Cardiology Flashcards

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

Answer: To the pulmonary arteries then to the lungs

When blood leaves the right ventricle, it is deoxygenated and is pumped into the pulmonary arteries. These arteries then carry the blood directly to the lungs. In the lungs, the blood releases carbon dioxide and picks up oxygen, completing the pulmonary circulation 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 indicates that the majority of inappropriately delivered shocks from an AED are attributed to human error. This can include misapplication of the device, failure to follow proper protocols, or using the AED on a patient who is not in cardiac arrest. Mechanical malfunctions are significantly less common causes of such incidents.

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

Answer: You cannot determine the degree of cardiac damage in the field.

As an EMT or paramedic in the field, you can assess signs and symptoms suggestive of cardiac compromise and initiate appropriate prehospital care. However, definitive diagnosis of the specific type or extent of cardiac damage, such as the size of an infarct or the specific coronary artery involved, requires advanced diagnostic tools like EKGs, cardiac enzymes, and imaging available only in a hospital setting.

The left atrium

Answer: Receives blood from the pulmonary veins.

The left atrium is one of the heart's upper chambers and plays a crucial role in the circulatory system. It receives oxygenated blood that has just returned from the lungs via the pulmonary veins. From the left atrium, this blood then flows 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 specifically designed for patients in cardiac arrest, meaning they are pulseless (no palpable pulse) and apneic (not breathing or only gasping). Applying an AED to a patient with a pulse or who is breathing spontaneously is inappropriate and could deliver an unnecessary and harmful shock. The AED's purpose is to correct life-threatening arrhythmias in a cardiac arrest situation.

What are the two lower chambers of the heart called?

Answer: Ventricles

The heart consists of four chambers: two upper chambers called atria and two lower chambers called ventricles. The ventricles are the primary pumping chambers, with the right ventricle sending blood to the lungs and the left ventricle pumping blood 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 deoxygenated blood into the right atrium when the right ventricle contracts. This ensures efficient, one-way blood flow from the body, through the right side of the heart, and into the pulmonary circulation.

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 the essential authorization for EMTs to perform specific medical interventions and administer certain medications in the field. In a scenario involving severe chest pain and a cardiac history, medical direction is crucial for approving treatments like nitroglycerin administration or other advanced interventions, ensuring patient safety and adherence to protocols.

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

When assisting with nitroglycerin administration for chest pain, standard protocols typically allow for up to three doses (tablets or sprays) without requiring additional medical direction. Each dose should be given approximately 3-5 minutes apart, provided the patient's systolic blood pressure remains above a specified threshold (commonly 100 mmHg) after each administration.

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 as a high-capacity chain-smoker and being overweight are significant risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). CAD involves the narrowing of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow to the heart muscle and commonly presents with symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing. While pulmonary edema can be a complication, CAD is the underlying condition most likely present.

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 and expected physiological response to physical exertion. The heart rate increases to meet the body's increased demand for oxygen and nutrients during exercise. Without any other concerning symptoms, this finding alone does not indicate a medical emergency or the need for intervention.

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 patient in cardiac arrest receives a shock from an AED and regains a pulse and spontaneous breathing, the immediate next step is to provide post-resuscitation care. This includes ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Providing supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather mask (NRB) is appropriate to support their breathing and oxygen levels as they recover.

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), its ability to pump blood effectively can be severely compromised, leading to decreased cardiac output. This reduced blood flow, particularly to the brain, can cause symptoms like dizziness, weakness, and ultimately lead to syncope (fainting) or unconsciousness due to inadequate cerebral perfusion.

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 immediately reassess the patient's vital signs, especially their blood pressure. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator and can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure helps determine the medication's effect and ensures it is safe to administer subsequent doses without causing severe hypotension.

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

Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator that can significantly lower blood pressure. Administering it to a patient with a systolic blood pressure already below 100 mmHg (or other protocol-specific threshold) can lead to severe hypotension, compromising perfusion to vital organs. Therefore, a low systolic blood pressure is a critical contraindication for its use.