Platinum Cardiac Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• You are off duty and in a convenience store when a mother hands you an unresponsive infant. After identifying an infant in cardiac arrest, which of the following should you do NEXT?
• You observe a patient taking nitroglycerin during an attack of severe chest pain. The patient’s blood pressure has been normal up to this point. Now the patient reports a hot face and a headache. These new symptoms would lead you to believe that the patient:
• Which statement best describes a transient ischemic attack?
• Which mnemonic is most commonly used to gather a chest pain history in the field?
• What is the best immediate prehospital management for suspected TIA?
• Which SAMPLE finding would indicate dehydration in a neonate due to diarrhea?
• Which statement best describes transient ischemic attack?
• While assessing a 5-year-old patient that has been vomiting for two days, you notice that they appear mildly dehydrated. What technique could you use to help the patient relax during the physical exam?
• In the chest pain scenario, what did the patient admit doing with the nitroglycerin prior to EMS arrival?
• You are treating a patient who "almost passed out and felt the room spinning". Which of the following BEST describes the condition the patient described?
• Why does an employer mandate AED practice every 90 days?
• During CPR on a patient with suspected spinal injury, which precaution should be initiated?
• Among the symptoms reported by women during a heart attack, which is NOT among the most frequently reported non-chest symptoms?
• Your patient is an 85-year-old male with a long cardiac history. During chest pain, the pulse falls to 48. What would you expect to find as a result of this slowing of the pulse?
• Which step is least essential when preparing a patient for a 12-lead ECG in an emergent setting?
• Which action could cause an automated external defibrillator to deliver a shock when it would be contraindicated?
• The new onset irregular heartbeat in a patient with back and jaw pain BEST indicates which risk?
• You are dispatched to the scene of a 27-year-old who has fallen off a roof and landed on their head. There is no pulse and you suspect a spinal injury. As your team prepares to begin compressions, what spinal precautions should be started?
• A 55-year-old patient presents with severe heartburn. This symptom is often related to which condition?
• Choose the AED technology that allows for less energy to be used and measures the amount of power needed to reverse a lethal rhythm.
• In an infant in cardiac arrest, what is the most correct approach to using an automated external defibrillator (AED)?
• One of the most common reasons CPR is unsuccessful is when:
• Which statement accurately describes nitroglycerin use in prehospital care?
• A 36-year-old patient is alert but oriented only to person and has slurred speech. Which of the following is the FIRST differential diagnosis to consider?
• In a scenario where ALS support is delayed due to poor road conditions and the patient remains in cardiac arrest, what should the BLS crew do?
• Which statement best describes the recommended action when you are alone treating an adult who is unresponsive and apneic?
• Which dysrhythmia is an AED capable of shocking?
• The key to an AED successfully converting a lethal rhythm after an underwater event is:
• Which is true regarding the most common AED electrode placement on an adult patient?
• In a very sick infant, which breathing pattern most strongly indicates hypoperfusion rather than primary respiratory failure?
• Which rhythm is NOT treated with defibrillation?
• After ROSC in a 72-year-old patient who is semi-responsive, which action is most likely beneficial?
• You have attached AED electrodes and pressed analyze while compressions are ongoing. What should you do NEXT?
• In chest pain assessment, which piece of medication history is most important to consider for safety during transport?
• During CPR, how often should the rhythm be reanalyzed with the AED?
• Which SAMPLE finding would indicate a neonate is most likely dehydrated related to diarrhea?
• After return of spontaneous circulation, which action is most beneficial if the patient is semi-responsive?
• Which action most directly contributes to obtaining a clean 12-lead ECG?
• Which of the following is considered a symptom of a heart attack?
• In the described patient, which assessment should guide oxygen therapy?
• What is the name for the type of cerebrovascular incident where all symptoms resolve within 24 hours of onset?
• You have successfully resuscitated a cardiac arrest victim. Which of these complications will you see that will require your immediate attention?
• Which statement best describes transient ischemic attack duration?
• When preparing to transport an unresponsive stroke patient to the emergency department, what is the BEST position for transport?
• You are assessing an unresponsive 42-year-old who is breathing. How should you assess for the presence of a pulse?
• You have successfully resuscitated an adult cardiac arrest patient who is not breathing. What is the recommended initial ventilation approach?
• Which is the MOST appropriate technique for moving an intoxicated patient with chest pain from a bedroom to the living room downstairs?
• Which sign during resuscitation most strongly suggests return of spontaneous circulation?
• You are caring for an unstable, under­water submersion event victim that occurred in the winter. Which of the following would you expect to find during your reassessment?
• Why is aspirin given to patients suspected of having a heart attack?
