Cardiac Emergencies: Recognition and Management for Healthcare Professionals

Question 1

Which of the following is **not** a common symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Indigestion

Answer

Crushing chest pain

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Pain in the left arm

Question 2

What is the **first** step in providing first aid to someone having a suspected heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Call for emergency medical help

Answer

Give them aspirin

Answer

Perform CPR

Answer

Lay them down and elevate their legs

Question 3

What is the **first** step in performing CPR on an adult?

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness

Answer

Call for emergency medical help

Answer

Begin chest compressions

Answer

Check for breathing

Question 4

What is the recommended depth for chest compressions during CPR on an adult?

Accepted Answer

3 inches (7.5 cm)

Answer

1 inch (2.5 cm)

Answer

2 inches (5 cm)

Answer

4 inches (10 cm)

Question 5

Symptom Not Indicative of a Heart Attack:

Accepted Answer

Abdominal pain

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Sudden weakness or dizziness

Question 6

Initial Step in Cardiac Arrest Management:

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness

Answer

Begin CPR

Answer

Call for emergency medical services (999)

Answer

Use an automated external defibrillator (AED)

Question 7

Function of an AED:

Accepted Answer

Deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm

Answer

Diagnose a heart attack

Answer

Assist with CPR

Answer

Measure blood pressure

Question 8

Error in Oxygen Administration:

Accepted Answer

Use an oxygen mask with a flow rate exceeding 15L/min

Answer

Use a nasal cannula at a flow rate of 2-4L/min

Answer

Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels

Answer

Place the patient in a comfortable position

Question 9

Distinction between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest:

Accepted Answer

Heart attack is a blockage of blood flow to the heart, while cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function.

Answer

Cardiac arrest is a blockage of blood flow to the heart, while a heart attack is a sudden loss of heart function.

Answer

They refer to the same condition.

Answer

A heart attack is always fatal, while cardiac arrest can be reversible.

Question 10

Role NOT Performed by First Aiders in Cardiac Emergencies:

Accepted Answer

Prescribing medication

Answer

Providing CPR

Answer

Using an AED

Answer

Reassuring the patient and their family

Question 11

When performing CPR and using an AED, what ethical and legal consideration is most important?

Accepted Answer

Getting informed consent from the patient

Answer

Keeping detailed records of your actions

Answer

Making sure you have the right equipment and training

Answer

Continuing CPR for as long as possible, even if the patient's condition worsens

Question 12

In cardiac emergencies, why is it crucial to recognize and intervene promptly?

Accepted Answer

Minimizes heart muscle damage

Answer

Ensures comfort

Answer

Reduces anxiety

Answer

Prevents cardiac arrest

Question 13

What is the defining symptom of angina pectoris?

Accepted Answer

Dull, aching chest pressure

Answer

Sudden, sharp chest discomfort

Answer

Intense, radiating pain from the chest

Question 14

When providing first aid in cardiac emergencies, what is a first aider's primary legal duty?

Accepted Answer

Act within their training and certification

Answer

Get consent before giving treatment

Answer

Guarantee a successful outcome for the patient

Question 15

In first aid for cardiac emergencies, why is creating a safe environment essential?

Accepted Answer

To prevent risks and safeguard the casualty and first aider

Answer

To calm and comfort the casualty

Answer

To facilitate communication between the first aider and casualty

Answer

To protect the casualty's privacy

Question 16

During a cardiac emergency, how does clear and effective communication contribute to the smooth coordination of emergency medical services and the provision of accurate updates on the patient's condition?

Accepted Answer

Enables the timely and accurate relay of patient information and instructions to emergency responders.

Answer

Allows the patient to communicate their symptoms directly, reducing the need for first responders.

Answer

Limits the spread of inaccurate information and panic among bystanders.

Answer

Assesses the patient's cognitive abilities following a cardiac event.

Question 17

Which medication is the first-line treatment for supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)?

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Adrenaline

Answer

Lidocaine

Question 18

Which of the following is the **first** sign of a cardiac emergency?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Persistent coughing

Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Sudden loss of vision

Question 19

Which of the following is the hallmark symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain, pressure or discomfort, often described as squeezing, fullness, or burning

Answer

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

Answer

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Answer

Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion

Question 20

What is the initial first-aid measure for managing angina pectoris?

