Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS) Exam Review |
Latest Update 2026/2027 | Graded A+
1. Describe how the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
contributes to the body's response during shock.
It decreases blood pressure and reduces heart workload.
It increases preload and afterload, enhancing blood flow and
sodium retention.
It enhances oxygen delivery by increasing respiratory rate.
It promotes vasodilation and decreases blood volume.
2. A 27-year-old male is agitated and talks continuously. His pupils are dilated.
He admits to being awake for 36 hours straight. Vitals: BP 188/98, P 140, R 30.
What type of overdose should you suspect?
Anticholinergic
Pesticide
Bath salts
Heroin
3. Interpret the significance of the symptoms presented by the 72-year-old
female patient in the context of advanced medical life support.
The symptoms may indicate a neurological event, such as a stroke.
The symptoms suggest a respiratory issue requiring immediate
ventilation.
The symptoms indicate an allergic reaction.
The symptoms are likely due to a gastrointestinal disturbance.
,4. A 38-year-old female is complaining of shortness of breath. During your
assessment you find she has bilateral wheezing. She is tripoding and using
her accessory muscles. She tells you that she used her metered dose inhaler.
What condition do you suspect she is suffering from?
Hemopneumothorax
Asthma
Anaphylaxis
Pulmonary Embolism
5. Given the symptoms of severe shortness of breath, localized chest pain, and
blood-tinged sputum, what immediate treatment protocol should be
initiated?
Initiate a physical examination and refer to a specialist.
Administer a bronchodilator and discharge the patient.
Administer supplemental oxygen and prepare for possible
advanced airway management.
Provide the patient with oral hydration and monitor vital signs.
6. If an elderly patient with COPD presents with increased respiratory rate and
cyanosis, what immediate action should be taken?
Administer supplemental oxygen and assess airway patency.
Encourage the patient to walk around to improve lung function.
Provide oral medications for symptom relief.
Wait for the patient to stabilize before taking action.
,7. Describe the rationale behind fluid replacement as the initial treatment for
hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
Fluid replacement helps to rehydrate the patient and dilute the high
blood glucose levels.
Fluid replacement prevents the development of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Fluid replacement increases insulin sensitivity in the body.
Fluid replacement is used to stabilize blood pressure only.
8. An 11 year old male has been skateboarding in 100 degree temperatures and
has been drinking caffeinated soft drinks. He complains of palpitations. The
cardiac monitor displays a narrow-QRS tachycardia at a rate of 160
beats/minute. Vital signs are BP 110/60, P 160, R 20. What should you do?
Perform vagal maneuvers and, if unsuccessful, administer adenosine.
Obtain a 12 lead ECG and, if rhythm unchanged, perform vagal
maneuvers
Transport the patient by ambulance, monitor closely, and administer
fluids en route.
Suggest the father drives his son to the clinic since vital signs are
within normal limits.
9. In a scenario where a COPD patient is experiencing an exacerbation and
their oxygen levels drop significantly, what would be the most appropriate
immediate response?
Provide reassurance and monitor without intervention.
Encourage the patient to breathe faster to compensate.
Wait for the carbon dioxide levels to rise before taking action.
Administer supplemental oxygen to increase blood oxygen levels.
, 10. What finding is unique to pericarditis?
Pain is relieved when supine
Diffuse ST segment elevation
S3 gallop is auscultated
Pulses alternans is present
11. What is a common complication following surgery that can lead to foul-
smelling diarrhea in elderly patients?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Clostridium difficile infection
Appendicitis
12. In a scenario where a patient with HHS presents with severe dehydration and
altered mental status, what should be the immediate priority in their
management?
Provide oral hydration
Monitor blood glucose levels only
Start insulin therapy immediately
Administer intravenous fluids
Latest Update 2026/2027 | Graded A+
1. Describe how the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
contributes to the body's response during shock.
It decreases blood pressure and reduces heart workload.
It increases preload and afterload, enhancing blood flow and
sodium retention.
It enhances oxygen delivery by increasing respiratory rate.
It promotes vasodilation and decreases blood volume.
2. A 27-year-old male is agitated and talks continuously. His pupils are dilated.
He admits to being awake for 36 hours straight. Vitals: BP 188/98, P 140, R 30.
What type of overdose should you suspect?
Anticholinergic
Pesticide
Bath salts
Heroin
3. Interpret the significance of the symptoms presented by the 72-year-old
female patient in the context of advanced medical life support.
The symptoms may indicate a neurological event, such as a stroke.
The symptoms suggest a respiratory issue requiring immediate
ventilation.
The symptoms indicate an allergic reaction.
The symptoms are likely due to a gastrointestinal disturbance.
,4. A 38-year-old female is complaining of shortness of breath. During your
assessment you find she has bilateral wheezing. She is tripoding and using
her accessory muscles. She tells you that she used her metered dose inhaler.
What condition do you suspect she is suffering from?
Hemopneumothorax
Asthma
Anaphylaxis
Pulmonary Embolism
5. Given the symptoms of severe shortness of breath, localized chest pain, and
blood-tinged sputum, what immediate treatment protocol should be
initiated?
Initiate a physical examination and refer to a specialist.
Administer a bronchodilator and discharge the patient.
Administer supplemental oxygen and prepare for possible
advanced airway management.
Provide the patient with oral hydration and monitor vital signs.
6. If an elderly patient with COPD presents with increased respiratory rate and
cyanosis, what immediate action should be taken?
Administer supplemental oxygen and assess airway patency.
Encourage the patient to walk around to improve lung function.
Provide oral medications for symptom relief.
Wait for the patient to stabilize before taking action.
,7. Describe the rationale behind fluid replacement as the initial treatment for
hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
Fluid replacement helps to rehydrate the patient and dilute the high
blood glucose levels.
Fluid replacement prevents the development of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Fluid replacement increases insulin sensitivity in the body.
Fluid replacement is used to stabilize blood pressure only.
8. An 11 year old male has been skateboarding in 100 degree temperatures and
has been drinking caffeinated soft drinks. He complains of palpitations. The
cardiac monitor displays a narrow-QRS tachycardia at a rate of 160
beats/minute. Vital signs are BP 110/60, P 160, R 20. What should you do?
Perform vagal maneuvers and, if unsuccessful, administer adenosine.
Obtain a 12 lead ECG and, if rhythm unchanged, perform vagal
maneuvers
Transport the patient by ambulance, monitor closely, and administer
fluids en route.
Suggest the father drives his son to the clinic since vital signs are
within normal limits.
9. In a scenario where a COPD patient is experiencing an exacerbation and
their oxygen levels drop significantly, what would be the most appropriate
immediate response?
Provide reassurance and monitor without intervention.
Encourage the patient to breathe faster to compensate.
Wait for the carbon dioxide levels to rise before taking action.
Administer supplemental oxygen to increase blood oxygen levels.
, 10. What finding is unique to pericarditis?
Pain is relieved when supine
Diffuse ST segment elevation
S3 gallop is auscultated
Pulses alternans is present
11. What is a common complication following surgery that can lead to foul-
smelling diarrhea in elderly patients?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Irritable bowel syndrome
Clostridium difficile infection
Appendicitis
12. In a scenario where a patient with HHS presents with severe dehydration and
altered mental status, what should be the immediate priority in their
management?
Provide oral hydration
Monitor blood glucose levels only
Start insulin therapy immediately
Administer intravenous fluids
