NSC Clinical Knowledge 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A responsive adult is choking and cannot speak or cough effectively. What is the correct immediate action?
- Perform 5 back blows followed by 5 abdominal thrusts
- Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) immediately (Correct answer)
- Encourage the victim to cough harder
- Sweep the mouth with your finger to remove the obstruction
Correct answer: Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) immediately
For a conscious adult with a severe airway obstruction who cannot speak or cough, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) immediately.
Question 2: What does a GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) score of 8 or below indicate?
- Mild concussion requiring observation
- Severe brain injury requiring airway protection (Correct answer)
- Moderate impairment with no immediate danger
- Normal neurological function in an anxious patient
Correct answer: Severe brain injury requiring airway protection
A GCS of 8 or less indicates severe neurological impairment and the patient likely cannot protect their airway.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes distributive shock?
- Decreased cardiac output due to heart muscle failure
- Abnormal vasodilation causing relative hypovolemia (Correct answer)
- Blood loss reducing circulating volume
- Obstruction preventing blood flow from the heart
Correct answer: Abnormal vasodilation causing relative hypovolemia
Distributive shock (including septic, anaphylactic, and neurogenic shock) occurs when widespread vasodilation causes blood to pool away from vital organs.
Question 4: When assessing a patient's breathing, which finding would be MOST concerning?
- Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
- Slightly irregular breathing during sleep
- Agonal respirations (gasping) in an unresponsive patient (Correct answer)
- Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute during exertion
Correct answer: Agonal respirations (gasping) in an unresponsive patient
Agonal respirations are irregular gasping breaths that indicate the brain is no longer controlling breathing normally and CPR should be initiated.
Question 5: A patient has a suspected spinal injury. Which action should be avoided unless absolutely necessary?
- Assessing responsiveness by speaking to the patient
- Moving the patient without proper spinal precautions (Correct answer)
- Monitoring airway and breathing
- Applying oxygen via non-rebreather mask
Correct answer: Moving the patient without proper spinal precautions
Moving a patient with a suspected spinal injury without proper immobilization can worsen the injury and cause permanent paralysis.
Question 6: What is the correct depth of chest compressions for an average adult during CPR?
- 1 to 1.5 inches
- 2 to 2.4 inches (Correct answer)
- 3 to 3.5 inches
- At least 3 inches
Correct answer: 2 to 2.4 inches
AHA guidelines specify chest compressions should be at least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches deep for adults.
Question 7: Which of the following is the correct treatment for a patient experiencing a seizure?
- Restrain the patient to prevent injury
- Place a bite block between the patient's teeth
- Protect the patient from injury and place them on their side after the seizure (Correct answer)
- Administer water if the patient regains consciousness during the seizure
Correct answer: Protect the patient from injury and place them on their side after the seizure
During a seizure, protect the patient from surrounding hazards and place them in the recovery position afterward to maintain the airway.
NSC Clinical Knowledge 4
A responsive adult is choking and cannot speak or cough effectively.
What is the correct immediate action?