EMT CARDIOLOGY EXAMINATION GUIDE
1. What occurs during recoil of the chest in between compressions?
A) Positive pressure accumulates in the thoracic
... [Show More] cavity
B) A vacuum is created and blood returns to the heart
C) Excessive amounts of air are expelled from the lungs
D) Forward flow of blood moves to the body's vital organs
B) A vacuum is created and blood returns to the heart
• Which of the following statements regarding one-rescuer CPR is correct?
A) You should assess the patient for a pulse after 3 cycles of CPR.
B) A compression to ventilation ratio of 15:2 should be delivered.
C) Ventilations should be delivered over a period of 2 to 3 seconds.
D) The chest should be allowed to fully recoil after each compression.
D) The chest should be allowed to fully recoil after each compression.
2. A middle-aged man 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) immediately begin CPR, reassess for a carotid pulse after 60 seconds, and then apply the AED.
B) immediately apply the AED, analyze his cardiac rhythm, deliver a shock if indicated, and begin CPR.
C) begin CPR starting with chest compressions, apply the AED as soon as possible, and request backup.
D) perform CPR with a compression to ventilation ratio of 15:2, apply the AED, and request backup.
C) begin CPR starting with chest compressions, apply the AED as soon as possible, and request backup.
3. 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) advise your partner to stop the ambulance.
B) begin CPR and proceed to the hospital.
C) begin rescue breathing with a bag-mask device.
D) analyze the patient's rhythm with the AED.
A) advise your partner to stop the ambulance.
4. Which of the following assessment findings is LEAST suggestive of a cardiac problem?
A) Rapid, irregular heart rate
B) Anxiety and pale, cool skin
C) Palpable pain to the chest
D) Nausea and epigastric pain
C) Palpable pain to the chest
5. The middle, muscular layer of the heart is called the:
A) epicardium.
B) pericardium.
C) myocardium.
D) endocardium.
C) myocardium.
6. The pain associated with acute aortic dissection:
A) typically comes on gradually and progressively worsens.
B) is typically described as a stabbing or tearing sensation.
C) is usually preceded by nausea, sweating, and weakness.
D) originates in the epigastrium and radiates down both legs.
B) is typically described as a stabbing or tearing sensation.
7. When an error occurs while using the AED, it is MOST often the result of:
A) battery failure secondary to operator error.
B) malfunction of the microchip inside the AED.
C) misinterpretation of the patient's cardiac rhythm.
D) excess patient movement during the analyze phase.
A) battery failure secondary to operator error.
8. Switching compressors during two-rescuer CPR:
A) should take no more than 15 seconds to accomplish.
B) should occur every 2 minutes throughout the arrest.
C) is necessary only if the compressor becomes fatigued.
D) is performed after every 10 to 20 cycles of adult CPR.
B) should occur every 2 minutes throughout the arrest.
9. All of the following are components of the Cincinnati Stroke Scale, EXCEPT:
A) pupil size.
B) facial droop.
C) speech pattern.
D) arm movement.
A) pupil size.
10. Which of the following clinical presentations is MOST consistent with right heart failure?
A) Tachycardia, poor skin turgor, and hypotension
B) Orthopnea, crackles in the lungs, and tachycardia
C) Peripheral edema and jugular venous distention
D) Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and hypertension
C) Peripheral edema and jugular venous distention
11. A 57-year-old man presents with flu-like symptoms. He is conscious and alert; his skin is pink, warm, and dry; and he denies chest pain or respiratory distress. During your assessment, you cannot feel radial or carotid pulses, and are unable to obtain a blood pressure. Which of the following would MOST likely explain this?
A) He is in the advanced stages of shock
B) He has a left ventricular assist device
C) He has a dissecting aortic aneurysm
D) He recently had a coronary artery bypass
B) He has a left ventricular assist device
12. Which of the following would clearly be detrimental to a patient in cardiac arrest?
A) Ventilating just until the chest rises
B) Performing CPR before defibrillation
C) Interrupting CPR for more than 10 seconds
D) Ventilating without supplemental oxygen
C) Interrupting CPR for more than 10 seconds
13. Following return of spontaneous circulation, the patient remains apneic. The EMT should:
A) ventilate at 10 breaths/min and maintain an oxygen saturation of 92% to 98%.
