CMA Emergency Procedures & First Aid 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct initial treatment for a conscious patient experiencing a hypoglycemic episode?
- Administer insulin to regulate blood sugar
- Call 911 immediately without delay
- Give 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (Correct answer)
- Position the patient in Trendelenburg
Correct answer: Give 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates
For a conscious patient who can swallow, providing 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., juice, glucose tablets) rapidly raises blood glucose.
Question 2: Which position is MOST appropriate for a patient in hypovolemic shock?
- Semi-Fowler's position (head elevated 30°)
- Left lateral recumbent position
- Prone position
- Supine with legs elevated approximately 12 inches (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Supine with legs elevated approximately 12 inches
Elevating the legs while the patient is supine promotes venous return to the heart, improving cardiac output in hypovolemic shock.
Question 3: A patient has a laceration with moderate bleeding. What is the CORRECT initial intervention?
- Apply a tourniquet above the wound
- Irrigate the wound with hydrogen peroxide
- Apply direct pressure with clean gauze (Correct answer)
- Elevate the limb below the level of the heart
Correct answer: Apply direct pressure with clean gauze
Direct pressure is the first-line method to control moderate bleeding and should be applied before considering a tourniquet.
Question 4: What does the first-aid acronym RICE stand for when managing musculoskeletal injuries?
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (Correct answer)
- Rest, Immobilize, Cool, Exercise
- Relax, Ice, Circulation, Elevation
- Rest, Ice, Circulation, Extension
Correct answer: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the standard initial approach for sprains, strains, and contusions to reduce pain and swelling.
Question 5: A patient reports crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm and is pale and diaphoretic. The PRIORITY action is:
- Perform CPR immediately
- Administer aspirin if not contraindicated and activate EMS (call 911) (Correct answer)
- Have the patient lie down and wait for the physician
- Give nitroglycerin from the emergency kit
Correct answer: Administer aspirin if not contraindicated and activate EMS (call 911)
Suspected myocardial infarction requires immediate EMS activation and aspirin administration (if not contraindicated) to reduce clot extension.
Question 6: How should a minor burn covering less than 10% of the body surface area be initially treated?
- Apply butter or oil to soothe the burn
- Break any blisters to relieve pressure
- Cool with cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10–20 minutes (Correct answer)
- Cover immediately with a thick occlusive dressing
Correct answer: Cool with cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10–20 minutes
Cool running water for 10–20 minutes removes heat, reduces tissue damage, and relieves pain; ice or occlusive dressings applied immediately can worsen injury.
Question 7: When a patient shows signs of stroke (facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty), the CMA should:
- Give aspirin and monitor vital signs
- Elevate the head to 90 degrees
- Begin CPR if the patient becomes unresponsive
- Activate emergency services (call 911) immediately (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Activate emergency services (call 911) immediately
Stroke requires immediate EMS activation because time-sensitive interventions (thrombolytics or thrombectomy) depend on rapid hospital transport.
CMA Emergency Procedures & First Aid 2
What is the correct initial treatment for a conscious patient experiencing a hypoglycemic episode?