EMS EMS Cardiac & Respiratory Emergencies

Question 1

A patient presents with sudden-onset chest pain radiating to the left arm, diaphoresis, and nausea. What is the FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a 12-lead ECG

Answer

Administer nitroglycerin

Answer

Establish IV access

Answer

Perform a physical exam

Question 2

Which ECG finding is diagnostic of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)?

Accepted Answer

ST elevation ≥1 mm in two or more contiguous leads

Answer

ST depression in two or more contiguous leads

Answer

New left bundle branch block only

Answer

T-wave inversion in V1–V4

Question 3

What rhythm is most commonly associated with sudden cardiac death in adults?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation (VF)

Answer

Asystole

Answer

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)

Answer

Third-degree AV block

Question 4

A patient in ventricular tachycardia (VT) with a pulse becomes hemodynamically unstable. What is the treatment?

Accepted Answer

Synchronized cardioversion

Answer

Defibrillation at 360 joules

Answer

Amiodarone IV push

Answer

Adenosine IV bolus

Question 5

How many joules should an AED deliver for the first defibrillation attempt in adult VF?

Accepted Answer

150–200 J (device-specific)

Answer

100 J

Answer

360 J always

Answer

50 J

Question 6

Which finding differentiates pulseless electrical activity (PEA) from asystole on the monitor?

Accepted Answer

PEA shows organized electrical activity without a palpable pulse

Answer

PEA shows a flat line on the monitor

Answer

PEA always shows VF on the monitor

Answer

PEA shows only P-waves without QRS complexes