ECC Cardiovascular Evaluation & Monitoring 2

Question 1

Which lead configuration is considered the best single lead for detecting ST-segment changes during continuous cardiac monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Lead V5

Answer

Lead V5 is the most sensitive single lead for detecting ST-segment changes, particularly myocardial ischemia involving the lateral wall.

Question 2

A patient's arterial blood gas shows pH 7.28, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L. What is the primary acid-base disturbance?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Answer

The elevated PaCO2 with normal bicarbonate indicates primary respiratory acidosis without metabolic compensation.

Question 3

During 12-lead ECG acquisition, what is the recommended paper speed for standard recording?

Accepted Answer

25 mm/sec

Answer

The standard ECG paper speed is 25 mm/sec, making each small square represent 0.04 seconds.

Question 4

Which hemodynamic finding is most consistent with cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

Pulsus paradoxus >10 mmHg

Answer

Pulsus paradoxus greater than 10 mmHg — an exaggerated fall in systolic BP during inspiration — is a hallmark finding of cardiac tamponade.

Question 5

On a cardiac monitor, artifact mimicking ventricular fibrillation is most commonly caused by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Patient shivering or muscle tremor

Answer

Shivering or skeletal muscle tremor produces high-frequency artifact that can closely resemble the chaotic baseline of ventricular fibrillation.

(ECC) Emergency Cardiovascular Care Certification Practice Test