Accepted Answer

Administer nitroglycerin (if prescribed)

Answer

Call for an ambulance immediately

Answer

Defibrillate with an automated external defibrillator (AED)

Answer

Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Question 21

Which of the following clinical presentations is indicative of cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Unresponsive, not breathing, no pulse

Answer

Rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain

Answer

Chest pain, nausea, sweating, and vomiting

Answer

Confusion, weakness, and rapid breathing

Question 22

As a first responder, what is the most crucial initial action to take when encountering a suspected cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Call for emergency medical services (999)

Answer

Start chest compressions immediately

Answer

Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available

Answer

Give rescue breaths if the victim is not breathing

Question 23

During CPR, at what rate should chest compressions be performed?

Accepted Answer

100-120 compressions per minute

Answer

As quickly as possible without counting

Answer

50-60 compressions per minute

Answer

150-200 compressions per minute

Question 24

When is it appropriate to use an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

Accepted Answer

When the victim is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse

Answer

When the victim is experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath

Answer

When the victim is breathing but unconscious

Question 25

At what point should CPR be discontinued?

Accepted Answer

When emergency medical services arrive and take over care of the victim

Answer

When the victim's pulse returns

Answer

When the victim starts breathing on their own

Question 26

A patient presents with central crushing chest pain that radiates to the left arm. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Heart attack

Answer

Musculoskeletal strain

Answer

Pleuritic chest pain

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Question 27

What is the initial assessment priority for a patient suspected of having a cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Checking for responsiveness and breathing

Answer

Performing a 12-lead ECG

Answer

Administering oxygen

Answer

Assessing for a pulse

Question 28

Which of the following risk factors is NOT associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Obesity

Answer

High cholesterol

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a potential complication of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Arrhythmias

Answer

Heart failure

Question 30

What is the function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?

Accepted Answer

Generate electrical impulses that initiate the heartbeat

Answer

Transmit electrical impulses throughout the heart

Answer

Control heart rate and rhythm

Answer

Pump blood throughout the body

Question 31

Which of the following is a common symptom of aortic valve stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Shortness of breath on exertion

Answer

Lightheadedness

Answer

Fatigue

Answer

Chest pain

Question 32

What is the recommended management for a patient with suspected infective endocarditis?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous antibiotics and surgical intervention as indicated

Answer

Aspirin and pain medication

Answer

Oral antibiotics and observation

Answer

Lifestyle modifications and monitoring

Question 33

What is the primary function of an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

Accepted Answer

To deliver a controlled electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm

Answer

To provide oxygen to the patient

Answer

To monitor the patient's heart rate and rhythm

Question 34

During CPR, what is the recommended rate for chest compressions?

Accepted Answer

100-120 compressions per minute

Answer

120-150 compressions per minute

Answer

80-100 compressions per minute

Answer

50-70 compressions per minute

Question 35

When providing first aid for a suspected heart attack, which action should you avoid?

Accepted Answer

Giving aspirin unless directed by medical emergency services

Answer

Monitoring the patient's vital signs

Answer

Keeping the patient calm and comfortable

Answer

Calling for emergency medical services (999)

Question 36

What is the primary difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

A heart attack is a blockage in the heart's arteries, while cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function and breathing due to an electrical malfunction.

Answer

A heart attack is caused by an electrical problem in the heart, while cardiac arrest is caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart.

Question 37

In the event of a cardiac arrest, what is the initial priority action?

Accepted Answer

Call for emergency medical services (999 in the UK or your local emergency number)

Answer

Administer CPR

Answer

Check for a pulse

Question 38

Which medication can be used to rapidly relieve angina pain?

Accepted Answer

Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)

Answer

Paracetamol

Answer

Aspirin

Answer

Warfarin

Question 39

What is the primary function of an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

Accepted Answer

To deliver an electrical shock and restore a regular heart rhythm

Answer

To measure blood pressure

Answer

To monitor heart rate and rhythm

Question 40

Which type of breathing pattern is characterized by infrequent and shallow breaths, often associated with fluid in the airway?

Accepted Answer

Agonal breathing

Answer

Apneustic breathing

Answer

Cheyne-Stokes breathing

Question 41

Which of the following is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease?

Accepted Answer

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Healthy diet

Answer

Low cholesterol levels

Question 42

During CPR, what is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths?

Accepted Answer

30:2

Answer

2:30

Answer

10:10

Answer

15:2

Question 43

What is the primary aim of first aid in cardiac emergencies?

Accepted Answer

To maintain circulation and oxygenation of vital organs

Answer

To provide reassurance and emotional support

Answer

To cure the underlying heart condition

Answer

To alleviate pain and discomfort