Paramedic Science: Circulatory System Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Where is chest discomfort typically located?

Around the ankles

Only in the left arm

In the centre or left side of the chest (correct)

Exclusively in the stomach area

What is a common symptom of heart failure?

Improved cardiac output

Shortness of breath (correct)

Increased appetite

Frequent urination

What is a consequence of left ventricular failure?

Fluid entering the alveoli (correct)

Increased blood flow to the heart muscle

Improved gas exchange

Decreased pressure in the pulmonary vasculature

How is right heart failure primarily caused?

By left heart failure Signup and view all the answers

What does an increase in pressure in the pulmonary vasculature lead to?

Right ventricular afterload increase Signup and view all the answers

Which class of edema is characterized by a 6mm deep pit and a rebound time of 10-12 seconds?

Class 3 Signup and view all the answers

What condition may cause fluid buildup in the lungs due to heart failure?

Coronary artery disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential symptom of right heart failure?

Raised jugular venous pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of symptomatic bradycardia?

Light-headedness Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is recommended for symptomatic bradycardia?

Rapid transportation to hospital Signup and view all the answers

What does 'melena' refer to?

Tarry black stools Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign of sickle cell disease?

Skin bruising Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for coughing up blood from the lungs?

Haemoptysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy?

Intense emotional or physical experience Signup and view all the answers

What is one key feature of the heart's shape in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy?

It changes to a Tako-Tsubo pot shape Signup and view all the answers

For whom is a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) typically used?

Patients with severe heart failure Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with an aortic dissection?

Potentially deadly complications if untreated Signup and view all the answers

Which type of aortic dissection involves both the ascending and descending aorta?

Type I Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD)?

To assist and restore normal blood flow Signup and view all the answers

What complication arises from an aortic dissection?

Inner and middle layers of the aorta split Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline should be followed for managing patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs)?

JRCALC guideline management Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a Type A aortic dissection?

It involves the ascending aorta. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically associated with an aortic dissection?

Pulsatile mass in the abdomen. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) symptom indicates a possible rupture?

Mottling of the abdomen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper guideline to follow for vascular emergencies?

JRCALC Vascular Emergencies Guideline. Signup and view all the answers

In an arteriovenous fistula, what happens to the blood flow?

Blood flows from an artery directly into a vein. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Sudden severe stomach pain. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom might suggest an impending stroke associated with aortic dissection?

Weakness or loss of movement on one side. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common symptom of an arteriovenous fistula?

Reduced blood supply to nearby tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of pulmonary circulation?

To transport deoxygenated blood to the lungs Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does blood enter immediately after passing through the bicuspid valve?

Left Ventricle Signup and view all the answers

What causes angina pectoris?

Narrowing or blockage of the heart's arteries Signup and view all the answers

What is atherosclerosis primarily characterized by?

Plaque buildup in artery walls Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins?

Left Atrium Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of coronary circulation?

To supply blood to the heart muscle Signup and view all the answers

The electrical conduction system of the heart is important for what purpose?

Allowing for synchronized heart contractions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about systemic circulation?

It provides functional blood supply to all body tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes unstable angina?

Irregular and can happen at rest Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is most commonly associated with acute coronary syndromes?

Severe pain in the chest or other areas Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a STEMI from a NSTEMI?

ST elevation observed in the ECG for STEMI only Signup and view all the answers

What is a hallmark symptom of a Silent Myocardial Infarction?

No symptoms or symptoms not recognized as a heart attack Signup and view all the answers

What indicates the need for treatment following the JRCALC Acute Coronary Syndrome Guideline?

Symptoms consistent with unstable angina or myocardial infarction Signup and view all the answers

What is the underlying cause of both STEMI and NSTEMI?

Long interruption to the blood supply due to total blockage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms could occur during a myocardial infarction?

Sudden dizziness or faintness Signup and view all the answers

What is often the first and most obvious symptom of a STEMI?

Chest discomfort, pain or pressure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Paramedic Science: Health & Human Development 2 - The Circulatory System

The circulatory system comprises vessels that carry blood to and from the heart.
Arteries carry blood away from the heart.
Veins carry blood towards the heart.
The system is unidirectional.
The heart, roughly the size of a fist, is located in the centre of the chest, slightly to the left.
The heart pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing carbon dioxide and waste products.

Structure of the Heart

The heart wall has three layers:
- Pericardium (double-walled sac):
  - Parietal pericardium (outer layer)
  - Visceral pericardium (inner layer, also known as the epicardium)
- Myocardium (muscular layer)
- Endocardium (inner layer lining the heart chambers and valves)
The myocardium is made of cardiac muscle tissue arranged in planes and richly supplied with blood, lymph, and nerve tissue. It pumps blood from the heart chambers.
The endocardium lines the heart chambers and covers the heart valves.

Heart Chambers

The heart is divided into four chambers:
- Right atrium
- Right ventricle
- Left atrium
- Left ventricle

Pulmonary Circulation

Blood travels between the heart and lungs.
Deoxygenated blood is carried to the lungs to absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
Oxygenated blood returns to the heart.

Systemic Circulation

Blood is circulated throughout the body.
Oxygenated blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to body tissues.
Deoxygenated blood collects carbon dioxide and waste products.

Electrical Conduction System

Specialized electrical system enables synchronous contraction of heart chambers. It coordinates sequential contraction of atria and ventricles.
The system includes the SA (sinoatrial) node, AV (atrioventricular) node, Bachmann's bundle, internodal tracts, bundles of His, and Purkinje fibers.

Coronary Circulation

Coronary vessels supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.
Cardiac veins drain away deoxygenated blood.

Pathophysiology

Angina: Chest pain or discomfort due to insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle (often related to coronary heart disease).
Atherosclerosis: Buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in artery walls (plaque), which can narrow arteries, block blood flow, or burst to cause a blood clot.
Stable Angina: Predictable chest pain that occurs with exertion.
Unstable Angina: Irregular, unpredictable chest pain, sometimes occurring at rest. Can be an escalation of stable angina.
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): Serious heart attack characterized by a prolonged interruption of blood supply (caused by total blockage of a coronary artery) which can cause extensive damage.
Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): Heart attack without a clear block in the ECG; typically no ST elevation.
Silent Myocardial Infarction (Silent MI): Heart attack with few or no noticeable symptoms.
Heart Failure: Heart doesn't pump blood effectively; blood pools leading to fluid build up in tissues, especially lungs.
Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD): Mechanical pump device used for failing hearts before/until transplant.
Aortic Dissection: Tear in the inner lining of the aorta that can cause the layers to split (dissect).
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): A weakened, enlarged area in the aorta (usually in the abdomen).
Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) Haemorrhage: An irregular connection between an artery and vein, diverting blood away from the capillaries, reducing blood supply to tissues.
Pericarditis: Swelling and inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), often causing sharp chest pain.
Cocaine Toxicity: Rapid cardiovascular and neurological deterioration due to stimulant drug use.

Treatment

Specific guidelines from JRCALC are followed for each condition.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the circulatory system and the structure of the heart. This quiz covers key concepts such as blood flow, heart anatomy, and the functions of various heart layers. Perfect for students of health sciences or paramedic studies.