Deck 17: Cardiovascular Emergencies

Question 1

You are assisting a paramedic in the transport of a patient from a community hospital emergency department to a large medical center. The patient was diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and received fibrinolytic therapy in the ED. Currently, you are transporting the patient with the fibrinolytic medication infusing through an IV. In regards to the fibrinolytic therapy, you know that during this transport, you will need to closely monitor the patient for what complication?

A) Respiratory arrest
B) Internal bleeding
C) Hypoglycemia
D) Hypertension

Answer 1

B

Question 2

After being dispatched for a male patient experiencing shortness of breath, you arrive to find the confused 67-year-old man sitting upright at his kitchen table in severe respiratory distress. You also note remarkable swelling to his lower legs and feet. He has an open airway, but cannot speak more than two to three words without attempting to breathe. His breathing is extremely labored and his skin is cool, diaphoretic, and dusky in color. Family states a history of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and angina, for which he takes nitroglycerin. Your immediate action in caring for this patient is to:

A) assist the patient with his nitroglycerin.
B) apply but do not turn on the AED.
C) apply continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
D) obtain vital signs and give aspirin.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Which portion of the heart, when weakened by a heart attack, is responsible for causing fluid to back up into and engorge the lung tissue?

A) Right atrium
B) Left ventricle
C) Right ventricle
D) Pulmonary vein

Answer 3

B

Question 4

In the blood, what component is responsible for the formation of blood clots?

A) Red blood cells
B) White blood cells
C) Plasma
D) Platelets

Question 5

A patient with chest pain and shortness of breath informs you that the last time he had a heart attack, he went into heart failure. When performing your secondary assessment, which one of the following signs or symptoms is most indicative that the patient is in heart failure again?

A) Flat neck veins
B) Crackles in the lungs
C) Hypertension
D) Shortness of breath

Question 6

You are caring for a 62-year-old female with chest pain and shortness of breath. She is alert and oriented with an open airway. Her breathing is adequate and radial pulse strong. Her skin is warm and dry. Which one of the following should you do next?

A) Perform a secondary assessment.
B) Obtain her heart rate and blood pressure.
C) Assist her to the ambulance for immediate transport.
D) Assist her in taking a nitroglycerin.

Question 7

You have been called to an office building for a 47-year-old male complaining of chest pain. He is alert, oriented, and complaining of pain in his chest that came on suddenly about 15 minutes ago. His skin is diaphoretic and cool. Which one of the following should you do first?

A) Apply supplemental oxygen through a nasal cannula.
B) Obtain a heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and SpO₂ reading.
C) Determine if there is a family history of cardiac illness.
D) Administer the first of up to three nitroglycerin tablets.

Question 8

A TV reporter has been assigned to your ambulance for a ride-along. He is doing a segment on the local EMS services for EMS week. In your down time, he tells you that his wife was diagnosed with atherosclerosis. He is unsure what the condition is and asks you to explain it to him. Your response would be:

A) "It affects the arteries of the heart and is caused by a heart attack."
B) "The walls of the coronary arteries lose elasticity, which can lead to a heart attack."
C) "The coronary arteries become narrowed by fat deposits."
D) "It affects the veins in the body and is caused by untreated high blood pressure."

Question 9

Which one of the following statements made by another EMT, regarding chest pain and acute coronary syndrome, should you agree with?

A) "If the chest pain started during activity, it is most likely cardiac. If the pain started while the patient was at rest, it is most likely not cardiac."
B) "If the patient's chest pain does not go away with nitroglycerin, the EMT should assume that the medication is expired and ineffective."
C) "If the patient experiences chest pain that radiates into the left arm, it is most likely a heart attack. If the pain radiates anywhere else, it is most likely not cardiac in origin."
D) "Many patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome do not have actual chest pain; rather, they experience a sensation of discomfort or pressure."

Question 10

The primary function of the heart is to:

A) store blood.
B) oxygenate blood.
C) circulate blood.
D) produce blood.

