First Aid Sudden Illness and Allergies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A person experiences sudden severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life' with neck stiffness. This may indicate:
- Tension headache from stress
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis requiring emergency care (Correct answer)
- Migraine aura with photosensitivity
- Sinus pressure from a cold
Correct answer: Subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis requiring emergency care
A sudden 'thunderclap' headache with neck stiffness is a red flag for subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis, both requiring immediate emergency care.
Question 2: Which of the following is the correct sequence when using an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen)?
- Remove cap, press firmly into thigh, hold 10 seconds, call 911 (Correct answer)
- Call 911, remove cap, press into arm, hold 30 seconds
- Remove cap, press into arm, hold 5 seconds, massage site
- Press into thigh first, then remove cap, hold 10 seconds
Correct answer: Remove cap, press firmly into thigh, hold 10 seconds, call 911
The correct sequence is: remove the blue safety cap, press the orange tip firmly into the outer thigh, hold 10 seconds, then call 911.
Question 3: During which phase of a seizure does the person become stiff and may stop breathing briefly?
- Postictal phase
- Tonic phase (Correct answer)
- Clonic phase
- Aura phase
Correct answer: Tonic phase
The tonic phase involves sudden muscle rigidity and may include brief apnea before the rhythmic jerking of the clonic phase begins.
Question 4: A person with no known allergies suddenly develops throat swelling and difficulty swallowing after taking a new medication. You should:
- Give antihistamines and monitor for 30 minutes
- Have them drink cold water to reduce the swelling
- Call 911 immediately as this is a potential allergic emergency (Correct answer)
- Tell them to lie down and elevate their feet
Correct answer: Call 911 immediately as this is a potential allergic emergency
Throat swelling and dysphagia after a new medication indicates a possible anaphylactic reaction requiring immediate emergency medical response.
Question 5: What does SAMPLE stand for in patient assessment for sudden illness?
- Signs, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last intake, Events (Correct answer)
- Symptoms, Assessment, Medical history, Pain, Location, Exam
- Scene safety, Airway, Medications, Pulse, Level of consciousness, Exam
- Severity, Age, Medical ID, Prior illness, Location, Emergency contacts
Correct answer: Signs, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last intake, Events
SAMPLE is a mnemonic: Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent past history, Last oral intake, Events leading to the illness.
Question 6: A person with a severe latex allergy is having an allergic reaction in an office setting. Which item should you AVOID using on them?
- Nitrile exam gloves
- Medical tape with adhesive backing
- Standard rubber disposable gloves (Correct answer)
- Cotton gauze pads
Correct answer: Standard rubber disposable gloves
Standard rubber gloves contain latex and could worsen or trigger an allergic reaction; always use nitrile or vinyl gloves for latex-allergic patients.
Question 7: After a seizure ends, a person is confused and very tired. This is known as the:
- Ictal phase
- Prodromal stage
- Postictal phase (Correct answer)
- Aura period
Correct answer: Postictal phase
The postictal phase follows a seizure and is characterized by confusion, fatigue, and disorientation as the brain recovers.
First Aid Sudden Illness and Allergies 5
A person experiences sudden severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life' with neck stiffness.
This may indicate: