CPC Cardiovascular Risk Reduction and Monitoring

Question 1

The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) is used in community paramedicine primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Estimate a patient's 10-year risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Answer

Diagnose acute myocardial infarction in the field

Answer

Calculate the appropriate statin dosage for a patient

Answer

Screen for undiagnosed atrial fibrillation

Question 2

Which of the following lifestyle modifications has the GREATEST evidence base for reducing systolic blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet combined with sodium restriction to <1.5 g/day

Answer

Increasing caffeine intake to promote vasodilatation

Answer

Daily aspirin therapy

Answer

Increasing fluid intake to maintain cardiac output

Question 3

A patient has a resting 12-lead ECG showing an irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves and variable ventricular response. This pattern is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation

Answer

Sinus tachycardia

Answer

Third-degree heart block

Answer

Premature ventricular contractions

Question 4

The CHA₂DS₂-VASc score is used in patients with atrial fibrillation to determine:

Accepted Answer

The annual stroke risk and need for anticoagulation therapy

Answer

The urgency of cardioversion

Answer

The appropriate heart rate control target

Answer

Eligibility for catheter ablation

Question 5

A community paramedic is monitoring a patient on warfarin (Coumadin). The patient reports taking naproxen OTC for knee pain. The community paramedic should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Educate the patient about the drug interaction risk, check current INR, and contact the prescribing provider

Answer

Advise the patient to stop warfarin immediately

Answer

Recommend switching to aspirin as a safer alternative with warfarin

Answer

Document the finding and defer to the next clinic visit

Question 6

Which peripheral arterial disease (PAD) symptom pattern is described as reproducible leg pain or cramping that occurs with exertion and resolves with rest?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent claudication

Answer

Critical limb ischemia

Answer

Acute limb ischemia

Answer

Restless leg syndrome