NREMT Paramedic Practice

In patients with blunt myocardial injury, what EKG finding may indicate new complications?

1. ST elevation

2. Normal sinus rhythm

3. Wide QRS complex

4. Abnormal EKG changes

The correct answer is: Abnormal EKG changes

In patients with blunt myocardial injury, the presence of abnormal EKG changes is significant as it can indicate the development of new complications related to the injury. Blunt myocardial injury can lead to various cardiac issues, such as myocardial contusion, arrhythmias, or even structural damage to the heart muscle. Therefore, when abnormal EKG changes are detected, it suggests that there may be ongoing damage or complications that need to be addressed. This might manifest as a variety of EKG abnormalities, including changes in ST segments, Q waves, T waves, or dysrhythmias, which can all indicate the severity of the cardiac injury or the presence of additional complications like ischemia or conduction abnormalities. Recognizing these abnormal EKG findings is crucial in managing the patient's condition effectively and may require further interventions or monitoring. The other options represent findings that either indicate normal cardiac function (normal sinus rhythm) or specific issues that don’t directly signal new complications (like wide QRS complex or ST elevation, which can be related to other underlying conditions or ischemic changes not necessarily tied to blunt injury). Hence, monitoring for these abnormal changes on the EKG is vital in the context of blunt myocardial injury.