151 Questions
Which of the following is NOT an example of cardiovascular disease?
Diabetes
What is the term for the sudden narrowing or complete blockage of a coronary artery that causes myocardial tissue death?
Acute myocardial infarction
Where do most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA's) occur in the United States?
Homes or residences
Which of the following is a type of cardiovascular disease that includes disease of the arteries?
Coronary heart disease
What is the medical term for a heart attack?
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
What is the term used to describe the cessation of cardiac mechanical activity?
Cardiac arrest
What is the term used to describe an unexpected cardiac arrest that results in attempts to restore circulation?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)
What is the term used to describe a sudden cardiac arrest that results in death despite resuscitation attempts?
Sudden cardiac death (SCD)
What is the estimated frequency of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the United States?
Every 40 seconds
Which of the following is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?
To deliver oxygenated blood and nutrients to every cell in the body
What is the focus of the interpretation of cardiac dysrhythmias?
Patient's overall clinical condition
What is the focus of the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) section in this chapter?
Pharmacologic treatment modalities
Which part of the heart is responsible for cardiac contraction and efficient ejection of blood?
The myocardium
Why does paramedic education strongly emphasize recognizing and managing cardiovascular emergencies?
Due to the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease
Which artery supplies blood to the left ventricle's anterior surface, part of the left ventricle's lateral surface, and a portion of the interventricular septum in most patients?
The left anterior descending artery
Why does paramedic education strongly emphasize recognizing and managing cardiovascular emergencies?
All of the above
What are the two upper chambers of the heart called?
Right and left atria
Which chamber of the heart receives blood low in oxygen from the superior vena cava, inferior vena cava, and coronary sinus?
Right atrium
Where does the left atrium receive freshly oxygenated blood from?
Pulmonary veins
Which chamber of the heart pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs?
Right ventricle
Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body?
Left ventricle
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for slowing the heart rate and weakening the strength of atrial contraction?
Parasympathetic
What is the main function of the ventricles?
To pump blood throughout the body
Which part of the heart has thicker walls, atria or ventricles?
Ventricles
What is the cardiovascular system composed of?
Heart and blood vessels
Which coronary artery is the largest in diameter and the shortest of the myocardial blood vessels?
The left main coronary artery
Which artery supplies the left atrium, part of the lateral surface of the left ventricle, and the inferior surface of the left ventricle in approximately 15% of people?
The circumflex artery
Which artery supplies the posterior surface of the left ventricle in 15% of people?
The circumflex artery
Which of the following is NOT one of the major acute coronary syndromes (ACSs)?
Stable angina
Which artery supplies the atrioventricular (AV) bundle in 10% to 15% of people?
The circumflex artery
Which artery supplies blood to the walls of the right atrium and ventricle, a portion of the inferior part of the left ventricle, and portions of the conduction system?
The right coronary artery
Which of the following is NOT an example of a possible combination of chief complaints in a patient with ACS?
Fainting and palpitations
Which of the following is NOT a potential symptom of ACS?
Fainting
Which of the following is a possible cause of pain that worsens when the patient takes a deep breath?
Cardiac cause
Which part of the cardiac conduction system is responsible for delaying the electrical impulse between the atria and ventricles?
AV node
Which part of the cardiac conduction system is responsible for rapidly conducting the electrical impulse to the ventricles?
Bundle of His
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for increasing the heart rate and strengthening the force of contraction?
Sympathetic
What is the main function of the atria?
To receive oxygenated blood
What is the purpose of a systematic approach to patient assessment in cardiac-related complaints?
To ensure that physical findings are not overlooked
What is the focus of the assessment for a patient with a cardiovascular complaint?
Assessing the patient's treatment plan
Which patients may have a cardiovascular emergency?
All of the above
What does a systematic approach to patient assessment help ensure?
The identification of physical findings and key questions
Which order of steps is followed in the primary survey if the patient is unresponsive and suspected of being in cardiac arrest?
C-A-B-D-E
What is the order of steps in the primary survey when the patient is responsive, breathing, and has a pulse?
A-B-C-D-E
Which part of the primary survey is assessed first when the patient is unresponsive and suspected of being in cardiac arrest?
Circulation
Which part of the primary survey is assessed last when the patient is responsive, breathing, and has a pulse?
Disability
Which artery supplies the sinoatrial (SA) node in about 40% of people?
The circumflex artery
Which artery supplies the sinoatrial (SA) node in approximately 60% of people?
The right coronary artery
Which of the following is an important question to ask a patient experiencing multiple symptoms of ACS?
Which symptom bothers you the most?
Which of the following is NOT a possible sequence of symptoms reported by a patient with palpitations and chest pain?
Chest pain followed by heart racing for a few minutes
Which artery supplies the atrioventricular (AV) bundle in 85% to 90% of people?
