Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Prepare for the EMT Intermediate Exam. Utilize multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Get the confidence you need to pass your exam and advance your career in emergency medical services!

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What are the physiologic effects of nitroglycerin when given to a patient with suspected cardiac-related chest pain?

Blocking nerve impulses to the heart
Vascular smooth muscle relaxation and coronary artery dilation
Increase in heart rate and blood pressure
Vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels

The correct answer is: Vascular smooth muscle relaxation and coronary artery dilation

Nitroglycerin is a medication commonly used to relieve chest pain associated with cardiac issues such as angina or myocardial infarction. When nitroglycerin is administered, it primarily acts as a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the smooth muscles in blood vessel walls. This relaxation leads to the dilation of both peripheral blood vessels and coronary arteries. The dilation of coronary arteries increases blood flow to the heart muscle itself, which is crucial for alleviating symptoms of cardiac ischemia (a condition where blood flow to the heart is reduced). Additionally, by dilating peripheral blood vessels, nitroglycerin reduces the workload on the heart by decreasing systemic vascular resistance, or afterload. This decrease allows the heart to pump more efficiently and can relieve pressure and strain that may contribute to chest pain. These physiological effects are what make nitroglycerin effective in managing cardiac-related chest pain, allowing for improved oxygen delivery to the heart and reduced demand for oxygen by the heart muscle itself.