Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

In addition to oxygen, which medications is the AEMT most likely to administer for acute chest pain?

1. Ibuprofen and morphine

2. Aspirin and nitroglycerin

3. Furosemide and epinephrine

4. Metoprolol and warfarin

The correct answer is: Aspirin and nitroglycerin

The administration of aspirin and nitroglycerin for acute chest pain is well-supported by clinical guidelines and practice protocols for Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMTs). Aspirin is utilized primarily to reduce platelet aggregation, which can be crucial in managing acute coronary syndromes, including myocardial infarction. By preventing or slowing the formation of blood clots, aspirin helps improve blood flow to the heart muscle, thereby alleviating pain and potentially preventing further damage. Nitroglycerin serves a different but equally important role, as it acts as a vasodilator. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, leading to decreased myocardial oxygen demand and improved blood flow to the heart. In cases of chest pain presumed to be of cardiac origin, nitroglycerin can relieve symptoms such as angina. Together, these medications address both the underlying issues of blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart, making them the most appropriate and effective choices for AEMTs managing patients with acute chest pain. Other medication combinations mentioned, such as those involving furosemide or warfarin, do not directly target the immediate needs of a patient experiencing acute chest pain related to cardiac events.