Question 11

A patient has a low platelet count in his blood. Based on this, for which of the following is he most at risk?

A) Clot formation
B) Bleeding
C) Hypotension
D) Angina

Question 12

If a patient has a clot occluding the blood flow through his left coronary artery, which of the following will occur first?

A) The flow of oxygen-rich blood through the peripheral arteries will cease.
B) Blood will not be able to flow between the left atrium and left ventricle.
C) The flow of oxygen-rich blood to the muscle of the left ventricle will be decreased.
D) Blood and fluid will back up into the lung tissue causing pulmonary edema.

Question 13

A patient suffers from pulmonary hypertension, which has increased the resistance in the pulmonary blood vessels. In response, which of the following will most likely occur?

A) The right side of the heart will weaken.
B) The heart muscle will become stronger.
C) The left side of the heart will weaken and fail.
D) The aorta will weaken and potentially rupture.

Question 14

Which one of the following statements should the EMT recognize as an absolute contraindication to the use of fibrinolytic medications in the emergency department?

A) "I have high blood pressure for which I take medication."
B) "Two months ago I had a stroke on the left side of my brain."
C) "My doctor told me to take a baby aspirin every day."
D) "I had my appendix removed six months ago."

Question 15

The tricuspid valve prevents blood from:

A) moving between the right and left ventricles.
B) flowing from the right ventricle into the right atrium.
C) bypassing the pulmonary vessels and entering the left heart.
D) flowing backward through the left atrium.

Question 16

A person has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. A medication that can effectively serve to lower his blood pressure is one that:

A) increases the heart rate.
B) dilates the coronary arteries.
C) dilates the arteries.
D) constricts the veins.

Question 17

You have arrived at a residence to help another crew with a 62-year-old woman who is complaining of fatigue, chest discomfort, and diaphoresis. The EMTs on scene report that she has a history of hypertension for which she takes a blood pressure pill and is prescribed nitroglycerin because she has atherosclerosis. She also reports an allergy to aspirin. Vitals are pulse 64, respirations 16, blood pressure 128/86, and SpO₂ 97% on room air. Which of the following statements made by the EMTs would require immediate intervention on your part?

A) "I am not going to attach the AED, because she is conscious and has a pulse."
B) "I am going to put her on high-concentration oxygen because she had chest pain."
C) "I will contact medical direction for permission to administer her nitroglycerin."
D) "I am not going to give her any aspirin, because she says that she is allergic to it."

Question 18

You are interviewing a patient you suspect to be suffering from acute coronary syndrome. Which of the following questions is most appropriate?

A) "Are you having any pain in your chest?"
B) "Are you having any chest discomfort or pain?"
C) "Does it hurt when I press on your chest?"
D) "Does your chest hurt when you breathe?"

Question 19

You are caring for an alert and oriented patient with chest pain. He is receiving supplemental oxygen, and two nitroglycerin tablets and aspirin have been administered. Currently, his vital signs are pulse 76, respirations 16, blood pressure 110/56, and SpO₂ 95%. When transporting him on the stretcher, which position is best?

A) Semi-Fowler's position
B) Supine with head elevated
C) Lateral recumbent
D) Position of comfort

Question 20

When treating a patient with chest pain, the primary goal of the EMT is to:

A) determine whether chest pain is originating from the heart.
B) recognize the possibility of cardiac compromise and provide proper care.
C) provide care to eliminate the chest pain, and then transport to the hospital.
D) administer fibrinolytic drugs with the permission of medical direction.

Question 21

You are transporting a patient who had an episode of chest pain. On scene you assisted him in taking his nitroglycerin, which completely alleviated the chest pain. En route to the hospital, he asks you why the nitroglycerin takes the chest pain away. Your response would be:

A) "It causes the heart rate to decrease, which relaxes it and decreases pain."
B) "It has a sedative effect on the brain, making you less aware of the pain."
C) "It dilates the blood vessels, which decreases the workload of the heart."
D) "It causes the body to relax, decreasing the need for oxygen."

