NMC-CBT Basic Life Support and Emergency Management Flashcards
7 cards from real NMC CBT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 NMC-CBT Basic Life Support and Emergency Management flashcards as text
A patient develops hypoglycaemia (BM 2.1 mmol/L) and is drowsy but able to swallow. What is the MOST appropriate initial treatment?
Answer: 15-20g of fast-acting carbohydrate orally
For a conscious patient who can swallow, 15-20g of fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., glucose tablets or Lucozade) is the first-line treatment for hypoglycaemia.
During an ABCDE assessment, a trauma patient has a respiratory rate of 30, SpO2 90%, and reduced air entry on the left. What single intervention should be done first?
Answer: Apply high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
Applying high-flow oxygen is always the first 'B' (Breathing) intervention while simultaneously assessing the cause of hypoxia.
When performing CPR, which of the following indicates adequate chest compressions?
Answer: A capnography waveform with ETCO2 >10 mmHg
An end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) >10 mmHg during CPR indicates adequate cardiac output and is the best real-time quality indicator.
A patient is found unconscious. The nurse suspects a spinal injury following a fall. How should the airway be opened?
Answer: Jaw thrust without head extension
The jaw thrust manoeuvre opens the airway with minimal cervical spine movement and is preferred when spinal injury is suspected.
A patient in cardiac arrest has achieved ROSC. The team notices the rhythm is sinus bradycardia at 38 bpm with hypotension. What is the first-line pharmacological treatment?
Answer: Atropine 500 micrograms IV
Atropine 500 micrograms IV is the first-line drug for symptomatic bradycardia post-ROSC, and may be repeated up to 3mg total.
What is the purpose of applying firm, continuous cricoid pressure (Sellick's manoeuvre) during emergency intubation?
Answer: To compress the oesophagus and reduce the risk of passive regurgitation
Cricoid pressure compresses the oesophagus against the cervical vertebrae, reducing the risk of gastric regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration.
A nurse discovers a patient has swallowed an unknown quantity of paracetamol tablets two hours ago and is currently asymptomatic. What is the MOST important immediate nursing action?
Answer: Administer activated charcoal if within 1 hour and no contraindications — or escalate to medical team for N-acetylcysteine assessment
Paracetamol overdose requires urgent medical assessment for N-acetylcysteine treatment based on serum levels, even in asymptomatic patients, as liver damage develops later.