AMLS POST TEST (3 LATEST VERSIONS ) 2025 REAL EXAM
150 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS / ADVANCED
MEDICAL LIFE SUPPORT, AMLS PRETEST EXAM (AGRADE)
VERSION A
What condition is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis? - ANSWER- In larger doses narcotics
induce respiratory depression and eventually respiratory arrest.
AMLS Page 95
A 65-year-old female complains of chest pain that feels like "aching" in her chest. It has
become progressively worse over several days. Her temperature is 38.3 degrees C (100 F).
Which finding will help narrow your differential diagnosis to pericarditis? - ANSWER- 12 lead
ECG will demonstrate global ST-segment elevation in almost every lead. AMLS Page 128
During compensatory shock, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated to cause
a/an: - ANSWER- This selective perfusion occurs during the ischemic phase of shock. AMLS
Page 146 (To stop kidneys from excreting fluid and keeping it in the vasculature, therefore
increasing BP)
lntrabdominal bleeds, like pancreatitis, often present with discoloration or bruising around the
umbilicus. This physical exam finding is known as: - ANSWER- Cullen's sign is a blue
discoloration around the umbilicus. AMLS Page 235
What clinical findings are most commonly associated with a pulmonary embolus? - ANSWER-
Clear breath sounds with tachypnea.
Signs and Symptoms AMLS Page 113
A 50 year old female has called 911. She complains of shortness of breath and chest.
discomfort. Assessment reveals her skin
is pale, moist and cool. BP is 102/68, R 24, labored with crackles, P of 130 and regular. Which
type of shock is most likely occurring? - ANSWER- The patient's respiratory rate is increased, and
crackles caused by pulmonary edema can be heard on auscultation.
Cardiogenic Shock Signs and Symptoms. AMLS Page
164
Patients with a history of COPD that present with an acute onset of shortness of breath are likely
to have which condition? - ANSWER- Elements of patient history that suggest PE include acute
onset of shortness of breath. AMLS Page 114
An elderly patient with a 1 week history of productive cough and wheezing notices an increase
in difficulty in breathing when grocery shopping. Further assessment reveals pursed lip
breathing, rhonchi, and minimal jugular vein distention. Which diagnosis should the healthcare
provider suspect? - ANSWER- Signs and Symptoms of COPD. AMLS Page 85
1|Page
,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
implemented next? - ANSWER- This is self explanatory (Suction Airway)
A 20 year old female presents with a 2-day history of dyspnea, non-productive cough, chest
tightness audible wheezing. Further exam reveals no fever or strider. The patient has rapid
respirations with difficulty exhaling. Which diagnosis is most likely? - ANSWER- These are
textbook signs of asthma
Signs and Symptoms.AMLS Page 83
Anaphylaxis is most associated with which physiological event? - ANSWER- The cutaneous
reaction may be observed as flushed, warm skin resulting from vasodilation and uticarea. AMLS
Page 162
An elderly patient is receiving care at home while recuperating from recent knee surgery. She
developed post a operative infection and has been on antibiotics for quite sometime. She is
complaining of foul smelling diarrhea, and abdominal cramping and loss of appetite. Based on
this presentation, the provider should suspect? - ANSWER- Signs and Symptoms
Patients with this illness have diarrhea that is not bloody but has a characteristic foul odor.
Abdominal pain and cramping are present in about 22% of patients. AMLS Page 319 (C-DIFF)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by what pathological change? -
ANSWER- Pathophysiology AMLS Page 88 (Caused by diffuse damage to the alveoli, perhaps
as a result of shock, aspiration of gastric contents, pulmonary edema or hypoxic event.
Begins with a breakdown of the alveolar-capillary border that allows fluid to seep into the
alveoli, decreasing gas exchange in the lungs.
Healthcare providers are responding to a near-drowning at a local lake. The patient is
experiencing uncontrollable 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 93.2°F (34°C). Which diagnosis is most likely? - ANSWER-
89.6F - 95.0F (Mild Hypothermia)
AMLS Page 338
Continuous positive airway pressure would be most appropriate in treating which patient? -
ANSWER- 22 year old with severe asthma and not responding to nebulizer treatments AMLS
Page 72
A local businesswoman 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? - ANSWER- Signs and symptoms of TB include persistent cough for
2-3 weeks, night sweats, headache, weight loss, hemoptysis, and chest pain. AMLS Page 301
What is the initial treatment for a patient experiencing Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Non-
ketotic Syndrome (HHNS)? - ANSWER- The patient may have significant volume depletion. Begin
2|Page
, IV fluid resuscitation immediately. The initial fluid of choice is 0.9% normal saline (crystalloid
solution). AMLS Page 270
When assessing geriatric patients, infectious disease is more difficult to identify for all the
following reasons EXCEPT - ANSWER- Older Adult Patients. AMLS Page 325
Your patient has had a seizure secondary to a nerve agent exposure. What medication would be
best to diminish the seizure? - ANSWER- If seizures develop administer diazepam (Valium) or
lorazepam (Ativan). AMLS Page 424 (Treat seizure before treating for the exposure to the nerve
agent)
A caregiver for a quadriplegic patient notes an onset of difficulty in breathing and anxiousness
in her patient. Further assessment shows a temperature of 101.2°F (38"C), P 128, BP 86/68,
and R 24. Physical exam shows the skin is warm and urine in the Foley catheter is dark yellow
and cloudy. This patient is most likely experiencing what type of shock? - ANSWER- AMLS Page
159, Table 4-11 (Septic Shock)
Respiratory Alkalosis may occur as a result of? - ANSWER- Some causes of primary respiratory
alkalosis include aspirin overdose, anxiety reaction, and pulmonary embolism. See table AMLS
Page 272.
