Cardiology & Resuscitation Flashcards

A patient presents with palpitations. The 12-lead ECG shows a narrow-complex tachycardia at 280 bpm with a delta wave visible during brief slowing. This is most consistent with:

Answer: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

A delta wave and tachycardia exceeding 250 bpm strongly suggest WPW syndrome with an accessory pathway.

Which medication is CONTRAINDICATED in a patient with WPW syndrome and atrial fibrillation?

Answer: Adenosine

Adenosine and other AV nodal blockers are contraindicated in WPW with AF as they can accelerate conduction through the accessory pathway causing VF.

During resuscitation of a hypothermic cardiac arrest patient, the core temperature is estimated at 28°C. What is the appropriate CPR modification?

Answer: Continue standard CPR; limit defibrillation attempts until temperature >30°C

In severe hypothermia (30°C.

What does the 'T' wave on the ECG represent?

Answer: Ventricular repolarization

The T wave represents ventricular repolarization, the electrical recovery phase of the ventricles.

A patient receives lidocaine for a ventricular rhythm but the infusion runs too fast. Which toxicity sign should the paramedic monitor for first?

Answer: CNS symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or altered mental status

Lidocaine toxicity first manifests as CNS symptoms including perioral numbness, dizziness, confusion, and seizures.

Which of the following correctly describes pulseless electrical activity (PEA)?

Answer: Organized electrical activity on ECG but no detectable pulse

PEA is defined as organized electrical activity visible on ECG without a corresponding palpable pulse or blood pressure.

During a 12-lead ECG acquisition in a patient with chest pain, you note new ST elevation in V1–V4. This pattern is most consistent with an occlusion of which vessel?

Answer: Left anterior descending artery

Anterior STEMI (ST elevation in V1–V4) indicates occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery.