Random
What is the normal end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂) range for a properly ventilated patient?
35–45 mmHg.
What does a snoring airway sound usually indicate, and how is it corrected?
Partial airway obstruction by the tongue; corrected with a head-tilt chin-lift or jaw-thrust.
What are two common signs of poor perfusion in a cardiac patient?
Cool, clammy skin and altered mental status.
What does a weak or absent cry in an infant often indicate?
Airway obstruction or respiratory distress.
What is the primary cause of death in trauma patients during the first hour after injury?
Severe hemmorrhage
What cardiac rhythm is commonly seen before asystole and indicates severe myocardial failure?
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA).
When using a bag-valve mask (BVM) with no advanced airway in place, how often should you deliver breaths to an apneic adult?
Every 5-6 seconds or 10-12 breaths per minute
What does the QRS complex on an ECG represent?
Ventricular depolarization (ventricular contraction).
What is the preferred method to calculate medication dosages or equipment sizes in pediatric patients?
Using a Broselow tape or length-based resuscitation tape.
What are the three components of the “lethal triad” in trauma?
Hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy.
What is the primary physiological effect of epinephrine during cardiac arrest?
It increases coronary and cerebral perfusion pressure by vasoconstriction.
Why should you avoid hyperventilating a patient with a bag-valve mask?
It can cause gastric distention, decrease venous return, and reduce perfusion.
What cardiac rhythm is most commonly associated with sudden cardiac arrest?
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF).
Why do children become hypoglycemic faster than adults during illness or fasting?
They have higher metabolic rates and lower glycogen stores.
In a patient with suspected tension pneumothorax, what classic signs might you see?
Severe respiratory distress, hypotension, tracheal deviation (late sign), and absent breath sounds on one side.
When managing a trauma patient with suspected tension pneumothorax, where is the preferred site for needle decompression in adults?
The 5th intercostal space at the midaxillary line (or between the 2nd & 3rd intercostal space at midclavicular line as alternative).
What are the primary contraindications for inserting a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA)?
Suspected basilar skull fracture or severe mid-face trauma (e.g., CSF/blood from the nose); and do not force if you meet resistance.
Why should nitroglycerin not be given to a patient with an inferior wall myocardial infarction and hypotension?
Because it can cause severe drops in blood pressure by reducing preload to the right ventricle.
Why is bradycardia in a pediatric patient often considered a sign of impending cardiac arrest?
Because it’s usually caused by severe hypoxia — when oxygen levels drop, the heart rate slows, signaling decompensation.
What is the difference between neurogenic and hypovolemic shock in trauma patients?
Explain the difference between distributive and obstructive shock.
What does a sudden drop in a patient’s SpO₂ or EtCO₂ after successful ventilation often indicate?
Loss of airway patency, dislodged airway device, or inadequate ventilation/perfusion.
What is the physiological difference between stable angina and an acute myocardial infarction (AMI)?
When ventilating a pediatric patient with a BVM, what complication can occur if too much volume or pressure is used?
Gastric distention and barotrauma leading to decreased lung compliance or pneumothorax.
Why is permissive hypotension sometimes used in trauma resuscitation before definitive bleeding control?
To maintain minimal perfusion without worsening internal bleeding by raising blood pressure too high.