AEMCA Trivia 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which cardiac dysrhythmia is most commonly associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?
- Atrial fibrillation
- Ventricular fibrillation
- AV nodal reentrant tachycardia
- Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
WPW most commonly causes PSVT via a reentrant circuit using the accessory (Bundle of Kent) pathway, though AF is the most dangerous associated rhythm.
Question 2: What is the maximum safe dose of epinephrine in an adult cardiac arrest via endotracheal tube (if IV/IO unavailable), relative to IV dose?
- Same dose as IV
- 2 to 2.5 times the IV dose (Correct answer)
- 5 times the IV dose
- Half the IV dose
Correct answer: 2 to 2.5 times the IV dose
When given via ET tube, epinephrine and other NAVEL drugs should be administered at 2 to 2.5 times the standard IV dose.
Question 3: Which sign, indicated by bruising over the mastoid process behind the ear, is associated with basilar skull fracture?
- Cullen's sign
- Battle's sign (Correct answer)
- Grey Turner's sign
- Kernig's sign
Correct answer: Battle's sign
Battle's sign (mastoid ecchymosis) develops hours after basilar skull fracture as blood tracks along fascial planes.
Question 4: In the AEMCA scope of practice, which medication can typically be administered to a patient experiencing anaphylaxis?
- Diphenhydramine IV only
- Epinephrine via auto-injector (Correct answer)
- Methylprednisolone IV
- Albuterol nebulization only
Correct answer: Epinephrine via auto-injector
Epinephrine via auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen) is within the AEMCA scope for anaphylaxis and is the definitive first-line treatment.
Question 5: Which anatomical landmark is used to identify the cricothyroid membrane for emergency surgical airway access?
- Space between thyroid and hyoid cartilages
- Space between thyroid and cricoid cartilages (Correct answer)
- Space between cricoid and first tracheal ring
- Space between first and second tracheal rings
Correct answer: Space between thyroid and cricoid cartilages
The cricothyroid membrane lies between the thyroid cartilage superiorly and the cricoid cartilage inferiorly.
Question 6: What is the normal capillary refill time in a healthy adult?
- Less than 1 second
- Less than 2 seconds (Correct answer)
- Less than 3 seconds
- Less than 4 seconds
Correct answer: Less than 2 seconds
Normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds; prolonged refill suggests poor peripheral perfusion.
Question 7: Which position is recommended for a conscious patient in hemorrhagic shock with no suspected spinal injury?
- Semi-Fowler's (30–45° head elevation)
- Trendelenburg (legs elevated 10–15°) (Correct answer)
- Left lateral recumbent
- Prone position
Correct answer: Trendelenburg (legs elevated 10–15°)
Trendelenburg or supine with legs elevated encourages venous return to the core circulation in hypotensive patients.
AEMCA Trivia 4
Which cardiac dysrhythmia is most commonly associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?