EMT FISDAP Cardiology (Actual) Exam
with Accurate Solutions/ Verified
1. Which intervention or interventions would have the MOST
positive impact on the cardiac arrest patient’s outcome?
A. Oxygen administration only
B. Early CPR and defibrillation
C. Rapid transport
D. Advanced airway placement
Correct Answer: B
Early CPR maintains blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain and
heart. Early defibrillation can terminate lethal dysrhythmias such as
ventricular fibrillation. Together, they significantly improve survival rates.
Delays reduce the chance of successful resuscitation.
2. The AED gives a “no shock advised” message to a patient who is
in cardiac arrest. You should:
A. Check for a pulse
B. Turn the AED off
C. Resume chest compressions
D. Ventilate the patient
Correct Answer: C
If the AED advises no shock, it means the rhythm is not shockable. CPR
should be resumed immediately to maintain circulation. Interruptions in
compressions reduce coronary perfusion pressure. Continuous CPR improves
outcomes.
3. What is the maximum amount of time that should be spent
checking for spontaneous breathing in an unresponsive child?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Breathing checks should take no more than 10 seconds. Delays in starting
CPR can worsen hypoxia and cardiac arrest outcomes. Occasional gasps are
not normal breathing. If in doubt, begin CPR.
4. When performing CPR on an adult, you should compress the chest
to a depth of ___ at a rate of ___.
A. 1.5–2 in, 80–100/min
B. 2–2.4 in, 100–120/min
,C. 2.5–3 in, 120–150/min
D. 1–1.5 in, 60–80/min
Correct Answer: B
Adequate depth ensures effective blood circulation during CPR. A rate of
100–120 compressions per minute provides optimal perfusion. Too fast or
too shallow compressions reduce effectiveness. Proper recoil is also
essential.
5. What is the appropriate compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult
two-rescuer CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 30:1
C. 30:2
D. 20:2
Correct Answer: C
Adult CPR uses a 30:2 ratio regardless of one or two rescuers. This ensures
adequate compressions while still providing ventilation. Minimizing pauses is
critical. This ratio balances oxygenation and circulation.
6. When checking for a pulse in an infant, which artery should you
palpate?
A. Radial
B. Femoral
C. Carotid
D. Brachial
Correct Answer: D
The brachial artery is most accessible and reliable in infants. Carotid pulses
are difficult to assess in this age group. Proper pulse checks should not
exceed 10 seconds. If unsure, begin CPR.
7. When performing CPR on an adult or child, you should reassess
the patient every ____ minutes.
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 5
Correct Answer: B
Reassessment every 2 minutes allows evaluation of pulse and rhythm
changes. This timing aligns with AED analysis cycles. Frequent reassessment
ensures appropriate care. It also helps prevent rescuer fatigue.
8. What is the preferred method of removing a foreign body in an
unresponsive child?
A. Abdominal thrusts
B. Blind finger sweep
C. Back blows
,D. Chest compressions
Correct Answer: D
Chest compressions create pressure to expel the obstruction. Abdominal
thrusts are not used in unresponsive patients. Blind finger sweeps can
worsen obstruction. CPR should continue until the object is removed.
9. Cardiogenic shock is caused by:
A. Severe blood loss
B. Peripheral vasodilation
C. Inadequate heart muscle function
D. Allergic reaction
Correct Answer: C
Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump effectively. This leads
to decreased cardiac output and poor tissue perfusion. Common causes
include myocardial infarction. Hypotension is a hallmark sign.
10. Pericardial effusion is best defined as:
A. Infection of the myocardium
B. Fluid in the pleural space
C. Fluid between the pericardial sac and myocardium
D. Enlargement of the heart muscle
Correct Answer: C
Pericardial effusion involves abnormal fluid accumulation around the heart.
Small effusions may be asymptomatic. Large or rapid effusions can impair
cardiac function. It can progress to tamponade.
11. Cardiac tamponade occurs when:
A. The heart muscle becomes ischemic
B. Blood or fluid compresses the heart within the pericardial sac
C. The ventricles dilate excessively
D. The coronary arteries rupture
Correct Answer: B
Tamponade restricts ventricular filling due to external pressure. This reduces
stroke volume and cardiac output. It is a life-threatening emergency. Rapid
recognition is critical.
