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

Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is the highest priority to identify STEMI and activate the cardiac catheterization lab as quickly as possible.

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

STEMI is defined by ST elevation ≥1 mm (≥2 mm in V1–V3) in two or more contiguous leads, indicating complete coronary artery occlusion.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation (VF)

Answer

Ventricular fibrillation is the most common initial rhythm in sudden cardiac death and is the only shockable rhythm in witnessed arrest.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Synchronized cardioversion

Answer

Unstable VT with a pulse requires synchronized cardioversion to restore normal sinus rhythm and avoid delivering a shock on the T-wave.

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

AEDs deliver device-specific energy doses, typically 150–200 J for biphasic devices, which is equally effective to higher monophasic energies.

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test