EMT Cardiology Practice Test 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The normal heart rate for a newborn is:

140 – 160 (Correct answer)
120 – 140
100 – 120
80 – 100

Correct answer: 140 – 160

Newborns have significantly higher resting heart rates compared to older children and adults due to their higher metabolic rate and smaller cardiac output per beat. A normal heart rate for a newborn typically ranges between 140 and 160 beats per minute, though it can vary slightly. This elevated rate is essential to meet their physiological demands.

Question 2: The normal heart rate for a child between the ages of 1-6:

140 – 160
120 – 140
100 – 120 (Correct answer)
80 – 100

Correct answer: 100 – 120

Normal heart rates vary significantly with age. For children between 1 and 6 years old, their cardiovascular system is still developing, resulting in a faster resting heart rate compared to adults. The typical range for this age group is 100 to 120 beats per minute, reflecting their higher metabolic demands.

Question 3: The normal heart rate for a child over the age of 6 is:

140 – 160
120 – 140
100 – 120
80 – 100 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 80 – 100

As children mature past the age of 6, their cardiovascular system continues to develop, and their resting heart rate gradually decreases. For a child over 6 years old, the normal heart rate range typically falls between 80 and 100 beats per minute. This rate is closer to that of an adult as their body grows and metabolic demands stabilize.

Question 4: The correct flow of blood through the heart and lungs is…?

Inferior/superior vena cavae, right atrium, right ventricle, lungs, left atrium, left ventricle, aorta (Correct answer)
Aorta, left atrium, left ventricle, lungs, right atrium, right ventricle, Inferior/superior vena cavae
Inferior/superior vena cavae, right atrium, right ventricle, aorta, lungs, left atrium, left ventricle
Right atrium, right ventricle, Inferior/superior vena cavae, lungs, aorta, left ventricle, left atrium

Correct answer: Inferior/superior vena cavae, right atrium, right ventricle, lungs, left atrium, left ventricle, aorta

Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the right atrium via the vena cavae, then flows into the right ventricle, which pumps it to the lungs for oxygenation. Oxygenated blood returns to the left atrium, moves into the left ventricle, and is then pumped out to the rest of the body through the aorta. This precise sequence ensures efficient circulation and oxygen delivery.

Question 5: What is the difference between angina pectoris and a myocardial infarction?

As an EMT-B you cannot determine the difference
The pain from angina pectoris will gradually get worse
A myocardial infarction will go away with rest
Angina pectoris is caused by physical or emotional stress (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Angina pectoris is caused by physical or emotional stress

Angina pectoris is chest pain caused by temporary myocardial ischemia, often triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress, and typically relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. In contrast, a myocardial infarction (heart attack) involves permanent heart muscle damage due to prolonged ischemia, and its pain is usually not relieved by rest. This difference in cause and relief is a key distinguishing factor.

Question 6: Your patient is an 80-year old male with shortness of breath. Which of the following could your patient be suffering from?

Congestive heart failure
A myocardial infarction
Cardiac compromise
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

Shortness of breath in an elderly patient is a non-specific symptom that can indicate several serious cardiac conditions. Congestive heart failure often causes fluid buildup in the lungs, leading to dyspnea, while a myocardial infarction can impair the heart's pumping ability, also resulting in breathing difficulties. Both of these conditions fall under the umbrella of cardiac compromise, making 'All of the above' the correct answer.

Question 7: The three-flap valve located on the right side of the heart is the:

Tri-valve
Mitral valve
Tricuspid valve (Correct answer)
Triluminar valve

Correct answer: Tricuspid valve

The tricuspid valve is a crucial component of the heart's right side, situated between the right atrium and the right ventricle. It is characterized by its three cusps or flaps, which open and close to regulate the flow of deoxygenated blood and prevent backflow into the right atrium during ventricular contraction.

Question 8: What does the Mitral valve do?

Prevents blood from back-flowing into the left ventricle
Prevents blood from back-flowing into the left Atrium (Correct answer)
Prevents blood from back-flowing into the lungs
Prevents blood from flowing between the right and left ventricles

Correct answer: Prevents blood from back-flowing into the left Atrium

The mitral valve, also known as the bicuspid valve, is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Its primary function is to prevent the backflow of oxygenated blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular systole (contraction). This ensures that blood is efficiently pumped forward into the aorta.

