AMLS POST TEST REAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
A 28 year old female is being evaluated for an acute onset of an alteration in mentation. She
complained of a stiff neck and persistent headache. Vital signs are P112, R22 and regular, BP
144/88, SpO2 95% and T 102.3°F (39°C). The healthcare provider should observe for which
complication? - ANSWER>>Seizure
A 45 year old patient is found supine on the floor of the Triage area. Healthcare providers
note pinpoint pupils, shallow respirations and vomitus in and around the mouth. What
course of action should be implemented next? - ANSWER>>Supplemental oxygen and suction
Patients with a history of chronic bronchitis that present with shortness of breath are likely to
have which condition? - ANSWER>>Pulmonary embolism
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by what pathological change? -
ANSWER>>Breakdown of the alveolar-capillary membrane
An anxious male complains of a sore throat, fever, chills, dental pain and dyspnea. the patient
has a firm, red pronounced swelling in the sublingual anterior throat area and tongue. What
diagnosis is most likely? - ANSWER>>Ludwig's angina
Patients on mechanical ventilation may have hypoxemia due to alveolar collapse from
mucous plugging. The best treatment for this is: - ANSWER>>Administer PEEP
Anaphylaxis is most associated with which physiological event? - ANSWER>>Vasodilation
An elderly patient in an assisted living facility presents with a diminished level of
consciousness and elevated white blood count. Assessment reveals pale, clammy skin and a
urinary catherter with dark colored urine. Vital signs are P132, R 38 and shallow, BP 78/46,
SpO2 91% and T 100.8°F (32.8°C). What classification of shock is the patient most likely
experiencing? - ANSWER>>Distributive
,Healthcare providers are assessing a patient with pronounced jugular vein distention and
muffled heart tones. Vitals are P 128, R 26, BP 74/52. What classification of shock should be
suspected? - ANSWER>>Obstructive
During compensatory shock, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated to cause
a/an: - ANSWER>>Increase in preload, afterload and re-absorption of sodium
A 42 year old patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis is taking glucocorticoids. Over the
past two weeks, she complains of chronic fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite with weight
loss. Lab results indicate hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. What underlying diagnosis is
suspected? - ANSWER>>Adrenal insuffiency
Which condition should the healthcare provider consider to usually be a non-emergent, non-
life threatening illness? - ANSWER>>Thoracic outlet syndrome
Healthcare providers should use extreme caution with nitroglycerin when ST elevation is
present in which ECG leads? - ANSWER>>II, III, aVF
Which is a high-risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage? - ANSWER>>Cocaine drug abuse
What is the initial treatment for a patient experiencing Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic
Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)? - ANSWER>>Crystalloid IV fluid resuscitation
What condition is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis? - ANSWER>>narcotic overdose
What is the most effective treatment for an unconscious patient in respiratory acidosis? -
ANSWER>>Assisted bag-mask ventilation
An autoimmune disease which produces antibodies that mimic the role of TSH and cause an
increase in thyroid hormones is: - ANSWER>>Grave's disease
Glucagon may not be effective treatment for a patient with hypoglycemia if they also have
which underlying illness? - ANSWER>>Alcoholism
A 24 year old has completed a triathlon on a hot, humid day. The athlete complains of a
severe headache, muscle cramps and abdominal pain. As the patient history is obtained, the
athlete becomes lethargic. What underlying electrolyte disturbance should the healthcare
provider most likely suspect? - ANSWER>>Hyponatremia
,What is the sign on the ECG that will indicate a patient is experiencing hyperkalemia? -
ANSWER>>Peaked T waves
An 82 year old alcoholic complains of nausea, non-bloody vomiting and severe epigastric and
right upper quadrant pain that radiates to the back. Palpation reveals epigastric tenderness
without peritoneal signs. What working diagnosis should be considered most likely? -
ANSWER>>Acute pancreatitis
A 23 year old male complains of a productive cough, fever, chills and pleuritic chest pain that
has worsened over 3 days. A physical exam reveals unilateral wheezing with shallow
respirations. Vitals are P 128, R 26, BP 144/88, SpO2 90%, and T 102°F (38.8°C). What
treatment should be performed? - ANSWER>>Supplemental oxygen and immediate transport
A patient with suspected gallbladder disease is asked to take a deep breath while the
provider presses upward into the upper right quadrant. If the patient ceases inspiration due
to increase pain while being examined, this is known as: - ANSWER>>Muphy's sign
The patient is alert and oriented presenting with hypotension, bradycardia, normal capillary
refill and warm, dry skin. These are cardinal signs of which type of distributive shock? -
ANSWER>>Neurogenic
During what period of the communicable disease process will antibodies begin to reach
detectable levels and the infected blood will test positive for exposure to a pathogen? -
ANSWER>>Incubation
The patient presents with a history of headache, weight loss, chest discomfort, night sweats
and a persistent cough for several weeks. Which infectious disease is most likely occurring? -
ANSWER>>Tuberculosis
A lethargic patient presents with dilated pupils and vital signs of P 122, R 26 and BP 130/80.
