Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam 2025 - Free Paramedic Practice Questions and Study Guide

The decision not to pace a patient is primarily based on the heart rate, blood pressure, and associated symptoms. In this case, the patient with a heart rate of 55 and blood pressure of 110/65 is showing signs of bradycardia; however, their blood pressure is within acceptable limits and does not suggest hemodynamic instability. Additionally, the heart rate, while below the normal range, might not warrant invasive intervention if the patient is stable and asymptomatic.

In contrast, patients with significantly lower heart rates and poor blood pressure readings, such as the individual with a heart rate of 45 and blood pressure of 80/50, present with signs of possible shock or instability, which may require pacing. The patient with a heart rate of 70 and a good blood pressure of 140/90 is stable, as is the one with a heart rate of 90, both indicating that pacing is unnecessary. Therefore, the patient with the heart rate of 55 is not experiencing critical symptoms that would necessitate pacing, making this the correct option.