Question 22

You are by the side of a patient complaining of severe chest pain that radiates into his right arm and neck. He is alert and oriented with an open airway and adequate breathing. His radial pulse is strong, and his skin is cool and diaphoretic. Your partner reports his pulse rate is 84, respirations are 18, blood pressure is 86/62 mmHg, and SpO₂ is 98% on room air. You have obtained a medical history and performed the secondary assessment. The patient states that he has had two heart attacks in the past and is allergic to aspirin and sulfa medications. Which one of the following should you do next?

A) Assist the patient in taking a nitroglycerin tablet.
B) Administer aspirin to the patient.
C) Administer oxygen and nitro, and then transport.
D) Transfer him to the stretcher and transport.

Question 23

The EMT shows that she understands the difference between classic angina and an acute myocardial infarction (MI) when she states:

A) "Classic angina occurs when the heart rate becomes too fast; an acute MI is the result of coronary artery disease."
B) "Classic angina is not accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath; the chest pain with an acute MI is."
C) "The pain in an acute MI is typically described as stabbing; the pain with classic angina is more pressure-like."
D) "An acute myocardial infarction results in the death of cardiac tissue; classic angina does not."

Question 24

You have been called for a 56-year-old female complaining of chest pain. She informs you that she takes nitroglycerin and asks you to get it off of the top of her refrigerator. You find it is a clear glass jar hand labeled "nitroglycerin." Which of the following is the most appropriate response?

A) "You should keep your nitro in the refrigerator since it will keep longer in the cold."
B) "It is best to keep the nitro in a dark container since light will inactivate it."
C) "The heat from the refrigerator will cause the nitroglycerin to lose its effectiveness."
D) "Having the nitro on top of the refrigerator may make it difficult for you to reach it in an emergency."

Question 25

Prior to administering nitroglycerin to a patient with chest pain, the EMT must ensure that the:

A) nitroglycerin is prescribed for the patient.
B) patient rates his chest pain as 10 out of 10.
C) systolic blood pressure is greater than 110 mmHg.
D) patient is standing in an upright position.

Question 26

You are completing the prehospital care report and are documenting the fact that you assisted a patient in taking his nitroglycerin pill. How will you document the route of administration?

A) Oral
B) Topical
C) Sublingual
D) Buccal

Question 27

When administering aspirin to a patient with chest pain that is suggestive of a heart attack, the EMT recognizes that this medication will benefit the patient by:

A) breaking up the blood clot that is occluding the coronary artery.
B) treating the headache that may occur when nitroglycerin is administered.
C) decreasing the ability of the platelets in the blood to form clots.
D) decreasing the chest pain caused by the possible heart attack.

Question 28

The EMT shows she is correctly administering aspirin to a patient with chest pain when she provides:

A) 325 mg of enteric-coated aspirin and instructs the patient to swallow it.
B) 325 mg of baby aspirin and instructs the patient to chew it.
C) 325 mg of baby aspirin and instructs the patient to let it dissolve under her tongue.
D) 160 mg of baby aspirin and instructs the patient to swallow it with a glass of water.

Question 29

You have been called for a patient with angina. On scene the 67-year-old man reports that he has a history of angina and the pain started when he was moving firewood from the garage into his house. Unfortunately, the pain has yet to go away, despite three nitroglycerin tablets and 20 minutes of rest. Your next action should be to:

A) check the patient's vital signs.
B) administer a nitroglycerin tablet and aspirin.
C) attach the AED but do not turn it on.
D) provide 2 liters per minute of oxygen.

Question 30

When assessing a patient in the prehospital setting, which of the following does the EMT recognize as an indication for aspirin?

A) Complaint of a headache after taking nitroglycerin
B) An aspirin taken daily for cardiovascular disease
C) Blood pressure above 100 mmHg systolically
D) Chest discomfort that is suggestive of a heart attack

Question 31

When obtaining a medical history, which of the following patient statements seemingly indicates that he is suffering from classic angina?

