Emergency Procedures & Response Flashcards

A patient in the ICU develops acute cardiac tamponade. Which hemodynamic triad is characteristic?

Answer: Hypotension, muffled heart sounds, elevated JVP

Beck's triad of cardiac tamponade includes hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and elevated jugular venous pressure.

Which antiarrhythmic drug is preferred for stable wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain etiology?

Answer: Amiodarone

Amiodarone is the preferred agent for stable wide-complex tachycardia of uncertain origin because it is safe in both VT and SVT with aberrancy.

What is the recommended energy for synchronized cardioversion of unstable atrial flutter?

Answer: 50–100J biphasic

Atrial flutter often converts with low energy; 50–100J biphasic is the recommended starting dose for synchronized cardioversion.

A patient with known Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome develops rapid atrial fibrillation. Which drug is CONTRAINDICATED?

Answer: Verapamil

Verapamil (and other AV nodal blockers) are contraindicated in WPW with AFib because they can accelerate conduction via the accessory pathway, precipitating VF.

During a STEMI alert, door-to-balloon time should ideally be achieved within:

Answer: 90 minutes

The AHA/ACC guideline target for door-to-balloon time in primary PCI for STEMI is ≤90 minutes.

Which finding on bedside echocardiography best confirms cardiac tamponade physiology?

Answer: Right ventricular diastolic collapse

Right ventricular diastolic collapse on echocardiography is the most specific sign of hemodynamically significant cardiac tamponade.

A patient receives thrombolytics for STEMI but shows no reperfusion at 90 minutes. What is the next recommended step?

Answer: Emergent rescue PCI

Failed thrombolysis (no reperfusion by 90 minutes) requires emergent rescue PCI to restore coronary flow and reduce mortality.