Cardiovascular Emergencies and Arrhythmia Management Flashcards
6 cards from real Acute Care Nurse Practitioner practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Cardiovascular Emergencies and Arrhythmia Management flashcards as text
A patient presents with acute anterior STEMI. What is the preferred reperfusion strategy when PCI can be performed within 90 minutes?
Answer: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
Primary PCI is the preferred reperfusion strategy for STEMI when achievable within 90 minutes of first medical contact.
Which ECG finding is diagnostic of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in two contiguous leads?
Answer: New LBBB or ST elevation ≥1 mm (≥2 mm in V1-V3)
STEMI is diagnosed by ST elevation ≥1 mm in two contiguous leads (≥2 mm in V1-V3) or new LBBB with ischemic symptoms.
A patient with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has an SpO₂ of 85% on room air and BP 150/90. Which is the MOST appropriate initial intervention?
Answer: Administer IV furosemide and apply NIPPV (BiPAP)
ADHF with hypoxia but intact blood pressure is best managed with diuresis (furosemide) and NIPPV to offload preload and improve oxygenation.
Which arrhythmia is the MOST common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in adults?
Answer: Ventricular fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation is the most common initial arrhythmia in sudden cardiac arrest, requiring immediate defibrillation.
Which medication is indicated for rate control in atrial fibrillation with preserved ejection fraction and heart rate of 140 bpm?
Answer: Metoprolol IV
IV metoprolol (beta-blocker) is a first-line rate control agent for AF with preserved EF due to its rapid onset and reliability.
A patient develops torsades de pointes (TdP). Which intervention is MOST appropriate as immediate treatment?
Answer: IV magnesium sulfate 2 g
IV magnesium sulfate 2 g is the first-line treatment for torsades de pointes, even in patients with normal magnesium levels.