1.
You just administered atropine 0.5 mg to a patient with a symptomatic bradycardia and multifocal PVCs. Suddenly your patient becomes unconscious and goes into ventricular fibrillation. Your next action is to:
Correct Answer
D. Defibrillate at 200 joules
Explanation
This is a national registry question... keep in mind how national standards look at lower energy doses for defibrillation with a biphasic monitor
2.
In a pediatric patient, initial defibrillation should be performed at:
Correct Answer
C. 2.0 J/kg
Explanation
Again... think national standards, not PA protocol.
3.
Which of the following statements is correct regarding a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 7?
Correct Answer
D. A perfect GCS score is 15, and a score of 7 represents significant injuries
Explanation
A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 7 represents significant injuries. The GCS is a neurological scale that assesses a person's level of consciousness following a head injury. It evaluates three components: eye-opening response, verbal response, and motor response. The maximum score on the GCS is 15, indicating normal brain function. A score of 7 suggests a severe impairment in consciousness, indicating significant injuries.
4.
Your ambulance is assigned to stand by at a building fire. The outside temperature is 103-degrees Fahrenheit and the firefighters are wearing full protective clothing. Your patient is a 36-year-old male in good physical condition. He appears anxious and complains of nausea and headache. He is sweating profusely with cool clammy skin. BP is 116/48, radial pulse of 150 and weak, respirations are 36 and shallow, temperature is 101.2-degrees Fahrenheit. The patient's signs/symptoms indicate:
Correct Answer
B. Heat exhaustion
Explanation
The patient's signs and symptoms, such as nausea, headache, profuse sweating, cool clammy skin, and an elevated temperature, are consistent with heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes dehydrated and is unable to cool itself effectively in hot weather conditions. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. The patient's vital signs, such as a weak pulse and shallow respirations, further support the diagnosis of heat exhaustion. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is a more severe condition that involves a dangerously high body temperature and can be life-threatening.
5.
Which of the following is NOT considered a sign or symptom indicating a tension pneumothorax?
Correct Answer
D. Clear lung sounds
Explanation
Clear lung sounds are not considered a sign or symptom indicating a tension pneumothorax. Tension pneumothorax is a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse and putting pressure on the heart and other structures. Dyspnea, hyperresonance to percussion, and distended jugular veins are commonly associated with tension pneumothorax due to the compromised lung function and increased pressure in the chest. However, clear lung sounds suggest that there is no obstruction or abnormality in the airways, which is not consistent with tension pneumothorax.
6.
Management of cardiogenic shock may include:
Correct Answer
B. Administration of IV dopamine
Explanation
The management of cardiogenic shock may include the administration of IV dopamine. Dopamine is a medication that helps to increase blood pressure and improve blood flow by stimulating the heart. In cardiogenic shock, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to low blood pressure and organ failure. IV dopamine can help to support the heart's function and improve cardiac output, thereby improving the patient's condition.
7.
A 78-year-old male is alert and oriented to person, place, and time, and complains of chest pain and difficulty breathing. You attach him to the ECG and notice a rhythm of 42 with a corresponding pulse, a P-R interval of 0.20, and normal R-R intervals. Vitals are BP 76/42, respirations 42. The patient also states that he feels nauseated and dizzy. Treatment for this patient should include:
Correct Answer
A. Atropine 0.5 mg
Explanation
The patient is presenting with symptoms of chest pain, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and bradycardia (heart rate of 42). These symptoms indicate a possible heart block, specifically a type of heart block called symptomatic bradycardia. Atropine is a medication commonly used to treat bradycardia by blocking the action of the vagus nerve, which slows down the heart rate. Therefore, administering atropine 0.5 mg would be the appropriate treatment for this patient to increase his heart rate and improve blood flow.
8.
Management of pediatric bradycardia with significant signs and symptoms related to cardiac or respiratory compromise should be treated with:
Correct Answer
D. EpinepHrine
Explanation
Epinephrine is the correct answer for managing pediatric bradycardia with significant signs and symptoms related to cardiac or respiratory compromise. Epinephrine is a medication that stimulates the heart and increases the heart rate, making it an appropriate choice for treating bradycardia. Atropine is commonly used for bradycardia in adults, but it may not be as effective in pediatric patients. Lidocaine is used for managing certain types of arrhythmias, but it is not the first-line treatment for bradycardia. Sodium bicarbonate is used for managing acidosis and certain drug overdoses, but it is not indicated for bradycardia.
