AEMCA Practice Exam

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Study for the AEMCA Exam. Prepare with engaging quizzes and flashcards that offer hints and insights. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to excel on your test!

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What would be considered a severe sign of digitalis toxicity?

Drowsiness
Bloating
Heart arrhythmia
Dry skin

The correct answer is: Heart arrhythmia

A severe sign of digitalis toxicity is heart arrhythmia. Digitalis, which is used to treat various heart conditions, can interfere with the electrical pathways of the heart, leading to significant and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. These arrhythmias occur because digitalis affects the heart's contractility and can disrupt the normal rhythm, causing either bradycardia (slow heart rate) or other abnormal rhythms. Recognizing cardiac arrhythmias as a severe consequence of digitalis toxicity is crucial since they can lead to more severe complications, including heart failure or cardiac arrest if not managed promptly and appropriately. Monitoring for arrhythmias in patients taking digitalis is a critical component of safe practice in emergency care and cardiac management.