Practice Test Geeks(CCS) Certified Cardiovascular Specialist Practice Test
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Emergency Procedures & Response Flashcards

7 cards from real CCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Emergency Procedures & Response flashcards as text

  1. After successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest, the post-ROSC 12-lead ECG shows STEMI. The recommended next step is:

    Answer: Emergent coronary angiography with intent to perform PCI

    Post-cardiac arrest STEMI patients should undergo emergent coronary angiography and PCI regardless of neurological status, per current guidelines.

  2. Which of the following correctly describes pulsus paradoxus in cardiac tamponade?

    Answer: A fall in systolic BP of >10 mmHg during inspiration

    Pulsus paradoxus is an exaggerated fall in systolic BP (>10 mmHg) during inspiration, caused by increased right heart filling compressing the left ventricle.

  3. A patient develops cardiogenic shock post-MI with a BP of 72/40 mmHg. After initial stabilization, which mechanical support device provides the highest cardiac output augmentation?

    Answer: Impella 5.5

    The Impella 5.5 provides up to 5.5 L/min of cardiac output support, the highest among current percutaneous ventricular assist devices.

  4. When using an automated external defibrillator (AED) on a patient with a permanent pacemaker, electrode pads should be placed:

    Answer: At least 1 inch away from the pacemaker device

    AED pads should be placed at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from implanted devices to prevent current channeling and device damage.

  5. A patient on heparin infusion develops acute HIT (heparin-induced thrombocytopenia) with signs of arterial thrombosis. The correct action is:

    Answer: Stop heparin and start a direct thrombin inhibitor such as argatroban

    All heparin must be stopped immediately in HIT, and an alternative anticoagulant such as argatroban (a direct thrombin inhibitor) must be started.

  6. In the setting of acute pulmonary embolism causing cardiac arrest, what intervention has the strongest evidence for improving survival?

    Answer: IV systemic thrombolysis

    IV systemic thrombolysis (e.g., alteplase 100 mg over 2 hours) is the most strongly evidence-supported treatment for massive PE causing cardiac arrest.

  7. A patient develops an acute right ventricular MI complicating inferior STEMI. Which medication is CONTRAINDICATED?

    Answer: Nitrates

    Nitrates are contraindicated in right ventricular MI because they reduce preload, which is critical for maintaining output through the failing RV.