NMC CBT NMC-CBT Basic Life Support and Emergency Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with a known penicillin allergy is prescribed co-amoxiclav. The nurse notices this before administration. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
- Administer the drug as prescribed by the doctor
- Withhold the drug and document the allergy clearly in the notes (Correct answer)
- Administer half the dose and monitor for reaction
- Contact pharmacy to confirm compatibility
Correct answer: Withhold the drug and document the allergy clearly in the notes
The nurse must withhold the drug, clearly document the allergy, and promptly inform the prescriber to obtain an alternative.
Question 2: During post-resuscitation care, what is the target oxygen saturation for a patient who has achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)?
- 94-98% (Correct answer)
- 100%
- 88-92%
- 90-94%
Correct answer: 94-98%
Post-ROSC, oxygen saturation should be titrated to 94-98% to avoid the harmful effects of hyperoxia.
Question 3: A patient presents with sudden onset severe chest pain radiating to the jaw and left arm, diaphoresis, and nausea. What is the nurse's priority action?
- Administer GTN spray and reassess
- Request a 12-lead ECG and call for urgent medical review (Correct answer)
- Position the patient and give oral aspirin 300mg
- Draw blood for troponin immediately
Correct answer: Request a 12-lead ECG and call for urgent medical review
The priority is to obtain a 12-lead ECG and ensure urgent medical review to identify and treat potential STEMI within door-to-balloon time targets.
Question 4: What is the correct ratio of compressions to ventilations for two-rescuer adult CPR with an unprotected airway?
- 15:2
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 20:2
- 30:1
Correct answer: 30:2
The standard adult CPR ratio is 30 compressions to 2 ventilations, regardless of the number of rescuers with an unprotected airway.
Question 5: A patient collapses after receiving an IV opioid infusion and is found unresponsive with pinpoint pupils and a respiratory rate of 4 breaths per minute. What is the priority reversal agent?
- Flumazenil IV
- Naloxone IM or IV (Correct answer)
- Activated charcoal orally
- Atropine IV
Correct answer: Naloxone IM or IV
Naloxone is the specific opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression and altered consciousness.
Question 6: A patient on a ward develops a tension pneumothorax during resuscitation. Which clinical finding most strongly suggests this diagnosis?
- Bilateral equal breath sounds
- Tracheal deviation away from the affected side with absent breath sounds (Correct answer)
- SpO2 of 88% on high-flow oxygen
- Raised JVP with muffled heart sounds
Correct answer: Tracheal deviation away from the affected side with absent breath sounds
Tension pneumothorax classically presents with absent breath sounds on the affected side, tracheal deviation away, and haemodynamic compromise.
Question 7: When should chest compressions be paused during an AED-guided resuscitation attempt?
- Every minute to check for pulse
- Only when the AED is analysing rhythm or delivering a shock (Correct answer)
- When IV access is being established
- When the patient shows signs of movement
Correct answer: Only when the AED is analysing rhythm or delivering a shock
Compressions should only be paused for the minimum time necessary for AED rhythm analysis and shock delivery to minimize interruptions.
NMC CBT NMC-CBT Basic Life Support and Emergency Management 3
A patient with a known penicillin allergy is prescribed co-amoxiclav.
The nurse notices this before administration.
What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?