A) "I took five nitroglycerin tablets over 20 minutes to get rid of the pain."
B) "When I stopped cutting the grass, the pain went away."
C) "The pain started when I was sitting down reading the paper."
D) "The pain lasted about 45 minutes before gradually going away."

Question 32

A patient with a past medical history of angina is complaining of chest discomfort. When assessing the patient, which sign or symptom should alert the EMT that the patient is probably suffering an acute myocardial infarction and not an anginal attack?

A) Pain radiates into the left arm.
B) The patient complains of mild shortness of breath.
C) Chest discomfort is not relieved by nitroglycerin.
D) Patient's skin is not diaphoretic.

Question 33

Your patient has chest pain, and you have just assisted him in taking his nitroglycerin tablet. Which of the following patient statements is the cause for greatest concern?

A) "It is easier to breathe now."
B) "The chest pain does not feel any different."
C) "I seem to be getting a headache."
D) "My tongue is stinging and burning."

Question 34

To administer aspirin in the prehospital setting, which of the following must be satisfied?

A) Approval from medical direction
B) Patient prescription for aspirin
C) Age of less than 65 years
D) Systolic blood pressure greater than 100 mmHg

Question 35

A 44-year-old male is experiencing chest pain. He has a history of angina and is prescribed nitroglycerin, which he has not taken yet. He is also taking another medication. Which of the following contraindicates the administration of nitroglycerin?

A) Coumadin
B) Levitra
C) Methadone
D) Albuterol

Question 36

Which one of the following instructions given by an EMT indicates the proper administration of nitroglycerin?

A) "Breathe in when I spray the nitroglycerin into your mouth."
B) "This pill will go between your cheek and gum."
C) "Please chew and swallow this pill."
D) "Let this pill dissolve under your tongue."

Question 37

Which one of the following actions is it essential that the EMT take prior to assisting the patient in taking his nitroglycerin tablet?

A) Determine an allergy to nitroglycerin.
B) Evaluate the patient's blood pressure.
C) Inquire if the patient is allergic to sulfa drugs.
D) Determine the presence or absence of a headache.

Question 38

Which statement would the EMT expect from a patient with unstable angina?

A) "When I stop what I am doing, the pain goes away."
B) "If I take a nitroglycerin tablet, the pain stops."
C) "The chest pain awakens me from my nighttime sleep."
D) "The antacid my doctor prescribed seems to take the pain away."

Question 39

Which statement made by the EMT indicates a safe understanding of the administration of nitroglycerin in the prehospital setting?

A) "I always check for an allergy to sulfa, since most people with an allergy to sulfa also have an allergy to nitroglycerin."
B) "Since nitroglycerin constricts the blood vessels, you must always check the blood pressure before and after giving it."
C) "A total of three nitroglycerin tablets may be administered in the prehospital setting, and this includes what the patient takes prior to EMS arrival."
D) "If the patient with chest pain also has a headache, the EMT should contact medical command prior to administering nitroglycerin."

Question 40

Your patient is a 67-year-old male who has chest pain. After assisting with his nitroglycerin, his chest pain remains 7 out of 10 and he is still diaphoretic. His vital signs are: pulse 72 beats per minute, respirations 18 per minute and adequate, blood pressure 82/60 mmHg, and SpO₂ at 97% on 2 liters per minute of oxygen. To the present, the patient has taken two nitroglycerin tablets. You should:

A) administer a third nitroglycerin tablet.
B) increase the oxygen to 4 lpm.
C) administer half of a nitro tablet.
D) transfer him to the stretcher and transport.

Question 41

Which one of the following patient statements should make an EMT suspect primary hypertension?

A) "The doctor said that my blood pressure is high because my kidneys are bad."
B) "I have to take two blood pressure medications at the same time to get my pressure down."
C) "The doctor does not know what is causing my blood pressure to be high."
D) "My high blood pressure caused my heart to go bad."

