FISDAP Cardiac Emergencies 4

Question 1

A patient presents with signs of cardiac tamponade including hypotension, distended jugular veins, and muffled heart sounds. What is this classic triad called?

Accepted Answer

Beck's triad

Answer

Beck's triad — hypotension, jugular venous distension, and muffled heart sounds — is the classic presentation of cardiac tamponade.

Question 2

A 12-lead ECG shows diffuse ST elevation in most leads with PR segment depression. These findings are most consistent with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Acute pericarditis

Answer

Diffuse ST elevation with PR segment depression across multiple leads (not in a coronary distribution) is the classic ECG pattern of acute pericarditis.

Question 3

When calculating CPP (coronary perfusion pressure) during CPR, which values are used?

Accepted Answer

Diastolic aortic pressure minus right atrial pressure

Answer

CPP = diastolic aortic pressure minus right atrial pressure; a CPP above 15 mmHg is associated with better ROSC outcomes during resuscitation.

Question 4

A patient with known atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response is stable. Which drug class is preferred for rate control in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers

Answer

Beta-blockers or non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, verapamil) are the preferred agents for rate control in stable atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response.

Question 5

During resuscitation of a cardiac arrest patient, ETCO2 rises suddenly to above 40 mmHg. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)

Answer

A sudden sustained rise in ETCO2 to ≥40 mmHg during CPR is a reliable indicator of ROSC, as resumption of cardiac output rapidly increases CO2 delivery to the lungs.

(FISDAP) Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project Practice Test

(FISDAP) Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project Practice Test

FISDAP Cardiac Emergencies 4