The right coronary artery
Which of the following properties of cardiac cells is responsible for the heart's ability to initiate its own electrical impulses?
Automaticity
What medication may patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) take for episodes of chest pain?
Nitroglycerin
What should be asked if the patient took nitroglycerin (NTG) for chest pain?
How much NTG did the patient take?
What question should be asked to determine the quality of the discomfort?
Does it feel like a sharp pain?
What should be noted when the patient describes the discomfort?
The exact words the patient uses
What should be used instead of the word 'pain' when asking about discomfort?
Discomfort
What are some possible signs and symptoms other than chest pain or discomfort that patients having a cardiac-related event may present with?
Shortness of breath and back pain
What is the term used to describe patients who do not feel true pain during a cardiac-related event?
Asymptomatic
What is the largest coronary artery in diameter and the shortest of the myocardial blood vessels?
Right coronary artery
What are the possible causes of pain that worsens when the patient takes a deep breath?
Respiratory and musculoskeletal causes
Which of the following is a common symptom of myocardial ischemia?
Chest pain that worsens with exertion and resolves with rest
What are some activities that can increase the heart's demand for oxygen?
Smoking a cigarette, eating a heavy meal, walking up an incline or against a wind
What is the term used to describe chest discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen?
Angina pectoris
What is the most likely cause of chest pain that worsens after a meal?
Gastrointestinal (GI) cause
When may an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occur?
When a patient is at rest, after a serious illness or unusually vigorous exercise, in conjunction with severe emotional stress, or without warning
What should be considered when trying to determine the cause of a patient's chest pain or discomfort?
The circumstances that provoke the patient's symptoms
Which of the following is NOT a relevant question to ask when assessing the onset of discomfort?
What was the diagnosis given by the health care provider?
What is a possible location where chest discomfort associated with myocardial ischemia may radiate to?
The wrist
What is the most likely cause of chest pain that worsens after a meal?
Gastrointestinal (GI) cause
When may an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occur?
When a patient is at rest, after a serious illness or unusually vigorous exercise, in conjunction with severe emotional stress, or without warning
Which of the following is a possible cause of chest discomfort that lasts for hours?
Paracarditis
What is the term used to describe difficult or labored breathing?
Dyspnea
What is the primary focus of the assessment for a patient with a cardiovascular complaint?
Establishing the timing of symptoms
Which of the following is NOT a relevant question to ask when assessing the onset of discomfort?
How long did it last?
What is the term used to describe the narrowing or complete blockage of a coronary artery that causes myocardial tissue death?
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
What is the most appropriate word to use instead of 'pain' when asking about discomfort?
Discomfort
Which of the following is a possible cause of pain that worsens with deep breaths?
Paracarditis
Which of the following is NOT a possible symptom reported by a patient with palpitations and chest pain?
Headache
What is the term used to describe an unexpected cardiac arrest that results in attempts to restore circulation?
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA)
Which of the following is a possible symptom associated with an acute myocardial infarction (AMI)?
All of the above
Which of the following is a possible location where chest discomfort associated with myocardial ischemia may radiate to?
The right chest
What is another condition that may cause pain that begins in the center of the chest and radiates to the back?
Aortic dissection
What are some symptoms that may be confused with the symptoms of a patient who has a GI disorder, such as a peptic ulcer?
All of the above
What is a possible location where chest discomfort associated with myocardial ischemia may radiate to?
The little finger
How can the severity of the discomfort be assessed?
By asking the patient to rate their discomfort on a 0-10 scale
What is the medical term for inflammation of the pericardial sac?
Pericarditis
Which of the following is NOT a symptom reported by a patient with myocardial ischemia?
Palpitations
What are some symptoms that may be confused with the symptoms of a patient who has a GI disorder, such as a peptic ulcer?
Chest pain
What is a possible location where chest discomfort associated with myocardial ischemia may radiate to?
The left arm
What is the term used to describe chest discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen?
Angina pectoris
Which of the following is NOT a symptom associated with inadequate cardiac output?
Headache
Which of the following medications is NOT commonly prescribed for cardiovascular conditions?
Ferosimide
Which of the following is NOT a potential interaction with herbal supplements and cardiac medications?
Increased blood pressure
Which of the following is NOT a cardiac medication?
Sildenafil
Which of the following is NOT a condition that should be inquired about in the patient's medical history?
Pulmonary disease
Which artery supplies the sinoatrial (SA) node in approximately 60% of people?
Right coronary artery
What is the term used to describe the sudden and significant drop in blood pressure caused by certain medication combinations?
Hypotension
What is the term used to describe the cessation of cardiac mechanical activity?
Cardiac arrest
Which part of the primary survey is assessed first when the patient is unresponsive and suspected of being in cardiac arrest?
