OEC Cardiovascular Emergencies & Shock Management Flashcards

What is the classic presentation of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)?

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.

What does the acronym MONA represent in cardiac emergency management?

Answer: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin

MONA stands for Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, and Aspirin — the traditional sequence of cardiac emergency interventions.

What is the recommended aspirin dose for a patient experiencing a suspected cardiac event?

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.

Which cardiac rhythm is considered 'shockable' by an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

Answer: Ventricular fibrillation (VF)

Ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia are the two shockable rhythms that an AED is designed to detect and treat.

What is the first link in the American Heart Association's chain of survival for cardiac arrest?

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.

Which condition is characterized by transient chest pain relieved by nitroglycerin and rest, without permanent cardiac damage?

Answer: Angina pectoris

Angina pectoris is temporary myocardial ischemia that resolves with nitroglycerin or rest because no permanent cell death occurs.