Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is the appropriate medication regimen for treating congestive heart failure (CHF)?

1. Atropine, Aspirin, Morphine, and Epinephrine

2. Oxygen, Morphine sulfate, Lasix, and Nitro

3. Amiodarone, Lidocaine, Oxygen, and Morphine

4. Furosemide, Nitro, Aspirin, and Oxygen

The correct answer is: Oxygen, Morphine sulfate, Lasix, and Nitro

The chosen medication regimen for treating congestive heart failure (CHF) includes Oxygen, Morphine sulfate, Lasix (furosemide), and Nitro (nitroglycerin). This combination is effective for managing the symptoms and complications associated with CHF. Oxygen is critical in CHF as it helps to improve oxygen saturation in patients who may be experiencing respiratory distress due to fluid accumulation and reduced oxygen exchange in the lungs. Morphine sulfate serves a dual purpose: it can reduce anxiety, which is common in CHF patients, and it also helps decrease preload and afterload, thus easing the workload on the heart. Lasix (furosemide) is a potent diuretic that helps the body eliminate excess fluid, relieving pulmonary congestion and peripheral edema, which are common in CHF. By reducing fluid overload, furosemide improves breathing and decreases blood pressure, contributing to better overall heart function. Nitroglycerin works as a vasodilator, which helps to reduce myocardial oxygen demand and alleviate chest pain. It expands blood vessels, therefore reducing the heart's workload and easing symptoms of heart failure. This combination is well-aligned with standard treatment protocols for CHF, focused on alleviating symptoms, restoring oxygen levels, and reducing fluid overload to stabilize the