Airway
Which of the following is NOT a relevant question to ask when assessing the onset of discomfort?
Does the discomfort radiate to any other parts of your body?
Which of the following is a possible cause of syncope?
Decreased blood flow to the brain
Which of the following is a symptom of near-syncope?
Dizziness with or without a blackout
Which of the following is NOT a cardiac cause of syncope?
Neurologic emergencies
Which of the following is a common cause of palpitations?
Lack of sleep
Which of the following is a symptom reported by a patient with palpitations?
Impending doom
Which of the following is a possible cause of fatigue in patients with impaired cardiovascular functions?
Diuretics
Which of the following is a symptom that may be associated with fatigue in patients with impaired cardiovascular functions?
Chest discomfort
Which of the following is a symptom that may be confused with the symptoms of a patient who has a GI disorder?
Chest discomfort
Which of the following is NOT a possible location where chest discomfort associated with myocardial ischemia may radiate to?
The right leg
Which of the following is a symptom reported by some patients as you explore the history of their present illness?
Impending doom
Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause dyspnea that develops suddenly?
Pneumonia
What is the term used to describe dyspnea that is relieved by a change in position, either sitting upright or standing?
Orthopnea
Which condition is often associated with paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)?
Left ventricular failure (LVF)
What is the term used to describe a sudden onset of difficulty breathing in which the patient suddenly awakens from sleep?
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)
What is the most likely cause of dyspnea that occurs on exertion or at rest?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What is the term used to describe a non-productive cough?
Dry cough
Which of the following conditions causes fluid to build up in the lungs?
Left ventricular failure (LVF)
What is the term used to describe the feeling of suffocation that accompanies paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)?
Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)
In patients with chronic heart failure, why may dyspnea occur when resting in a horizontal position?
Blood pools in the lungs
What is the term used to describe dyspnea that often develops slowly over weeks or months in patients with chronic left ventricular failure (LVF)?
Chronic dyspnea
Which of the following is a possible sign of inadequate tissue perfusion in a patient with a cardiac problem?
Pallor or mottled skin
What is a possible sympathetic response in a patient experiencing cardiogenic shock?
Cold and sweaty skin
What may be a sign of infection, such as pericarditis, in a patient?
Flushed and warm skin
What is a possible response to pain in the body?
All of the above
What should be inspected to verify if the trachea is midline in a patient?
Suprasternal notch
What do the external jugular veins reflect in a patient's systemic circulation?
Blood volume
When are the external jugular veins normally collapsed in a person?
When sitting or standing
What can cause an increase in venous pressure in the neck veins?
Right atrial failure
What is the purpose of a systematic approach to patient assessment in cardiac-related complaints?
To determine the need for immediate intervention
What is responsible for delaying the electrical impulse between the atria and ventricles?
Atrioventricular (AV) node
Which position should the patient be placed in to estimate jugular venous pressure?
Semi-Fowler position
What might the presence of a NTG patch on the patient's skin suggest?
A history of angina
What might a slight bulge under the skin of the patient's upper right or left chest or abdominal wall indicate?
A history of heart surgery
What might crackles or wheezes during chest auscultation suggest?
Pulmonary edema
What might strong pulsations in the epigastric area indicate?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
What might bilateral pitting edema suggest?
Right ventricular failure
What might a weak, thready pulse suggest?
Decreased cardiac output
What might a very rapid pulse (>150 beats/min) suggest?
Ventricular tachycardia
What is one of the most important tools for paramedics in assessing cardiac conditions?
Cardiac monitor-defibrillator
What can the cardiac monitor-defibrillator help paramedics do in the field?
Record ECGs and transmit findings electronically
Which of the following procedures can be performed using a monitor-defibrillator?
Synchronized cardioversion
When should the cardiac monitor, waveform capnography, and pulse oximeter be attached?
Before obtaining vital signs
How should the ECG and oxygen saturation (Spo2) measurement be used?
As tools to help in the assessment
What is the main purpose of transcutaneous pacing (TCP)?
To treat cardiac dysrhythmias
Which of the following is NOT a function of a monitor-defibrillator?
Pulse oximetry
What should be the primary focus when using a monitor-defibrillator?
Treating the patient
Which of the following is a correct statement about the use of a monitor-defibrillator?
It enables electrical therapy for cardiac dysrhythmias
What is the purpose of waveform capnography?
To detect the presence of CO2 in exhaled breath
When should a monitor-defibrillator be used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias?
When warranted
What role does a monitor-defibrillator play in treating cardiac dysrhythmias?
It is a secondary treatment option
Test your knowledge on cardiovascular emergencies and diseases in this quiz. Learn about conditions such as hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, and more. Challenge yourself and improve your understanding of cardiovascular health.
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