Cardiac Basics
What is the normal heart rate for an adult?
60-100 BPM
What is the universal sign of a heart attack?
What part of the brain controls breathing and heartbeat?
The brainstem, particularly medulla oblongata
Sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain
What is the most important tool for stroke recognition in the field?
Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS)
What is the main function of the right side of the heart?
Pump blood to the lungs for oxygenation
What is the first medication you'd assist with for suspected ACS?
Aspirin
What is the brain's main energy source?
What is the difference between generalized and focal seizures?
Generalized - both hemispheres
Focal - one area of the brain
Name one symptom of stroke that mimics hypoglycemia.
Altered mental status or weakness
What's the term for the heart relaxing and refilling with blood?
Diastole
What's the difference between angina and myocardial infarction?
Angina is temporary; MI is actual tissue death
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale used to assess?
Level of consciousness
What should you do if you witness an active seizure?
Protect from injury, maintain airway, do NOT restrain or place anything into their mouth
What is the maximum time window for many stroke interventions (like tPA)?
About 3-4.5 hours from onset
Name the electrical conduction pathway of the heart in order.
SA node -> AV node -> Bundle of His -> Purkinje fibers
A patient is pulseless and apneic. AED says "shock advised." What two potential rhythms are likely present?
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF) or pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
What is decerebrate posturing a sign of?
Severe lower brainstem injury
After a seizure, the patient is confused and fatigued. What is this phase called?
Postictal phase
What is the first step when you suspect a stroke patient?
Check blood glucose
What are the two non-shockable cardiac arrest rhythms?
PEA and asystole
What are the five steps in managing cardiac arrest (the Chain of Survival)?
Early recognition, early CPR, early defibrillation, early advanced care, post-arrest care
What is the difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke?
Ischemic - Clot/blockage
Hemorrhagic - Bleeding in the brain
What is status epilepticus?
Continuous seizure activity >5 minutes or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness
What does B.E. F.A.S.T. assessment stand for?
Balance, Eyes, Facial droop, Arm drift, Speech difficulty, Time (to call 911)