AEMCA Medical Emergencies 5

Question 1

A patient presents with severe hypotension, bradycardia, and bronchospasm after ingesting a large amount of eye drops. What toxidrome is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Cholinergic toxidrome

Answer

Tetrahydrozoline (found in eye drops) can cause a cholinergic-like toxidrome with bradycardia, hypotension, and bronchospasm in overdose, especially in children.

Question 2

Which of the following is the hallmark of distributive shock that distinguishes it from other shock types?

Accepted Answer

Normal or elevated cardiac output with decreased SVR

Answer

Distributive shock (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic) is characterized by profound vasodilation with decreased SVR and typically a compensatory elevated cardiac output.

Question 3

A patient with sickle cell disease presents with chest pain, fever, and progressive hypoxia. What is the most likely life-threatening complication?

Accepted Answer

Acute chest syndrome

Answer

Acute chest syndrome is a leading cause of death in sickle cell disease, characterized by new pulmonary infiltrates with fever, chest pain, and hypoxia.

Question 4

In a patient with suspected myasthenic crisis, which test can help differentiate it from cholinergic crisis?

Accepted Answer

Tensilon (edrophonium) test

Answer

The Tensilon test uses edrophonium (an anticholinesterase) — if symptoms improve, it confirms myasthenic crisis; if they worsen, it suggests cholinergic crisis.

Question 5

A patient presents with confusion, polyuria, and a blood glucose of 920 mg/dL without ketoacidosis. What condition is this?

Accepted Answer

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)

Answer

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state features extreme hyperglycemia (>600 mg/dL) with severe dehydration and altered mental status, but without significant ketoacidosis.

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA Medical Emergencies 5