AMLS Post Test
1. A 45-year-old patient is found supine on the floor. Healthcare providers note pinpoint
pupils, shallow respirations, and vomitus in and around the mouth. What course of
action should be taken next?
a. Initiate an IV and administer naloxone
b. Supplemental oxygen and suction
c. Obtain a blood glucose level
d. Begin BVM ventilations - ANSWER b. Supplemental oxygen and suction
2. Patients with a history of COPD that present with an acute onset of shortness of
breath are likely to have what condition?
a. Pulmonary embolism
b. Angina pectoris
c. Angioedema
d. Hypertensive crisis - ANSWER a. Pulmonary embolism
3. During compensatory shock, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated
to cause a/an:
a. Increase in preload, afterload, and re-absorption of sodium
b. Decrease in preload, afterload, and re-absorption of sodium
c. Hypotension and bradycardia
d. Vasodilation and sodium retention - ANSWER a. Increase in preload, afterload, and
re-absorption of sodium
4. What clinical findings are most commonly associated with a pulmonary embolus?
a. Clear breath sounds with tachypnea
b. Rhonchi auscultated bilaterally with hypercarbia
c. Crackles heard in the bases with bradycardia
d. Fever, tachycardia, and tachypnea with increased work of breathing - ANSWER a.
Clear breath sounds with tachypnea
5. What condition is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis?
a. Anxiety/panic attack
b. Narcotic overdose
c. Methanol ingestion
d. Diabetic ketoacidosis - ANSWER b. Narcotic overdose
6. A 55-year-old complains of an 'aching' chest discomfort that persists over several
days. The patient has a temperature of 101F (38.3C). Which finding will help narrow the
diagnosis to pericarditis?
a. Pain is relieved when supine
b. Pulsus alternans is present
c. S3 gallop is auscultated
d. ST-segment elevation in all leads - ANSWER d. ST-segment elevation in all leads
7. Anaphylaxis is most associated with which physiological event?
a. Hemorrhage
b. Vasodilation
c. Bradycardia
d. Hypertension - ANSWER b. Vasodilation
8. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by what
pathological change?
a. Excessive mucous production
b. Inflammation of the visceral pleura
c. Breakdown of the alveolar-capillary membrane
d. Accumulation of fluid between the pleural layers - ANSWER c. Breakdown of the
alveolar-capillary membrane
9. Continuous positive airway pressure would be most beneficial in treating which
patient?
a. A 43yo with a decreased LOC with respiratory difficulty
b. A 22yo with severe asthma who is not responding to nebulizer treatments
c. A 38yo with carpal pedal spasms, clear lung sounds, and respirations of 40/min
d. A 55yo with jugular vein distension and a BP of 90/60 - ANSWER b. A 22yo with
severe asthma who is not responding to nebulizer treatments
10. What is the initial treatment for a patient experiencing hyperosmolar
hyperglycemic nonketotic coma (HHNC)?
a. Crystalloid IV fluid administration
b. Administration of dextrose
c. Administration of insulin
d. Fluid bolus of 5% dextrose in water (D5W) - ANSWER a. Crystalloid IV fluid
administration
11. Your patient has had a seizure secondary to a nerve agent exposure. What
medication would be best to diminish the seizure?
a. Atropine
b. Diphenhydramine
c. Midazolam
d. Pralidoxime - ANSWER c. Midazolam
12. Respiratory alkalosis may occur as a result of:
a. Fever and anxiety
b. Renal failure and dehydration
c. Airway obstruction and chest wall pain
d. Prolonged vomiting - ANSWER a. Fever and anxiety
13. An age-related change that increases the risk of respiratory compromise is:
a. Increase of mucus production
b. Increase in intrathoracic volume
c. Decrease in lung compliance
d. Decrease in dead space ventilation - ANSWER c. Decrease in lung compliance
14. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is most common in patients with a history of:
a. Left-sided heart failure
b. Pneumonia
c. Asthma
d. Multiple sclerosis - ANSWER a. Left-sided heart failure (?)
15. The patient presents with a history of fever and an upper respiratory infection.
Historical information reveals increasing water intake, orthostatic hypotension, and an
increase in urination. You suspect these symptoms are caused by:
a. Hyperglycemia
b. Hypoglycemia
c. Hypokalemia
d. Respiratory acidosis - ANSWER a. Hyperglycemia
16. You are dispatched to the home of a 32yo patient with a history of Graves'
disease. The patient was in the ER earlier today for some "tests for my ulcers." He
received contrast and was discharged. He is now complaining of not feeling well, chest
pain, and palpitations. You note an anxious patient with fine tremors. He is diaphoretic
and has a temperature of 101.5F, BP 100/62, P 156 (sinus tach), R 30, glucose level
133. Which of the following are management considerations for this patient?
a. Aspirin (ASA)
b. Fluids restriction
c. Amiodarone
d. Beta blockers - ANSWER d. Beta Blockers
17. Metabolic acidosis is best described by which arterial blood gas interpretation?
a. pH elevated, pCO2 elevated, H2CO3 normal range
b. pH decreased, pCO2 decreased, H2CO3 low
c. pH decreased, pCO2 elevated, H2CO3 normal range
d. pH elevated, pCO2 elevated, H2CO3 normal low - ANSWER b. pH decreased,
pCO2 decreased, H2CO3 low (?)
18. The AMLS Assessment Pathway first advises safety and initial observations of
the scene. The second process described in this pathway asks the healthcare provider
to:
a. Perform a focused physical exam
b. Obtain diagnostic information
c. Identify and manage life threats
d. Reassess and refine the diagnosis - ANSWER c. Identify and manage life threats
19. Observing a patient's body positioning can be an early indicator that the patient is:
a. Sick or not sick
b. Does not speak the same language as the provider
c. Has family who can provide historical information
d. Diagnosed with multiple underlying medical conditions - ANSWER a. Sick or not sick
20. Which assessment finding is crucial to obtain from a patient suspected of a
stroke?
a. Last oral intake
b. Medication allergies
c. Onset of symptoms
d. Risk factors - ANSWER c. Onset of symptoms
21. A 62yo patient presents with a severe headache. It is described as a
"thunderclap" accompanied with nausea, blurred vision, and an elevated blood
pressure. What neurologic condition is most likely the cause of this patient's
presentation?
a. Brain abscess
b. Ischemic stroke
c. Epidural hematoma
d. Subarachnoid hemorrhage - ANSWER d. Subarachnoid hemorrhage
22. A 38yo presents with mild chest tightness and urticaria after mowing the lawn. He
felt a "sting" in his left lower leg and states the symptoms came on suddenly. BP
130/82, P 100, R 20 with a normal work of breathing and clear lung sounds. The
healthcare provider should:
a. Immediately transport to the receiving facility
b. Initiate an IV with 0.9% NS and monitor the patient carefully
c. Initiate an IV with 0.9% NS and administer 0.5mg of epinephrine
d. Obtain a blood glucose level - ANSWER b. Initiate an IV with 0.09% NS and monitor
the patient carefully
23. Healthcare providers are treating a patient complaining of substernal chest pain
accompanied with nausea and one episode of vomiting. The patient has had two
cardiac stents placed within the last year. He has a familial history of heart disease and
takes a baby aspirin daily. What information is most concerning?
a. Familial history of heart disease
b. Recent stent placement
c. Nausea and vomiting
d. Daily use of aspirin - ANSWER b. Recent stent placement
24. The patient complains of sharp chest pain that worsens when supine. He is bed
ridden due to complications from a recent hip surgery. The patient is tachypneic and the
ECG reveals sinus tachycardia. What is the patient's working diagnosis?
a. Cardiac tamponade
b. Gastroenteritis
c. Pneumothorax
d. Pulmonary embolism - ANSWER d. Pulmonary embolism
25. A patient is a resident in an assisted living facility to obtain physical therapy after
a knee replacement surgery. She complains of a rash that is red and has small bumps.
She has been feeling ill for several days. What is the most likely working diagnosis?
a. Escherichia coli
b. Shigellosis
c. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
d. Clostridum difficile - ANSWER c. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
26. A foreign exchange university student is found by his roommate and EMS is
dispatched. The patient presents with an unusual flat red rash on his chest and arms.
