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Medical Emergencies Flashcards

7 cards from real AEMCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Medical Emergencies flashcards as text

  1. A patient presents with confusion, fever (103°F), muscle rigidity, and autonomic instability after starting a new antipsychotic. What condition should be suspected?

    Answer: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

    Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterized by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction.

  2. Which of the following best describes the Somogyi effect in diabetic patients?

    Answer: Rebound hyperglycemia following nocturnal hypoglycemia

    The Somogyi effect is rebound hyperglycemia that occurs after nocturnal hypoglycemia triggers counter-regulatory hormone release.

  3. A patient on dialysis presents with peaked T-waves on ECG and blood pressure of 80/50. Which intervention should be considered FIRST?

    Answer: Calcium gluconate IV

    Calcium gluconate IV is the first intervention in severe hyperkalemia as it immediately stabilizes the cardiac membrane, buying time for potassium-lowering measures.

  4. In thyroid storm, which of the following is the CORRECT order of medication administration?

    Answer: PTU → beta-blocker → iodine → steroids

    PTU must be given before iodine to block new thyroid hormone synthesis before iodine is administered, which would otherwise fuel more hormone production.

  5. A patient presents with altered mental status, fever, headache, and a non-blanching petechial rash. What is the priority action?

    Answer: Administer antibiotics immediately without delay

    Meningococcal meningitis with septicemia requires immediate antibiotics; delaying treatment for imaging or lumbar puncture significantly increases mortality.

  6. Which finding differentiates hypertensive emergency from hypertensive urgency?

    Answer: Presence of end-organ damage

    Hypertensive emergency is defined by evidence of acute end-organ damage (stroke, MI, renal failure, retinopathy) regardless of the exact blood pressure value.

  7. A patient with known alcohol use disorder presents with tremors, diaphoresis, hypertension, and visual hallucinations 48 hours after last drink. What is the priority treatment?

    Answer: Benzodiazepines to prevent seizures and delirium tremens

    Benzodiazepines are the cornerstone of alcohol withdrawal management, preventing progression to life-threatening delirium tremens and seizures.