B) ventilate at 15 to 18 breaths/min and maintain an oxygen saturation of 100%.
C) elevate the patient's lower extremities and ventilate at a rate of 20 breaths/min.
D) remove the AED pads and ventilate the patient at a rate of 24 breaths/min.
A) ventilate at 10 breaths/min and maintain an oxygen saturation of 92% to 98%.
14. In which of the following patients is nitroglycerin contraindicated?
A) 41-year-old man with crushing substernal chest pressure, a blood pressure of 160/90 mm Hg, and severe nausea
B) 53-year-old man with chest discomfort, diaphoresis, a blood pressure of 146/66 mm Hg, and regular use of Levitra
C) 58-year-old man with chest pain radiating to the left arm, a blood pressure of 130/64 mm Hg, and prescribed Tegretol
D) 66-year-old woman with chest pressure of 6 hours' duration, lightheadedness, and a blood pressure of 110/58 mm Hg
B) 53-year-old man with chest discomfort, diaphoresis, a blood pressure of 146/66 mm Hg, and regular use of Levitra
15. 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) stroke volume increases as a person ages.
B) blood pressure decreases as a person ages.
C) the reserve capacity of the heart is reduced as a person ages.
D) the blood vessels become more elastic as a person ages.
C) the reserve capacity of the heart is reduced as a person ages.
16. The AED analyzes your pulseless and apneic patient's cardiac rhythm and advises that a shock is NOT indicated. You should:
A) assess for a pulse for no more than 10 seconds.
B) resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.
C) open the patient's airway and check for breathing.
D) reanalyze the cardiac rhythm for positive confirmation.
B) resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.
17. When applying the ECG electrodes, the negative (white) lead is placed on the:
A) left arm.
B) right arm.
C) left leg.
D) right leg.
B) right arm.
18. Which of the following describes pulseless electrical activity (PEA)?
A) disorganized, chaotic quivering of the heart muscle that does not generate a pulse
B) The presence of a palpable pulse in the absence of any electrical activity in the heart
C) A rapid cardiac rhythm that does not produce a pulse, but responds to defibrillation
D) Any organized cardiac rhythm, slow or fast, that does not produce a palpable pulse
D) Any organized cardiac rhythm, slow or fast, that does not produce a palpable pulse
19. A 50-year-old man with a history of hypertension began experiencing chest pressure while mowing his lawn. After taking a baby aspirin and resting for approximately 10 minutes, the pressure in his chest completely resolved. Which of the following would BEST explain this?
A) The patient's blood pressure increased after he ceased exertion, causing his chest pressure to resolve.
B) The cessation of exertion decreased the workload of the heart and blood flow to the myocardium improved.
C) The aspirin dissolved a small clot in a coronary artery and reestablished blood flow to that part of the heart.
D) Blood flow to a part of the myocardium was restored because of constriction of a diseased coronary artery.
B) The cessation of exertion decreased the workload of the heart and blood flow to the myocardium improved.
20. Shortly after assisting a 60-year-old woman with her second nitroglycerin treatment, she tells you that she is lightheaded and feels as if she is going to faint. Her symptoms are MOST likely due to:
A) low blood pressure.
B) an irregular heartbeat.
C) nervousness and anxiety.
D) a drop in her blood sugar.
A) low blood pressure.
21. Sudden cardiac arrest in the adult population MOST often is the result of:
A) myocardial infarction.
B) respiratory failure.
C) a cardiac dysrhythmia.
D) accidental electrocution.
C) a cardiac dysrhythmia.
22. 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) apply the AED as soon as possible and analyze his cardiac rhythm.
C) ask the wife why and when he had the automatic defibrillator implanted.
D) avoid using the AED because the implanted defibrillator is more effective.
B) apply the AED as soon as possible and analyze his cardiac rhythm.
