Paramedics Exam Medical Emergencies 3

Question 1

A 40-year-old female presents with sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and tachycardia after a long flight. Her SpO2 is 91% and she has a swollen left calf. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Pulmonary embolism is strongly suspected given the triad of dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and tachycardia combined with DVT risk factors (immobility, unilateral leg swelling).

Question 2

A 28-year-old known diabetic is found unresponsive. Blood glucose reads 32 mg/dL. You have IV access. What is the appropriate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer dextrose 50% IV push (25g)

Answer

With confirmed IV access, D50W (25g dextrose) administered IV is the fastest and most effective treatment for severe hypoglycemia in an unresponsive patient.

Question 3

You are treating a seizing patient. After 5 minutes of continuous seizure activity with no IV access, which medication and route is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Midazolam 10 mg IM

Answer

IM midazolam (typically 10 mg for adults) has been shown to be as effective as IV lorazepam and is the preferred route when IV access is unavailable for status epilepticus.

Question 4

A patient presents with fever, stiff neck, photophobia, and a petechial/purpuric rash. What is the most critical prehospital consideration?

Accepted Answer

Isolate the patient and use BSI precautions for suspected bacterial meningitis

Answer

The presentation is classic for bacterial meningitis/meningococcemia, which is contagious via droplets, making patient isolation and strict BSI precautions the immediate priority.

Question 5

A 65-year-old male has a blood glucose of 820 mg/dL, Kussmaul respirations, and fruity breath odor. He is alert but confused. Which condition does this presentation represent?

Accepted Answer

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

Answer

Kussmaul respirations (deep, labored breathing) and fruity breath (ketones) combined with marked hyperglycemia indicate DKA, typically seen in Type 1 diabetics.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Medical Emergencies 3