OEC Medical Conditions & Ongoing Care 2

Question 1

A skier complains of sudden severe headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light. Which condition should you suspect?

Accepted Answer

Meningitis

Answer

Sudden severe headache, nuchal rigidity (stiff neck), and photophobia are classic signs of meningitis, a life-threatening emergency.

Question 2

During ongoing assessment of a diabetic patient who has received oral glucose, you notice no improvement after 15 minutes. What is the most appropriate next action?

Accepted Answer

Reassess blood glucose and consider ALS activation

Answer

If a diabetic patient shows no improvement 15 minutes after oral glucose, reassess blood glucose and activate ALS since IV dextrose may be needed.

Question 3

A patient with a known history of epilepsy has a seizure lasting 5 minutes and then stops. They are now in a postictal state. What is the priority of care?

Accepted Answer

Protect airway, position laterally, and monitor closely

Answer

Postictal patients are confused and have compromised airway reflexes; lateral positioning protects the airway and close monitoring is essential.

Question 4

Which finding during ongoing assessment best indicates worsening of a patient's respiratory condition?

Accepted Answer

Increasing use of accessory muscles with declining SpO2

Answer

Increased accessory muscle use combined with falling oxygen saturation indicates progressive respiratory failure requiring immediate intervention.

Question 5

A backcountry skier experiences sudden chest pain radiating to the left arm and diaphoresis at altitude. What should the OEC technician suspect first?

Accepted Answer

Acute myocardial infarction

Answer

Classic AMI presentation includes chest pain radiating to the left arm with diaphoresis; physical exertion at altitude increases cardiac demand.

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

(OEC) Outdoor Emergency Care Certification Practice Test

OEC Medical Conditions & Ongoing Care 2