Practice Test Geeks(NCCPA) National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Practice Test
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Emergency Medicine Flashcards

7 cards from real NCCPA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Emergency Medicine flashcards as text

  1. A 55-year-old diabetic presents with painless lower extremity ulcer and crepitus on palpation. Imaging shows gas in soft tissues. What is the immediate management?

    Answer: Emergent surgical debridement plus broad-spectrum antibiotics

    Necrotizing fasciitis requires emergent surgical debridement as the definitive treatment; antibiotics alone are insufficient and delay surgery increases mortality.

  2. What is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis?

    Answer: Epinephrine 0.3mg IM in the anterolateral thigh

    Epinephrine IM (0.3mg of 1:1000 solution) in the anterolateral thigh is the first and most critical intervention for anaphylaxis.

  3. A 35-year-old presents with sudden-onset monocular vision loss, painless, described as a 'curtain coming down.' Fundoscopy shows cherry-red spot with pale retina. What is the diagnosis?

    Answer: Central retinal artery occlusion

    Central retinal artery occlusion presents with sudden painless monocular vision loss, cherry-red spot at the fovea, and diffuse retinal pallor.

  4. Which of the following best describes the Beck's triad associated with cardiac tamponade?

    Answer: Hypotension, muffled heart sounds, jugular venous distension

    Beck's triad consists of hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension due to pericardial fluid compressing cardiac chambers.

  5. A patient presents after drowning with oxygen saturation of 84% on room air. CXR shows diffuse bilateral infiltrates. What syndrome is developing?

    Answer: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

    Near-drowning can cause ARDS characterized by hypoxemia, bilateral infiltrates, and reduced lung compliance from surfactant washout and inflammation.

  6. What is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding in an emergency department patient?

    Answer: Peptic ulcer disease

    Peptic ulcer disease (gastric and duodenal ulcers) accounts for approximately 40% of upper GI bleeding cases, making it the most common cause.

  7. A 22-year-old athlete collapses during a game in 100°F heat. Temperature is 41.5°C (106.7°F), and he is confused and diaphoretic. What is the priority treatment?

    Answer: Rapid external cooling with ice water immersion

    Exertional heat stroke (temperature >40°C with CNS dysfunction) requires immediate aggressive cooling — ice water immersion is the fastest and most effective method.