He has been ill with fever, nausea, and vomiting. Physical exam reveals stiffness of the
neck. The healthcare provider will anticipate which diagnosis?
a. Chicken pox (varicella)
b. Meningitis
c. Encephalitis
d. H5, N1 (avian) influenza - ANSWER b. Meningitis
27. Healthcare providers are treating a 49yo male complaining of diffuse abdominal
cramping. He has been ill with vomiting for 3 days. What working diagnosis is most
probable?
a. Appendicitis
b. Cholecystitis
c. Diverticulitis
d. Gastroenteritis - ANSWER d. Gastroenteritis
28. While assessing your patient, you note he involuntary flexes the legs in response
to flexing his neck. The patient is presenting with:
a. A positive Murphy's sign indicating possible cholecystitis
b. A positive Brudzinski's sign indicating possible meningitis
c. A positive Psoas sign indicating possible meningitis
d. The presence of a Babinski reflex indicating possible spinal cord lesion - ANSWER
b. A positive Brudzinski's sign indicating possible meningitis
29. Healthcare providers are assessing an obese 49yo who is lethargic and has not
been feeling well for several days. His family reports a history of extreme thirst. Vital
sings are P 143, R 14, and BP 88/58. He takes medication for type 2 diabetes daily.
What is the most probably working diagnosis?
a. Thyroid storm
b. Cushing's syndrome
c. Diabetic ketoacidosis
d. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma - ANSWER d. Hyperosmolar
hyperglycemic nonketotic coma
30. A firefighter has been working a fire for 4 hours on a humid, hot day. He suddenly
becomes nauseated and restless. The provider observes pupil dilation and an almond
odor to his breath. The vital signs are P 56, R 22, BP 140/86. The ECG reveals sinus
bradycardia with occasional PACs. Which toxin exposure has occurred?
a. Carbon monoxide poisoning
b. Cocaine overdose
c. Ethanol poisoning
d. Cyanide poisoning - ANSWER d. Cyanide poisoning
31. Healthcare providers are treating a patient that has taken an unknown amount of
a prescribed pain medicine along with an OTC analgesic numerous times over the last
36 hours for chronic lumbar pain. The patient is experiencing abdominal pain, nausea,
and vomiting. The providers note pallor and diaphoresis. Blood glucose is 42. What
toxin overdose is suspected?
a. Amphetamine
b. Acetaminophen
c. Barbiturate
d. Benzodiazepine - ANSWER b. Acetaminophen
32. A patient complains of nausea and is passing black, tarry stools rectally. This
patient is most likely suffering from:
a. Cholecystitis
b. Lower GI bleed
c. Upper GI bleed
d. Bowel obstruction - ANSWER c. Upper GI bleed
33. The provider assesses a patient suffering from fever, nausea, vomiting, and perumbilical pain. Further evaluation reveals RLQ pain and lower back pain. A physical
exam reveals an increase in RLQ pain when the patient's right leg is extended from the
hip (Psoas Sign). Which working diagnosis is most appropriate?
a. GI bleed
b. Acute pancreatitis
c. Pleural effusion
d. Appendicitis - ANSWER d. Appendicitis
34. Intra-abdominal bleeds, like pancreatitis, often present with discoloration or
bruising around the umbilicus. This physical exam finding is known as:
a. Cullen's sign
b. Roving's sign
c. Psoas sign
d. Murphy's sign - ANSWER a. Cullen's sign
35. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of tricyclic antidepressant toxicity?
a. Dysrhythmias
b. Rash
c. Drooling
d. Hyperventilation - ANSWER a. Dysrhythmias
36. A daughter states that her 72yo mother has a history of hypertension, high
cholesterol, and rheumatoid arthritis. Daily medications include aspirin, Tenormin,
Plaquenil, and Plavix. She is concerned as her mother has mixed up her medications
and is now lethargic with diminished respirations. Vital signs are P 58 and regular, R 10
and shallow, and a BP of 90/74. Blood glucose is 52. Which medication toxicity would
be indicative of this presentation?
a. Calcium channel blockers
b. Salicylate
c. Beta blocker
d. Anticoagulant - ANSWER c. Beta blocker
37. If untreated, a cardiac tamponade will present with signs and symptoms of which
type of shock?
a. Hypovolemia
b. Neurogenic
c. Obstructive
d. Cardiogenic - ANSWER c. Obstructive
38. A patient presents anxious with difficulty in breathing and chest pain. An
assessment reveals hypotension, muffled heart tones, and distended neck veins. There
is a past medical history of pericarditis. The provider notes that there is a decrease in
systolic blood pressure when the patient inhales. Which diagnosis would be considered
with this presentation?
a. Acute coronary syndrome
b. Cardiac tamponade
c. Tension pneumothorax
d. Pneumonia - ANSWER b. Cardiac tamponade (?)
