VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE VAD C
PRACTICE EXAM 2026 COMPREHENSIVE
STUDY QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
◉ What is the minimum systolic blood pressure required before
administering nitroglycerin? Answer: Systolic blood pressure must
be greater than 100.
◉ How many times can an EMT assist with nitroglycerin before
contacting Medical Command? Answer: An EMT may assist with
nitroglycerin ONE TIME ONLY prior to contacting Medical Command.
◉ What must be true about nitroglycerin before it can be
administered? Answer: Nitroglycerin must be prescribed for the
patient.
◉ What is the protocol if an EMT is unsure of the appropriate action
regarding nitroglycerin? Answer: The EMT should contact Medical
Command for further direction.
◉ What are the risks of administering nitroglycerin within 24-48
hours of certain medications? Answer: Nitroglycerin use may lead to
severe hypotension if given within 24-48 hours after using erectile
dysfunction drugs.
, ◉ What should be done if unable to contact Medical Command after
administering nitroglycerin? Answer: Nitroglycerin may be repeated
one time 5 minutes after the initial dose if systolic blood pressure is
> 100.
◉ What is the benchmark for on-scene time if ALS is not available?
Answer: The benchmark is less than 15 minutes.
◉ What is a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)? Answer: A VAD is a
mechanical heart pump surgically implanted in patients with severe
heart failure to aid in circulation.
◉ What are the two primary uses for a VAD? Answer: A VAD can be
used as a bridge to heart transplant or as destination therapy for
patients not qualifying for transplant.
◉ What must be assessed when managing a patient with a VAD?
Answer: Blood pressure should be assessed using a Doppler or
automated non-invasive BP measurement.
◉ What indicates appropriate perfusion in a patient with a VAD?
Answer: A Doppler blood pressure greater than 60 mmHg generally
indicates appropriate perfusion.
PRACTICE EXAM 2026 COMPREHENSIVE
STUDY QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS
◉ What is the minimum systolic blood pressure required before
administering nitroglycerin? Answer: Systolic blood pressure must
be greater than 100.
◉ How many times can an EMT assist with nitroglycerin before
contacting Medical Command? Answer: An EMT may assist with
nitroglycerin ONE TIME ONLY prior to contacting Medical Command.
◉ What must be true about nitroglycerin before it can be
administered? Answer: Nitroglycerin must be prescribed for the
patient.
◉ What is the protocol if an EMT is unsure of the appropriate action
regarding nitroglycerin? Answer: The EMT should contact Medical
Command for further direction.
◉ What are the risks of administering nitroglycerin within 24-48
hours of certain medications? Answer: Nitroglycerin use may lead to
severe hypotension if given within 24-48 hours after using erectile
dysfunction drugs.
, ◉ What should be done if unable to contact Medical Command after
administering nitroglycerin? Answer: Nitroglycerin may be repeated
one time 5 minutes after the initial dose if systolic blood pressure is
> 100.
◉ What is the benchmark for on-scene time if ALS is not available?
Answer: The benchmark is less than 15 minutes.
◉ What is a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD)? Answer: A VAD is a
mechanical heart pump surgically implanted in patients with severe
heart failure to aid in circulation.
◉ What are the two primary uses for a VAD? Answer: A VAD can be
used as a bridge to heart transplant or as destination therapy for
patients not qualifying for transplant.
◉ What must be assessed when managing a patient with a VAD?
Answer: Blood pressure should be assessed using a Doppler or
automated non-invasive BP measurement.
◉ What indicates appropriate perfusion in a patient with a VAD?
Answer: A Doppler blood pressure greater than 60 mmHg generally
indicates appropriate perfusion.
