EMT Chapter 16 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of defibrillation?

stop the chaotic, disorganized contraction of the cardiac cells.

Most patients are instructed by their physician to take up to _______ doses of nitroglycerin before calling EMS.

three

What controls the electrical stimulus that originates in the heart's primary pacemaker?

autonomic nervous system.

Prior to assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin, what must the EMT obtain?

authorization from medical control. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What is the function of the left atrium?

It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs. Signup and view all the answers

What should the EMT do prior to attaching the AED to a cardiac arrest patient?

dry the chest if it is wet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main legal risk in using the AED?

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

Which of the following is NOT a function of the sympathetic nervous system?

Constriction of blood vessels in the muscles. Signup and view all the answers

When does angina pectoris occur?

when myocardial oxygen demand exceeds supply. Signup and view all the answers

Which signs or symptoms would you NOT expect in a patient with congestive heart failure?

Hypotension and flat jugular veins. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom associated with malfunction of an implanted cardiac pacemaker?

A rapid heart rate. Signup and view all the answers

What do the signs and symptoms of a 66-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and severe chest pain indicate?

Dissecting aortic aneurysm. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do upon finding an unresponsive 70-year-old man who is apneic and pulseless?

begin CPR, apply the AED, and deliver a shock if it is indicated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST common error associated with the use of the AED?

failure of the EMT to ensure the battery is charged. Signup and view all the answers

Where should defibrillator pads be 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

Why might cardiac output decrease if the heart beats too rapidly?

there is not enough time in between contractions for the heart to refill completely. Signup and view all the answers

What does the right coronary artery supply blood to?

right ventricle and inferior wall of the left ventricle. Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to an automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD), what does an external defibrillator vest deliver?

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

What should further treatment for a patient with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) but unresponsive state include?

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

Study Notes

Defibrillation and Cardiac Emergency Management

Defibrillation aims to halt chaotic cardiac cell contractions.
Up to three doses of nitroglycerin may be taken by patients before contacting EMS.
Heart's primary pacemaker is influenced by brain impulses via the autonomic nervous system.

Assisting with Medication and Procedures

EMTs must receive medical control authorization before aiding a patient with prescribed nitroglycerin.
When performing a 12-lead ECG, the patient should lie supine with legs uncrossed.
Prior to AED attachment, EMTs should ensure the patient's chest is dry.

Heart Structure and Function

The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
The right coronary artery provides blood to the right ventricle and the inferior wall of the left ventricle.

Using AED and Addressing Legal Risks

The primary legal risk in AED usage is failing to deliver a shock when necessary.
The most common error with AEDs is neglecting to check if the battery is charged.

Clinical Signs and Conditions

Angina pectoris occurs when myocardial oxygen demand surpasses its supply.
Patients with congestive heart failure typically do not exhibit hypotension or flat jugular veins.
Symptoms inconsistent with implanted cardiac pacemaker malfunction include a rapid heart rate.

Patient Assessment and Action

A stabbing chest pain radiating to the back in a 66-year-old woman may indicate a dissecting aortic aneurysm, especially with a history of hypertension.
For an unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless patient, begin CPR, apply the AED, and shock if indicated.

Advanced Cardiac Support

Achieving return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in a cardiac arrest patient requires BVM ventilation at a rate of 10-12 breaths/min and ongoing assessment of oxygen saturation.
An external defibrillator vest administers high-energy shocks, similar to an AED, differing from an automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD).
Rapid heartbeats can reduce cardiac output due to inadequate refilling time between contractions.

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Description

Test your knowledge of critical concepts from EMT Chapter 16 with these flashcards. Each card focuses on essential definitions and applications related to defibrillation, medication protocols, and cardiac function. Perfect for EMT students ready to enhance their learning and retention of key information.