39. The healthcare provider is assessing a 60yo female patient with complaints of
indigestion and mild upper abdominal discomfort. This presentation should prompt the
provider to:
a. Perform a 12-lead ECG
b. Place a gastric tube and assess for GI bleeding
c. Listen for heart sounds and determine if pericardial fluid is present
d. Don a mask, gown, and observe standard precautions in case of influenza ANSWER a. Perform a 12-lead ECG
40. The most common underlying medical conditions found in patients with acute
pancreatitis is:
a. Gall stones and heavy alcohol use
b. Esophageal varices and stomach ulcers
c. Mallory-Weiss syndrome and nephritis
d. Peptic ulcer disease and diverticulitis - ANSWER a. Gall stones and heavy alcohol
use
41. A patient complaining of a 3-day history of left lower abdominal pain describes it
as sharp and, during the focused physical exam, the pain intensifies during palpation
over the site. Differentials should include:
a. Ectopic pregnancy or diverticulitis
b. Pancreatitis or gall bladder infection
c. Peritonitis or intestinal obstruction
d. Appendicitis or hepatitis - ANSWER a. Ectopic pregnancy or diverticulitis
42. A 22yo male has recently undergone a surgical procedure to repair an injury to
thoracic vertebrae T4-T6. Assessment indicates the patient is alert and oriented,
bradycardic, hypotensive, and has warm, dry skin. Which type of shock is most likely
occurring?
a. Hypovolemic
b. Obstructive
c. Cardiogenic
d. Neurogenic - ANSWER d. Neurogenic
43. A caregiver for a quadriplegic patient notes an onset of difficulty in breathing and
anxiousness in her patient. Further assessment shows a temperature of 1011.2F, P
128, BP 86/68, and R 24. Physical exam reveals the skin is warm and urine in the
catheter is dark yellow and cloudy. This patient is most likely experiencing which type of
shock?
a. Hypovolemia
b. Septic
c. Obstructive
d. Cardiogenic - ANSWER b. Septic
44. When assessing geriatric patients, infectious diseases are more difficult to identify
for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:
a. History may be difficult to obtain
b. Fever may be absent
c. Frequent presence of underlying chronic illnesses
d. Heightened immune response is common - ANSWER d. Heightened immune
response is common
45. A local business woman has returned from missionary work in South Africa. She
is complaining of night sweats, chest discomfort, and a persistent cough for several
weeks. Which underlying diagnosis is most likely causing these symptoms?
a. Pneumonia
b. Cytomegaly virus
c. Tuberculosis
d. Mononucleosis - ANSWER c. Tuberculosis
46. Healthcare providers are responding to a near-drowning at a local lake. The
patient is experiencing uncontrolled shivering and complains of nausea and weakness.
The patient had been treading water for 25 minutes and now presents with tachycardia
and rapid respirations. Core body temperature is 93.2F (34C). Which diagnosis is most
likely?
a. Mild hypothermia
b. Acute pulmonary edema
c. Severe hypothermia
d. Deep frostbite - ANSWER a. Mild hypothermia
47. An elderly patient is receiving nursing care at a home while recuperating from a
recent knee surgery. A post-operative infection developed, and the patient has been on
antibiotics for quite some time. She is complaining of a foul-smelling diarrhea, and
abdominal cramping and loss of appetite. On the basis of this presentation, the provider
should suspect:
a. UTI
b. Clostridium difficile
c. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
d. Escherichia coli - ANSWER b. Clostridium difficile
48. A 20yo female presents with a 2-day history of dyspnea, nonproductive cough,
chest tightness, and audible wheezing. Further exam reveals no fever or stridor. The
patient has rapid respirations with difficulty exhaling. Which diagnosis is most likely?
a. Epiglottitis
b. Respiratory syncytial virus
c. Asthma
d. Bronchiolitis - ANSWER c. Asthma
49. An elderly patient with a 1-week history of productive cough and wheezing
notices an increase in difficulty breathing when grocery shopping. Further assessment
reveals pursed lip breathing, rhonchi, and minimal jugular vein distension. Which
diagnosis should the provider suspect?
a. COPD
b. Pulmonary embolism
c. CHF
d. Epiglottitis - ANSWER a. COPD
50. A 50yo female has called 9-1-1. She complains of shortness of breath and chest
discomfort. Assessment reveals her skin is pale, moist, and cool. BP is 102/68, R 24
and labored with crackles, P of 130 and regular. Which type of shock is most likely
occurring?
a. Septic
b. Obstructive
c. Hypovolemic
d. Cardiogenic - ANSWER d. Cardiogenic