23. In most people, the inferior aspect of the left ventricle receives its blood supply from the:
A) circumflex artery.
B) right coronary artery.
C) left main coronary artery.
D) left anterior descending artery.
B) right coronary artery.
24. The EMT is treating a man with chest pain and has assisted him with his nitroglycerin. Which of the following should the EMT anticipate during reassessment of this patient?
A) Decreased blood pressure
B) Increased level of anxiety
C) Increased oxygen saturation
D) Burning sensation in the chest
A) Decreased blood pressure
25. A 72-year-old woman reports dyspnea that woke her from her sleep. Her feet and ankles are swollen, and auscultation of her lungs reveals crackles to both lung bases. She has a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and a heart attack 2 years ago. Her BP is 170/94 mm Hg, her pulse is 110 beats/min and irregular, her respirations are 24 breaths/min and labored, and her oxygen saturation is 85% on room air. What should you suspect?
A) Acute asthma attack
B) Congestive heart failure
C) Acute hypertensive crisis
D) Emphysema exacerbation
B) Congestive heart failure
26. 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. The EMT should:
A) apply the AED and prepare the patient for immediate transport.
B) administer up to 325 mg of aspirin if the patient is not allergic to it.
C) assist the patient with his nitroglycerin with medical control approval.
D) perform a secondary assessment and obtain baseline vital signs.
B) administer up to 325 mg of aspirin if the patient is not allergic to it.
27. 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) One arm drifts down compared with the other side.
B) One of the pupils is dilated and does not react to light.
C) The patient's face is symmetrical when he or she smiles.
D) Both arms drift slowly and equally down to the patient's side.
A) One arm drifts down compared with the other side.
28. An 88-year-old woman experienced a syncopal episode. She is now conscious, but reports dizziness and generalized weakness. Her pulse is 170 beats/min and irregular. The EMT should recognize that this patient's syncope was MOST likely caused by:
A) an acute cardiac dysrhythmia.
B) increased parasympathetic tone.
C) widespread systemic vasodilation.
D) decreased sympathetic tone.
A) an acute cardiac dysrhythmia.
29. Which of the following is a common side effect of nitroglycerin?
A) Nausea
B) Anxiety
C) Headache
D) Hypertension
C) Headache
30. In addition to chest pain or discomfort, a patient experiencing an acute coronary syndrome would MOST likely present with:
A) ashen skin color, diaphoresis, and anxiety.
B) severe projectile vomiting and flushed skin.
C) irregular breathing and low blood pressure.
D) profound cyanosis, dry skin, and a headache.
A) ashen skin color, diaphoresis, and anxiety.
31. Which of the following is MOST indicative of a primary cardiac problem?
A) Tachypnea
B) Tachycardia
C) Irregular pulse
D) Sudden fainting
C) Irregular pulse
32. Freshly oxygenated blood returns to the heart via the:
A) aorta.
B) venae cavae.
C) pulmonary veins.
D) pulmonary arteries.
C) pulmonary veins.
33. A 69-year-old man is unresponsive. He has a weak carotid pulse at 40 beats/min and his skin is cool and pale. From this information, the EMT should conclude that:
A) he is in ventricular fibrillation.
B) his cardiac output is reduced.
C) he has a blocked coronary artery.
D) his systolic BP is at least 90 mm Hg.
B) his cardiac output is reduced.
34. 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) perform rescue breathing only until the AED is charged and ready to shock.
C) cease all contact with the patient until the AED has delivered the shock.
D) retrieve the airway equipment and prepare to ventilate the patient.
A) continue chest compressions until your partner tells you to stand clear.
35. Which of the following is the MOST detrimental effect that tachycardia can have on a patient experiencing a cardiac problem?
A) Increased blood pressure
B) Increased oxygen demand
C) Increased stress and anxiety
D) Decreased cardiac functionin
B) Increased oxygen demand
36. At the end of ventricular relaxation, the left ventricle contains 110 mL of blood. This is referred to as the:
A) preload.
B) afterload.
C) stroke volume.
D) cardiac output.
A) preload.
