Paramedics Exam Special Patient Populations 5

Question 1

A neonate's heart rate remains below 60 bpm despite 30 seconds of adequate positive-pressure ventilation. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Begin chest compressions at a 3:1 compression-to-ventilation ratio

Answer

Per NRP guidelines, if the heart rate remains below 60 bpm after 30 seconds of effective PPV, chest compressions at a 3:1 ratio are initiated.

Question 2

A patient with a tracheostomy tube has increasing respiratory distress. After suctioning fails to relieve obstruction, your next action is to:

Accepted Answer

Remove the tracheostomy tube and attempt ventilation via the stoma

Answer

If suctioning fails to clear a tracheostomy obstruction, remove the tube and attempt to ventilate through the stoma with a pediatric BVM.

Question 3

Which of the following statements about pain assessment in non-verbal geriatric patients is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral cues such as grimacing, guarding, and restlessness should be used to assess pain

Answer

Behavioral indicators—facial grimacing, guarding, restlessness, and moaning—are validated pain assessment tools in non-verbal or cognitively impaired patients.

Question 4

A 16-year-old athlete collapses suddenly on the field. Bystanders state he 'just dropped.' ECG shows coarse ventricular fibrillation. This scenario is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy as the underlying cause of sudden cardiac arrest

Answer

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes and classically presents as a sudden collapse during exertion.

Question 5

When positioning a pregnant patient in her third trimester for transport, why should you tilt her to the left?

Accepted Answer

To shift the uterus off the inferior vena cava and improve venous return

Answer

Left lateral tilt displaces the gravid uterus off the inferior vena cava, preventing supine hypotensive syndrome and improving cardiac output.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Special Patient Populations 5