• In treating a homeless patient with chest pain who has stable vital signs, what is the correct course of action regarding nitroglycerin?
• Which statement about AED electrode placement on an adult is accurate?
• During resuscitation of a newborn who is apneic and pulseless, what is the correct chest compression rate?
• After rescuing an adult drowning victim who is pulseless, apneic, and unresponsive, what should you do next?
• According to the 2020 AHA Guidelines, what is the recommended minimum chest compression fraction for a patient in cardiac arrest with an unprotected airway?
• Which medical condition is caused by a blood clot forming within the brain's vasculature?
• In neonatal resuscitation, what is the target temperature range for a newborn?
• In the infant assessment, which finding most strongly suggests hypoperfusion rather than respiratory failure?
• In the described post-arrest chest pain case, which statement best describes the patient's hemodynamic status?
• A patient presents with angina pectoris but no signs of difficulty breathing. Which medication is indicated for this condition?
• For infant defibrillation, which option is correct?
• At a scene with a 58-year-old male with severe chest pain, which statement BEST describes why you should treat the patient with delivery of his own nitroglycerin?
• Which rhythm is not shockable with an AED?
• Which action is essential during ongoing resuscitation to ensure adequate tissue oxygenation?
• Lead V4 should be placed at which location on the chest?
• In a scene where an unresponsive patient is found near water, which action is essential to prepare for rescue operations?
• Which transport method is most appropriate for moving a patient with chest pain who has been drinking heavily from a bedroom to another room?
• Which sign would most strongly indicate the stroke is continuing to worsen in a patient with facial weakness and left arm paralysis?
• What is the vascular effect of nitroglycerin?
• In treating an adult unwitnessed cardiac arrest, how can you increase the effectiveness of defibrillation when indicated?
• In the context of EMS training, a thorough initial class most directly helps to:
• Which symptom is commonly expected in a hypertensive emergency?
• A neonate has just been expulsed and appears unresponsive. Responders find the newly born baby with a clear airway, apneic, and grey. Which of the following treatments would you administer FIRST to reverse the apnea?
• Why do we administer nitroglycerin to a patient with chest pain?
• Why is airway maintenance during CPR important?
• In a scenario where ALS support is delayed due to poor road conditions and the patient remains in cardiac arrest, what should the BLS crew do?
• How much inspired oxygen should be administered during CPR?
• Which symptom is used to identify a hypertensive emergency among the following options?
• Which procedure MUST be performed when dealing with a patient found unresponsive and face down in a pool?
• Which statement best describes the term aphasia?
• During treatment of a cardiac arrest patient, which principle is emphasized?
• Which of the following is a common, observable nitroglycerin side effect after administration?
• What is the MOST important reason for applying an AED as quickly as possible?
• What neurological deficit was observed in the described stroke patient?
• Aphasia is best defined as impairment in which function?
• Where do we initially assess the pulse of an unconscious infant?
• A patient with suspected heart attack has SpO2 of 89%; how should you administer oxygen?
• What is the primary reason for administering nitroglycerin in patients with chest pain?
• The patient’s red face in a heart attack scenario is most likely due to:
• Which rhythm is most likely to require immediate defibrillation in cardiac arrest?
• What is the recommended oxygen delivery for a patient with oxygen saturation around 89% during chest-pain assessment?
• What is the correct chest compression to ventilation ratio for two rescuers performing CPR on an infant?
• Which statement best supports a diagnosis of transient ischemic attack in an elderly patient with acute speech difficulty and unilateral weakness that has resolved?
• In a patient with chest pain and bradycardia where the pulse falls to 48, which outcome would you expect?
• In a 52-year-old male in cardiac arrest who has just had 1 shock with AED and 2 cycles CPR, now moaning with agonal gasps at 4/min, which action is indicated in assessment and treatment?
• Which statement about nitroglycerin use is true?
• Which of the following is NOT a typical stroke symptom?
• Which symptom would lead you to suspect that a stroke is continuing to worsen in a patient with slurred speech and left body paralysis?
• Which statement best explains the benefit of mechanical CPR devices?
• A 2-year-old child is lethargic, cool and pale, hypotensive, with absent peripheral pulses after two days of vomiting and diarrhea. Which condition is most likely?
• In a newborn, which finding indicates an immediate need for chest compressions?
• An elderly 75-year-old female with fatigue, sweating, gray color, rubbing her sternum but stating no chest pain, is most likely experiencing which condition?
• During cardiac arrest, if an ALS crew arrives before you deliver the first shock, what is the most effective action to assure the best possible care?
• What is the principal reason you should wear gloves when placing a nitro tablet under a patient's tongue?
• In obvious hypothermia, which finding would be least likely?