37. The chest pain associated with an acute coronary syndrome is often described as:
A) sharp.
B) stabbing.
C) pressure.
D) cramping.
C) pressure.
38. The MOST important initial treatment for a patient whose cardiac arrest was witnessed is:
A) defibrillation.
B) cardiac drug therapy.
C) rapid transport.
D) high-quality CPR.
D) high-quality CPR.
39. Blood is returned from the kidneys to the heart by way of the:
A) renal arteries.
B) splenic arteries.
C) coronary sinus.
D) inferior vena cava.
D) inferior vena cava.
40. 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 don't know, but we will take good care of you.
C) Probably not, but we should transport you to be safe.
D) I believe you are, but only a physician can tell for sure.
B) I don't know, but we will take good care of you.
41. A 62-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease began experiencing chest pain and nausea while on his daily jog. After sitting down and resting for 5 minutes, his pain and nausea resolve. Which of the following BEST describes this patient's condition?
A) Musculoskeletal chest pain
B) Acute myocardial infarction
C) Unstable angina pectoris
D) Stable angina pectoris
D) Stable angina pectoris
42. Your assessment of a middle-aged woman with chest pressure reveals that she is confused, is diaphoretic, and has a blood pressure of 70/50 mm Hg. In caring for this patient, it is MOST important for you to:
A) request an ALS unit to respond to the scene.
B) assist her with her nitroglycerin if she has any.
C) reassess her vital signs at least every 5 minutes.
D) prepare for immediate transport to the hospital.
D) prepare for immediate transport to the hospital.
43. A 50-year-old man's implanted defibrillator has fired twice within the last hour. He is conscious and alert and reports a "sore chest." Further assessment reveals that his chest pain is reproducible to palpation and is localized to the area of his implanted defibrillator. Treatment for him should include:
A) application of the AED and transport to the hospital.
B) prompt transport with continuous monitoring en route.
C) deactivating his defibrillator by running a magnet over it.
D) up to three doses of nitroglycerin and prompt transport.
B) prompt transport with continuous monitoring en route.
44. After attaching the AED and pushing the analyze button on an adult patient in cardiac arrest, the AED states that a shock is advised. Which cardiac rhythm is the patient MOST likely in?
A) Asystole
B) Ventricular fibrillation
C) Ventricular tachycardia
D) Pulseless electrical activity
B) Ventricular fibrillation
45. Treatment for a patient with congestive heart failure and shortness of breath may include:
A) prophylactic suctioning of the airway.
B) hyperventilation with a bag-mask device.
C) supine positioning and elevation of the legs.
D) up to three doses of sublingual nitroglycerin.
D) up to three doses of sublingual nitroglycerin
46. While assessing a patient with chest pain, you note that his pulse is irregular. This indicates:
A) acute myocardial infarction or angina pectoris.
B) a dysfunction in the left side of the patient's heart
C) high blood pressure that is increasing cardiac workload.
D) abnormalities in the heart's electrical conduction system.
D) abnormalities in the heart's electrical conduction system.
47. Aspirin may be contraindicated in patients with:
A) glaucoma.
B) diabetes.
C) stomach ulcers.
D) ibuprofen allergy.
C) stomach ulcers
48. A 67-year-old woman presents with acute weakness and nausea. She is conscious and alert and her skin is cool and clammy. Her BP is 140/88 mm Hg, pulse is 70 beats/min and regular, and respirations are 16 breaths/min and unlabored. Her medical history includes hypertension and diabetes, and she advises that she has an implanted pacemaker. What should you suspect?
A) Pacemaker malfunction
B) Acute hypertensive crisis
C) Infection with influenza
D) Acute myocardial infarction
D) Acute myocardial infarction
49. After administering nitroglycerin to a patient with chest discomfort, it is MOST important for you to:
A) ask the patient if the discomfort has improved.
B) find out how long the discomfort has been present.
C) position the patient supine and transport immediately.
D) reassess the patient's blood pressure within 5 minutes.
D) reassess the patient's blood pressure within 5 minutes.
