CPC Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Monitoring

Question 1

The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is used in community paramedicine primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Estimate a patient's 10-year risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Answer

The Framingham Risk Score estimates an individual's 10-year probability of experiencing a cardiovascular event (MI, stroke, angina). Community paramedics use it alongside the Pooled Cohort Equations for primary prevention risk stratification.

Question 2

Which of the following lifestyle modifications has the GREATEST evidence base for reducing systolic blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet combined with sodium restriction to <1.5 g/day

Answer

The DASH diet combined with sodium restriction is the single most evidence-based non-pharmacological intervention for hypertension, capable of reducing systolic BP by 8–14 mmHg with DASH diet and an additional 2–8 mmHg with sodium restriction.

Question 3

A patient has a resting 12-lead ECG showing an irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves and variable ventricular response. This pattern is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Atrial fibrillation (AF) characteristically produces an irregularly irregular rhythm with absent distinct P waves (replaced by fibrillatory baseline) and an irregular, often rapid ventricular rate — a classic ECG pattern.

Question 4

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is used in patients with atrial fibrillation to determine:

Accepted Answer

The annual stroke risk and need for anticoagulation therapy

Answer

CHA₂DS₂-VASc calculates annual stroke risk in non-valvular AF patients. A score ≥2 (men) or ≥3 (women) indicates high annual stroke risk and warrants oral anticoagulation therapy.

Question 5

A community paramedic is monitoring a patient on warfarin (Coumadin). The patient reports taking naproxen OTC for knee pain. The community paramedic should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Educate the patient about the drug interaction risk, check current INR, and contact the prescribing provider

Answer

NSAIDs like naproxen increase bleeding risk in warfarin patients through antiplatelet effects and GI mucosal damage. The community paramedic should assess current INR, educate the patient about the interaction, and immediately notify the prescribing provider for guidance.

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

(CPC) Community Paramedic Certification Practice Test

CPC Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Monitoring