque inside the walls of blood vessels, obstructing blood flow. ACS due to atherosclerosis usually occurs when a fragment of plaque ruptures and occludes a coronary artery; further occlusion occurs when platelets aggregate in the area and clump together. Less commonly, acute coronary artery spasm may result in ACS. The cause of acute coronary vasospasm is largely unknown. Rupture of a coronary artery is a rare cause of ACS. Atrial or ventricular damage is usually caused by, rather than the cause of, ACS.

When the vital organs of an 85-year-old patient need additional blood flow, the heart may not be able to meet the increased need because: A: the patient's blood vessels become more elastic. B: blood pressure decreases as a person ages. C: stroke volume increases as a person ages. D: the reserve capacity of the heart is reduced.

D; Like other body systems, the cardiovascular system undergoes changes as we get older. As the heart's muscle mass and tone decrease, the amount of blood pumped out of the heart per beat (stroke volume) is reduced. The residual (reserve) capacity of the heart is also reduced; therefore, when the vital organs of the body need additional blood flow, the heart is less able to meet that need as effectively as a younger person's heart. The vascular system also is affected by the aging process. Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) can develop, affecting perfusion of the tissues. In arteriosclerosis, the arteries become less elastic and more narrowed; as a result, blood pressure typically increases with age.

Which of the following would clearly be detrimental to a patient in cardiac arrest? A: Performing CPR before defibrillation B: Using a pocket face mask without high-flow oxygen C: Ventilating just until the chest rises D: Interrupting CPR for more than 10 seconds

D; Major emphasis is placed on minimizing interruptions in CPR. Even brief interruptions cause a significant decrease in blood flow to the heart and brain. If you must interrupt CPR, do not exceed 10 seconds. It is preferable to ventilate a patient with a pocket face mask attached to high-flow oxygen, but failing to do so will not be nearly as detrimental as interrupting CPR for extended periods of time. You should ventilate the patient just until the chest visibly rises; ventilations that are too forceful or too fast can cause hyperinflation of the lungs, which may reduce blood return to the heart. When caring for any patient in cardiac arrest, you should immediately begin CPR, and then apply the AED as soon as possible.

Tachycardia can be detrimental to a patient who is experiencing a cardiac problem because it causes: A: increased cardiac filling in between beats. B: a profound decrease in oxygen consumption. C: an associated increase in breathing difficulty. D: increased cardiac oxygen usage and demand.

D; Many patients experiencing a cardiac problem are tachycardic (heart rate greater than 100 beats/min); others are bradycardic (heart rate less than 60 beats/min). As the heart beats faster, it consumes, and therefore requires, more oxygen. This can be detrimental to the patient because the heart is already deprived of oxygen (ischemia) and may not be able to accommodate the increased need for oxygen; this may worsen the ischemia, potentially causing further cardiac damage. A very fast heart rate (>150 beats/min) may cause hypotension due to a decrease in cardiac output; it occurs because the ventricles are not adequately filling with blood in between beats. Some patients with a cardiac problem may have difficulty breathing, which may be the result of congestive heart failure and pulmonary edema; it is not caused by the tachycardia itself.

Shortly after assisting a 60-year-old woman with her second nitroglycerin treatment, she tells you that she is lightheaded and feels like she is going to faint. Her symptoms are MOST likely due to: A: nervousness and anxiety. B: an irregular heartbeat. C: a drop in her blood sugar. D: low blood pressure.

D; Nitroglycerin (NTG) is a vasodilator; as such, it may cause a drop in blood pressure (hypotension) in some patients. Signs and symptoms of hypotension include dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting (syncope), among others. For this reason, you should always assess a patient's blood pressure before and after administering nitroglycerin. If the patient's systolic BP is less than 100 mm Hg, NTG should not be given. The patient is probably nervous and anxious, and may even have an irregular heartbeat; however, hypotension is a more likely cause of her symptoms. NTG does not affect a patient's blood sugar level.

