Cardiology Flashcards

Where does blood travel when it leaves the right ventricle of the heart?

Answer: To the pulmonary arteries then to the lungs

Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the right atrium, then passes into the right ventricle. From the right ventricle, the blood is pumped into the pulmonary arteries, which carry it directly to the lungs. In the lungs, the blood picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide before returning to the left side of the heart.

Research shows that most of the cases of inappropriately delivered shocks from an AED have been caused by

Answer: Human error.

Research consistently shows that the majority of inappropriate or ineffective shocks delivered by AEDs are due to human error. This can include misapplication of pads, failure to follow prompts, or attempting to shock a patient who is not in a shockable rhythm. Proper training and adherence to protocols are crucial to minimize these errors.

Which statement about the assessment of a patient with cardiac compromise is correct?

Answer: Patients usually describe cardiac pain as localized and moderately severe.

As an EMT, you cannot definitively determine the extent of cardiac damage, such as the size of an infarct or the specific type of heart attack, in the prehospital setting. Your role is to recognize the signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise, provide immediate life support, and rapidly transport the patient to a facility where definitive diagnostic tests and treatment can be performed.

The left atrium

Answer: Receives blood from the pulmonary veins.

The left atrium is the chamber of the heart that receives oxygenated blood returning from the lungs. This blood travels from the lungs through the pulmonary veins, which empty into the left atrium. From there, the blood passes into the left ventricle to be pumped out to the rest of the body.

You should apply the AED pads to your patient when he

Answer: Is pulseless and apneic.

An AED is indicated for patients who are in cardiac arrest, meaning they are pulseless and not breathing (apneic). The AED analyzes the heart rhythm to determine if a shockable rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, is present. Applying it to a conscious or breathing patient is inappropriate and potentially harmful.

What are the two lower chambers of the heart called?

Answer: Ventricles

The heart has four chambers: two upper chambers called atria and two lower chambers called ventricles. The ventricles are the powerful pumping chambers that push blood out of the heart, with the right ventricle pumping to the lungs and the left ventricle pumping to the rest of the body.

In the heart, which valve is located between the right atrium and right ventricle?

Answer: Tricuspid Valve

The tricuspid valve is located between the right atrium and the right ventricle. Its function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium during ventricular contraction. This ensures that blood flows in the correct direction towards the pulmonary artery and lungs.

You are dispatched to a 65-year old male who is complaining of severe chest pain, and has a history of cardiac problems. What is the primary role of medical direction in this scenario?

Answer: Give authorization for interventions

Medical direction provides crucial oversight and authorization for EMTs to perform specific interventions, such as administering medications or certain procedures. In this scenario, medical direction would guide the EMT on appropriate treatment protocols for a patient with severe chest pain and a cardiac history, ensuring safe and effective care.

You are dispatched to a 70-year old male who is complaining of chest pain, and has a history of cardiac problems. If you assist in the administration of nitroglycerin, what is the maximum dosage to be given, without additional medical direction?

Answer: 3 tablets

For chest pain suggestive of cardiac origin, EMTs can typically assist a patient in administering up to three doses of nitroglycerin, provided the patient meets specific criteria (e.g., systolic BP > 100 mmHg, no recent ED use). Each dose is usually given 3-5 minutes apart, with reassessment of blood pressure and pain after each dose, unless medical direction specifies otherwise.

You are dispatched to a 75-year old female patient who is complaining of extreme chest pain, and trouble breathing. This patient is a high-capacity chain-smoker, and over-weight. Which of the following is most likely to be present?

Answer: Coronary Artery Disease

The patient's history of being a high-capacity chain-smoker and overweight are significant risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). CAD involves the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, which can lead to chest pain (angina) and difficulty breathing, especially during exertion.

You are dispatched to a 21-year old male patient who has an elevated pulse. When asked what he was doing, he replies, "I was just running". From the given information, what do you suspect?

Answer: Nothing, this is normal at this point

An elevated pulse after running is a normal physiological response to physical exertion. The heart rate increases to meet the body's increased demand for oxygen and nutrients during exercise. Without other concerning symptoms, this finding alone does not indicate a medical emergency or the need for interventions like an AED or transport.

You are dispatched to a 75-year old female patient who is currently in cardiac arrest. After one shock via the AED she begins breathing at 15 breaths per minute, and has a strong carotid pulse; what is your next step?

Answer: Provide supplemental oxygen by NRB

After a successful defibrillation where the patient regains a pulse and begins breathing spontaneously, the immediate next step is to provide supplemental oxygen. A non-rebreather mask (NRB) is appropriate for delivering high-flow oxygen to support the patient's recovery and ensure adequate oxygenation, while continuously monitoring their condition.

You are dispatched to a 50-year old male patient who is having cardiac issues. Which of the following will occur if the patient’s heart is beating too fast, or too slow?

Answer: He may become unconscious

If the heart beats too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia), it can significantly impair cardiac output, meaning less blood is effectively pumped to the body. A reduced cardiac output, especially to the brain, can lead to symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and ultimately, loss of consciousness (syncope) due to insufficient oxygen supply.

You are dispatched to a 53-year old female patient who has extreme chest pain. Upon gaining medical direction to administer nitroglycerin, you administer one tablet. What action should you now perform?

Answer: Take blood pressure

After administering nitroglycerin, it is crucial to reassess the patient's blood pressure. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator, and its primary side effect is a drop in blood pressure. Monitoring the blood pressure after each dose helps ensure the medication is safe and effective, and guides decisions about further doses.

You are dispatched to a 50-year old male patient who is having extreme chest pain. Of the following, which is a contraindication to administer nitro?

Answer: The patient has a systolic BP less than 100

A systolic blood pressure less than 100 mmHg is a major contraindication for administering nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, which can further lower blood pressure. Giving it to a hypotensive patient could lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure, potentially causing shock and inadequate perfusion to vital organs.