AEMCA Cardiovascular Emergencies 4

Question 1

Which drug is the FIRST-LINE antiarrhythmic for stable wide-complex tachycardia of unknown origin?

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 minutes

Answer

Amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 minutes is the preferred antiarrhythmic for stable wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin per ACLS guidelines.

Question 2

A 72-year-old is in cardiogenic shock after a large MI. Which hemodynamic pattern is expected?

Accepted Answer

Low BP, low CO, high SVR

Answer

Cardiogenic shock is characterized by low cardiac output from pump failure and compensatory peripheral vasoconstriction (high SVR) causing low blood pressure.

Question 3

Nitroglycerin is CONTRAINDICATED in a patient with suspected MI if the patient has taken which medication within the past 24–48 hours?

Accepted Answer

Sildenafil (Viagra)

Answer

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors like sildenafil potentiate nitrate-induced vasodilation, which can cause severe, refractory hypotension.

Question 4

A patient develops a wide-complex tachycardia at 220 bpm with a pulse and is becoming confused and hypotensive. What is the correct intervention?

Accepted Answer

Synchronized cardioversion starting at 100 J

Answer

Unstable wide-complex tachycardia with a pulse requires immediate synchronized cardioversion; the synchronized mode prevents shock delivery during the vulnerable T-wave period.

Question 5

Epinephrine 1 mg IV/IO is administered during cardiac arrest. How frequently should this dose be repeated?

Accepted Answer

Every 3–5 minutes

Answer

AHA ACLS guidelines recommend 1 mg epinephrine IV/IO every 3–5 minutes during cardiac arrest.

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA Cardiovascular Emergencies 4