NMC CBT NMC-CBT Basic Life Support and Emergency Management 5

Question 1

A patient develops hypoglycaemia (BM 2.1 mmol/L) and is drowsy but able to swallow. What is the MOST appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

15-20g of fast-acting carbohydrate orally

Answer

IV dextrose 50% 50mL immediately

Answer

Glucagon 1mg IM

Answer

Referral to the dietician

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

Apply high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask

Answer

Insert a large-bore IV cannula and start IV fluids

Answer

Perform needle decompression of the left chest

Answer

Obtain an urgent chest X-ray

Question 3

When performing CPR, which of the following indicates adequate chest compressions?

Accepted Answer

A capnography waveform with ETCO2 >10 mmHg

Answer

A palpable radial pulse during compressions

Answer

Visible chest rise with each compression

Answer

An SpO2 reading of >94% during compressions

Question 4

A patient is found unconscious. The nurse suspects a spinal injury following a fall. How should the airway be opened?

Accepted Answer

Jaw thrust without head extension

Answer

Head-tilt chin-lift manoeuvre

Answer

Nasopharyngeal airway insertion immediately

Answer

Oropharyngeal airway with full neck extension

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

Atropine 500 micrograms IV

Answer

Amiodarone 300mg IV

Answer

Adrenaline infusion

Answer

DC cardioversion

Question 6

What is the purpose of applying firm, continuous cricoid pressure (Sellick's manoeuvre) during emergency intubation?

Accepted Answer

To compress the oesophagus and reduce the risk of passive regurgitation

Answer

To improve visualisation of the vocal cords by lifting the larynx

Answer

To stabilise the trachea during tube insertion

Answer

To prevent laryngospasm during rapid sequence induction

Question 7

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?

Accepted Answer

Administer activated charcoal if within 1 hour and no contraindications — or escalate to medical team for N-acetylcysteine assessment

Answer

Reassure the patient as they are asymptomatic

Answer

Perform a 12-lead ECG

Answer

Perform gastric lavage immediately