CEP Cardiac Care & Emergency Pharmacology 4

Question 1

A patient is taking sildenafil and presents with chest pain. Which medication must be withheld?

Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin

Answer

Nitroglycerin is absolutely contraindicated within 24-48 hours of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (e.g., sildenafil) use due to the risk of severe, refractory hypotension.

Question 2

Which finding on a 12-lead ECG is pathognomonic of hyperkalemia in a critical patient?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves with widened QRS

Answer

Severe hyperkalemia produces peaked (tent-shaped) T waves followed by widening of the QRS complex as potassium rises, reflecting slowed ventricular conduction.

Question 3

A patient in VF arrest has received epinephrine and two shocks. Amiodarone 300 mg is given. When is the next dose of amiodarone appropriate?

Accepted Answer

150 mg after 2-minute CPR cycle and reassessment

Answer

A second dose of amiodarone 150 mg IV may be given after completing a 2-minute CPR cycle and reassessing if VF/pVT persists.

Question 4

Which of the following is the most appropriate prehospital intervention for a patient with suspected cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

IV fluid bolus to maintain preload and rapid transport

Answer

Prehospital management of cardiac tamponade focuses on maintaining preload with IV fluids and rapid transport for pericardiocentesis in hospital.

Question 5

A patient has a BP of 60/40 and is unresponsive after a syncopal episode. The monitor shows sinus bradycardia at 28 bpm. Transcutaneous pacing is initiated. What confirms electrical capture?

Accepted Answer

Wide QRS complexes after each pacer spike with a palpable pulse

Answer

Electrical capture is confirmed by a wide QRS following each pacer spike, and mechanical capture requires a corresponding palpable pulse.

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

CEP Cardiac Care & Emergency Pharmacology 4