CMA Emergency Procedures & First Aid

Question 1

What is the FIRST action a CMA should take when a patient collapses in the medical office?

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness and breathing

Answer

Checking for responsiveness and breathing first determines whether an emergency exists and guides all subsequent actions.

Question 2

What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for adult CPR performed by a single rescuer?

Accepted Answer

30:2

Answer

Current AHA guidelines specify 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths for single-rescuer adult CPR.

Question 3

When performing the Heimlich maneuver on a conscious adult, where should abdominal thrusts be directed?

Accepted Answer

Upper abdomen just below the ribcage

Answer

Thrusts applied to the upper abdomen just below the ribcage create upward pressure to expel a foreign body airway obstruction.

Question 4

Which type of shock is caused by a severe allergic reaction resulting in widespread vasodilation?

Accepted Answer

Distributive (anaphylactic) shock

Answer

Anaphylactic shock is a form of distributive shock in which massive histamine release causes widespread vasodilation and circulatory collapse.

Question 5

What is the FIRST-LINE medication for treating anaphylaxis in an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine (EpiPen)

Answer

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis because it rapidly reverses vasodilation, bronchospasm, and laryngeal edema.

CMA - Certified Medical Aide Practice Test