In which of the following patients is nitroglycerin contraindicated? A: 58-year-old male with chest pain radiating to the left arm, a blood pressure of 130/64 mm Hg, and prescribed Tegretol B: 41-year-old male with crushing substernal chest pressure, a blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg, and severe nausea C: 66-year-old female with chest pressure of 6 hours' duration, lightheadedness, and a blood pressure of 110/58 mm Hg D: 53-year-old male with chest discomfort, diaphoresis, a blood pressure of 146/66 mm Hg, and regular use of Levitra

D; Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in patients who do not have a prescription for nitroglycerin, in those with a systolic BP less than 100 mm Hg, and in patients who have taken medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) within the previous 24 to 48 hours. Such medications include sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis). Because ED drugs and nitroglycerin both cause vasodilation, concomitant use of these drugs may result in significant hypotension. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an anticonvulsant medication; there are no known interactions between Tegretol and nitroglycerin.

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate response when a patient with chest pain asks you if he or she is having a heart attack? A: Yes, so I recommend going to the hospital. B: I believe you are, but only a physician can tell for sure. C: Probably not, but we should transport you to be safe. D: I don't know, but we will take good care of you.

D; Patients experiencing chest pain often have a good idea about what is happening, so do not lie or offer false reassurance. Conversely, do not tell the patient they are having a heart attack; this can only be diagnosed by a physician, not an EMT in the field. If asked, "Am I having a heart attack?" an appropriate response would be, "I don't know for sure, but in case you are, we are going to take good care of you."

A 50-year-old man's implanted defibrillator has fired twice within the last hour. He is conscious and alert and complains of a "sore chest." Further assessment reveals that his chest pain is reproducible to palpation and is localized to the area of his implanted defibrillator. In addition to supplemental oxygen, treatment for him should include: A: up to three doses of nitroglycerin and prompt transport. B: application of the AED and transport to the hospital. C: deactivating his defibrillator by running a magnet over it. D: prompt transport with continuous monitoring en route.

D; Patients who are high risk for lethal cardiac dysrhythmias (ie, V-Fib, V-Tach) may have an automated implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (AICD). This small device is usually implanted in the upper left chest, just below the left clavicle. The AICD detects cardiac dysrhythmias and rapidly delivers a shock. When treating a patient whose AICD has fired, you should determine the number of times the device fired, administer supplemental oxygen as needed, obtain vital signs, and transport to the hospital with continuous monitoring en route. Application of the AED is not indicated; however, if the patient develops cardiac arrest, you should use the AED as you normally would (remember to apply the pads at least 1" away from the implanted device). The pain that the patient is experiencing, which is reproducible and localized near his AICD, is likely musculoskeletal pain as the result of his AICD shocking him; therefore, nitroglycerin is not indicated. Because the AICD works so quickly (much faster than you can apply an AED), you should not make any attempt to deactivate it.

During your assessment of a 70-year-old man with crushing chest pain, you note that his blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg. Your MOST important action should be to: A: assess his oxygen saturation. B: keep the patient warm. C: give high-flow oxygen. D: transport without delay.

D; Patients with chest pain, pressure, or discomfort with a systolic BP less than 100 mm Hg should be transported to the hospital without delay. Hypotension in a patient with chest pain indicates cardiogenic shock due to severe cardiac damage and requires treatment that can only be given at the hospital. Any delay in transport delays definitive care and increases the patient's chance of death. High-flow oxygen, thermal management, and assessment of oxygen saturation are clearly important; however, your primary focus should be to get the patient to the hospital as soon as possible.

You should suspect that your patient has pulmonary edema if he or she: A: is hypertensive and tachycardic. B: has a dry, nonproductive cough. C: has swollen feet and ankles. D: cannot breathe while lying down.

D; Pulmonary edema is often caused by failure of the left side of the heart. When the patient is lying down, he or she experiences worsened difficulty breathing (orthopnea) because more blood backs up in the lungs. Patients with severe pulmonary edema often produce pink, frothy sputum when they cough; this is another sign of blood backing up in the lungs. A dry, nonproductive cough is not common. Hypertension and tachycardia are common in patients with pulmonary edema; however, many other conditions can cause these findings. Swelling of the feet and ankles is commonly seen in patients with right heart failure, and occurs when blood backs up beyond the right atrium; it is not a common sign of left heart failure and pulmonary edema.