9.
Disadvantages of using a cellular telephone for EMS communications include the fact that:
Correct Answer
D. GeograpHy can interfere with the system or signals.
Explanation
The correct answer is "geography can interfere with the system or signals." This means that one of the disadvantages of using a cellular telephone for EMS communications is that the geographical location can affect the quality of the system or signals. This can lead to dropped calls, poor reception, or difficulty in establishing and maintaining communication in remote or rural areas with weak cellular coverage.
10.
One reason that the respiratory system of a geriatric patient becomes less effective is that:
Correct Answer
C. There is decreased chest wall compliance.
Explanation
As individuals age, the elasticity of their chest wall decreases, leading to decreased chest wall compliance. This means that the chest wall becomes stiffer and less able to expand and contract effectively during breathing. This reduced compliance can result in a decreased ability to take in an adequate amount of air, leading to a less effective respiratory system. The other options, such as weakened diaphragm muscles or increased tidal volume, do not directly relate to the decreased effectiveness of the respiratory system in geriatric patients.
11.
Which of the following medications would be the MOST acceptable alternative to morphine for analgesia in patients with an acute coronary syndrome?
Correct Answer
B. Fentanyl
Explanation
Fentanyl would be the most acceptable alternative to morphine for analgesia in patients with an acute coronary syndrome because it is a potent opioid analgesic that provides effective pain relief. It has a rapid onset and short duration of action, making it suitable for acute pain management. Additionally, fentanyl has less potential for causing respiratory depression and hemodynamic instability compared to morphine, which is important in patients with acute coronary syndrome who may already have compromised cardiovascular function.
12.
You are providing positive-pressure ventilation to a newborn. Which of the following statements is correct regarding oxygen administration to a newborn?
Correct Answer
C. Never deprive a newborn of oxygen for fear of oxygen toxicity.
Explanation
Oxygen is essential for newborns, and depriving them of oxygen can lead to serious complications. However, it is important to administer oxygen carefully and avoid oxygen toxicity, which can also be harmful. Therefore, the correct statement is that a newborn should never be deprived of oxygen for fear of oxygen toxicity.
13.
The compression-ventilation ratio for two-person CPR in an infant is:
Correct Answer
C. 15:2
Explanation
http://www.mycprpros.com/2010-cpr-guidelines
14.
A 68-year-old woman is complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath. Her blood pressure is 110/64, pulse 60, respirations 32. ECG shows a sinus bradycardia with a PR interval of 0.24. Lung sounds reveal crackles in the posterior bases. Management should include:
Correct Answer
A. Nitroglycerin gr 1/150 SL.
Explanation
The patient is presenting with chest pain and shortness of breath, indicating a possible cardiac issue. The blood pressure and pulse are within normal range, but the respiratory rate is elevated. The ECG shows sinus bradycardia with a prolonged PR interval. Crackles in the lung bases suggest fluid overload, which could be due to heart failure. Given these findings, the most appropriate management would be nitroglycerin, as it helps relieve chest pain and improves blood flow to the heart. The other options, such as fluid bolus, atropine, or transcutaneous pacing, are not indicated based on the given information.
15.
You have been called to treat a five-year-old child previously diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. She now presents with increased work of breathing, fever, and increased cough. The child appears pale, is lying on the couch, and is slow to respond. She had obvious nasal flaring with a respiratory rate of 8 per minute. From the information in the scenario, the child is most likely in:
Correct Answer
A. Respiratory distress with impending respiratory failure.
Explanation
The child's symptoms of increased work of breathing, fever, increased cough, pale appearance, slow response, and obvious nasal flaring indicate respiratory distress. The respiratory rate of 8 per minute is significantly lower than the normal range, suggesting impending respiratory failure. These findings suggest that the child is in respiratory distress with impending respiratory failure.
16.
You encouter a patient with a P-R interval of 0.16, a QRS duration of 0.08, and a regular R-R interval. This patient is in:
Correct Answer
C. Sinus rhythm.
Explanation
The given parameters indicate a normal P-R interval (0.16 seconds), a normal QRS duration (0.08 seconds), and a regular R-R interval. These findings are consistent with a sinus rhythm, which is the normal electrical activity of the heart. Atrial fibrillation would show an irregular R-R interval and no discernible P-R interval. Sinus rhythm with first-degree heart block would show a prolonged P-R interval. Supraventricular tachycardia would show a rapid heart rate, which is not indicated in the given parameters. Therefore, the correct answer is sinus rhythm.
