AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Medical Emergencies Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 58-year-old male with a history of type 1 diabetes is found confused and diaphoretic.
His glucometer reads 2.1 mmol/L.
He is able to follow simple commands but is too disoriented to swallow safely.
An IV has been established.
According to Ontario ALS PCS, what is the most appropriate initial treatment for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Administer 10 grams of Dextrose 10% (D10W) slow IV push, and reassess.

Answer

Administer 1 mg of Glucagon intramuscularly.

Answer

Administer 25 grams of Dextrose 50% (D50W) slow IV push.

Answer

Encourage the patient to drink a glass of orange juice.

Question 2

You are managing a 30-year-old patient who is experiencing a prolonged generalized tonic-clonic seizure lasting more than 5 minutes. Which of the following is the first-line medication and preferred route of administration for status epilepticus according to AEMCA protocols, especially when IV access is delayed?

Accepted Answer

Midazolam, IM

Answer

Lorazepam, IV

Answer

Diazepam, Rectal

Answer

Phenytoin, IV infusion

Question 3

A 72-year-old female presents with a sudden onset of right-sided facial droop, slurred speech, and right arm weakness that began exactly 90 minutes ago. Her vital signs are stable. Which of the following is the most critical piece of information to relay to the receiving stroke center?

Accepted Answer

The exact time of symptom onset ('last known well').

Answer

The patient's score on the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale.

Answer

The patient's most recent blood pressure reading.

Answer

A detailed list of the patient's home medications.

Question 4

Which of the following constellations of findings is most indicative of a patient meeting prehospital sepsis criteria, warranting a 'sepsis alert' notification to the receiving hospital?

Accepted Answer

Suspected infection, fever of 38.5°C, and a new onset of confusion.

Answer

Productive cough, heart rate of 95 bpm, and a blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.

Answer

History of a UTI, respiratory rate of 18, and warm, dry skin.

Answer

Localized cellulitis, normal mental status, and a heart rate of 88 bpm.

Question 5

You are called to a 24-year-old found unresponsive in a public washroom. The patient has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths per minute, pinpoint pupils, and central cyanosis. What is the most important initial intervention after ensuring the airway is open?

Accepted Answer

Administer Naloxone via the intranasal or intramuscular route.

Answer

Establish IV access for fluid resuscitation.

Answer

Perform a 12-lead ECG to rule out a cardiac cause.

Answer

Apply high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreather mask.

Question 6

You are treating a patient found unconscious at an outdoor event on a very hot day. The patient has hot, dry skin, a core temperature of 41°C, and altered mental status. Which of the following actions is the most critical and immediate prehospital treatment for classic heat stroke?

Accepted Answer

Initiating rapid active cooling measures.

Answer

Administering a 500 mL IV fluid bolus of normal saline.

Answer

Administering antipyretics like Acetaminophen.

Answer

Placing the patient in the recovery position to protect the airway.