Which of the following describes pulseless electrical activity (PEA)? A: A disorganized, chaotic quivering of the heart muscle that does not generate a pulse B: A rapid cardiac rhythm that does not produce a pulse, but responds to defibrillation C: The presence of a palpable pulse in the absence of any electrical activity in the heart D: Any organized cardiac rhythm, slow or fast, that does not produce a palpable pulse

D; Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is a condition in which the heart produces organized electrical activity (slow or fast), despite the absence of a palpable pulse. A disorganized, chaotic quivering of the heart muscle that does not generate a pulse is called ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib), and is treated with defibrillation. Defibrillation is not indicated for patients with PEA; it is only indicated for patients with V-Fib or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (V-Tach). If the AED gives a no shock message, and the patient is still pulseless, he or she is either in asystole or PEA, neither of which are shockable rhythms.

Switching compressors during two-rescuer CPR: A: should take no more than 15 seconds to accomplish. B: is performed after every 10 to 20 cycles of adult CPR. C: is only necessary if the compressor becomes fatigued. D: should occur every 2 minutes throughout the arrest.

D; Rescuer fatigue may lead to inadequate chest compression rate and/or depth. Fatigue is common after 1 minute of CPR, although the rescuer may not recognize it for 5 minutes or longer. Therefore, compressors should be changed every 2 minutes (after 5 cycles of CPR at a 30:2 ratio) throughout the resuscitation attempt. If the compressor is not switched until he or she recognizes the fatigue, the patient has likely been without effective chest compressions for at least 4 or 5 minutes. In general, interruptions in CPR should be infrequent and should not exceed 10 seconds. However, every effort should be made to switch compressors in less than 5 seconds.

You assess an unresponsive 65-year-old man and find that he is apneic and pulseless. The patient's wife tells you that he has an automatic implanted cardioverter/defibrillator. After initiating CPR, you should: A: deactivate the implanted defibrillator by running a magnet over it. B: ask the wife why and when he had the automatic defibrillator implanted. C: avoid using the AED because the implanted defibrillator is more effective. D: apply the AED as soon as possible and analyze his cardiac rhythm.

D; Some patients who are at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib) have a small automatic implanted cardioverter/defibrillator (AICD). The AICD attaches directly to the heart and continuously monitors the cardiac rhythm, delivering a shock if V-Fib or another lethal dysrhythmia is detected. Regardless of whether the patient has an AICD, he or she should be treated like all other cardiac arrest patients. Perform CPR and use the AED as usual; however, you should ensure that the AED pads are at least 1" away from the implanted device. Generally, the electricity from the AICD is so low that it will have no effect on rescuers and therefore should not be of concern to you. Do not deactivate an implanted AICD, especially if it is working and delivering shocks as it is supposed to. When treating a cardiac arrest patient who has an AICD, your priority is to provide CPR and defibrillate with the AED if indicated, not to determine when and why the AICD was implanted.

The automated external defibrillator (AED) should NOT be used in patients who: A: are between 1 and 8 years of age. B: experienced a witnessed cardiac arrest. C: have a nitroglycerin patch applied to the skin. D: are apneic and have a weak carotid pulse.

D; The AED is only applied to patients in cardiac arrest (eg, pulseless and apneic), whether the arrest was witnessed or unwitnessed. According to the 2010 guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC), AEDs can safely be used in infants and children less than 8 years of age in conjunction with a dose-attenuating system (energy reducer) and pediatric pads. However, if pediatric pads and an energy reducer are unavailable, adult AED pads should be used. A nitroglycerin patch is not a contraindication to the use of an AED; simply remove the patch (with gloved hands) and apply the AED as usual.

Which of the following is an abnormal finding when using the Cincinnati stroke scale to assess a patient who presents with signs of a stroke? A: Both arms drift slowly and equally down to the patient's side. B: The patient's face is symmetrical when he or she smiles. C: One of the pupils is dilated and does not react to light. D: One arm drifts down compared with the other side.

