ABPS Emergency Medicine & Acute Care

Question 1

A 55-year-old male presents with sudden onset crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm and diaphoresis. ECG shows ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. Which vessel is most likely occluded?

Accepted Answer

Right coronary artery

Answer

ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF indicates an inferior STEMI, which is typically caused by occlusion of the right coronary artery.

Question 2

A patient presents in anaphylactic shock after a bee sting. Which is the FIRST-line treatment?

Accepted Answer

Intramuscular epinephrine

Answer

Intramuscular epinephrine (0.3–0.5 mg of 1:1000) into the anterolateral thigh is the first-line and life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis.

Question 3

Which of the following Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores indicates severe traumatic brain injury?

Accepted Answer

3–8

Answer

A GCS score of 3–8 defines severe traumatic brain injury and typically warrants immediate airway management and neurosurgical evaluation.

Question 4

A 70-year-old woman presents with hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds following blunt chest trauma. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Beck's triad — hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds — is classic for cardiac tamponade, especially after chest trauma.

Question 5

When managing a patient with suspected cervical spine injury in the emergency setting, which airway technique is generally preferred?

Accepted Answer

Rapid sequence intubation with in-line cervical stabilization

Answer

Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) with manual in-line cervical stabilization is the preferred method to secure the airway while minimizing cervical spine movement.

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

ABPS Emergency Medicine & Acute Care