• For a patient with chest pain who is about to be transported on a stretcher, which position will they MOST likely prefer?
• What is your first priority when a 72-year-old patient with chest pain and difficulty breathing suddenly vomits and the heart stops?
• Which sign would indicate stroke in a patient presenting with acute neurologic symptoms?
• A BLS or AEMT ambulance crew has just shocked a patient for a 9th time with an AED and ALS has yet to arrive. What should rescuers do if paramedics are delayed and will take 15 more minutes to arrive on scene?
• During resuscitation of a child who is unresponsive, which finding BEST suggests chest compressions should be continued?
• In a suspected stroke with facial droop and garbled speech, what is the most important immediate action?
• During transport after reviving a cardiac arrest victim, if the heart stops again and no pulse is found, what is the immediate action?
• In cardiac arrest management, which single intervention has proven most effective?
• In an infant in cardiac arrest, what is the most correct action regarding AED use?
• For a newly born non-asphyxiated infant, what is the preferred target temperature?
• Which medication is allowed for EMT administration under proper circumstances?
• According to the 2020 AHA Guidelines, the proper depth of compression for an adult victim of cardiac arrest is:
• Why are providers discouraged from checking a carotid pulse immediately after delivering a shock?
• What is the guideline-specified minimum chest compression fraction during CPR for an unprotected airway?
• A patient who previously had chest pain and then arrest was shocked by an AED and is now awake and complaining of chest pain. Vitals show pulse 110, respirations 14, BP 110/70, SpO2 94%. What is the next best action?
• Which oxygen delivery device is appropriate for a patient with a transient ischemic attack presenting with isolated dysphasia?
• Choose the BEST reason for understanding the anatomical differences between adults and children.
• During CPR on a patient in the third trimester with a high-placed uterus, where should you place your hands to maximize compression effectiveness?
• Which error is most likely to lead to a failed resuscitation attempt in cardiac arrest?
• During a suspected stroke scenario on scene, which action is recommended to begin with?
• Which statement about CPR interruptions should be avoided to improve outcomes?
• Which of the following would be the BEST reason an EMT should administer nitroglycerin to a patient with chest pain and trouble breathing?
• What is the primary reason for pushing hard, pushing fast, and minimizing interruptions during chest compressions?
• Which statement about preparing a patient for a 12-lead ECG in an emergent setting is MOST accurate?
• When a dialysis patient has an arteriovenous fistula in one arm, which action should be avoided?
• A stroke patient who is aphasic and unable to move his right arm and legs. After applying oxygen and ensuring his airway is clear, which treatment will MOST likely benefit this patient?
• What is the targeted temperature management range for a post-cardiac arrest patient who is not following commands?
• Two minutes after your last shock with an AED and CPR your AED directs you to check a pulse. You are able to palpate a carotid pulse that is too fast to count, and the AED is now directing you to press analyze. You should:
• In an unconscious patient, which position is typically used during transport to protect the airway?
• Which statement best describes the purpose of defibrillation in ventricular fibrillation?
• Which patient BEST meets the requirement for AED application?
• Which action is the primary reason for applying an AED as soon as possible?
• What is the consequence of stopping chest compressions to check for a pulse immediately after delivering a shock?
• According to the 2020 AHA Guidelines, the rate of chest compressions for an adult victim of cardiac arrest is:
• What is the MOST important role an EMT plays in the emergency cardiac care system relating to a cardiac arrest event?
• While en route to the hospital with a patient showing double vision, dysphasia, hemiplegia, and aphagia, symptoms begin resolving. Which is MOST likely occurring?
• For a patient with an advanced airway during CPR, what is the preferred ventilatory rate according to the 2020 AHA Guidelines?
• In transporting a dialysis patient with a fistula, which action is an appropriate priority?
• Which action would be considered the least effective way to demonstrate empathy to a patient with acute stroke symptoms?
• In a third-trimester pregnancy where the fundus is located above the umbilicus, what should you do to improve the effectiveness of compressions?
• What is the most appropriate action when the patient begins to moan and has agonal gasps?
• What is the correct administration method for nitroglycerin in a chest pain emergency, according to the scenario?
• Which skin assessment finding is most consistent with cardiac compromise?
• For a comatose post-cardiac arrest patient, which temperature range is commonly used?
• Women with heart attack often report which non-chest symptom?
• How should you position an alert patient who presents with slurred speech, facial droop, and right sided paralysis?
• Which description correctly defines a transient ischemic attack?
• Which term describes a cerebrovascular event with symptoms that resolve within 24 hours?
• In prehospital TIA management, which is the recommended action to avoid delaying definitive care?
• Which action is inappropriate in the initial response to a patient in cardiac arrest?
