ABPS Emergency Medicine & Acute Care 2

Question 1

A patient presents with sudden severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life.' CT head is negative. What is the next best diagnostic step?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar puncture for xanthochromia

Answer

A thunderclap headache with a negative CT requires lumbar puncture to detect xanthochromia, which indicates subarachnoid hemorrhage that CT may miss if performed late.

Question 2

Which of the following findings on a chest X-ray is most consistent with a tension pneumothorax requiring immediate needle decompression?

Accepted Answer

Tracheal deviation away from the affected side with absent breath sounds

Answer

Tension pneumothorax causes tracheal deviation away from the affected side and absent breath sounds, reflecting mediastinal shift from elevated intrapleural pressure.

Question 3

A 3-year-old child is brought in after ingesting an unknown quantity of iron tablets. Which antidote is indicated for severe iron toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Deferoxamine

Answer

Deferoxamine is the chelating agent of choice for severe iron poisoning, binding free iron and facilitating its renal excretion.

Question 4

In the ABCDE approach to trauma assessment, what does the 'C' primarily stand for?

Accepted Answer

Circulation with hemorrhage control

Answer

In primary trauma survey, 'C' refers to Circulation with hemorrhage control, emphasizing assessment and management of bleeding and perfusion.

Question 5

A patient presents with bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, and hyponatremia. Which diagnosis should be immediately considered?

Accepted Answer

Myxedema coma

Answer

Myxedema coma is a life-threatening hypothyroid emergency presenting with bradycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, hyponatremia, and altered mental status.

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

ABPS Emergency Medicine & Acute Care 2