Emergency Medicine Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Preparation

In the context of a patient with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and ST-elevation, emergency cardiac catheterization is indicated because it is a critical and time-sensitive intervention aimed at restoring blood flow to the heart muscle. ST-elevation indicates a severe blockage in the coronary arteries, typically associated with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Emergency cardiac catheterization allows for direct visualization of the coronary arteries and the ability to perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), such as angioplasty and stenting, which can significantly improve outcomes by quickly reopening the blocked artery. The earlier this intervention is performed, the better the chances of preserving heart muscle and reducing mortality and morbidity associated with STEMI.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts of cardiac care, do not provide the same immediate benefit in the setting of ST-elevation. Immediate stress testing is inappropriate because it could exacerbate the condition and delay essential treatment. Prescription of anticoagulants may be part of treatment for ACS but does not directly relieve the obstruction. Administration of beta-blockers can be beneficial in some cases, particularly for managing arrhythmias or reducing myocardial oxygen demand, but it does not address the acute problem of the blocked artery and is often deferred in the acute setting of