Question 42

You are caring for a 69-year-old male who is short of breath and in congestive heart failure. He is alert, anxious, and panicked with an open airway and rapid shallow respirations. His heart rate is tachycardic, and his skin is cool and diaphoretic with cyanosis noted to the lips and fingers. There are crackles noted to both lungs, as well as pedal edema to both feet. He denies chest pain or discomfort, but is having a difficult time speaking due to the shortness of breath. When caring for this patient, you should:

A) administer four baby aspirin.
B) place the patient in the shock position.
C) insert a nasal airway.
D) apply continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Question 43

You have just arrived by the side of a male patient who is in cardiac arrest. Emergency Medical Responders have been on scene for 6 minutes performing CPR. Advanced life support (ALS) has been contacted and is 1 minute out. Which one of the following should you do immediately?

A) Continue CPR and wait for ALS care.
B) Apply and use the automated external defibrillator.
C) Check the heart rate, blood pressure, and SpO₂.
D) Place the patient on the stretcher so ALS can provide care en route.

Question 44

You have just arrived by the side of a 68-year-old male complaining of chest pain. After determining his airway is patent and breathing adequate, it is imperative that you perform which action next?

A) Auscultate his breath sounds.
B) Determine if he takes nitroglycerin.
C) Check his radial pulse.
D) Obtain a full set of vital signs.

Question 45

A patient has called 911 for chest pain that he describes as "tearing" and radiating between his shoulders. His airway is patent, breathing accelerated but adequate, and radial pulse intact. Your partner reports the following vital signs: pulse 120, respirations 22, blood pressure 88/64, and SpO₂ at 96% on room air. At this time, you should:

A) assist the patient with his nitroglycerin.
B) provide the patient with 325 mg of aspirin.
C) encourage the patient to take an antacid such as Maalox.
D) recheck the blood pressure in the other arm.

Question 46

You are assessing a 73-year-old male complaining of altered mental status and shortness of breath. The patient is conscious, but confused. He is breathing at a rate of 20 breaths per minute. His pulse is rapid and weak, and his skin cool and diaphoretic. An Emergency Medical Responder provides you with the following vital signs: pulse 136, respirations 20, blood pressure 168/88, and SpO₂ at 89%. Family states that he is diabetic and takes insulin. He also has a history of hypertension, colon cancer, irregular heartbeat, and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Which one of the following should you do next?

A) Check the patient's blood sugar.
B) Perform the secondary exam.
C) Apply supplemental oxygen.
D) Administer oral glucose.

Question 47

A patient complaining of shortness of breath has called 911. Her history includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When assessing the patient, which one of the following causes you to immediately prepare the patient for transport?

A) SpO₂ at 94% despite supplemental oxygen
B) Wheezing noted in the bases of both lungs
C) Heart rate of 84 beats per minute
D) Pulsating mass in the abdomen

Question 48

You are transporting a patient with chest pain to the hospital emergency department. In regards to possible fibrinolytic therapy, which of the following should you relay as a possible relative contraindication to this therapy?

A) Blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL
B) Use of anticoagulant medication
C) History of previous heart attack
D) Allergy to aspirin and penicillin

Question 49

The EMT should most suspect a patient suffers from heart failure when he takes what medication?

A) Lasix
B) Aspirin
C) Nitroglycerin
D) Glucophage

Question 50

You suspect that a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is suffering from right ventricular disease. From your assessment, which of the following findings reinforce this suspicion?

A) Elevated blood pressure
B) Edema to the feet
C) Crackles in both lungs
D) Bounding radial pulse

Question 51

You have been called for a 58-year-old male with an unknown medical emergency. On scene you find the alert and oriented patient to be complaining of headache as well as weakness and "tingling" to his right arm and leg. He is diabetic and suffers from high blood pressure, for which he takes the appropriate medications. When asked, he states that he thinks he may have passed out earlier in the day, immediately after taking his morning dose of insulin. His pulse is 96, respirations 16, and blood pressure 180/106 mmHg. Based on this presentation, you should treat the patient for:

A) high blood sugar.
B) stroke.
C) hypertensive emergency.
D) syncope.