17.
You are caring for a 13-year-old tricyclic antidepressant overdose. What cardiac arrhythmia is likely to develop as a result of this type of overdose?
Correct Answer
C. Wide QRS complexes with a prolonged QT interval
Explanation
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can block cardiac sodium channels, leading to a decrease in the rate of depolarization and prolongation of the action potential duration. This can result in widening of the QRS complex on the ECG. Additionally, TCAs can also block cardiac potassium channels, leading to a prolonged QT interval. Therefore, the correct answer is "Wide QRS complexes with a prolonged QT interval." This combination of ECG findings is characteristic of TCA overdose and can predispose the patient to potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes.
18.
Blind nasotracheal intubation:
Correct Answer
C. Should be attempted on a patient with spontaneous respirations.
Explanation
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9144052
19.
The initial dose of adenosine that should be administered is:
Correct Answer
C. 6 mg rapid IV push followed by a 20 cc fluid bolus.
Explanation
The initial dose of adenosine that should be administered is 6 mg rapid IV push followed by a 20 cc fluid bolus. This is the correct answer because adenosine is used to treat supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and the recommended initial dose is 6 mg given rapidly through an IV. The fluid bolus is given immediately after to help flush the medication into the systemic circulation and improve its effectiveness. Repeating the dose or waiting longer periods of time before repeating the dose are not the recommended initial treatment approaches for SVT.
20.
Initial treatment for the thermal burn patient would include which of the following?
Correct Answer
D. Covering the burn area with dry bulky dressings and keeping the patient warm.
Explanation
The initial treatment for a thermal burn patient involves covering the burn area with dry bulky dressings to protect it from further injury and infection. Keeping the patient warm helps to prevent hypothermia, which can occur due to the loss of body heat from the burn. This treatment approach promotes wound healing and provides comfort to the patient.
21.
The pediatric dose of lorazepam in the treatment of seizures is:
Correct Answer
B. 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV/IO
Explanation
The correct answer is 0.05-0.1 mg/kg IV/IO. This range represents the recommended pediatric dose of lorazepam for the treatment of seizures. It is important to administer the medication intravenously or intraosseously. This dose range ensures that the medication is administered in a safe and effective manner, taking into account the weight of the child.
22.
Treatment for heat exhaustion should include all of the following EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
D. Administering salt tablets.
Explanation
Salt tablets should not be administered as a treatment for heat exhaustion because they can actually worsen the condition. Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive sweating, which leads to the loss of both water and electrolytes, including sodium. Administering salt tablets can further disrupt the electrolyte balance and potentially lead to dehydration. Therefore, it is important to focus on rehydrating the patient with fluids such as normal saline, placing them in a cool environment, and removing any excessive clothing to promote cooling.
23.
You are caring for a lethargic two-year-old. A blood glucose test confirms hypoglycemia. You are able to establish IV access. What is the appropriate drug to administer?
Correct Answer
D. 25% dextrose
Explanation
In a case of hypoglycemia, the appropriate drug to administer is 25% dextrose. Dextrose is a form of glucose that can be given intravenously to rapidly increase blood sugar levels. It is commonly used in emergency situations to treat low blood sugar levels, especially in children. The 25% concentration is preferred over 50% dextrose as it is less likely to cause complications such as tissue irritation or extravasation. Glucagon can also be used to raise blood sugar levels, but it is typically administered when IV access is not available. Instant glucose is not typically used in IV administration and is more commonly used for oral administration in milder cases of hypoglycemia.
24.
The recommended dose of vasopressin in v-fib or pulseless v-tach is:
Correct Answer
D. 40 units IV in a single dose
Explanation
The recommended dose of vasopressin in v-fib or pulseless v-tach is 40 units IV in a single dose. This is the correct answer because vasopressin is a medication used in cardiac arrest situations to increase blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and brain. The recommended dose of 40 units IV in a single dose is based on clinical guidelines and studies that have shown its effectiveness in these specific situations.
25.
If succinylcholine is supplied 20 mg/mL, approximately what volume of medication would you administer to a 185-pound patient?
Correct Answer
C. 6.25 mL
Explanation
Though we kept the math simple in class, in reality the Weight in Kg is really equal to 0.9 x half the weight in pounds. Or, divide the weight in pounds then subtract ten percent.