Cardiovascular Emergencies Flashcards

A patient presents with crushing chest pain, diaphoresis, and ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Which coronary artery is most likely occluded?

Answer: Right coronary artery

ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF indicates an inferior MI, which is most commonly caused by occlusion of the right coronary artery.

Which medication is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia with hypotension in a stable patient?

Answer: Atropine

Atropine 0.5 mg IV is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia according to ACLS guidelines.

A patient is in pulseless ventricular tachycardia. After the second defibrillation attempt, which medication should be given?

Answer: Amiodarone 300 mg IV push

Per ACLS protocol, amiodarone 300 mg IV push is the preferred antiarrhythmic after the second shock in pulseless VT/VF.

A patient with known heart failure presents with severe dyspnea, pink frothy sputum, and an SpO2 of 82%. What is the priority intervention?

Answer: Apply CPAP or BiPAP

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (CPAP/BiPAP) rapidly improves oxygenation in acute pulmonary edema and reduces the need for intubation.

Which finding on a 12-lead ECG is most consistent with cardiac tamponade?

Answer: Electrical alternans

Electrical alternans, where the QRS complex alternates in height with each beat, is a classic ECG finding in cardiac tamponade due to the heart swinging within the pericardial fluid.

A patient presents with a suspected aortic dissection. Which combination of findings is most classic?

Answer: Sudden tearing back pain with unequal blood pressures in both arms

A sudden tearing or ripping pain radiating to the back with a blood pressure differential greater than 20 mmHg between arms is the classic presentation of aortic dissection.