50. Ischemic heart disease is a condition in which:
A) a portion of the heart muscle dies because of a prolonged lack of oxygen.
B) there is a decrease in blood flow to one or more portions of the heart muscle.
C) the coronary arteries dilate, thus preventing effective blood flow to the heart.
D) an acute event leads to a significant decrease in the pumping force of the heart.
B) there is a decrease in blood flow to one or more portions of the heart muscle.
51. Which of the following patients is the BEST candidate for the administration of nitroglycerin?
A) woman who has taken three doses of prescribed nitroglycerin without relief of chest pain
B) A woman with chest pain, prescribed nitroglycerin, and a blood pressure of 104/76 mm Hg
C) A man with chest pain, expired nitroglycerin spray, and a blood pressure of 110/80 mm Hg
D) An elderly man with crushing substernal chest pain and a blood pressure of 80/60 mm Hg
B) A woman with chest pain, prescribed nitroglycerin, and a blood pressure of 104/76 mm Hg
52. A 71-year-old woman presents with an acute onset of confusion, slurred speech, and left-sided weakness. She is conscious and her airway is patent. Her BP is 180/94 mm Hg, her pulse is 70 beats/min and irregular, her respirations are 14 breaths/min and unlabored, and her oxygen saturation is 97% on room air. What should you do?
A) Administer up to 325 mg of chewable aspirin.
B) Position her supine, and assist her ventilations.
C) Give oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 to 6 L/min.
D) Keep her sitting up, and transport without delay.
D) Keep her sitting up, and transport without delay.
53. Because of the property of automaticity, cardiac muscle cells are able to:
A) contract spontaneously without a stimulus from a nerve source.
B) rest for up to 2 minutes before initiating another electrical impulse.
C) survive for long periods of time if oxygen does not reach the heart.
D) generate an electrical impulse from the same pacemaker every time.
A) contract spontaneously without a stimulus from a nerve source.
54. The wall that separates the left and right sides of the heart is called the:
A) carina.
B) septum.
C) pericardium.
D) mediastinum.
B) septum.
55. 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 inches, allow full recoil of the chest after each compression, minimize interruptions in chest compressions
B) Allow full recoil of the chest after each compression, compress the chest to a depth of 2 inches, deliver compressions at a rate of at least 80/min
C) Do not interrupt chest compressions for any reason, compress the chest no more than 1½ inches, allow partial recoil of the chest after each compression
D) Minimize interruptions in chest compressions, provide 70% compression time and 30% relaxation time, deliver compressions at a rate of 100/min
A) Compress the chest at least 2 inches, allow full recoil of the chest after each compression, minimize interruptions in chest compressions
56. Which of the following types of stroke would MOST likely present with a sudden, severe headache?
A) Ischemic
B) Hemorrhagic
C) Thrombotic
D) Embolic
B) Hemorrhagic
57. 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) In V-Fib, the heart is not pumping any blood and the patient is pulseless.
C) Patients in V-Fib should be defibrillated after every 60 seconds of CPR.
D) Any patient in V-Fib must receive CPR for 2 minutes prior to defibrillation.
B) In V-Fib, the heart is not pumping any blood and the patient is pulseless.
58. With regard to the electrocardiogram (ECG), what is artifact?
A) significant abnormality discovered by the paramedic
B) The complete absence of electrical activity on the ECG
C) Electrical interference that can make diagnosis difficult
D) Improper lead placement, resulting in misdiagnosis
C) Electrical interference that can make diagnosis difficult
59. When assessing a patient who has stroke-like symptoms, you should recall that:
A) the majority strokes are caused by a ruptured cerebral artery.
B) the patient may be unable to communicate, but can often understand.
C) right-sided weakness indicates a stroke in the right cerebral hemisphere.
D) fibrinolytic therapy must be given within 6 hours following the stroke.
B) the patient may be unable to communicate, but can often understand.
60. 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) detach the AED and prepare for immediate transport.
C) deliver the shock as indicated followed immediately by CPR.
D) notify medical control and request permission to cease resuscitation.
