EMD Cardiovascular & Respiratory Protocols 3

Question 1

An EMD dispatcher receives a call about a patient on beta-blocker medication having chest pain with a heart rate of 48. This heart rate is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia that may be medication-related

Answer

Beta-blockers reduce heart rate, and a rate of 48 bpm represents bradycardia that may be a known pharmacological effect.

Question 2

During a telephone-assisted CPR call, the caller says the patient 'took a breath.' The EMD should instruct the caller to:

Accepted Answer

Continue compressions unless the patient is fully conscious and breathing normally

Answer

Agonal breathing is common in cardiac arrest and should not be mistaken for effective respiration; compressions continue until the patient is clearly responsive and breathing normally.

Question 3

A caller reports that a 70-year-old woman is having difficulty breathing and her lips are turning blue. The blue discoloration is called:

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis

Answer

Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of skin and mucous membranes caused by hypoxia and reduced oxygen saturation.

Question 4

In MPDS Protocol 11 (Choking), an adult patient who can speak in full sentences should be classified as:

Accepted Answer

Partial airway obstruction — monitor and send appropriate response

Answer

The ability to speak indicates partial obstruction with air movement; complete obstruction presents with inability to speak, cough, or breathe.

Question 5

Which EMD protocol key question best identifies a patient experiencing acute pulmonary edema?

Accepted Answer

Is the patient coughing up pink or frothy sputum?

Answer

Pink, frothy sputum is a hallmark sign of pulmonary edema caused by fluid leaking into the alveoli from elevated pulmonary pressures.

(EMD) Emergency Medical Dispatch Practice Test

(EMD) Emergency Medical Dispatch Practice Test

EMD Cardiovascular & Respiratory Protocols 3