NREMT Paramedic Practice

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Prepare for the NREMT Paramedic Exam with comprehensive quizzes that cover essential topics, including patient assessment, treatment protocols, and emergency medical care. With multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations, you'll be ready to excel in your certification test.

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What complication can arise from prolonged coronary vessel occlusion in a STEMI?

Stroke
Cardiac arrest
Heart failure
Kidney failure

The correct answer is: Cardiac arrest

Prolonged coronary vessel occlusion during a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) can lead to cardiac arrest due to the critical disruption of blood flow to the heart muscle. When the coronary arteries are blocked for an extended period, myocardial tissue can become irreversibly damaged, resulting in a lack of oxygen (ischemia) and prompting the heart's electrical system to malfunction. This can cause lethal arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole, which can lead to cardiac arrest. While other complications such as heart failure and stroke can be associated with a STEMI, they typically result from a longer-term progression of disease or immediate aftermath, whereas cardiac arrest is an acute and life-threatening event arising directly from the acute ischemic situation created by the blockage. Therefore, the immediate and severe consequence of prolonged coronary occlusion is the risk of the heart stopping effectively, necessitating immediate intervention.