CFRN Cardiovascular Emergencies 2

Question 1

A flight nurse is transporting a patient with suspected cardiac tamponade. Which hemodynamic triad (Beck's Triad) is classically associated with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension

Answer

Beck's Triad for cardiac tamponade consists of hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension (JVD).

Question 2

During air transport, a patient develops a wide-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm with a pulse. The patient is hemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 minutes

Answer

For stable wide-complex tachycardia of unknown origin, amiodarone 150 mg IV over 10 minutes is the preferred pharmacologic treatment.

Question 3

A patient in the flight environment has a systolic BP of 70 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, and shows signs of right heart failure. Which vasopressor is preferred to avoid increasing pulmonary vascular resistance?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Norepinephrine is preferred in right ventricular failure as it improves systemic vascular resistance while having less effect on pulmonary vascular resistance than vasopressin or high-dose dopamine.

Question 4

A CFRN is caring for a patient with an IABP (intra-aortic balloon pump) during transport. The balloon should inflate and deflate in relation to the cardiac cycle in which way?

Accepted Answer

Inflate during diastole, deflate just before systole

Answer

The IABP inflates during diastole to augment coronary perfusion and deflates just before systole to reduce afterload.

Question 5

Which ECG finding is most consistent with hyperkalemia in a patient being transported after a crushing injury?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves and widened QRS complex

Answer

Hyperkalemia classically causes peaked (tall, narrow) T waves and progressive QRS widening, which can degrade into a sine-wave pattern.

CFRN - Certified Flight Registered Nurse Practice Test

CFRN - Certified Flight Registered Nurse Practice Test

CFRN Cardiovascular Emergencies 2