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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Emergency Medicine Quiz: Practice Rapid Assessment and Next Steps

Quick, free quiz with 15 emergency medicine practice questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ace SpadeUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 15
Study OutcomesAdditional Reading
3D voxel art depicting Emergency Medicine course, showcasing medical equipment and emergency room.

This emergency medicine quiz helps you practice rapid assessment, set priorities, and choose the next step in common ED scenarios. Work through 15 brief questions and get instant feedback to spot gaps before an exam or shift. For targeted study, try the ecg practice test, paramedic pharmacology quiz, and critical care nursing quiz.

What is the first priority in the primary survey of trauma care?
Breathing and ventilation
Circulation and hemorrhage control
Airway with cervical spine protection - Explanation: Airway is assessed and protected first while maintaining C-spine precautions (A in ABCs).
Disability (neurologic status)
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In suspected tension pneumothorax, which immediate intervention is indicated prior to confirmatory imaging?
Chest X-ray
Nebulized bronchodilator
Nonrebreather mask
Needle decompression - Explanation: Life-threatening tension pneumothorax requires immediate decompression without waiting for imaging.
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The most appropriate initial medication for anaphylaxis is which of the following?
IV diphenhydramine
Inhaled albuterol only
Oral prednisone
Intramuscular epinephrine - Explanation: IM epinephrine in the mid-anterolateral thigh is first-line for anaphylaxis.
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Which ECG finding defines a STEMI?
Prolonged PR interval
T-wave inversion in any lead
New ST-segment elevation at the J-point in two contiguous leads meeting threshold criteria - Explanation: Contiguity and threshold elevation define STEMI.
Q waves in lead aVR alone
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For suspected ischemic stroke within the treatment window, which imaging is required before thrombolysis?
MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging
Non-contrast CT head - Explanation: Non-contrast CT rapidly excludes hemorrhage before thrombolysis.
CT angiography of the chest
Abdominal ultrasound
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Which score is used to rapidly assess consciousness in trauma?
SOFA score
Glasgow Coma Scale - Explanation: GCS evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses for mental status.
CHA2DS2-VASc
Wells score
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What is the preferred site for needle decompression of tension pneumothorax in adults?
5th intercostal space, anterior to mid-axillary line - Explanation: Lateral site reduces risk of injury and failure compared to 2nd ICS MCL.
2nd intercostal space, mid-clavicular line
4th intercostal space, parasternally
6th intercostal space, paravertebral
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In diabetic ketoacidosis, which electrolyte must be verified before initiating insulin therapy?
Magnesium
Potassium - Explanation: If potassium is low, insulin can precipitate life-threatening hypokalemia; replete first.
Phosphate
Calcium
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Which antidote is indicated for organophosphate poisoning?
Atropine plus pralidoxime - Explanation: Atropine treats muscarinic effects; pralidoxime reactivates acetylcholinesterase.
Deferoxamine
Flumazenil
Naloxone
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The Parkland formula for initial burn resuscitation uses which parameters?
0.5 mL x body weight (kg) x %TBSA
4 mL x body weight (kg) x %TBSA burned - Explanation: Give half in first 8 hours from time of burn.
2 mL x body weight (kg) only
1 mL x %TBSA only
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The initial rate control agent of choice for stable atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response in most patients is which?
Atropine
Diltiazem - Explanation: Non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers are commonly used unless contraindicated.
Adenosine
Amiodarone first-line in all cases
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In status epilepticus, what is the recommended first-line IV medication class?
Opioids
Benzodiazepines - Explanation: Lorazepam or diazepam are first-line for ongoing seizures.
Antipsychotics
Barbiturates
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Which toxidrome features diaphoresis, mydriasis, hypertension, and agitation?
Cholinergic toxidrome
Anticholinergic toxidrome
Opioid toxidrome
Sympathomimetic toxidrome - Explanation: Caused by agents like cocaine or amphetamines.
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For suspected aortic dissection, which hemodynamic approach is preferred initially?
No BP control until imaging
Beta-blockade first, then vasodilator as needed - Explanation: Reduce shear stress with HR control before afterload reduction.
Large fluid boluses to raise BP
Vasodilator only
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High-pressure injection injuries to the hand require urgent surgical evaluation even if the skin wound looks small.
False
True
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Which maneuver is preferred to open the airway in a trauma patient with possible cervical spine injury?
Jaw thrust - Explanation: Avoids neck movement compared with head tilt-chin lift.
Head tilt-chin lift
Nasopharyngeal suction only
Blind finger sweep
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Which of the following is the best initial test to confirm peritonsillar abscess when the diagnosis is uncertain clinically?
ABG
Intraoral or transcutaneous ultrasound - Explanation: Point-of-care ultrasound helps differentiate abscess from cellulitis.
Lateral neck X-ray
MRI of the brain
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What is the recommended site for emergent surgical airway (cricothyrotomy) in adults?
Cricothyroid membrane - Explanation: Located between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages.
First tracheal ring
Second intercostal space
Thyrohyoid membrane
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In beta-blocker overdose with shock, which adjunctive therapy is specifically indicated?
Glucagon - Explanation: Increases intracellular cAMP independent of beta-receptors.
Protamine
Desmopressin
Digoxin-specific Fab
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A pelvic binder should be applied at the level of the iliac crests for suspected unstable pelvic fractures.
True
False
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze patient history to extract relevant complaint-based information.
  2. Apply comprehensive physical exam techniques specific to emergency presentations.
  3. Formulate and prioritize differential diagnoses based on clinical findings.
  4. Evaluate laboratory and radiographic tests to guide patient management.
  5. Integrate treatment options for common emergency conditions in clinical scenarios.

Emergency Medicine Additional Reading

Embarking on your Emergency Medicine elective? Here are some top-notch resources to guide you through:

  1. Dive into a curated selection of essential textbooks and exam preparation materials, handpicked by Stanford's Emergency Medicine faculty.
  2. Access a comprehensive suite of clinical tools, guidelines, and educational materials tailored for emergency medicine practitioners.
  3. Explore a diverse array of resources, including eBooks, procedure guides, and podcasts, designed to enhance your emergency medicine knowledge.
  4. Stay updated with the latest clinical guidelines and policy statements from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
  5. Peruse a meticulously compiled reading list featuring key textbooks and resources recommended for emergency medicine residents.
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