FP-C Shock Management and Resuscitation

Question 1

A patient presents with Beck's triad (hypotension, muffled heart sounds, jugular venous distension). Which type of shock does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive shock from cardiac tamponade

Answer

Beck's triad is pathognomonic for cardiac tamponade, which causes obstructive shock by preventing adequate ventricular filling.

Question 2

Which hemodynamic profile is characteristic of distributive (septic) shock?

Accepted Answer

High CO, low SVR, low MAP

Answer

Septic shock is characterized by high cardiac output from tachycardia, low systemic vascular resistance from vasodilation, and resultant low MAP.

Question 3

A trauma patient with suspected hemorrhagic shock is unresponsive to 2L of crystalloid. What resuscitation strategy is preferred in modern flight medicine?

Accepted Answer

1:1:1 ratio of packed red cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets

Answer

Damage control resuscitation using a 1:1:1 ratio of pRBC:FFP:platelets is the evidence-based approach for hemorrhagic shock to restore coagulation factors alongside volume.

Question 4

In neurogenic shock following spinal cord injury, which hemodynamic combination is expected?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension with bradycardia

Answer

Neurogenic shock presents with hypotension and paradoxical bradycardia due to loss of sympathetic tone below the injury level with intact vagal activity.

Question 5

When treating refractory septic shock with vasopressors, which agent is the FIRST-LINE choice per Surviving Sepsis guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock, providing potent alpha-mediated vasoconstriction with moderate beta-1 effects to raise MAP.

FP-C - Flight Paramedic-Certification Practice Test

FP-C - Flight Paramedic-Certification Practice Test

FP-C Shock Management and Resuscitation