CCMA Emergency Management and First Aid — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR according to current AHA guidelines?
- 15:2
- 30:2 (Correct answer)
- 15:1
- 30:1
Correct answer: 30:2
The American Heart Association recommends 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (30:2) for single-rescuer adult CPR. This ratio maximizes coronary perfusion pressure between compressions.
Question 2: A patient in the waiting room collapses and is unresponsive. After activating the emergency response system, what is the NEXT immediate action?
- Begin chest compressions immediately
- Check for breathing and a pulse for no more than 10 seconds (Correct answer)
- Retrieve the AED from the wall
- Administer supplemental oxygen via mask
Correct answer: Check for breathing and a pulse for no more than 10 seconds
Before initiating CPR, you must quickly assess for breathing and a pulse (no longer than 10 seconds). This assessment determines whether CPR, AED use, or another intervention is needed. Assessment always precedes intervention.
Question 3: Which type of shock results from a severe systemic allergic reaction and is characterized by widespread vasodilation and hypotension?
- Hypovolemic shock
- Cardiogenic shock
- Anaphylactic shock (Correct answer)
- Neurogenic shock
Correct answer: Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock occurs when massive IgE-mediated release of histamine and other mediators causes vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and a life-threatening drop in blood pressure. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment.
Question 4: An AED is attached to an unresponsive patient with no pulse. The device announces 'No shock advised.' What should the medical assistant do immediately?
- Recheck lead placement and prompt the AED to re-analyze
- Resume CPR immediately (Correct answer)
- Wait 2 minutes for the AED to reanalyze on its own
- Administer epinephrine and wait for EMS
Correct answer: Resume CPR immediately
A 'no shock advised' message means the rhythm is non-shockable (e.g., asystole or pulseless electrical activity). CPR must be resumed immediately, as defibrillation will not help and circulation must be maintained manually.
Question 5: A conscious adult patient is choking, cannot speak, and cannot cough. Which intervention should the medical assistant perform?
- Deliver five back blows only and reassess
- Perform a blind finger sweep of the mouth
- Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) (Correct answer)
- Have the patient lie down and tilt their head back
Correct answer: Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
A complete airway obstruction in a conscious adult (unable to speak, cough, or breathe) requires immediate abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) to create enough pressure to expel the foreign body. Back blows are used for infants.
Question 6: A diabetic patient in the clinic appears pale, diaphoretic, and confused, and reports feeling shaky. Which condition should the medical assistant suspect FIRST?
- Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Hypoglycemia (Correct answer)
- Hypertensive crisis
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia
Pallor, diaphoresis (sweating), tremors, and confusion are classic adrenergic signs of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). This requires prompt administration of 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrates or glucose per the '15-15 rule.'
CCMA Emergency Management and First Aid
What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for single-rescuer adult CPR according to current AHA guidelines?