Cardiovascular Emergencies: Essential Knowledge for Emergency Medical Services

Question 1

What is the immediate treatment administered for a stroke caused by a blood clot?

Accepted Answer

Medication to dissolve the clot (thrombolytic therapy)

Answer

Anti-platelet medication like aspirin

Answer

Medication to dilate blood vessels (nitroglycerin)

Answer

Supplemental oxygen

Question 2

Identify the factor that increases the risk of developing arrhythmias:

Accepted Answer

Any of the above

Answer

History of heart disease

Answer

Diabetes

Answer

Tobacco use

Question 3

What is the primary objective of performing CPR?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining oxygenated blood flow to the brain and essential organs

Answer

Restoring breathing

Answer

Restarting the heart through electrical shock

Answer

Administering emergency medications

Question 4

Which device is used to measure blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Sphygmomanometer

Answer

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer

Pulse oximeter

Answer

Stethoscope

Question 5

What is the recommended compression rate for chest compressions during CPR?

Accepted Answer

100-120 per minute

Answer

80-100 per minute

Answer

120-140 per minute

Answer

140-160 per minute

Question 6

What is the first-line first-aid treatment for a suspected stroke?

Accepted Answer

Call emergency services (911) immediately.

Answer

Give the person a glass of water and aspirin.

Answer

Put the person in a warm bath.

Question 7

When using an AED, it is crucial to:

Accepted Answer

Follow the voice prompts carefully and avoid touching the patient during defibrillation.

Answer

Yell at the patient to wake up.

Answer

Remove all clothing from the patient.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

High cholesterol

Answer

Low blood pressure

Answer

Healthy weight

Answer

Regular exercise

Question 9

What is the key difference between a heart attack and a stroke?

Accepted Answer

A heart attack affects blood flow to the heart, while a stroke affects blood flow to the brain.

Answer

A heart attack is always fatal, while a stroke is not.

Answer

A heart attack is caused by a lack of oxygen, while a stroke is caused by a blood clot.

Question 10

What is the main purpose of administering oxygen to a patient experiencing a cardiovascular emergency?

Accepted Answer

To increase oxygen supply to the heart and brain.

Answer

To reduce blood pressure.

Answer

To prevent infection.

Answer

To stop bleeding.

Question 11

When is it generally appropriate to transport a patient with a suspected cardiovascular emergency?

Accepted Answer

When the patient's condition is stable and initial medical interventions have been provided.

Answer

Only after a physician has thoroughly assessed the patient.

Answer

Never, as they should always be treated on-site.

Question 12

In cardiovascular emergencies, what is the mechanism of action and when is nitroglycerin administered?

Accepted Answer

Dilates coronary arteries, used for angina pectoris.

Answer

Stimulates the heart, used for bradycardia.

Answer

Prevents blood clots, used for acute coronary syndrome.

Question 13

Which of the following is the most common initial symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain, discomfort, or pressure

Answer

Lightheadedness

Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Shortness of breath

Question 14

When should you initiate CPR if a person is unresponsive and not breathing?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after checking for response and calling for help

Answer

After 1 minute of rescue breathing

Answer

After checking for a pulse

Answer

Only if an AED is available

Question 15

What is the primary function of an AED?

Accepted Answer

To analyze heart rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if necessary

Answer

To monitor vital signs

Answer

To relieve chest pain

Answer

To improve blood flow to the brain

Question 16

Which of the following is a common indicator of a stroke?

Accepted Answer

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea

Answer

Chest pain

Question 17

Which of the following is a contraindication to administering nitroglycerin for chest pain?

Accepted Answer

Recent use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Pregnancy

Answer

Asthma

Question 18

What is the typical recommended dose of aspirin for a suspected heart attack?

Accepted Answer

300-325 mg

Answer

81 mg

Answer

650 mg

Answer

162 mg

Question 19

Which symptom is commonly associated with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS)?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest, which may radiate to the arm, jaw, or back

Answer

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Answer

Coughing and shortness of breath

Question 20

Which of the following is a sign of a stroke?

Accepted Answer

Sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg

Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Chest pain

Question 21

What is the recommended ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths in adult CPR?

Accepted Answer

30:2

Answer

15:4

Answer

30:4

Answer

15:2

Question 22

What is the recommended time within which a patient with symptoms of a heart attack should receive treatment in a hospital?

Accepted Answer

Within 90 minutes of symptom onset

Answer

Within 12 hours of symptom onset

Answer

Within 6 hours of symptom onset

Answer

Within 2 hours of symptom onset

Question 23

Which of the following is a contraindication to giving aspirin to a patient with cardiovascular symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Known allergy to aspirin or other salicylates

Answer

Nausea and vomiting

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Chest pain that radiates to the arm

Question 24

What is the primary goal of thrombolysis therapy for a stroke?

Accepted Answer

To dissolve blood clots in the brain to restore blood flow

Answer

To increase blood flow to the brain by widening blood vessels

Answer

To reduce inflammation in the brain

Answer

To prevent further stroke episodes

Question 25

What is the name of the condition characterized by a rapid and irregular heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Heart block

Question 26

Which of the following is an early warning sign of an impending stroke?

Accepted Answer

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Chest pain

Question 27

What action should be taken first when performing CPR on an unresponsive individual?

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness by tapping the shoulders and shouting

Answer

Call for an ambulance

Answer

Start chest compressions immediately

Question 28

What is the recommended rate at which chest compressions should be performed during CPR?

Accepted Answer

100-120 compressions per minute

Answer

50-60 compressions per minute

Answer

200-240 compressions per minute

Answer

150-180 compressions per minute

Question 29

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

Accepted Answer

Crushing chest pain that may radiate to the jaw, neck, or arm

Answer

Nausea

Answer

Dizziness

Question 30

What is the most commonly encountered life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia in prehospital settings?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation

Answer

Asystole

Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Tachycardia

Question 31

Which of these is an indication of a patient in compensated shock?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Answer

Cyanosis

Answer

Altered level of consciousness

Answer

Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Question 32

What is the primary goal of providing oxygen to a patient in cardiovascular distress?

Accepted Answer

Increase tissue oxygen delivery

Answer

Prevent infection

Answer

Alleviate pain

Answer

Reduce inflammation

Question 33

What is the initial priority in managing a suspected stroke patient?

Accepted Answer

Call for emergency medical services (911) immediately

Answer

Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Answer

Administer aspirin

Answer

Transport the patient to the hospital

Question 34

What is a primary goal of oxygen therapy in cardiovascular emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Improve oxygen delivery to vital organs (heart and brain)

Answer

Reduce inflammation

Answer

Relieve pain

Answer

Lower blood pressure

Question 35

Which of the following medications is commonly administered to reduce blood pressure in cardiovascular emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin

Answer

Aspirin

Answer

Ibuprofen

Answer

Morphine

Question 36

When assessing a cardiovascular emergency patient, the most critical factor to consider is:

Accepted Answer

Oxygenation and perfusion status

Answer

Age and gender

Answer

Body mass index

Answer

Medical history

Question 37

Identify the most common symptom experienced during a heart attack:

Accepted Answer

Chest discomfort (pressure, squeezing, burning, or aching)

Answer

Vomiting

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea

Question 38

According to established guidelines, when is the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) indicated?

Accepted Answer

When encountering an unresponsive patient who is not breathing normally.

Answer

When a patient feels nauseous.

Answer

When a patient experiences shortness of breath.

Answer

When a patient reports chest pain.

Question 39

Within the normal range, what is the typical number of heartbeats per minute in an adult at rest?

Accepted Answer

Between 60 and 100 beats per minute

Answer

Between 100 and 140 beats per minute

Answer

Between 40 and 80 beats per minute

Answer

Between 80 and 120 beats per minute

Question 40

In the acronym 'FAST', commonly used for stroke assessment, what does the 'T' represent?

Accepted Answer

Time

Answer

Tremor

Answer

Temperature

Answer

Twitching

Question 41

Among the signs indicative of cardiac arrest, which of the following is most critical?

Accepted Answer

Loss of consciousness

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Chest pain

Question 42

In the context of treating cardiac arrhythmias, which medication is commonly employed?

Accepted Answer

Amiodarone

Answer

Morphine

Answer

Nitroglycerin

Answer

Aspirin

Question 43

Which type of arrhythmia is most commonly encountered?

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Pulseless electrical activity

Answer

Ventricular tachycardia

Answer

Supraventricular tachycardia

Question 44

When responding to a patient with chest pain, what is the initial action you should prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Ensure scene safety and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Answer

Administer aspirin if medically indicated.

Answer

Attach a cardiac monitor.

Answer

Obtain a complete set of vital signs.

Question 45

Which of the following symptoms is unlikely to be associated with a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Sudden, sharp pain localized in the lower abdomen

Answer

Chest pressure or tightness lasting several minutes

Answer

Shortness of breath and nausea

Answer

Pain radiating down the left arm

Question 46

When utilizing an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), what does the acronym AED represent?

Accepted Answer

Automated External Defibrillator

Answer

Advanced Emergency Defibrillator

Answer

Auxiliary Electrical Defibrillator

Answer

Automatic Emergency Device

Question 47

In the management of cardiac arrest, which intervention is considered the most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Early defibrillation using an AED

Answer

Establishment of an intravenous line

Answer

Acquisition of a 12-lead ECG

Answer

Administration of high-flow oxygen

Question 48

Which heart rhythm is recognized by an AED as shockable?

Accepted Answer

Ventricular fibrillation (V-fib)

Answer

Sinus bradycardia

Answer

Asystole

Answer

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA)

Question 49

When performing abdominal thrusts on a conscious adult who is choking, where should you position your fist?

Accepted Answer

Just above the navel, below the xiphoid process

Answer

On the back, between the shoulder blades

Answer

Directly on the navel

Answer

On the lower sternum

Question 50

Nitroglycerin alleviates chest pain primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Dilating blood vessels, reducing the heart's workload

Answer

Slowing the heart rate

Answer

Raising blood pressure