Emergency Cardiology Assessment for Healthcare Professionals

A normal adult blood pressure reading typically falls around 119/79. Blood pressure readings may vary slightly, but readings significantly higher or lower may indicate potential health issues.

The correct answer is comprised of specific components related to a medical history assessment.

PQRST is an acronym commonly used in healthcare settings to assess pain comprehensively by considering various aspects of the pain experience.

A normal ECG waveform includes specific components like the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave, which represent different phases of the cardiac cycle. This distinct pattern helps in diagnosing various heart conditions.

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by irregular electrical activity in the atria of the heart, leading to rapid and disorganized heartbeats on an ECG report.

A sinus arrhythmia is characterized by a normal variation in heart rate that synchronizes with the breathing pattern, showing a slight increase during inhalation and a decrease during exhalation. This pattern is considered normal and is typically benign.

A normal sinus rhythm on an ECG report is characterized by a regular pattern of P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves. The heart rate falls within the range of 60-100 beats per minute, and any deviations from this pattern may indicate underlying cardiac issues.

Cardiogenic shock specifically refers to the failure of the heart to pump effectively, leading to inadequate blood flow to meet the body's needs. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention to prevent organ damage and potential death.

The term 'psychogenic' specifically relates to conditions or disorders that have their origins in the mind or mental processes rather than physical causes.

Synchronized Cardioversion is specifically used for rapid ventricular or supraventricular rhythms with inadequate cardiac output, not for stable, asymptomatic, or slow rhythms.

Lidocaine is commonly used in the treatment of ventricular ectopy, a type of irregular heart rhythm. It is not typically used for treating headaches, broken bones, or dental cleanings.

The Parasympathetic Response is known for promoting rest and digestion, while the other options are associated with the body's fight or flight response (increased heart rate, widened eyes, etc).

The 'Fight or Flight' response is a natural reaction to a threat that prepares the body to either confront or flee from the danger, whereas 'Rest and Digest' is the opposite response associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. 'Freeze' is another response to threat, while 'Submit or Surrender' are not commonly associated with the sympathetic nervous system response.

Lidocaine is a medication used to treat certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, specifically ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular ectopy. It is not used to treat asthma, hypertension, or diabetes.

Sinus Bradycardia is characterized by a normal sinus rhythm (P wave before every QRS complex) with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute on an ECG report.

Pericardial tamponade is a serious condition where excessive fluid in the pericardial sac affects heart function, unlike inflammation, thickening, or non-life-threatening accumulation.

A pulmonary contusion specifically refers to a bruise in the lung tissue due to chest trauma, not to be confused with other medical conditions or diseases.

Premature atrial complexes (PAC's) specifically refer to early electrical signals originating in the atria, not delayed signals or signals from the ventricles. They are not considered a heart rhythm disorder but rather an early heart beat.

Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number). The diastolic reading is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Ventricular Fibrillation is characterized by irregular, chaotic, rapid electrical activity on the ECG report, which makes it distinct from other patterns. It is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

A Junctional Rhythm is characterized by a faster heart rate with a regular rhythm due to impulses originating from the AV node or the area around it, bypassing the SA node.

A 2nd degree AV block is characterized by intermittent or dropped QRS complexes with a consistent PR interval duration.

A sinus bradycardia ECG reading is characterized by a slow heart rate with a regular rhythm and normal P-wave morphology and PR interval. The incorrect answers provided describe characteristics of different ECG findings, not consistent with sinus bradycardia.

A 3rd degree complete block on an ECG report is characterized by a complete disassociation between the atria and ventricles causing the ventricles to beat independently of the atria. This results in a lack of coordination in heart contractions, leading to a slow and irregular heart rate.

Diaphoretic means causing sweating or perspiration, which helps the body regulate temperature.

In blood pressure readings, the top number represents the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and forces blood out into the circulation. The incorrect answers represent other components of blood pressure readings - diastolic pressure (bottom number), pulse pressure (difference between systolic and diastolic pressure), and mean arterial pressure (average pressure in the arteries during a cardiac cycle).