C) deliver the shock as indicated followed immediately by CPR.
61. Which of the following clinical signs would indicate increased sympathetic nervous system activity?
A) Tachycardia
B) Hypotension
C) Constricted pupils
D) Slow respiratory rate
A) Tachycardia
62. A patient reports pain in the upper midabdominal area. This region of the abdomen is called the:
A) peritoneum.
B) epigastrium.
C) mediastinum.
D) retroperitoneum.
B) epigastrium.
63. The energy setting for a biphasic AED:
A) is typically 360 joules.
B) is manufacturer specific.
C) must be manually set by the EMT.
D) increases by 50 joules with each shock.
B) is manufacturer specific.
64. 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 911. 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) cardiogenic shock.
B) hypovolemic shock.
C) acute septic shock.
D) pulmonary embolism.
A) cardiogenic shock.
65. 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) What were you doing when the pain began?
C) Is there anything that makes the pain worse?
D) Is the pain in one place or does it move around?
D) Is the pain in one place or does it move around?
66. 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) give high-flow oxygen.
B) transport without delay.
C) keep the patient warm.
D) assess his oxygen saturation.
B) transport without delay.
67. Which of the following patients would MOST likely present with vague or unusual symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction?
A) 55-year-old obese woman
B) 66-year-old man with angina
C) 72-year-old woman with diabetes
D) 75-year-old man with hypertension
C) 72-year-old woman with diabetes
68. Which of the following is an expected finding in patients who have a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) with a continuous flow pump?
A) cyanotic skin.
B) hypertension.
C) peripheral edema.
D) absence of pulses.
D) absence of pulses.
69. 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) consider terminating resuscitation.
B) remove the AED and continue CPR.
C) continue CPR and transport at once.
D) request a paramedic unit at the scene.
C) continue CPR and transport at once.
70. Prior to being reoxygenated in the lungs, blood passes through the:
A) mitral and tricuspid valves.
B) aortic and tricuspid valves.
C) aortic and pulmonic valves.
D) tricuspid and pulmonic valves.
D) tricuspid and pulmonic valves.
71. Prior to administering nitroglycerin to a patient with chest pain, you should:
A) elevate the patient's lower extremities.
B) obtain vital signs to detect hypotension.
C) inquire about an allergy to salicylates.
D) auscultate the patient's breath sounds.
B) obtain vital signs to detect hypotension.
72. 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) Assess for a carotid pulse for up to 10 seconds.
B) Resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.
C) Ensure that the AED electrodes are properly applied.
D) Reanalyze his cardiac rhythm after 30 seconds of CPR.
B) Resume CPR, starting with chest compressions.
73. A 44-year-old man reports dizziness and light-headedness. His BP is 88/62 mm Hg; his heart rate is 190 beats/min and weak; and his skin is cool, clammy, and pale. Which of the following would BEST explain why his BP is low?
A) Widespread systemic vasoconstriction
B) Decreased ventricular filling time
C) Increased ventricular stroke volume
D) Decreased myocardial oxygen demand
B) Decreased ventricular filling time
74. 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) she has ongoing cardiac ischemia.
C) her nitroglycerin is no longer potent.
D) her chest pain is not cardiac related.
B) she has ongoing cardiac ischemia.
75. 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) continue with the rhythm analysis.
B) assess the patient's breathing effort.
C) ask her to obtain a blood pressure reading.
D) remove the AED pads from the patient's chest.
B) assess the patient's breathing effort.
76. Which of the following structures is the primary pacemaker, which sets the normal rate for the heart?
A) Bundle of His
B) Purkinje fibers
C) Sinoatrial node
D) Atrioventricular node
C) Sinoatrial node
77. 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) increased cardiac oxygen usage and demand.
78. 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) she is not in a shockable rhythm.
B) she has electrical activity but no pulse.
C) her rhythm has deteriorated to asystole.
D) the first shock restored a rhythm and pulse.
A) she is not in a shockable rhythm.
79. The myocardium receives its blood supply from the coronary arteries that branch directly from the:
A) aorta. [Show Less]