D; The Cincinnati Stroke Scale is used to assess patients suspected of experiencing a stroke. It consists of three tests: speech, facial droop, and arm drift. Abnormality in any one of these areas indicates a high probability of stroke. To test arm drift, ask the patient to hold both arms in front of his or her body, palms facing upward, with eyes closed and without moving. Over the next 10 seconds, observe the patient's arms. If one arm drifts down toward the ground, you know that side is weak; this is an abnormal finding. To test for facial droop, have the patient smile, showing his or her teeth. The face should be symmetrical (both sides of the face should move equally). If only one side of the face moves well, you know that something is wrong with the part of the brain that controls the facial muscles. You should assess the pupils of a patient with a suspected stroke; however, this is not a component of the Cincinnati Stroke Scale.

A patient reports pain in the upper midabdominal area. This region of the abdomen is called the: A: peritoneum. B: mediastinum. C: retroperitoneum. D: epigastrium.

D; The mid-upper region of the abdomen is referred to as the epigastrium because of its location over the stomach (epi = upon, gastric = stomach). This is a common site of pain or discomfort in patients experiencing a cardiac problem, which frequently causes them to attribute their pain or discomfort to indigestion.

The wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart is called the: A: pericardium. B: carina. C: mediastinum. D: septum.

D; The septum is the wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart. There is a septum for both the atria and the ventricles. The carina is the bifurcation point of the trachea, and the mediastinum is the space between the lungs in which the heart, great vessels, and a portion of the esophagus lie. The pericardium is the sac that surrounds the heart and contains pericardial fluid.

A 66-year-old female presents with an acute onset of confusion, slurred speech, and weakness to her right arm and leg. Her airway is patent and she is breathing adequately. The MOST important initial information to determine regarding this patient is: A: what she was doing when this began. B: her initial blood pressure reading. C: whether or not her pupils are equal. D: when her symptoms were first noted.

D; This patient is experiencing signs of an acute ischemic stroke. She may be a candidate for fibrinolytic therapy, drugs that destroy the clot in the cerebral artery, if her symptoms are of less than 3 hours' duration. It is vital to determine exactly (or as close to as possible) when the patient's symptoms were first noted, and pass this information along to the receiving facility. Few, if any, current treatments are effective if they are started more than 3 to 6 hours after the stroke begins. Even if 3 hours have passed, prompt action on your part is essential. Assessment of the patient's blood pressure, pupils, and events that preceded the symptoms are important; however, identifying the patient as a candidate for an intervention that may reverse the stroke is critical and will afford her the greatest chance for a positive outcome.

A 56-year-old man is found to be pulseless and apneic. His wife states that he collapsed about 5 minutes ago. As your partner gets the AED from the ambulance, you should: A: open the airway and give 2 rescue breaths. B: provide rescue breaths until the AED is ready. C: ask the wife if the patient has a living will. D: begin CPR, starting with chest compressions.

D; When you arrive on scene and determine that a patient is in cardiac arrest, you should immediately begin CPR, starting with chest compressions. Perform 30 chest compressions and then open the airway and deliver 2 rescue breaths. Chest compressions are a crucial part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and must be started without delay. Apply the AED as soon as it is available. In the interest of this patient, whose arrest interval is short, you should begin resuscitative efforts immediately. In some cases, it is appropriate to inquire about the presence of a living will; however, this should be done after resuscitative efforts have begun.

A 45-year-old woman calls EMS because of severe chest pain. When you arrive, she advises you that she has taken two of her husband's nitroglycerin (NTG) tablets without relief. What is your MOST appropriate course of action? A: Apply oxygen, assess the patient's blood pressure, and give a third and final NTG tablet. B: Attach the AED, administer 100% oxygen, and contact medical control for advice. C: Call medical control and request permission to assist the patient with one more NTG tablet. D: Apply supplemental oxygen and transport the patient to the hospital without delay.

