Medical Emergencies and Obstetrics Flashcards
7 cards from real Paramedics Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medical Emergencies and Obstetrics flashcards as text
A 28-year-old female at 20 weeks gestation complains of sudden, severe left lower quadrant pain and vaginal bleeding. Her HR is 124 and BP is 88/60. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer: Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
Ruptured ectopic pregnancy presents at around 6-10 weeks but can occur up to 20 weeks; the hemodynamic instability and unilateral pain are hallmark signs.
Which ECG finding is MOST associated with hyperkalemia in a patient with renal failure?
Answer: Peaked T waves and widened QRS
Hyperkalemia classically produces peaked/tall T waves early, followed by widened QRS and eventual sine-wave pattern as levels rise.
During delivery, you note the umbilical cord is protruding from the vagina before the baby's head. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
Answer: Position the mother in knee-chest position and support the cord manually
Cord prolapse is managed by relieving pressure on the cord with a gloved hand while positioning the mother knee-chest down to prevent fetal hypoxia.
A patient with a known shellfish allergy receives a contrast dye injection during a CT scan and becomes hypotensive with bronchospasm. Which medication class is the LEAST helpful in reversing the acute physiological response?
Answer: Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can worsen anaphylaxis by blocking the therapeutic effects of epinephrine and promoting bronchospasm.
A 60-year-old dialysis patient presents with peaked T waves, a HR of 38 bpm, and a wide QRS complex. After calcium gluconate, what is the next appropriate intervention?
Answer: Sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV
Sodium bicarbonate temporarily shifts potassium into cells by alkalizing the blood, providing a rapid but temporary reduction in serum potassium.
You respond to a call where a 35-year-old male took 30 acetaminophen tablets 2 hours ago. He is currently asymptomatic. Which intervention is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Activated charcoal if airway is intact and no contraindications
Activated charcoal administered within 1-2 hours of ingestion can reduce acetaminophen absorption significantly if the airway is protected.
A neonate is delivered and is limp, apneic, and blue at 1 minute. Initial stimulation and positioning fail to elicit a response. What is the NEXT step?
Answer: Positive pressure ventilation via BVM
Positive pressure ventilation is the most critical initial intervention for a non-breathing or inadequately breathing neonate after initial steps fail.