12. Which set of findings describes Beck’s triad?
A. Bradycardia, hypertension, hypoxia
B. Chest pain, nausea, diaphoresis
C. JVD, muffled heart sounds, narrowing pulse pressure
D. Hypotension, wheezing, rash
Correct Answer: C
Beck’s triad is classic for cardiac tamponade. Jugular venous distention
reflects impaired venous return. Muffled heart sounds result from fluid
insulation. Narrow pulse pressure indicates reduced stroke volume.
, 13. Which of the following is a sign of cardiogenic shock?
A. Warm, flushed skin
B. Hypertension
C. Bounding pulse
D. Cool, clammy skin
Correct Answer: D
Poor cardiac output leads to vasoconstriction and cool skin. Hypotension is
common. The body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs. These patients often
appear pale and anxious.
14. A patient with cardiogenic shock will most likely have:
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Decreased preload
C. Decreased cardiac output
D. Decreased systemic resistance
Correct Answer: C
The defining feature of cardiogenic shock is pump failure. Reduced cardiac
output leads to tissue hypoxia. Compensatory mechanisms worsen afterload.
Treatment focuses on supporting cardiac function.
15. A 58-year-old female with chest pain, crackles, hypotension, and
cool skin is most likely experiencing:
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Neurogenic shock
C. Cardiogenic shock
D. Septic shock
Correct Answer: C
Crackles indicate pulmonary edema from left-sided heart failure.
Hypotension and weak pulse indicate poor cardiac output. Cool, clammy skin
reflects vasoconstriction. These findings are classic for cardiogenic shock.
16. The heart is divided into right and left sides by the:
A. Atrium
B. Ventricle
C. Septum
D. Pericardium
Correct Answer: C
The septum separates the heart into two functional halves. It prevents
mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Damage to the septum can
impair circulation. It is a muscular structure.
17. Which chamber of the heart pumps blood to the lungs?
A. Left atrium
B. Left ventricle
C. Right atrium
D. Right ventricle
with Accurate Solutions/ Verified
1. Which intervention or interventions would have the MOST
positive impact on the cardiac arrest patient’s outcome?
A. Oxygen administration only
B. Early CPR and defibrillation
C. Rapid transport
D. Advanced airway placement
Correct Answer: B
Early CPR maintains blood flow to vital organs, especially the brain and
heart. Early defibrillation can terminate lethal dysrhythmias such as
ventricular fibrillation. Together, they significantly improve survival rates.
Delays reduce the chance of successful resuscitation.
2. The AED gives a “no shock advised” message to a patient who is
in cardiac arrest. You should:
A. Check for a pulse
B. Turn the AED off
C. Resume chest compressions
D. Ventilate the patient
Correct Answer: C
If the AED advises no shock, it means the rhythm is not shockable. CPR
should be resumed immediately to maintain circulation. Interruptions in
compressions reduce coronary perfusion pressure. Continuous CPR improves
outcomes.
3. What is the maximum amount of time that should be spent
checking for spontaneous breathing in an unresponsive child?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 30 seconds
Correct Answer: B
Breathing checks should take no more than 10 seconds. Delays in starting
CPR can worsen hypoxia and cardiac arrest outcomes. Occasional gasps are
not normal breathing. If in doubt, begin CPR.
4. When performing CPR on an adult, you should compress the chest
to a depth of ___ at a rate of ___.
A. 1.5–2 in, 80–100/min
B. 2–2.4 in, 100–120/min
,C. 2.5–3 in, 120–150/min
D. 1–1.5 in, 60–80/min
Correct Answer: B
Adequate depth ensures effective blood circulation during CPR. A rate of
100–120 compressions per minute provides optimal perfusion. Too fast or
too shallow compressions reduce effectiveness. Proper recoil is also
essential.
5. What is the appropriate compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult
two-rescuer CPR?
A. 15:2
B. 30:1
C. 30:2
D. 20:2
Correct Answer: C
Adult CPR uses a 30:2 ratio regardless of one or two rescuers. This ensures
adequate compressions while still providing ventilation. Minimizing pauses is
critical. This ratio balances oxygenation and circulation.