D; You should provide supplemental oxygen and prompt transport to any patient who reports chest pain and does not have prescribed nitroglycerin. An EMT who knowingly administers someone else's medication to a patient could be held negligent. Medical control should always be contacted when in doubt. However, bear in mind that medical control will not allow you to assist a patient with someone else's medication. The AED is only applied to patients who are in cardiac arrest; the patient in this scenario is not in cardiac arrest.

Your assessment of a middle-aged female with chest pressure reveals that she is confused, diaphoretic, and has a blood pressure of 70/50 mm Hg. In caring for this patient, it is MOST important for you to: A: assist her with her nitroglycerin if she has any. B: request an ALS unit to respond to the scene. C: reassess her vital signs at least every 5 minutes. D: prepare for immediate transport to the hospital.

D; Your patient is in shock, which is most likely the result of heart failure (cardiogenic shock). Immediate transport to the closest appropriate hospital is critical. Assess for and manage problems with airway, breathing, and circulation, and then get on the road! She needs definitive care that can only be provided at the hospital. Reassess her vital signs at least every 5 minutes, but do it en route! If you can rendezvous with an ALS unit en route, do so. However, you should not remain at the scene to wait for them. Nitroglycerin is clearly contraindicated for this patient; her BP is dangerously low.

Which of the following statements regarding the automated external defibrillator (AED) is correct? A: The AED should not be used in patients with an implanted defibrillator B: AEDs can safely be used in infants and children less than 8 years of age C: AEDs will analyze the patient's rhythm while CPR is in progress D: The AED should be applied to patients at risk for cardiac arrest

B; According to the 2010 guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC), the AED can safely be used in infants and children less than 8 years of age. Although a manual defibrillator is preferred in infants, an AED can be used. When using the AED in infants and children, you should use pediatric pads and a dose-attenuating system (energy reducer); however, if these features are not available, adult AED pads should be used. The AED should only be applied to patients in cardiac arrest; if a patient is at risk for cardiac arrest, have the AED ready but not applied. The AED will not analyze the cardiac rhythm if the patient is moving (ie, CPR is in progress). AEDs can be used in patients with an automated implanted cardioverter/defibrillator (AICD) or implanted pacemaker; ensure that the pads are at least 1" away from the implanted device.

You are caring for a 66-year-old woman with severe pressure in her chest. As you administer oxygen to her, your partner should: A: notify medical control. B: obtain a set of vital signs. C: gather her medications. D: obtain a SAMPLE history.

B; After you have performed the primary assessment of a patient with a possible cardiac problem and initiated treatment (ie, oxygen, aspirin), your partner should obtain a set of baseline vital signs, which includes assessing the blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation (SpO2). After the vital signs are obtained, the SAMPLE history is obtained, which includes gathering the patient's medications. Once you have completed your assessment, including obtaining the vital signs and SAMPLE history, you should contact medical control if guidance is needed.

Which of the following is MOST indicative of a primary cardiac problem? A: Sudden fainting B: Irregular pulse C: Tachypnea D: Tachycardia

B; An irregular pulse signifies an abnormality within the electrical conduction system of the heart. Tachycardia, sudden fainting (syncope), and tachypnea (rapid breathing) can indicate many things other than cardiac problems, such as shock, heat-related problems, and diabetic complications. You should always consider the possibility of a cardiac problem in a patient with an irregular pulse.

Which of the following is a common side effect of nitroglycerin? A: Anxiety B: Headache C: Nausea D: Hypertension

B; Because nitroglycerin (NTG) causes vasodilation, including the vessels within the brain, cerebral blood flow increases following the administration of NTG. This often causes a pounding headache for the patient. As uncomfortable as it is for the patient, headaches are a common and expected side effect of the drug. The vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin could result in hypotension; therefore, the patient's blood pressure should be carefully monitored. Nausea and anxiety are common symptoms of acute coronary syndrome; they are not common side effects of nitroglycerin.

