Emergency Procedures & First Aid Flashcards
7 cards from real CMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Emergency Procedures & First Aid flashcards as text
After turning on an AED, what is the FIRST operational step?
Answer: Attach the electrode pads as shown in the device diagram
After powering on, the AED guides users to attach pads first so it can analyze the cardiac rhythm before advising on further action.
Which clinical finding is a sign of respiratory distress in a patient?
Answer: Nasal flaring and use of accessory muscles to breathe
Nasal flaring and accessory muscle use indicate the patient is working harder than normal to breathe, which is a hallmark of respiratory distress.
A patient develops hives, throat swelling, and severe difficulty breathing minutes after receiving an injection. These symptoms indicate:
Answer: Anaphylaxis
The rapid onset of urticaria, angioedema, and bronchospasm following an injection is the classic presentation of anaphylaxis requiring immediate epinephrine.
What is the PRIMARY purpose of applying universal precautions during a medical emergency?
Answer: To protect both the patient and healthcare worker from exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Universal precautions (gloves, PPE) protect healthcare workers and patients from transmission of HIV, hepatitis B/C, and other bloodborne pathogens during emergency contact.
According to current AHA guidelines, what is the correct CPR sequence for an unresponsive adult who is not breathing normally?
Answer: Compressions → Airway → Breathing (C-A-B)
AHA updated guidelines in 2010 to C-A-B (Compressions first, then Airway, then Breathing) to minimize delay in initiating chest compressions.
When a patient faints (vasovagal syncope), the CORRECT initial response is to:
Answer: Lay the patient flat and elevate the legs to improve cerebral perfusion
Laying the patient flat and elevating legs increases venous return to the brain, correcting the transient drop in cerebral perfusion that caused the syncope.
A CMA finds an unconscious patient who is suspected to have overdosed on medication. What is the PRIORITY action?
Answer: Call 911 and immediately assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation
In an overdose with an unconscious patient, activating EMS and assessing ABCs are the highest priorities; inducing vomiting or administering charcoal without medical direction can cause harm.