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AMLS Post Test Exam Review Questions
with Correct Detailed Answers and
Rationales (2026–2027)
Introduction
This document contains 100 AMLS-style post-test review
questions with answers and rationales covering altered
mental status, hypoglycemia, DKA/HHS, ACS, respiratory
emergencies, sepsis and shock, toxicology, stroke, neurologic
emergencies, abdominal emergencies, environmental
emergencies, obstetric emergencies, and clinical reasoning. It
emphasizes systematic assessment, recognition of life threats,
appropriate treatment priorities, differential diagnosis, and
continual reassessment.
Exam Questions and Answers
1. A 64-year-old patient presents with sudden shortness of
breath, chest discomfort, and diaphoresis. He is pale and
anxious. BP is 82/54 mmHg and HR is 118/min. What
should the AMLS provider prioritize?
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A. Obtain a detailed medication history
B. Assess and support airway, breathing, and circulation
C. Have the patient walk to determine exercise tolerance
D. Administer oral fluids
Answer: B
Rationale: The immediate priority in an unstable patient is
identification and treatment of life threats using an ABC
approach. Hypotension and respiratory distress require
immediate stabilization.
Practical scenario: A patient with possible acute coronary
syndrome may deteriorate rapidly, so stabilization occurs
while additional history and diagnostic information are
obtained.
2. Which component of the SAMPLE history identifies the
patient's medication use?
A. Signs and symptoms
B. Allergies
C. Medications
D. Events leading to illness
Answer: C
Rationale: SAMPLE stands for Signs/Symptoms, Allergies,
Medications, Pertinent medical history, Last oral intake, and
Events leading to the illness or injury.
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3. A patient with diabetes is confused, diaphoretic, and
shaky. Which condition should be strongly suspected?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypertension
D. Hyperthermia
Answer: B
Rationale: Adrenergic symptoms such as sweating, tremor,
and anxiety accompanied by altered mental status are classic
findings of hypoglycemia.
Case application: Checking blood glucose early in an altered
patient can rapidly identify a reversible cause.
4. A patient with altered mental status has a blood glucose
of 42 mg/dL and can safely swallow. What is the most
appropriate intervention?
A. Restrict oral intake
B. Give an appropriate oral glucose source according to
protocol
C. Administer a diuretic
D. Encourage the patient to exercise
Answer: B
,Page 2 of 55
AMLS Post Test Exam Review Questions
with Correct Detailed Answers and
Rationales (2026–2027)
Introduction
This document contains 100 AMLS-style post-test review
questions with answers and rationales covering altered
mental status, hypoglycemia, DKA/HHS, ACS, respiratory
emergencies, sepsis and shock, toxicology, stroke, neurologic
emergencies, abdominal emergencies, environmental
emergencies, obstetric emergencies, and clinical reasoning. It
emphasizes systematic assessment, recognition of life threats,
appropriate treatment priorities, differential diagnosis, and
continual reassessment.
Exam Questions and Answers
1. A 64-year-old patient presents with sudden shortness of
breath, chest discomfort, and diaphoresis. He is pale and
anxious. BP is 82/54 mmHg and HR is 118/min. What
should the AMLS provider prioritize?
,Page 3 of 55
A. Obtain a detailed medication history
B. Assess and support airway, breathing, and circulation
C. Have the patient walk to determine exercise tolerance
D. Administer oral fluids
Answer: B
Rationale: The immediate priority in an unstable patient is
identification and treatment of life threats using an ABC
approach. Hypotension and respiratory distress require
immediate stabilization.
Practical scenario: A patient with possible acute coronary
syndrome may deteriorate rapidly, so stabilization occurs
while additional history and diagnostic information are
obtained.
2. Which component of the SAMPLE history identifies the
patient's medication use?
A. Signs and symptoms
B. Allergies
C. Medications
D. Events leading to illness
Answer: C
Rationale: SAMPLE stands for Signs/Symptoms, Allergies,
Medications, Pertinent medical history, Last oral intake, and
Events leading to the illness or injury.
, Page 4 of 55
3. A patient with diabetes is confused, diaphoretic, and
shaky. Which condition should be strongly suspected?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypertension
D. Hyperthermia
Answer: B
Rationale: Adrenergic symptoms such as sweating, tremor,
and anxiety accompanied by altered mental status are classic
findings of hypoglycemia.
Case application: Checking blood glucose early in an altered
patient can rapidly identify a reversible cause.
4. A patient with altered mental status has a blood glucose
of 42 mg/dL and can safely swallow. What is the most
appropriate intervention?
A. Restrict oral intake
B. Give an appropriate oral glucose source according to
protocol
C. Administer a diuretic
D. Encourage the patient to exercise
Answer: B