While transporting an elderly woman who was complaining of nausea, vomiting, and weakness, she suddenly becomes unresponsive. You should: A: analyze her heart rhythm with the AED. B: quickly look at her chest for obvious movement. C: feel for a carotid pulse for at least 5 seconds. D: open her airway and ensure that it is clear.

B; If a patient is found unresponsive or becomes unresponsive in your presence, your first action should be to assess for breathing; this should be done by quickly (no more than 10 seconds) looking at the chest for obvious movement. If the patient is not breathing or only has agonal gasps, you should check for a pulse for at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds. If the patient has a pulse but is not breathing, open the airway and provide rescue breathing. If the patient does not have a pulse, begin CPR (starting with chest compressions), and apply the AED as soon as possible. If you are transporting a patient who becomes unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic, you should begin CPR and instruct your partner to stop the ambulance and prepare the AED.

An elderly man is unresponsive and has agonal breathing. You should: A: perform rescue breathing at 10 to 12 breaths/min. B: check for a carotid pulse for up to 10 seconds. C: begin CPR, starting with chest compressions. D: open his airway and deliver 2 rescue breaths.

B; If a patient is unresponsive and is not breathing or has agonal breathing (also called agonal gasps), you should check for a pulse for at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds. If you can definitely feel a pulse, provide rescue breathing (10 to 12 breaths/min for adults; 12 to 20 breaths/min for infants and children). If you cannot feel a pulse, or if you are unsure if a pulse is present, begin CPR starting with chest compressions and apply the AED as soon as possible.

After defibrillating a man in cardiac arrest, you resume CPR. As you are about to reanalyze his cardiac rhythm 2 minutes later, your partner tells you she can definitely feel a strong carotid pulse. You should: A: remove the AED pads from the patient's chest. B: assess the patient's breathing effort. C: ask her to obtain a blood pressure reading. D: continue with the rhythm analysis.

B; If return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) occurs, your first action should be to reassess the patient's airway status and breathing effort. If the patient is still apneic or is breathing inadequately, continue ventilations and frequently reassess his or her pulse. If the patient is breathing adequately, apply high-flow oxygen via nonrebreathing mask. If the patient is still unresponsive, as is often the case, insert an appropriate airway adjunct (if not already done) to assist in maintaining airway patency. After reassessing airway and breathing, obtain the patient's blood pressure and treat hypotension if needed. Do not remove the AED pads from the patient's chest, even if ROSC has occurred. The risk of cardiac arrest is still high and the patient may need further defibrillation. You should, however, disconnect the pads from the AED or simply turn the AED off.

You arrive at the scene of a 56-year-old man who collapsed. The patient's wife tells you that he suddenly grabbed his chest and then passed out. Your assessment reveals that he is apneic and pulseless. As your partner begins one-rescuer CPR, you should: A: obtain a SAMPLE history. B: prepare the AED for use. C: insert an airway adjunct. D: notify medical control.

B; Immediate treatment for a patient in cardiac arrest involves performing CPR and applying the AED as soon as possible. After applying the AED pads to the patient's chest (around your partner's compressing hands), analyze his cardiac rhythm, deliver a shock if indicated, and immediately resume CPR (starting with chest compressions). Management of the airway, including insertion of an airway adjunct, should occur during the 2-minute period of CPR in between cardiac rhythm analysis and defibrillation. While CPR is in progress, obtain as much of the patient's medical history from his wife as possible, and notify medical control when it is practical (ie, you have more help at the scene).

Sudden cardiac arrest in the adult population is MOST often the result of: A: an acute stroke. B: a cardiac dysrhythmia. C: myocardial infarction. D: respiratory failure.

B; Most cases of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the adult (70% to 75%) are the result of a cardiac dysrhythmia, most commonly ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib). This fact underscores the importance of early defibrillation. Stroke, respiratory failure, and myocardial infarction can all cause cardiac arrest in the adult, but a cardiac dysrhythmia is more common.

Prior to administering nitroglycerin to a patient with chest pain, you should: A: auscultate the patient's breath sounds. B: obtain vital signs to detect hypotension. C: inquire about an allergy to salicylates. D: elevate the patient's lower extremities.

