First Aid Sudden Illness and Allergies 5

Question 1

A person experiences sudden severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life' with neck stiffness. This may indicate:

Accepted Answer

Subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis requiring emergency care

Answer

A sudden 'thunderclap' headache with neck stiffness is a red flag for subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis, both requiring immediate emergency care.

Question 2

Which of the following is the correct sequence when using an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen)?

Accepted Answer

Remove cap, press firmly into thigh, hold 10 seconds, call 911

Answer

The correct sequence is: remove the blue safety cap, press the orange tip firmly into the outer thigh, hold 10 seconds, then call 911.

Question 3

During which phase of a seizure does the person become stiff and may stop breathing briefly?

Accepted Answer

Tonic phase

Answer

The tonic phase involves sudden muscle rigidity and may include brief apnea before the rhythmic jerking of the clonic phase begins.

Question 4

A person with no known allergies suddenly develops throat swelling and difficulty swallowing after taking a new medication. You should:

Accepted Answer

Call 911 immediately as this is a potential allergic emergency

Answer

Throat swelling and dysphagia after a new medication indicates a possible anaphylactic reaction requiring immediate emergency medical response.

Question 5

What does SAMPLE stand for in patient assessment for sudden illness?

Accepted Answer

Signs, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last intake, Events

Answer

SAMPLE is a mnemonic: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent past history, Last oral intake, Events leading to the illness.

First Aid Practice Test