Cardiology and Resuscitation Flashcards
7 cards from real Paramedics Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Cardiology and Resuscitation flashcards as text
A patient presents with a wide-complex tachycardia at 180 bpm. The patient is hemodynamically unstable with a BP of 70/40 mmHg. What is the most appropriate immediate intervention?
Answer: Synchronized cardioversion starting at 100 J
Unstable wide-complex tachycardia requires immediate synchronized cardioversion; pharmacologic therapy is reserved for stable patients.
During CPR, which finding on capnography most reliably indicates return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)?
Answer: ETCO2 suddenly rises above 40 mmHg
A sudden abrupt rise in ETCO2 above 40 mmHg during CPR is a reliable indicator of ROSC due to restored cardiac output.
A 58-year-old male presents with crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm. His 12-lead ECG shows ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Which coronary artery is most likely occluded?
Answer: Right coronary artery
ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF indicates an inferior STEMI, most commonly caused by occlusion of the right coronary artery.
Which of the following is the preferred initial energy setting for defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation with a biphasic defibrillator?
Answer: 120-200 J as recommended by the manufacturer
Biphasic defibrillators should be used at the manufacturer-recommended dose (120-200 J); if unknown, use the maximum available.
A patient in cardiac arrest has a PEA rhythm. Which of the following H's and T's is the most likely reversible cause if the patient has a history of recent dialysis?
Answer: Hyperkalemia
Dialysis patients are at high risk for hyperkalemia, which can cause PEA and is a reversible cause of cardiac arrest.
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for two-rescuer adult CPR with an advanced airway in place?
Answer: Continuous compressions at 100-120/min with 1 breath every 6 seconds
Once an advanced airway is secured, CPR transitions to continuous chest compressions with asynchronous ventilations at a rate of one breath every 6 seconds.
A patient with known heart failure presents with acute pulmonary edema and a BP of 160/100 mmHg. Which medication is the highest priority?
Answer: Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL
Nitroglycerin rapidly reduces preload and afterload via venodilation, providing immediate symptomatic relief in hypertensive acute pulmonary edema.