B; Prior to assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin, there are two things that you must do: take the patient's vital signs and obtain authorization from medical control. Nitroglycerin is contraindicated for patients with a systolic blood pressure that is less than 100 mm Hg. If the patient develops hypotension after being given nitroglycerin, elevating his or her lower extremities would be indicated. Salicylates are a class of drugs that include aspirin, not nitroglycerin (nitroglycerin is a nitrate). Although you should inquire about medication allergies in general, it is not necessary to inquire specifically about an allergy to salicylates unless you are going to administer aspirin. Assessment of a patient with a possible cardiac or respiratory problem should include auscultation of breath sounds; however, this does not necessarily have to be done before assisting the patient with his or her nitroglycerin.

Which of the following assessment findings is LEAST suggestive of cardiac compromise? A: Rapid, irregular heart rate B: Palpable pain to the chest C: Anxiety and pale, cool skin D: Nausea and epigastric pain

B; Signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise include nonreproducible pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest or epigastric region; nausea; pale, cool, clammy (diaphoretic) skin; and an irregular pulse that is either fast or slow. Pain of cardiac origin typically is not reproducible by palpation. Palpable pain to the chest suggests a musculoskeletal problem, not a cardiac problem. However, because some patients with a cardiac problem present atypically, you should transport any patient with chest pain, pressure, or discomfort to the hospital.

When assessing a patient with a possible stroke, you should recall that: A: fibrinolytic therapy must be given within 6 hours following the stroke. B: the patient may be unable to communicate, but can often understand. C: the majority of strokes involve bleeding into the brain tissue. D: right-sided weakness indicates a stroke in the right cerebral hemisphere.

B; Some patients who have had a stroke may be unable to communicate (expressive aphasia), but they can often understand what is being said around them; be aware of this possibility. Seventy-five percent of all strokes are caused by a blocked cerebral artery (ischemic stroke); strokes caused by a ruptured cerebral artery (hemorrhagic stroke) are less common. Because the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and vice versa, right-sided weakness (hemiparesis) indicates a stroke in the left cerebral hemisphere. Some patients who have had a stroke may benefit from fibrinolytic (clot-buster) therapy; however, to be most effective, this treatment must be given within the first 3 hours following the onset of the stroke.

When assessing a patient who complains of chest pain, which of the following questions would you ask to assess the "R" in OPQRST? A: Did the pain begin suddenly or gradually? B: Is the pain in one place or does it move around? C: Is there anything that makes the pain worse? D: What were you doing when the pain began?

B; The "R" in OPQRST stands for radiation or referred pain. An appropriate way to determine whether the pain radiates or not is to ask the patient if the pain remains in one place or if it moves around. When determining if the patient has referred pain, ask him or her if he or she hurts somewhere other than his or her chest. If you use the term "radiating pain," chances are the patient will not understand what you are asking.

Freshly oxygenated blood returns to the heart via the: A: aorta. B: pulmonary vein. C: vena cavae. D: pulmonary artery.

B; The pulmonary vein is the only vein that carries oxygen-rich blood. It carries blood from the lungs back to the left atrium. All other veins in the human body, including the vena cavae, carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The aorta is the largest artery in the body and branches immediately from the left ventricle, carrying freshly oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the right ventricle to the lungs for reoxygenation.

Treatment for a patient with congestive heart failure and shortness of breath may include: A: prophylactic suctioning of the airway. B: up to three doses of sublingual nitroglycerin. C: hyperventilation with a bag-mask device. D: supine positioning and elevation of the legs.

B; Treatment for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) includes supplemental oxygen as needed to maintain an oxygen saturation equal to or greater than 94%, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), ventilatory assistance with a bag-mask device if needed (do NOT hyperventilate the patient), placing the patient in an upright or sitting position to facilitate breathing (a supine position will clearly make it more difficult to breathe), monitoring the patient's vital signs, and transporting to the hospital without delay. Suction the airway only if there are secretions in the mouth; prophylactic suctioning is not indicated. Nitroglycerin (NTG) may be of value if the patient is not hypotensive and he or she has the medication prescribed to him or her. As a vasodilator, NTG causes systemic venous pooling of blood, which reduces the amount of blood returned to the heart (preload), and thus, the amount of blood available to backup in the lungs. Follow your local protocols or contact medical control as needed regarding the use of NTG for patients with CHF.

