New York City REMAC Paramedic Credentialing Practice Test 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

In the case of a 55-year-old patient experiencing a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) in the inferior leads, accompanied by symptoms like nausea and hypotension, nitroglycerin is a critical treatment option primarily because it helps relieve myocardial ischemia by dilating coronary arteries and improving blood flow to the heart.

The administration of nitroglycerin can provide pain relief, which is especially important in myocardial infarction scenarios where ischemia leads to significant discomfort. Additionally, the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin can reduce the workload on the heart by decreasing preload and afterload, which can be beneficial even in the presence of hypotension, as long as the patient is closely monitored.

In this scenario, while fluid resuscitation might seem beneficial, the underlying myocardial ischemia and potential for an evolving cardiac issue necessitate immediate intervention to improve coronary perfusion. Other options such as furosemide, which is a diuretic, and morphine, while sometimes used to alleviate pain in MI, do not directly address the underlying issue of ischemia in the same effective and timely manner as nitroglycerin.