Medical Emergencies: CPR and First Aid for Medical Assistants

Question 1

Which of these is NOT a common symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Leg pain

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea or vomiting

Question 2

In which situation is it appropriate to administer naloxone?

Accepted Answer

A patient with a history of opioid dependence who shows signs of overdose.

Answer

A patient with asthma who is having trouble breathing.

Answer

A patient who accidentally overdosed on acetaminophen.

Answer

A patient with epilepsy who is having a grand mal seizure.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of an impending stroke?

Accepted Answer

Nausea and vomiting only

Answer

Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body

Answer

Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes

Answer

Severe headache with no known cause

Question 4

Which symptom is a primary indicator of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Prolonged shortness of breath

Answer

Persistent nausea and vomiting

Answer

Numbness or tingling in one arm

Question 5

In the initial management of a suspected heart attack, what is the top priority?

Accepted Answer

Call for emergency medical services (911)

Answer

Administer aspirin

Answer

Provide oxygen

Answer

Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Swelling in the legs

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea or vomiting

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Numbness or tingling in the arms

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea

Question 8

After checking for breathing, what is the next immediate step in performing CPR on an adult?

Accepted Answer

Start chest compressions

Answer

Call for emergency medical services

Answer

Administer rescue breaths

Answer

Place the person in the recovery position

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Tingling or numbness in the feet

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea or vomiting

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Headache

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Pain or discomfort in the arm, shoulder, neck, back, or jaw

Question 11

When performing CPR on an adult, it's essential to avoid chest compressions when the victim:

Accepted Answer

Is breathing normally

Answer

Has no pulse

Answer

Has an irregular heartbeat

Answer

Is unresponsive

Question 12

A patient is experiencing chest pain and discomfort. Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom associated with this condition?

Accepted Answer

Tingling in fingers

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea or vomiting

Answer

Sweating

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Numbness or tingling in the hands

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea or vomiting

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Pain in the right arm

Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Nausea or vomiting

Question 15

When providing first aid to a choking victim, what is the most crucial action to take?

Accepted Answer

Perform the Heimlich maneuver

Answer

Call for emergency medical help

Answer

Start CPR

Answer

Check if the person is breathing

Question 16

Which of the following is an early symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Chest discomfort or pain

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Extreme fatigue

Answer

Nausea

Question 17

What is the most common initial symptom of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain or pressure that may spread to the arms, neck, back, or jaw

Answer

Shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting

Answer

Sweating, dizziness, or lightheadedness

Answer

Sudden weakness on one side of the body

Question 18

In CPR for an unconscious adult, what is the first step?

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness, breathing, and pulse

Answer

Start chest compressions

Answer

Give rescue breaths

Answer

Call emergency services

Question 19

Upon arriving at the scene of a medical emergency, what is the most crucial action to take immediately?

Accepted Answer

Call for emergency medical services (e.g., 911).

Answer

Begin first aid (e.g., CPR).

Answer

Evaluate the situation and gather information.

Answer

Leave the scene to find help.

Question 20

When providing first aid to a choking victim, what should be your initial action?

Accepted Answer

Open the airway

Answer

Perform chest compressions

Answer

Give the victim water

Question 21

When should CPR be performed on adults?

Accepted Answer

When they are unresponsive and not breathing

Answer

When they are responsive but not breathing

Answer

When they are breathing but unresponsive

Question 22

In the initial response to a suspected heart attack, what is the most important action to take?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 for emergency medical assistance

Answer

Give the victim an aspirin tablet

Answer

Start CPR if the victim is unconscious and not breathing

Answer

Make the victim comfortable and loosen tight clothing

Question 23

A patient arrives at the clinic with sudden chest pain radiating to their left arm and shortness of breath at rest for the past hour. As the medical assistant, what should be your initial management?

Accepted Answer

Provide oxygen, monitor vital signs, and get a 12-lead EKG right away.

Answer

Give aspirin and nitroglycerin, and keep an eye on vital signs.

Answer

Do a physical exam, get a detailed history, and then talk to the doctor.

Question 24

When managing a laceration, which first aid technique is most effective in controlling bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Apply direct pressure to the wound.

Answer

Elevate the injured limb.

Answer

Apply a tourniquet.

Answer

Apply ice to the wound.

Question 25

When providing first aid to a conscious choking victim, what should be the immediate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Execute chest thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver.

Answer

Initiate rescue breathing with mouth-to-mouth breaths.

Answer

Contact emergency services by dialing 911.

Answer

Position the victim in the recovery position.

Question 26

What is the most common underlying cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in adults?

Accepted Answer

Coronary artery disease (CAD)

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Sepsis

Question 27

When someone is choking, what is the universal sign they use to indicate their distress?

Accepted Answer

Grabbing their throat with one hand

Answer

Covering their mouth with both hands

Answer

Waving their arms wildly

Answer

Pacing back and forth

Question 28

When providing initial first aid to a victim of a suspected dislocation, what should be your immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize the injured area and seek medical attention.

Answer

Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.

Answer

Attempt to manipulate and reposition the dislocated joint.

Answer

Administer pain medication to alleviate discomfort.

Question 29

When managing a sprain, which action is most critical to prevent further injury and provide stability?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize the affected area with a sling or brace

Answer

Apply ice to reduce swelling

Answer

Elevate the injured area to reduce blood flow

Answer

Administer pain medication for discomfort

Question 30

What is the most common sign of a heart attack?

Accepted Answer

Sudden chest pain, like pressure or squeezing

Answer

Sudden shortness of breath

Answer

Sudden nausea and vomiting

Answer

Sudden confusion or disorientation

Question 31

A patient is experiencing a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. What immediate first-aid steps should you take to ensure their safety and well-being?

Accepted Answer

Turn the patient on their side, open their airway, and suction if needed.

Answer

Give the patient oxygen through a nasal cannula.

Answer

Restrain the patient to prevent injury.

Answer

Administer anticonvulsant medication.

Question 32

During CPR, where should the heel of your dominant hand be placed on the victim's chest?

Accepted Answer

Lower half of the sternum

Answer

Left side of the sternum

Answer

Xiphoid process

Answer

Victim's epigastric region

Question 33

During an emergency, the patient initially responds well to treatment. However, their condition worsens after 15 minutes. What should the medical assistant do next?

Accepted Answer

Reassess the patient, identify any changes, and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Answer

Continue with the same treatment, as the worsening condition may be temporary.

Answer

Stop all interventions and wait for further instructions.

Question 34

In medical emergencies, why is it essential for medical assistants to provide psychological first aid?

Accepted Answer

To reduce patient distress and facilitate cooperation.

Answer

To avoid legal complications.

Answer

To provide medical advice and treatment.

Question 35

Which of these is a common symptom of a heart attack in men?

Accepted Answer

Chest pain or discomfort

Answer

Nausea or vomiting

Answer

Loss of consciousness

Answer

Confusion

Question 36

When responding to an unconscious person with suspected stroke symptoms, what should be your first action?

Accepted Answer

Call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S.)

Answer

Try to awaken the person by shaking or shouting

Answer

Check for a pulse

Answer

Start CPR

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Accepted Answer

Normal blood sugar levels

Answer

Rapid breathing

Answer

Fruity-smelling breath

Answer

Confusion

Question 38

When performing hands-only CPR, what is the recommended compression rate?

Accepted Answer

100-120 compressions per minute

Answer

60-80 compressions per minute

Answer

120-140 compressions per minute

Answer

As fast as possible

Question 39

What is the primary purpose of using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?

Accepted Answer

To deliver an electrical shock to the heart

Answer

To monitor the person's heart rhythm

Answer

To provide oxygen to the person

Answer

To clear the person's airway

Question 40

Which of these techniques is NOT used for artificial respiration?

Accepted Answer

Chest compressions

Answer

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

Answer

Bag-valve-mask ventilation

Answer

Mechanical ventilation

Question 41

When managing a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury, which action is most critical to prevent further damage?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize the patient and keep their spine straight

Answer

Give pain medication

Answer

Check vital signs

Question 42

In the initial management of a heart attack, what is the first crucial step?

Accepted Answer

Contacting emergency services (911)

Answer

Administering aspirin

Answer

Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Answer

Using a defibrillator

Question 43

For recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke, which mnemonic is commonly used?

Accepted Answer

FAST

Answer

HEART

Answer

ABCD

Answer

ACLS

Question 44

What is the primary purpose of using an automated external defibrillator (AED) in an emergency situation?

Accepted Answer

Delivering an electrical shock to the heart

Answer

Assessing heart rhythm

Answer

Providing oxygen therapy

Answer

Monitoring vital signs

Question 45

When providing first aid for a suspected broken bone, what is the appropriate initial approach?

Accepted Answer

Immobilizing the affected area and applying ice

Answer

Elevating and applying pressure to the injured area

Answer

Splinting and bandaging the injured area

Answer

Cleaning and disinfecting the wound

Question 46

Why is continuous first aid and CPR training crucial for healthcare professionals?

Accepted Answer

It ensures healthcare professionals stay informed about the latest guidelines and best practices.

Answer

It complies with industry regulations.

Answer

It only improves job performance.

Question 47

In first aid, what does 'implied consent' mean?

Accepted Answer

Consent is assumed if the patient is unconscious and can't give consent.

Answer

Consent must always come from a family member or guardian.

Answer

First aid should never be given without explicit consent, even in emergencies.

Question 48

When providing CPR to an adult, what should be the ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths?

Accepted Answer

30:2

Answer

15:2

Answer

45:1

Answer

60:2

Question 49

What is the initial step to take when encountering an unresponsive adult in need of first aid?

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness

Answer

Call for emergency medical services

Answer

Start chest compressions

Answer

Give rescue breaths

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for stroke?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

High blood pressure

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Diabetes

Question 51

Ice packs should be applied to injuries:

Accepted Answer

Immediately after the injury

Answer

24 hours after the injury

Answer

Never

Answer

Only for minor injuries

Question 52

The primary purpose of maintaining an open airway during first aid is to:

Accepted Answer

Allow for proper breathing

Answer

Prevent choking

Answer

Reduce pain

Answer

Prevent infection

Question 53

When performing CPR with an AED, what should you do when the machine says 'Stand clear'?

Accepted Answer

Stop CPR and move away from the patient

Answer

Continue CPR and ignore the machine

Answer

Apply more force to the chest compressions

Answer

Give rescue breaths

Question 54

As a medical assistant, your legal obligation during a first aid emergency is to:

Accepted Answer

Act within your scope of practice and training

Answer

Provide the same level of care as a physician

Answer

Refuse to provide first aid if you feel unqualified

Answer

Always call for emergency medical services before providing first aid

Question 55

Which action is most appropriate when providing first aid for a person experiencing a diabetic emergency due to low blood sugar?

Accepted Answer

Give the person something sugary to eat or drink

Answer

Call for emergency medical services immediately

Answer

Inject the person with glucagon

Answer

Monitor the person's blood sugar levels

Question 56

How do technological advancements, such as mobile apps, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and telemedicine, enhance emergency care in modern first aid and CPR practices?

Accepted Answer

Increase accessibility and simplify the delivery of first aid and CPR.

Answer

Make traditional CPR and first aid training unnecessary.

Answer

Increase the complexity and cost of providing first aid and CPR.

Answer

Reduce the effectiveness of first aid and CPR techniques.

Question 57

Which of the following is essential for proper wound care to prevent infection and promote healing?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning, removing dead tissue, irrigating, and dressing the wound

Answer

Covering the wound with gauze and leaving it alone

Answer

Using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol to clean the wound

Answer

Applying a tourniquet to stop bleeding

Question 58

When a patient experiences sudden cardiac arrest, which actions should be taken immediately, prior to the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS)?

Accepted Answer

Initiate CPR and utilize an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available

Answer

Administer oxygen and monitor vital signs

Answer

Position the victim in the recovery position and provide warmth

Answer

Contact EMS and await their arrival

Question 59

How do effective communication and teamwork among healthcare providers enhance patient care during medical emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Improved coordination of care and reduced medical errors

Answer

Easier for individual providers to take the lead in emergencies

Answer

Increased time taken to respond to emergencies

Answer

No impact on the management of medical emergencies

Question 60

How can medical assistants use technology and resources to improve their response to medical emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Use online databases to find the latest information on medications and treatment plans

Answer

Rely only on past experience and personal judgment, ignoring outside resources

Answer

Use personal cell phones as the main way to communicate and keep records

Answer

Ignore available technology and stick to traditional methods

Question 61

How does empowering patients contribute to preventing and managing medical emergencies?

Accepted Answer

Increased adherence to prescribed treatments

Answer

Reduced reliance on healthcare providers

Answer

Prevention of all medical emergencies

Question 62

When assessing and managing medical emergencies in children, which factor is most important to consider?

Accepted Answer

Age-related differences in signs and symptoms

Answer

Using adult-sized equipment and medications

Answer

Ignoring the child's emotional state

Question 63

What is the correct rate for chest compressions in CPR?

Accepted Answer

100-120 compressions per minute

Answer

60-80 compressions per minute

Answer

120-140 compressions per minute

Answer

140-160 compressions per minute

Question 64

What is the initial step recommended for a suspected stroke?

Accepted Answer

Call for medical help immediately

Answer

Administer aspirin

Answer

Lower the person's blood pressure

Answer

Perform CPR