Question 9: A 45-year-old male patient is experiencing chest discomfort. After placing him in his position of comfort, your next action should be to ___________?

Ventilate the patient with a nonrebreather mask at 15 liters per minute.
Ventilate the patient with the bag-valve mask at 15 liters per minute.
Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 15 liters per minute. (Correct answer)
Administer oxygen by the nasal cannula at 6 liters per minute.

Correct answer: Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 15 liters per minute.

For a patient experiencing chest discomfort, administering high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreather mask at 15 liters per minute is a critical initial intervention. This helps to maximize oxygen delivery to the heart muscle and reduce myocardial workload, especially when cardiac ischemia is suspected. While positioning for comfort is important, oxygen directly addresses potential hypoxia.

Question 10: Your patient is a 62-year-old man with a history of heart disease. He is experiencing chest pain. Your first action should be to ____________?

Place the pads for the automated external defibrillator on his chest.
Begin CPR while preparing the automated external defibrillator.
Ask him if he has taken his nitroglycerin, and if not, offer to assist him.
Place him in a comfortable position and administer high-flow oxygen. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Place him in a comfortable position and administer high-flow oxygen.

For a patient with a history of heart disease experiencing chest pain, the immediate priorities are to ensure comfort and adequate oxygenation. Placing the patient in a comfortable position (often semi-Fowler's) and administering high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreather mask helps reduce myocardial workload and improve oxygen supply. These steps are foundational before considering medication assistance.

Question 11: Which heart rhythm often converts to ventricular fibrillation?

Asystole
Ventricular tachycardia (Correct answer)
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial tachycardia

Correct answer: Ventricular tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rapid, abnormal heart rhythm originating in the ventricles. If sustained and untreated, VT can quickly degenerate into ventricular fibrillation (VF), a chaotic and life-threatening rhythm where the heart quivers ineffectively. VF is a common cause of sudden cardiac arrest and requires immediate defibrillation.

Question 12: Patients commonly describe heart attack pain as which of the following characteristic?

Like “pins and needles”
Crushing or squeezing (Correct answer)
Intermittent (comes and goes)
Less severe than indigestion

Correct answer: Crushing or squeezing

Patients experiencing a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or angina commonly describe the chest pain as a crushing, squeezing, or heavy sensation. This characteristic discomfort often radiates to the arm, jaw, or back. Recognizing this specific description is crucial for identifying potential cardiac emergencies and initiating appropriate care.

Question 13: Which patient is showing signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise?

85-year-old man: difficulty breathing, high fever, rapid pulse
72-year-old woman: wheezing, labored breathing, tightness in throat
53-year-old woman: dull chest pain, sudden sweating, difficulty breathing (Correct answer)
51-year-old man: headache, dizziness, gagging, chest pain

Correct answer: 53-year-old woman: dull chest pain, sudden sweating, difficulty breathing

Cardiac compromise often presents with a combination of symptoms, including dull chest pain, sudden sweating (diaphoresis), and difficulty breathing (dyspnea). These symptoms, especially in a middle-aged individual, are highly indicative of a potential cardiac event. The other options present symptoms that are less specific or more indicative of other conditions.

Question 14: Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood out to the body tissues?

Right atrium
Right ventricle
Left atrium
Left ventricle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Left ventricle

The left ventricle is the most muscular and powerful chamber of the heart. Its primary function is to pump oxygen-rich blood into the aorta, which then distributes it to the entire systemic circulation of the body. This high-pressure pumping action requires its thick, strong walls.

Question 15: A 64-year-old female has just collapsed in cardiac arrest. You are alone. After your initial assessment, you should give two ventilations, then

Analyze the rhythm, and deliver a shock if indicated. (Correct answer)
Begin chest compressions for one minute.
Analyze the rhythm, and begin chest compressions.
Call medical control, and begin chest compressions.

Correct answer: Analyze the rhythm, and deliver a shock if indicated.

In an adult patient who has just collapsed in cardiac arrest, after initial assessment and providing two ventilations (if using rescue breaths), the next critical step is to apply an automated external defibrillator (AED). The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and advise if a shock is indicated, as early defibrillation significantly improves survival rates for shockable rhythms like ventricular fibrillation.

EMT Cardiology Practice Test 2

The normal heart rate for a newborn is: