Paramedics Exam Medical Emergencies and Obstetrics 2

Question 1

A 58-year-old male presents with sudden onset tearing chest pain radiating to the back. BP is 190/110 in the right arm and 160/90 in the left arm. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Aortic dissection

Answer

Unequal blood pressures between arms combined with tearing back pain strongly suggests aortic dissection.

Question 2

A patient in status epilepticus has failed to respond to two doses of lorazepam. What is the next appropriate pharmacological intervention?

Accepted Answer

Fosphenytoin

Answer

Fosphenytoin (or phenytoin) is the second-line agent after benzodiazepines fail in status epilepticus management.

Question 3

A 32-year-old female at 36 weeks gestation has a BP of 160/110, severe headache, and 3+ proteinuria. She then has a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. How should you manage this?

Accepted Answer

Administer magnesium sulfate 4-6 g IV bolus

Answer

Eclampsia is treated with magnesium sulfate as the drug of choice to terminate seizures and prevent recurrence.

Question 4

Which finding is MOST consistent with distributive (septic) shock?

Accepted Answer

Warm, flushed skin with wide pulse pressure

Answer

Septic shock causes massive vasodilation resulting in warm, flushed skin and a wide pulse pressure in the early hyperdynamic phase.

Question 5

A 45-year-old male presents with wheezing, urticaria, hypotension (BP 70/40), and stridor after eating shellfish. What is the FIRST drug to administer?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine 0.3-0.5 mg IM

Answer

Epinephrine IM is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis due to its immediate alpha and beta adrenergic effects.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Medical Emergencies and Obstetrics 2