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 with atrial fibrillation has a ventricular rate of 140 bpm and a BP of 88/60 mmHg with altered mental status. What is the most appropriate intervention?
Answer: Synchronized cardioversion
Unstable atrial fibrillation with hemodynamic compromise requires immediate synchronized cardioversion to restore sinus rhythm.
Which ECG finding is most associated with a hyperacute (very early) STEMI before ST elevation develops?
Answer: Peaked, tall T waves in the affected leads
Hyperacute T waves—tall, peaked, and asymmetric—are the earliest ECG sign of myocardial ischemia, appearing before ST elevation.
A patient has a pulseless rhythm that appears as a rapid, completely disorganized waveform on the monitor. What is the immediate treatment?
Answer: Deliver unsynchronized defibrillation immediately
Ventricular fibrillation is treated with immediate unsynchronized defibrillation, as there is no organized rhythm to synchronize with.
In the management of suspected cardiac tamponade in a pulseless patient, which intervention is definitive?
Answer: Pericardiocentesis
Pericardiocentesis, the needle drainage of blood from the pericardial sac, is the definitive treatment for cardiac tamponade.
When performing two-rescuer adult CPR, at what rate should chest compressions be delivered?
Answer: 100-120 compressions per minute
Current AHA guidelines recommend chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute for optimal coronary and cerebral perfusion during CPR.
A patient presents with symptomatic bradycardia at 38 bpm unresponsive to atropine. What is the next intervention?
Answer: Initiate transcutaneous pacing
When atropine fails to treat symptomatic bradycardia, transcutaneous pacing is the next step while preparing for transvenous pacing.
A 12-lead ECG shows ST elevation in leads V1-V4 with a new left bundle branch block in a patient with chest pain. How should this be managed?
Answer: Activate the cardiac catheterization lab for emergent PCI
New LBBB with chest pain is a STEMI equivalent requiring emergent activation of the cath lab for percutaneous coronary intervention.