NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamCardiology & ResuscitationMedium
A 68-year-old male complains of sudden onset of severe, crushing chest pain that radiates to his left arm. He is pale, diaphoretic, and extremely anxious. His vital signs are BP 90/60 mmHg, HR 110 bpm, RR 22 bpm, SpO2 92% on room air. He has a history of hypertension and takes daily medication. What is the most important initial medication to consider administering, if not contraindicated?
- AOxygen
- BAspirin
- CMorphine
- DNitroglycerin
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Aspirin
For a patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of an acute myocardial infarction, aspirin is the most important initial medication to administer, if not contraindicated, as it inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces clot formation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Oxygen is important if SpO2 is below 94%, but aspirin takes priority for its direct effect on the pathophysiology of AMI.
- C. Morphine can help with pain but is not the first-line medication for improving cardiac outcomes in AMI and can cause hypotension.
- D. Nitroglycerin is indicated for chest pain but is contraindicated with a BP of 90/60 mmHg due to its vasodilatory effects.
Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Initial Medication
For suspected AMI, aspirin is the most critical initial medication to prevent further clot formation.
- Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation.
- Administer chewable aspirin (162-325 mg).
- Contraindications include allergy or active bleeding.
Memory trick: Aspirin Always Saves Arteries!