BCEN Medical Emergencies and Conditions

Question 1

A 60-year-old male with a history of hypertension presents with sudden onset of chest pain radiating to his left arm, diaphoresis, and nausea.
His blood pressure is 190/110, heart rate 95, and respiratory rate 18.
What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Pneumothorax

Answer

Aortic dissection

Question 2

Which of the following is the most important initial intervention for a patient presenting with an acute asthma exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Apply supplemental oxygen to maintain oxygen saturation > 92%

Answer

Administer systemic corticosteroids

Answer

Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation

Answer

Start intravenous magnesium sulfate

Question 3

A 45-year-old female with diabetes presents with confusion, sweating, and shakiness. Her blood glucose is found to be 50 mg/dL. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer oral glucose or IV dextrose

Answer

Administer insulin

Answer

Perform a head CT scan to rule out a stroke

Answer

Give a beta-blocker to manage symptoms

Question 4

A patient presents with a sudden onset of difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a nonproductive cough after exposure to an allergen. The patient has a known history of asthma. Which of the following should be administered first?

Accepted Answer

Inhaled short-acting beta agonist (SABA)

Answer

Intravenous magnesium sulfate

Answer

Oral corticosteroids

Answer

Nebulized ipratropium

Question 5

A 35-year-old male presents with fever, chills, and confusion. His blood pressure is 88/50, and he has a rapid heart rate. His laboratory results show a white blood cell count of 16,000/mm³. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Sepsis

Answer

Acute pancreatitis

Answer

Meningitis

Answer

Pyelonephritis