• You are assessing a 48-year-old male with severe chest pain after shoveling snow. Which item in his medical history is the most important to point out to the team?
• In a neonate apneic with a clear airway, what is the FIRST action to attempt to reverse apnea?
• Which of the following is a typical assessment finding in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
• Which of the following statements about a patient with dysphasia and hemiplegia who has recurrent episodes over weeks is most accurate?
• During two-rescuer CPR on a child, what is the appropriate compression-to-ventilation ratio?
• Which statement about TIA duration is most accurate?
• Per the 2020 AHA Guidelines, what is the recommended chest compression depth for adult CPR?
• A 65-year-old patient is found to be confused; which piece of historical information would be most important to pass along to other providers during transport?
• Where should the nitroglycerin be placed for administration?
• During resuscitation of a newborn, which of the following findings BEST suggests chest compressions should be continued if the baby remains unresponsive?
• What was the pulse oximetry reading in the described stroke patient scenario?
• What is the primary reason nitroglycerin is given to patients with suspected heart attack?
• Which statement best explains the purpose of a primary assessment in a suspected heart attack?
• Infants found in cardiac arrest are usually in arrest as a result of which cause?
• A specific problem that atherosclerosis can cause is?
• Which statement best describes the purpose of a thorough initial EMS training class?
• When performing CPR and an AED is ready to analyze, which approach is recommended?
• During assessment of an unconscious infant, which pulse site is typically checked first?
• For a 53-year-old with suspected heart attack, which piece of equipment is LEAST likely to be used?
• During ongoing cardiac arrest management, what is the recommended oxygen strategy?
• Which finding would suggest adequate perfusion in a pediatric patient?
• When you arrive on the scene where CPR is being performed on a cardiac arrest victim, you find the person who is performing ventilations is doing so at about 30 per minute. Which method would be best for correcting this and guaranteeing that ventilations are delivered correctly?
• In the described cerebrovascular accident case, which treatment would be appropriate?
• In a bus station scenario, where a homeless man becomes unresponsive with no pulse, which action would be appropriate?
• You are called to the scene of a 47-year-old with a current chief complaint of chest pain. The patient denies a history of any illness or injury. Which of the following will provide you with the greatest information?
• In a suspected stroke scenario on scene, what is the most important initial action?
• Angina pectoris is BEST described as:
• Which statement BEST describes aphasia?
• What is a key advantage of using a mechanical chest compression device during CPR?
• What is the most valuable reason for having paramedics assist with a cardiac call?
• In a patient with dysphasia and hemiplegia occurring multiple times over two weeks but resolving quickly, which statement best describes the significance?
• What is the BEST reason for confirming that the patient is pulseless and apneic before applying an AED?
• Cardiac arrest in children and infants is most commonly caused by:
• Which action best describes why early CPR is emphasized in the emergency cardiac care system?
• Which single assessment will determine your course of treatment for a patient with chest pain?
• Which finding would indicate poor perfusion in a child with four days of vomiting and diarrhea and awakening difficulties?
• Which of the following is a general sign or symptom of a stroke?
• Which medication is commonly used to relieve chest pain due to angina when appropriate for a patient?
• Which assessment finding would be a contraindication for nitroglycerin administration?
• When reviewing chest pain in a patient, why is a history of coronary artery bypass surgery clinically important?
• If a patient is unresponsive, apneic, and has a weak pulse, what should you do regarding the AED?
• In a pediatric patient, which sign is MOST reliable indicator of impending cardiovascular arrest?
• Where is the proper placement for lead V4 in a standard 12-lead ECG?
• Nitroglycerin should be used with caution in patients with which condition?
• An unresponsive 48-year-old patient is cyanotic with a weak pulse. Which finding is a contraindication for AED use?
• Experts advise that the biggest advantage of using an automated external defibrillator is:
• Rescuers are deciding whether chest compressions should be continued or stopped during resuscitation of a newborn. Which finding BEST suggests chest compressions should be continued if the baby remains unresponsive?
• You are treating a 2-year-old patient with a pulse rate of 60 and whose rhythm strip is provided. The patient responds only to painful stimuli, is breathing at 20 times per minute and a blood pressure of 60/40. The patient was exhibiting signs of difficulty breathing prior to the decrease in consciousness. Which of the following interventions will most likely improve the patient's condition?
• What is the best reason, aside from cost, for selecting an AED without a monitor screen?
• When moving a patient in cardiac arrest from an upstairs bedroom to a stretcher downstairs, what is the BEST plan?
• You are assessing a patient who is obviously hypothermic. Which finding would you LEAST likely observe?
• Which statement best describes biphasic defibrillation in AEDs?
• Careful handling of the hypothermic patient is needed to avoid causing which arrhythmia?