6. When checking for a pulse in an infant, which artery should you
palpate?
A. Radial
B. Femoral
C. Carotid
D. Brachial
Correct Answer: D
The brachial artery is most accessible and reliable in infants. Carotid pulses
are difficult to assess in this age group. Proper pulse checks should not
exceed 10 seconds. If unsure, begin CPR.
7. When performing CPR on an adult or child, you should reassess
the patient every ____ minutes.
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 5
Correct Answer: B
Reassessment every 2 minutes allows evaluation of pulse and rhythm
changes. This timing aligns with AED analysis cycles. Frequent reassessment
ensures appropriate care. It also helps prevent rescuer fatigue.
8. What is the preferred method of removing a foreign body in an
unresponsive child?
A. Abdominal thrusts
B. Blind finger sweep
C. Back blows
,D. Chest compressions
Correct Answer: D
Chest compressions create pressure to expel the obstruction. Abdominal
thrusts are not used in unresponsive patients. Blind finger sweeps can
worsen obstruction. CPR should continue until the object is removed.
9. Cardiogenic shock is caused by:
A. Severe blood loss
B. Peripheral vasodilation
C. Inadequate heart muscle function
D. Allergic reaction
Correct Answer: C
Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump effectively. This leads
to decreased cardiac output and poor tissue perfusion. Common causes
include myocardial infarction. Hypotension is a hallmark sign.
10. Pericardial effusion is best defined as:
A. Infection of the myocardium
B. Fluid in the pleural space
C. Fluid between the pericardial sac and myocardium
D. Enlargement of the heart muscle
Correct Answer: C
Pericardial effusion involves abnormal fluid accumulation around the heart.
Small effusions may be asymptomatic. Large or rapid effusions can impair
cardiac function. It can progress to tamponade.
11. Cardiac tamponade occurs when:
A. The heart muscle becomes ischemic
B. Blood or fluid compresses the heart within the pericardial sac
C. The ventricles dilate excessively
D. The coronary arteries rupture
Correct Answer: B
Tamponade restricts ventricular filling due to external pressure. This reduces
stroke volume and cardiac output. It is a life-threatening emergency. Rapid
recognition is critical.
12. Which set of findings describes Beck’s triad?
A. Bradycardia, hypertension, hypoxia
B. Chest pain, nausea, diaphoresis
C. JVD, muffled heart sounds, narrowing pulse pressure
D. Hypotension, wheezing, rash
Correct Answer: C
Beck’s triad is classic for cardiac tamponade. Jugular venous distention
reflects impaired venous return. Muffled heart sounds result from fluid
insulation. Narrow pulse pressure indicates reduced stroke volume.
, 13. Which of the following is a sign of cardiogenic shock?
A. Warm, flushed skin
B. Hypertension
C. Bounding pulse
D. Cool, clammy skin
Correct Answer: D
Poor cardiac output leads to vasoconstriction and cool skin. Hypotension is
common. The body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs. These patients often
appear pale and anxious.
14. A patient with cardiogenic shock will most likely have:
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Decreased preload
C. Decreased cardiac output
D. Decreased systemic resistance
Correct Answer: C
The defining feature of cardiogenic shock is pump failure. Reduced cardiac
output leads to tissue hypoxia. Compensatory mechanisms worsen afterload.
Treatment focuses on supporting cardiac function.
15. A 58-year-old female with chest pain, crackles, hypotension, and
cool skin is most likely experiencing:
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Neurogenic shock
C. Cardiogenic shock
D. Septic shock
Correct Answer: C
Crackles indicate pulmonary edema from left-sided heart failure.
Hypotension and weak pulse indicate poor cardiac output. Cool, clammy skin
reflects vasoconstriction. These findings are classic for cardiogenic shock.
16. The heart is divided into right and left sides by the:
A. Atrium
B. Ventricle
C. Septum
D. Pericardium
Correct Answer: C
The septum separates the heart into two functional halves. It prevents
mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Damage to the septum can
impair circulation. It is a muscular structure.
17. Which chamber of the heart pumps blood to the lungs?
A. Left atrium
B. Left ventricle
C. Right atrium
D. Right ventricle
