Practice Quiz

NREMT Paramedic Trauma Exam Prep

Category - Paramedic Trauma

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A 45-year-old male cut himself on a chain-link fence. Upon arrival to the scene, the patient is pale and highly anxious. You estimate blood loss at approximately 1000mL.

His wife states that he has had a heart attack and takes a daily aspirin and metoprolol.

What would you expect this patient’s vital signs to reflect?
  1. Hypotension with normal heart rate
  2. Tachycardia with normal blood pressure
  3. Normal blood pressure and normal heart rate
  4. Hypotension and tachycardia
Explanation
Answer: A- Because the patient is taking metoprolol, a beta blocker, he may present as hypotensive with a normal heart rate.

Beta blockers can inhibit the heart rate increase and the ability of the vasculature to dilate in response to hemorrhage.

Patients taking beta blockers may have a difficult time compensating for shock in general and require special treatment considerations.
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