He admits to excessive ingestion of diphenhydramine. What response is the cause for the
presenting signs and symptoms? - ANSWER>>Anticholinergic
Organophosphate poisoning will present with which signs and symptoms? -
ANSWER>>Salivation and incontinence of urine and liquid stool
, What medication classification should be administered to an uncooperative, agitated
patient? - ANSWER>>Benzodizepine
A patient presents with mildly decreased mental status, slow respirations, bradycardia,
hypotension, has a blood sugar of 42mg/dl (2.3 mmol/L). This is most likely caused from
excessive ingestion of: - ANSWER>>Beta blockers
The patient complains of a deep burning discomfort diffusely throughout the epigastrium.
This is an example of which type of pain? - ANSWER>>Visceral
A 24 year old female presents with lower right quadrant abdominal pain. Her skin is hot to
the touch and she exhibits a Psoa Sign. She complains of nausea and vomiting for 2 days.
What diagnosis is suspected? - ANSWER>>Appendicitis
A known chronic alcoholic complains of the constant, severe mid-epigastric pain, nausea and
blood-streaked emesis. The patient has a temperature of 101.9°F (38.8°C) and severe
abdominal tenderness. What underlying diagnosis should be suspected? -
ANSWER>>Pancreatitis
What component of a patient's past medical history is most helpful in considering myocardial
infarction as a working diagnosis? - ANSWER>>Familial heart disease history
A patient describes an "aching" sensation in his chest. It occurred suddenly while resting and
radiates to the jaw. He self administered 1 nitroglycerin tablet without relief and the 12 lead
reveals a normal sinus rhythm with ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What working
diagnosis is most likely? - ANSWER>>Inferior wall myocardial injury
Healthcare providers are managing a patient presenting with substernal chest discomfort.
They describe the pain as "pressure-like" and it radiates to the jaw and left arm. The
discomfort subsides with rest, oxygen and administration of nitroglycerin. What is the most
likely working diagnosis? - ANSWER>>Myocardial infarction
Which infectious disease must have oxygen present to survive? - ANSWER>>Tuberculosis
Which best practices help to prevent the spread of infectious disease? -
ANSWER>>Handwashing before and after all patient contact and standard precautions.
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
A 28 year old female is being evaluated for an acute onset of an alteration in mentation. She
complained of a stiff neck and persistent headache. Vital signs are P112, R22 and regular, BP
144/88, SpO2 95% and T 102.3°F (39°C). The healthcare provider should observe for which
complication? - ANSWER>>Seizure
A 45 year old patient is found supine on the floor of the Triage area. Healthcare providers
note pinpoint pupils, shallow respirations and vomitus in and around the mouth. What
course of action should be implemented next? - ANSWER>>Supplemental oxygen and suction
Patients with a history of chronic bronchitis that present with shortness of breath are likely to
have which condition? - ANSWER>>Pulmonary embolism
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by what pathological change? -
ANSWER>>Breakdown of the alveolar-capillary membrane
An anxious male complains of a sore throat, fever, chills, dental pain and dyspnea. the patient
has a firm, red pronounced swelling in the sublingual anterior throat area and tongue. What
diagnosis is most likely? - ANSWER>>Ludwig's angina
Patients on mechanical ventilation may have hypoxemia due to alveolar collapse from
mucous plugging. The best treatment for this is: - ANSWER>>Administer PEEP
Anaphylaxis is most associated with which physiological event? - ANSWER>>Vasodilation
An elderly patient in an assisted living facility presents with a diminished level of
consciousness and elevated white blood count. Assessment reveals pale, clammy skin and a
urinary catherter with dark colored urine. Vital signs are P132, R 38 and shallow, BP 78/46,
SpO2 91% and T 100.8°F (32.8°C). What classification of shock is the patient most likely
experiencing? - ANSWER>>Distributive
,Healthcare providers are assessing a patient with pronounced jugular vein distention and
muffled heart tones. Vitals are P 128, R 26, BP 74/52. What classification of shock should be
suspected? - ANSWER>>Obstructive
During compensatory shock, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated to cause
a/an: - ANSWER>>Increase in preload, afterload and re-absorption of sodium
A 42 year old patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis is taking glucocorticoids. Over the
past two weeks, she complains of chronic fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite with weight
loss. Lab results indicate hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. What underlying diagnosis is
suspected? - ANSWER>>Adrenal insuffiency
Which condition should the healthcare provider consider to usually be a non-emergent, non-
life threatening illness? - ANSWER>>Thoracic outlet syndrome
Healthcare providers should use extreme caution with nitroglycerin when ST elevation is
present in which ECG leads? - ANSWER>>II, III, aVF
