ICD Pacemaker and Cardioversion

Which of the following statements best describes the key distinction between synchronized cardioversion and unsynchronized cardioversion (defibrillation)?

A patient experiences a post-cardioversion complication of severe bradycardia. What is the MOST likely underlying cause if it occurs after long-duration atrial fibrillation?

During the preparation for synchronized cardioversion, the defibrillator fails to detect the patient's QRS complex. What immediate action should the healthcare provider take to address this issue and ensure successful synchronization?

A patient with a history of atrial fibrillation undergoes successful synchronized cardioversion but develops ventricular fibrillation immediately following the procedure. What is the MOST probable cause?

What is the MOST critical step to consider when administering adenosine for the treatment of narrow complex tachycardia?

Which finding would warrant the administration of amiodarone over adenosine in a patient presenting with stable wide complex tachycardia?

A patient with stable narrow complex tachycardia is refractory to initial vagal maneuvers. Prior to administering adenosine, what specific contraindication should be carefully assessed?

A patient in stable condition presents with a regular, wide-complex tachycardia. After obtaining authorization from medical control, which medication is appropriate?

You are called to the home of a 70-year-old male complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath. Upon arrival, he is alert but diaphoretic, with a blood pressure of 80/60 mmHg and a heart rate of 180 bpm as indicated by the ECG. The ECG shows atrial fibrillation. The patient denies any previous history of cardiac problems. What should be the priority intervention for this patient?

Which assessment finding in a patient with bradycardia would be MOST indicative of the need for immediate transcutaneous pacing?

What is the PRIMARY goal of transcutaneous pacing (TCP) in the management of symptomatic bradycardia?

When initiating transcutaneous pacing (TCP), what is the MOST important initial step to ensure effective electrical capture?

During transcutaneous pacing, you observe pacing spikes on the ECG monitor but no corresponding QRS complexes. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?

After achieving electrical capture with transcutaneous pacing, what is the MOST reliable method to assess effective mechanical capture?

A patient with a newly implanted dual-chamber pacemaker presents with dizziness and palpitations. The ECG reveals asynchronous pacing with both atrial and ventricular pacing spikes occurring independently of the patient's intrinsic rhythm. What pacemaker malfunction is MOST suspected?

A patient with a ventricular pacemaker is brought to the emergency department with a heart rate of 180 bpm. What is the MOST appropriate initial step in managing this patient's condition?

What adjustment must be considered when performing external defibrillation on a patient with an implanted pacemaker or AICD?

A patient with an AICD goes into ventricular tachycardia, and the device delivers multiple shocks without resolving the dysrhythmia. In what situation is paramedic intervention MOST urgently required?

What potential complication is of MOST concern when an implanted defibrillator fails to deliver appropriate therapy?

In the context of treating bradycardia, how does moderate or severe bradycardia impact cardiac output, and what is the underlying mechanism for this change?

A patient presents with bradycardia complicated by a suspected occult shock. How would cool extremities with reduced urine output, despite a normal blood pressure and seemingly intact mental status point toward this diagnosis?

Which of the following ECG findings indicate the MOST urgent need for intervention in the context of bradycardia?

Which underlying etiology of bradycardia requires particular consideration and a potentially specific treatment approach distinct from the standard bradycardia management?

You're treating a patient who is bradycardic. He is also showing peaked T waves. You suspect hyperkalemia. Which medication would you administer FIRST?

Which artificial pacemaker type MOST closely mimics normal heart physiology, allowing for both atrial and ventricular contractions in a coordinated sequence to optimize cardiac output?

During transcutaneous pacing attempt, applying pressure on various placements of the pacing pads improved capture threshold. What can be improved in order to more easily capture?

Which of the following statements BEST describes the role of an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) in managing cardiac arrhythmias?

An unconscious patient with a known history of implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is found to be unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. The monitor shows ventricular fibrillation. What is the MOST appropriate initial step in managing this patient?

Why do pacemakers create difficulty when AED's are used?

Which situation represents a failure to sense?

Which statement is FALSE regarding pacemakers?

A patient has complete heart block, what should be considered?

Your patient with a pacemaker now has a second degree AV block, type 1. What kind of bradycardia is this?

You have a patient that has Junctional bradycardia. What is the classification?

A patient has completed synchronized cardioversion, and is now experiencing post-cardioversion ventricular fibrillation. What toxicity is most likely the cause of the ventricular fibrillation?

To avoid the peak of the T-wave and prevent the delivery of a shock during the vulnerable period, what part of the wave complex must synchronized cardioversion be timed to?

What is one of the most common cardiac complications experienced during cardioversion?

You are called to a scene where the patient is experiencing tachycardia. You are about to assess to determine if they are symptomatic. What is of high importance?

You are about to use Valsalva Maneuver. What condition warrants contraindication if identified?