Which of the following questions would be the MOST effective in determining if a patient's chest pain radiates away from his or her chest? A: Is there any other part of your body where you have pain? B: Does the pain stay in your chest or move anywhere else? C: Is there anything that makes the pain better or worse? D: Do you also have pain in your arm, jaw, or back?

B; When assessing a patient with any type of pain, you should avoid asking leading questions; instead, ask open-ended questions whenever possible. For example, instead of asking the patient if his or her pain is dull, crushing, or sharp, ask him or her to describe the pain using his or her own words. Patients with radiating pain often state that the pain moves or travels away from its point of origin, with pain in between point A and point B. Patients with referred pain complain of pain in more than one location, without a trail of pain in between. You should also ask the patient if anything makes the pain worse (provokes) or better (palliates).

Chest compression effectiveness is MOST effectively assessed by: A: measuring the systolic blood pressure during compressions. B: palpating for a carotid pulse with each compression. C: carefully measuring the depth of each compression. D: listening for a heartbeat with each compression.

B; When chest compressions are in progress, the most reliable method of determining their effectiveness is to palpate for a carotid or femoral pulse. If compressions are of adequate depth for the patient's age, you should be able to feel a pulsation during each compression. It should be noted that you may not be able to feel a pulse in severely hypovolemic patients, despite adequately performed chest compressions.

Which of the following statements regarding one-rescuer CPR is correct? A: Ventilations should be delivered over a period of 2 to 3 seconds. B: The chest should be allowed to fully recoil after each compression. C: You should assess the patient for a pulse after 3 cycles of CPR. D: A compression to ventilation ratio of 15:2 should be delivered.

B; When performing CPR on any patient, you should allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression. Incomplete chest recoil causes increased intrathoracic pressure, which may impair blood return to the heart. Assess the patient's pulse after every 5 cycles (about 2 minutes) of CPR; take no longer than 5 to 10 seconds to do this. A compression to ventilation ratio of 30:2 should be performed during all adult and one-rescuer CPR (adult, child, and infant), except for newborns. A compression to ventilation ratio of 15:2 is used during two-rescuer infant and child CPR. Ventilations should be delivered over a period of 1 second each, just enough to produce visible chest rise.

Which of the following questions would be MOST appropriate to ask when assessing a patient with chest pain? A: Is the pain worse when you take a deep breath? B: What does the pain feel like? C: Would you describe the pain as sharp? D: Does the pain radiate to your arm?

B; When questioning any patient about any type of pain, you should avoid asking leading questions that can simply be answered yes or no. To obtain the most reliable assessment, open-ended questions should be asked to allow the patient to describe the quality of the pain in his or her own words.

A middle-aged female with a history of hypertension and high cholesterol complains of chest discomfort. She asks you to take her to the hospital where her personal physician practices, which is 15 miles away. Her blood pressure is 130/70 mm Hg, pulse is 84 beats/min and regular, and respirations are 18 breaths/min and unlabored. Which of the following actions is clearly NOT appropriate for this patient? A: Contacting her physician via phone B: Allowing her to walk to the ambulance C: Giving oxygen via nasal cannula D: Taking her to her choice hospital

B; You should NEVER allow a patient with a possible cardiac problem to walk to the ambulance. This causes exertion, which increases cardiac oxygen consumption and demand and could worsen his or her condition. Give the patient oxygen in a concentration sufficient to maintain his or her oxygen saturation equal to or greater than 94%. In general, you should transport patients to the hospital of their choice. However, transport to a closer hospital should be considered if you believe the patient is unstable or is at high risk for becoming unstable. If necessary, consult with the patient's physician via phone to determine if he or she thinks the patient should go to a closer hospital.