Which is a high-risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage? - ANSWER>>Cocaine drug abuse
What is the initial treatment for a patient experiencing Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic
Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)? - ANSWER>>Crystalloid IV fluid resuscitation
What condition is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis? - ANSWER>>narcotic overdose
What is the most effective treatment for an unconscious patient in respiratory acidosis? -
ANSWER>>Assisted bag-mask ventilation
An autoimmune disease which produces antibodies that mimic the role of TSH and cause an
increase in thyroid hormones is: - ANSWER>>Grave's disease
Glucagon may not be effective treatment for a patient with hypoglycemia if they also have
which underlying illness? - ANSWER>>Alcoholism
A 24 year old has completed a triathlon on a hot, humid day. The athlete complains of a
severe headache, muscle cramps and abdominal pain. As the patient history is obtained, the
athlete becomes lethargic. What underlying electrolyte disturbance should the healthcare
provider most likely suspect? - ANSWER>>Hyponatremia
,What is the sign on the ECG that will indicate a patient is experiencing hyperkalemia? -
ANSWER>>Peaked T waves
An 82 year old alcoholic complains of nausea, non-bloody vomiting and severe epigastric and
right upper quadrant pain that radiates to the back. Palpation reveals epigastric tenderness
without peritoneal signs. What working diagnosis should be considered most likely? -
ANSWER>>Acute pancreatitis
A 23 year old male complains of a productive cough, fever, chills and pleuritic chest pain that
has worsened over 3 days. A physical exam reveals unilateral wheezing with shallow
respirations. Vitals are P 128, R 26, BP 144/88, SpO2 90%, and T 102°F (38.8°C). What
treatment should be performed? - ANSWER>>Supplemental oxygen and immediate transport
A patient with suspected gallbladder disease is asked to take a deep breath while the
provider presses upward into the upper right quadrant. If the patient ceases inspiration due
to increase pain while being examined, this is known as: - ANSWER>>Muphy's sign
The patient is alert and oriented presenting with hypotension, bradycardia, normal capillary
refill and warm, dry skin. These are cardinal signs of which type of distributive shock? -
ANSWER>>Neurogenic
During what period of the communicable disease process will antibodies begin to reach
detectable levels and the infected blood will test positive for exposure to a pathogen? -
ANSWER>>Incubation
The patient presents with a history of headache, weight loss, chest discomfort, night sweats
and a persistent cough for several weeks. Which infectious disease is most likely occurring? -
ANSWER>>Tuberculosis
A lethargic patient presents with dilated pupils and vital signs of P 122, R 26 and BP 130/80.
He admits to excessive ingestion of diphenhydramine. What response is the cause for the
presenting signs and symptoms? - ANSWER>>Anticholinergic
Organophosphate poisoning will present with which signs and symptoms? -
ANSWER>>Salivation and incontinence of urine and liquid stool
, What medication classification should be administered to an uncooperative, agitated
patient? - ANSWER>>Benzodizepine
A patient presents with mildly decreased mental status, slow respirations, bradycardia,
hypotension, has a blood sugar of 42mg/dl (2.3 mmol/L). This is most likely caused from
excessive ingestion of: - ANSWER>>Beta blockers
The patient complains of a deep burning discomfort diffusely throughout the epigastrium.
This is an example of which type of pain? - ANSWER>>Visceral
A 24 year old female presents with lower right quadrant abdominal pain. Her skin is hot to
the touch and she exhibits a Psoa Sign. She complains of nausea and vomiting for 2 days.
What diagnosis is suspected? - ANSWER>>Appendicitis
A known chronic alcoholic complains of the constant, severe mid-epigastric pain, nausea and
blood-streaked emesis. The patient has a temperature of 101.9°F (38.8°C) and severe
abdominal tenderness. What underlying diagnosis should be suspected? -
ANSWER>>Pancreatitis
What component of a patient's past medical history is most helpful in considering myocardial
infarction as a working diagnosis? - ANSWER>>Familial heart disease history
A patient describes an "aching" sensation in his chest. It occurred suddenly while resting and
radiates to the jaw. He self administered 1 nitroglycerin tablet without relief and the 12 lead
reveals a normal sinus rhythm with ST elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What working
diagnosis is most likely? - ANSWER>>Inferior wall myocardial injury
Healthcare providers are managing a patient presenting with substernal chest discomfort.
They describe the pain as "pressure-like" and it radiates to the jaw and left arm. The
discomfort subsides with rest, oxygen and administration of nitroglycerin. What is the most
likely working diagnosis? - ANSWER>>Myocardial infarction
Which infectious disease must have oxygen present to survive? - ANSWER>>Tuberculosis
Which best practices help to prevent the spread of infectious disease? -
ANSWER>>Handwashing before and after all patient contact and standard precautions.
