Cardiac Emergencies Flashcards
6 cards from real AMLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Cardiac Emergencies flashcards as text
Which electrolyte abnormality can cause a prolonged QT interval and increase the risk of Torsades de Pointes?
Answer: Hypomagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia prolongs the QT interval and is a major risk factor for Torsades de Pointes ventricular tachycardia.
A patient in acute heart failure presents with severe dyspnea, pink frothy sputum, and SpO2 of 82%. What is the priority airway intervention?
Answer: CPAP or BiPAP non-invasive ventilation
CPAP/BiPAP is the priority intervention for acute pulmonary edema as it improves oxygenation and reduces the work of breathing without intubation.
What is the significance of a right-sided ECG lead V4R showing ST elevation in the context of inferior STEMI?
Answer: Indicates concurrent right ventricular infarction
ST elevation in V4R indicates right ventricular infarction, which complicates inferior STEMI and changes management.
In a patient with suspected right ventricular infarction, which medication should be avoided?
Answer: Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin causes venodilation and reduces preload, which is dangerous in RV infarction where preload dependence is critical.
A patient presents with a regular narrow-complex tachycardia at 160 bpm. Vagal maneuvers fail. What is the next pharmacologic step?
Answer: Adenosine 6 mg rapid IV push
Adenosine is the first-line drug for stable SVT after failed vagal maneuvers due to its rapid AV node blocking effect.
Which parameter best estimates left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and guides fluid management in heart failure?
Answer: Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)
PCWP closely reflects left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and is used to guide fluid management in heart failure.