Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

When treating a patient with chest pain with unresponsive to nitroglycerin, what should be the next action?

1. Administer one more dose of nitroglycerin

2. Increase oxygen flow rate

3. Prepare for immediate transport

4. Perform CPR if necessary

The correct answer is: Administer one more dose of nitroglycerin

In cases where a patient is experiencing chest pain and is unresponsive to nitroglycerin, the focus shifts to the most effective next steps in treatment. Administering one more dose of nitroglycerin is a common practice, as it can help alleviate angina or ischemic pain if the initial dose was inadequate. This medication works through vasodilation, improving blood flow to the heart muscle, which is crucial in managing acute coronary syndrome or angina. However, it is important to be cautious with the total dosage to avoid side effects such as hypotension, especially in patients who may be volume depleted or those on other blood pressure lowering medications. The choice to increase the oxygen flow rate can be beneficial, particularly in patients exhibiting signs of hypoxia. However, if the pain persists despite medication, merely increasing oxygen may not be sufficient to address the underlying issue, such as a blocked coronary artery. Preparing for immediate transport is an important consideration when dealing with any serious condition but does not address the immediate need for pain management and evaluation on scene. A specific action plan focusing on medication and monitoring is necessary before transitioning to transport. Performing CPR is initiated only if the patient becomes unresponsive and shows no signs of respiration, which would indicate a