A
What are the three major components of the circulatory system?
Heart, blood vessels, blood
What two conditions are included in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)?
Angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.
What classic symptom often radiates to the arm, jaw, or back?
A: Chest pain/pressure.
Q: What is the first medication an EMT may assist with for chest pain?
Aspirin (160–325 mg chewable).
Q: What cardiac condition is common in pediatrics rather than ACS?
Congenital heart disease.
Which node is the heart’s primary pacemaker?
The sinoatrial (SA) node.
What is the underlying cause of angina pectoris?
Reduced oxygen supply to the myocardium (ischemia).
Which group may have atypical presentations of ACS (no chest pain)?
: Women, diabetics, and the elderly.
What must the systolic blood pressure be to administer nitroglycerin?
Greater than 90 mmHg.
: In geriatrics, what population has the highest rate of ACS?
A: Older adults (geriatric patients).
: What property allows the heart to generate its own electrical impulses?
Automaticity.
What is unstable angina?
Angina that is prolonged, worsening, or occurs without exertion.
: What skin signs are commonly seen in cardiac emergencies?
A: Pale, cool, clammy skin with sweating.
Q: What is the maximum number of nitroglycerin doses an EMT may assist with?
A: Three doses, 3–5 minutes apart.
Q: What is the emergency care priority for aortic dissection?
A: Rapid transport—do not give aspirin.
Which side of the heart pumps oxygenated blood into systemic circulation?
The left ventricle.
: What should all cases of chest pain be treated as?
A cardiac emergency.
: What is a “non-classical” ACS symptom in females?
: Neck ache, back pain, tingling in fingers, or unexplained fatigue.
Q: Why should oxygen not always be given in ACS unless SpO₂ <90%?
A: Excess oxygen may increase cardiac cell damage.
Q: What condition occurs when the ventricles cannot pump blood effectively, causing fluid backup?
A: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).
What blood vessels supply oxygenated blood directly to the heart muscle?
Coronary arteries.
What process forms a thrombus and may completely block a coronary artery?
A: Plaque rupture and clot formation (atherosclerosis).
What is a feeling many patients describe during cardiac compromise?
A sense of impending doom.
Q: What device must always be ready when treating suspected myocardial infarction?
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
Q: What mechanical device assists ventricular pumping but may result in no palpable pulse?
A: Ventricular Assist Device (VAD).