FCCS FCCS Cardiovascular Emergencies 2

Question 1

Which drug is the antidote for beta-blocker overdose causing bradycardia and hypotension?

Accepted Answer

Glucagon

Answer

Glucagon reverses beta-blocker toxicity by stimulating adenylate cyclase independently of beta receptors, increasing heart rate and contractility.

Question 2

Pulsus paradoxus greater than 10 mmHg is associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Cardiac tamponade compresses the heart, causing exaggerated inspiratory drops in systolic BP exceeding 10 mmHg (pulsus paradoxus).

Question 3

In acute decompensated heart failure, what is the primary goal of IV nitroglycerin?

Accepted Answer

Reduce preload and afterload to decrease pulmonary congestion

Answer

Nitroglycerin dilates venous and arterial beds, reducing both preload and afterload and rapidly relieving pulmonary congestion in acute heart failure.

Question 4

Narrow complex tachycardia at 150 bpm with a regular rhythm should prompt consideration of which diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Atrial flutter with 2:1 block

Answer

Atrial flutter typically produces atrial rates of ~300 bpm; a ventricular rate of 150 bpm with regular rhythm suggests 2:1 AV conduction of flutter waves.

Question 5

Which intervention is indicated for hemodynamically unstable SVT unresponsive to adenosine?

Accepted Answer

Synchronized cardioversion

Answer

Synchronized cardioversion is the immediate treatment for hemodynamically unstable SVT when pharmacologic therapy fails.

FCCS - Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Practice Test

FCCS - Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Practice Test

FCCS FCCS Cardiovascular Emergencies 2