OEC OEC Cardiovascular Emergencies & Shock Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the classic presentation of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)?
- Sharp, stabbing chest pain worsening with inspiration
- Crushing or pressure-like chest pain radiating to the left arm or jaw (Correct answer)
- Chest pain relieved immediately by antacids
- Pain that only occurs during vigorous physical exertion
Correct answer: Crushing or pressure-like chest pain radiating to the left arm or jaw
Classic MI presents as crushing, pressure-like chest pain that may radiate to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back, often accompanied by diaphoresis and nausea.
Question 2: What does the acronym MONA represent in cardiac emergency management?
- Monitor, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin
- Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin (Correct answer)
- Monitor, Oxygen, Narcotics, Atropine
- Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Atropine
Correct answer: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin
MONA stands for Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, and Aspirin — the traditional sequence of cardiac emergency interventions.
Question 3: What is the recommended aspirin dose for a patient experiencing a suspected cardiac event?
- 81 mg (one tablet)
- 162 mg (two tablets)
- 324 mg (two to four 81 mg tablets) (Correct answer)
- 500 mg (one regular-strength tablet)
Correct answer: 324 mg (two to four 81 mg tablets)
The recommended field dose for suspected MI is 324 mg of aspirin (two to four 81 mg chewable tablets) to inhibit platelet aggregation.
Question 4: Which cardiac rhythm is considered 'shockable' by an automated external defibrillator (AED)?
- Asystole (flatline)
- Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
- Ventricular fibrillation (VF) (Correct answer)
- Normal sinus rhythm
Correct answer: Ventricular fibrillation (VF)
Ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia are the two shockable rhythms that an AED is designed to detect and treat.
Question 5: What is the first link in the American Heart Association's chain of survival for cardiac arrest?
- Early CPR
- Early defibrillation
- Early recognition and activation of emergency services (Correct answer)
- Early advanced life support
Correct answer: Early recognition and activation of emergency services
The first link is early recognition of cardiac arrest and immediate activation of the emergency response system, as delays reduce survival rates.
Question 6: Which condition is characterized by transient chest pain relieved by nitroglycerin and rest, without permanent cardiac damage?
- Myocardial infarction
- Angina pectoris (Correct answer)
- Pericarditis
- Aortic dissection
Correct answer: Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris is temporary myocardial ischemia that resolves with nitroglycerin or rest because no permanent cell death occurs.
OEC OEC Cardiovascular Emergencies & Shock Management 1
What is the classic presentation of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)?