Question 52

Which of the following patient statements should cause the EMT to suspect an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

A) "I have belly pain that I also feel in my back."
B) "My heart is beating so hard, you can feel it on my chest."
C) "The pain is sharp and spreads to both arms."
D) "I seem to be vomiting up some blood."

Question 53

Which of the following statements regarding cardiac compromise or acute coronary syndrome should the EMT recognize as true?

A) Cardiac compromise should be suspected for any patient with chest discomfort.
B) Patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome will have pain, not discomfort.
C) If the pain does not radiate to the arms, then the cause is not typically the heart.
D) The onset of acute coronary syndrome typically occurs with physical activity.

Question 54

You are assessing a patient in heart failure. Which of the following signs or symptoms seemingly indicates that the left ventricle is the cause of the heart failure?

A) Crackles in the bases of both lungs
B) SpO₂ of 95% with no supplemental oxygen
C) Difficulty breathing when in an upright position
D) Heart rate of 62 beats per minute

Question 55

The EMT recognizes the cause of heart failure as:

A) inadequate ejection of blood.
B) poor gas exchange in the lungs.
C) fluid accumulation within the lung tissue.
D) backup of fluid in the lower extremities.

Question 56

A 71-year-old female patient is lying in bed and complaining of respiratory distress. She exhibits moderate dyspnea, crackles in both lungs, and edema to the abdomen and lower extremities. Supplemental oxygen is being provided to the patient by Emergency Medical Responders. Her vital signs are: pulse 132, respirations 18, blood pressure 138/86, and SpO₂ at 95%. Which one of the following would be the most benefit to the patient?

A) Administer four baby aspirin.
B) Elevate both legs to decrease swelling.
C) Obtain a medical history.
D) Position the patient upright.

Question 57

Your patient is complaining of chest pain that radiates into his neck and arms. The primary assessment reveals a patent airway, adequate breathing, and a strong, regular radial pulse. His skin is warm and dry, and reveals no signs of inadequate perfusion. Which of the following should you do next?

A) Start the secondary assessment.
B) Attach the AED.
C) Provide oxygen.
D) Check vital signs.

Question 58

An alert and oriented patient presents with shortness of breath, crackles in both lungs, jugular venous distention, and edema to the feet and ankles. Her pulse is 132, respirations 26, blood pressure 160/86, and SpO₂ at 88%. Based on this, the EMT should suspect:

A) left ventricular failure.
B) hypertensive emergency.
C) right ventricular failure.
D) congestive heart failure.

Question 59

Immediately after assisting a diabetic patient with her nitroglycerin, she states that she feels weak, dizzy, and nauseated. Which of the following should the EMT do next?

A) Position her in an upright position.
B) Inform her that this is normal.
C) Determine her blood glucose level.
D) Check her blood pressure.

Question 60

Which one of the following statements should the EMT associate with the condition of congestive heart failure?

A) "I noticed that I am having a hard time breathing and have a fever."
B) "I have a hard time breathing when I am in bed at night."
C) "When I walk, I feel very weak and get quite dizzy."
D) "I can feel my heart pounding in my head and I have a throbbing headache."

Question 61

Regarding arteries, the EMT should recognize that all arteries:

A) carry blood away from the heart.
B) have lower pressure than veins.
C) carry oxygen-rich blood.
D) are located in the torso of the body.

Question 62

A patient informs you that he has a history of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. To best assess the status of this condition, you should:

A) auscultate the lower abdominal quadrants.
B) palpate the abdomen.
C) examine the abdomen for bruising.
D) palpate the flanks and back.

Question 63

A patient who is chronically hypoxic because of anemia most likely has a problem with what component of the cardiovascular system?

