OSCE Emergency Assessment 5

Question 1

A 55-year-old diabetic patient presents with diaphoresis, nausea, and jaw pain but denies chest pain. What should be your HIGHEST suspicion?

Accepted Answer

Acute myocardial infarction

Answer

Diabetic patients frequently present with atypical MI symptoms such as jaw pain, nausea, and diaphoresis without classic chest pain due to autonomic neuropathy.

Question 2

When assessing capillary refill time in an adult, what duration is considered abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Greater than 2 seconds

Answer

A capillary refill time greater than 2 seconds in adults indicates impaired peripheral perfusion and possible shock.

Question 3

A patient with acute pulmonary edema is sitting upright, using accessory muscles, and has pink frothy sputum. After oxygen, which drug should be given FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Nitroglycerin sublingual or IV

Answer

Nitroglycerin is the fastest-acting preload and afterload reducer in acute pulmonary edema, providing immediate symptom relief before diuresis begins.

Question 4

In the SBAR communication tool used during emergency handoffs, what does the 'R' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Recommendation

Answer

SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation — with R being the clinician's specific request or recommendation.

Question 5

A patient who was submerged in cold water is found pulseless. Which statement BEST guides resuscitation?

Accepted Answer

Continue full resuscitation because the cold may be protective; 'not dead until warm and dead'

Answer

Hypothermia is protective against anoxic brain injury, and the principle 'not dead until warm and dead' guides full resuscitation until core temperature is restored.

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Practice Test

OSCE Emergency Assessment 5