EMT Chapter 16 Cardiology Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of the following blood vessels transports oxygenated blood?

Aorta

Pulmonary artery

Pulmonary vein (correct)

Coronary artery

The ability of cardiac muscle cells to contract spontaneously without a stimulus from a nerve source is called?

Automaticity

Which of the following would cause the greatest increase in cardiac output?

Increased heart rate and increased stroke volume (correct)

Decreased stroke volume

Increased blood volume

Decreased heart rate

Narrowing of the coronary arteries caused by a buildup of fatty deposits is called?

Atherosclerosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a major difference between angina pectoris and AMI?

Anginal pain typically subsides with rest Signup and view all the answers

An acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs when?

Myocardial tissue dies secondary to an absence of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Common signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency include?

A bounding pulse, a severe headache, and dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What do the signs and symptoms in a 66-year-old woman with stabbing chest pain and unequal blood pressure most likely indicate?

Dissecting aortic aneurysm Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is commonly given to patients with chest pain to prevent blood clots?

Aspirin Signup and view all the answers

What represents the MOST appropriate method of assisting a patient with their prescribed nitroglycerin tablet or spray?

Administer the medication sublingually and allow it to dissolve or absorb Signup and view all the answers

When obtaining a 12-lead ECG, the patient should be?

In a supine position with legs uncrossed Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to an automated implanted cardiac defibrillator (AICD), an external defibrillator vest?

Delivers high-energy shocks, similar to an AED Signup and view all the answers

What should you expect to encounter during your assessment of a patient with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)?

Absence of a palpable pulse Signup and view all the answers

The AED is MOST advantageous to the EMT because?

It delivers prompt defibrillation to patients with ventricular fibrillation Signup and view all the answers

The main legal risk in using the AED is?

Failing to deliver a shock when one is needed Signup and view all the answers

Defibrillator pads are placed on the patient's chest?

With one pad to the right of the upper sternum and the other pad to the left lower chest below the armpit Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after receiving a 'no shock advised' message from the AED?

Perform CPR for 2 minutes and reassess Signup and view all the answers

Further treatment for a patient who has achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) should include?

BVM ventilation at 10-12 breaths/min and assessment of oxygen saturation Signup and view all the answers

Before defibrillating a patient with an AED, it is MOST important that you?

Ensure that no one is touching the patient Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following signs or symptoms would you NOT expect to encounter in a patient with congestive heart failure?

Hypotension and flat jugular veins Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cardiology Overview

Pulmonary vein is responsible for transporting oxygenated blood to the heart.
Automaticity refers to the ability of cardiac muscle cells to contract without nerve stimulation.

Cardiac Output

Greatest increase in cardiac output results from both increased heart rate and increased stroke volume.

Cardiovascular Conditions

Atherosclerosis is the narrowing of coronary arteries due to fatty deposits build-up.
Angina pectoris pain subsides with rest, which distinguishes it from acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
An AMI occurs when myocardial tissue dies due to a lack of oxygen.

Hypertensive Emergencies

Signs of hypertensive emergencies include a bounding pulse, severe headache, and dizziness.
A dissecting aortic aneurysm is indicated by severe chest pain radiating to the back and differing blood pressures in arms.

Medication and Treatment

Aspirin is commonly administered to patients experiencing chest pain to prevent clot formation.
For nitroglycerin, administer via sublingual route allowing absorption.

ECG and Defibrillation

During a 12-lead ECG, the patient should lie supine with legs uncrossed.
An external defibrillator vest delivers high-energy shocks similar to an AED.
Patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may show no palpable pulse due to continuous pump flow.

AED Utilization

AEDs provide quick defibrillation for patients with ventricular fibrillation and do not require ALS personnel for use.
Risk of using an AED includes failing to deliver a shock when indicated.

Defibrillation Protocol

Defibrillator pads should be placed with one pad to the right of the upper sternum and the other to the left lower chest below the armpit.
Upon receiving a "no shock advised" message from an AED, continue CPR for 2 minutes before reassessing.
After achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), provide BVM ventilation and assess oxygen saturation.

Safety Measures

Ensure no one is touching the patient before defibrillation with an AED.
Patients with congestive heart failure typically do not present with hypotension or flat jugular veins.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards from EMT Chapter 16 on cardiology. Cover key definitions and concepts related to blood vessels and cardiac function. Perfect for review before exams or to reinforce your understanding of cardiac physiology.