A) Platelets
B) Red blood cells
C) Pulmonary arteries
D) White blood cells

Question 64

Dysfunction of the heart's conductive cells most likely will cause:

A) blood loss.
B) lung collapse.
C) hyperventilation.
D) palpitations.

Question 65

The primary pacemaking site of the heart is the:

A) sinoatrial node.
B) brainstem.
C) right atrium.
D) ventricular node.

Question 66

For a patient with a history of an unstable abdominal aortic aneurysm, the EMT should recognize and prepare for:

A) vomiting and airway occlusion.
B) hypoxia caused by lung compression.
C) massive internal bleeding.
D) decreased perfusion to the upper extremities.

Question 67

The sympathetic nervous system will cause the heart to:

A) increase in size.
B) increase the heart rate.
C) decrease automaticity.
D) decrease in rate.

Question 68

The EMT understands the EKG when he states:

A) "The EKG shows how well the heart is oxygenating blood."
B) "An EKG indicates the amount of blood in the heart."
C) "The EKG can be used to determine how well the heart is pumping blood."
D) "An EKG represents the electrical activity of the heart."

Question 69

An obstruction of the pulmonary artery will cause:

A) backup of blood in the right side of the heart.
B) increased blood flow through the aorta.
C) backup of blood in the left side of the heart.
D) increased blood flow through the vena cava.

Question 70

The primary control or automaticity of the heart rate originates in the:

A) brainstem.
B) heart.
C) nervous system.
D) endocrine system.

Question 71

You are treating a patient complaining of altered mental status, shortness of breath, and chest pain. A paramedic has just administered a medication that causes the sympathetic nervous system to increase its influence in the body. Which one of the following actions should you anticipate?

A) Increased heart rate
B) Decreased blood pressure
C) Decreased heart rate
D) Increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure

Question 72

Which one of the following signs or symptoms should the EMT directly relate to a patient who has a low white blood cell count?

A) Bruising to the extremities
B) SpO₂ at 91% on room air
C) Blood pressure of 156/100 mmHg
D) Temperature of 103.4∘F

Question 73

The three primary components of the cardiovascular system are best described as:

A) arteries, veins, and capillaries.
B) heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
C) heart, blood vessels, and blood.
D) heart, blood vessels, and brainstem.

Question 74

A paramedic administers a medication to decrease the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart. As a result, the EMT would expect which of the following?

A) Increase in respirations
B) Decrease in heart rate
C) Decreased blood pressure
D) Increase in heart rate

Question 75

On an EKG, the EMT would understand the QRS to represent:

A) contraction of the atria.
B) contraction of the ventricles.
C) contraction of both the atria and ventricles.
D) the heart at rest following contraction.

Question 76

What statement regarding contraction of the heart is true?

A) The two ventricles contract simultaneously, moving blood into the atria.
B) The right atria and ventricle contract together, moving blood to the left side.
C) Both atria contract together just before both ventricles contract.
D) The left ventricle contracts, thus moving blood into the lungs for oxygenation.

Question 77

Chronic and untreated hypertension will affect which part of the heart first?

A) Left ventricle
B) Aorta
C) Right ventricle
D) Vena cava

Question 78

Which of the following best indicates the pathway of blood through the heart?

A) Aorta, left atrium, left ventricle, pulmonary capillary
B) Pulmonary vein, pulmonary capillary, pulmonary artery, right ventricle
C) Vena cava, pulmonary artery, left ventricle, aorta
D) Right atrium, left atrium, left ventricle, right ventricle

Question 79

After blood has entered the right ventricle, it is next moved into the:

A) left ventricle.
B) pulmonary artery.
C) left atrium.
D) aorta.

Question 80

The EMT understands diastolic blood pressure when he states which of the following?

A) "The pressure in the arteries after cardiac contraction"
B) "The pressure in the arterial system when the heart contracts"
C) "The pressure needed to move blood through the cardiovascular system"
D) "The pressure in the venous system when the heart is at rest"