North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

When managing a patient with MI or angina, what is the most important initial action?

1. Administer high doses of morphine

2. Position the patient in comfort

3. Provide immediate surgical intervention

4. Administer intravenous fluids

The correct answer is: Position the patient in comfort

Positioning the patient in a comfortable manner is critical when managing a patient experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI) or angina. This approach serves multiple purposes: it helps to reduce the patient's anxiety, allows for optimal breathing, and can alleviate pain by preventing any further strain on the heart. Comfortable positioning often involves sitting the patient upright or in a semi-fowler position, which can enhance venous return and decrease the workload of the heart. It also helps to improve respiratory mechanics, making it easier for the patient to breathe if they are experiencing shortness of breath, a common symptom associated with cardiac events. Additionally, providing comfort can help stabilize the patient while you assess their condition and prepare for further advanced care. Other options, such as administering morphine or intravenous fluids, may be important in the overall management plan, but establishing comfort is foundational. Immediate surgical intervention is usually not possible in the pre-hospital setting and is not the initial action to take.