EMR Medical Emergencies and Special Populations Flashcards
6 cards from real EMR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 EMR Medical Emergencies and Special Populations flashcards as text
A patient presents with sudden onset severe headache described as 'the worst headache of my life.' What condition should the EMR suspect?
Answer: Subarachnoid hemorrhage
A sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache is a classic warning sign of subarachnoid hemorrhage and requires immediate emergency care.
When caring for a patient in a diabetic emergency who is conscious, which action is most appropriate?
Answer: Give oral glucose if the patient can swallow
A conscious diabetic patient who can swallow should receive oral glucose to rapidly raise blood sugar levels.
A patient with a known seizure disorder is postictal. What is the EMR's priority action?
Answer: Maintain an open airway and place in recovery position
During the postictal phase the airway must be maintained and the patient placed in the recovery position to prevent aspiration.
Which sign is most indicative of anaphylaxis in a patient who was stung by a bee?
Answer: Hives, wheezing, and hypotension
Anaphylaxis presents with systemic signs including urticaria, bronchospasm (wheezing), and circulatory collapse (hypotension).
An infant presents with a bulging fontanelle, high-pitched cry, and fever. What should the EMR suspect?
Answer: Meningitis
A bulging fontanelle combined with high-pitched cry and fever in an infant is a classic presentation of meningitis.
A patient with COPD is in respiratory distress. You should administer oxygen at what flow rate and delivery method?
Answer: Low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula targeting SpO2 88–92%
COPD patients may rely on hypoxic drive, so low-flow oxygen targeting SpO2 88–92% is recommended to avoid suppressing respirations.