A 22-year old male has recently undergone a surgical procedure to repair an injury to the
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? - ANSWER- In
neurogenic shock the patient is often both bradycardic and hypotensive. AMLS Page 149.
Warm, dry, pink skin, decreased BP, alert, normal capillary refill. AMLS Page 157 table 4-9
An age related change that increases the risk of respiratory compromise is - ANSWER-
Reduced lung compliance due to calcification of cartilage in the trachea and
bronchioles and calcification of interstitial tissue. AMLS P. 98
A patient complaining of a 3-day history of left, lower abdominal pain describes it as sharp in
nature and, during the focused physical exam, the pain intensifies during palpation over the
site. Differentials should include - ANSWER- Ectopic pregnancy or diverticulitis (Question does
not state the PT is female, but pick ectopic pregnancy)
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea is most common in patients with a history of? - ANSWER-
AMLS Page 60 Table 2-1 (Left-sided heart failure)
The most common underlying medical conditions found in patients with acute pancreatitis is -
ANSWER- The disease is thought to be caused by cholelithiasis (gall stones) or alcohol abuse in
more than 90% of cases. AMLS Page 235
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? - ANSWER- This is hyperglycemic DKA. Patients with
DKA are dehydrated and appear ill.
3|Page
150 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS / ADVANCED
MEDICAL LIFE SUPPORT, AMLS PRETEST EXAM (AGRADE)
VERSION A
What condition is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis? - ANSWER- In larger doses narcotics
induce respiratory depression and eventually respiratory arrest.
AMLS Page 95
A 65-year-old female complains of chest pain that feels like "aching" in her chest. It has
become progressively worse over several days. Her temperature is 38.3 degrees C (100 F).
Which finding will help narrow your differential diagnosis to pericarditis? - ANSWER- 12 lead
ECG will demonstrate global ST-segment elevation in almost every lead. AMLS Page 128
During compensatory shock, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated to cause
a/an: - ANSWER- This selective perfusion occurs during the ischemic phase of shock. AMLS
Page 146 (To stop kidneys from excreting fluid and keeping it in the vasculature, therefore
increasing BP)
lntrabdominal bleeds, like pancreatitis, often present with discoloration or bruising around the
umbilicus. This physical exam finding is known as: - ANSWER- Cullen's sign is a blue
discoloration around the umbilicus. AMLS Page 235
What clinical findings are most commonly associated with a pulmonary embolus? - ANSWER-
Clear breath sounds with tachypnea.
Signs and Symptoms AMLS Page 113
A 50 year old female has called 911. She complains of shortness of breath and chest.
discomfort. Assessment reveals her skin
is pale, moist and cool. BP is 102/68, R 24, labored with crackles, P of 130 and regular. Which
type of shock is most likely occurring? - ANSWER- The patient's respiratory rate is increased, and
crackles caused by pulmonary edema can be heard on auscultation.
Cardiogenic Shock Signs and Symptoms. AMLS Page
164
Patients with a history of COPD that present with an acute onset of shortness of breath are likely
to have which condition? - ANSWER- Elements of patient history that suggest PE include acute
onset of shortness of breath. AMLS Page 114
An elderly patient with a 1 week history of productive cough and wheezing notices an increase
in difficulty in breathing when grocery shopping. Further assessment reveals pursed lip
breathing, rhonchi, and minimal jugular vein distention. Which diagnosis should the healthcare
provider suspect? - ANSWER- Signs and Symptoms of COPD. AMLS Page 85
1|Page
,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
implemented next? - ANSWER- This is self explanatory (Suction Airway)
A 20 year old female presents with a 2-day history of dyspnea, non-productive cough, chest
tightness audible wheezing. Further exam reveals no fever or strider. The patient has rapid
respirations with difficulty exhaling. Which diagnosis is most likely? - ANSWER- These are
textbook signs of asthma
Signs and Symptoms.AMLS Page 83
Anaphylaxis is most associated with which physiological event? - ANSWER- The cutaneous
reaction may be observed as flushed, warm skin resulting from vasodilation and uticarea. AMLS
Page 162
An elderly patient is receiving care at home while recuperating from recent knee surgery. She
developed post a operative infection and has been on antibiotics for quite sometime. She is
complaining of foul smelling diarrhea, and abdominal cramping and loss of appetite. Based on
this presentation, the provider should suspect? - ANSWER- Signs and Symptoms
Patients with this illness have diarrhea that is not bloody but has a characteristic foul odor.
Abdominal pain and cramping are present in about 22% of patients. AMLS Page 319 (C-DIFF)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is characterized by what pathological change? -
ANSWER- Pathophysiology AMLS Page 88 (Caused by diffuse damage to the alveoli, perhaps
as a result of shock, aspiration of gastric contents, pulmonary edema or hypoxic event.
Begins with a breakdown of the alveolar-capillary border that allows fluid to seep into the
alveoli, decreasing gas exchange in the lungs.
Healthcare providers are responding to a near-drowning at a local lake. The patient is
experiencing uncontrollable 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 93.2°F (34°C). Which diagnosis is most likely? - ANSWER-
89.6F - 95.0F (Mild Hypothermia)
AMLS Page 338
Continuous positive airway pressure would be most appropriate in treating which patient? -
ANSWER- 22 year old with severe asthma and not responding to nebulizer treatments AMLS
Page 72
A local businesswoman 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? - ANSWER- Signs and symptoms of TB include persistent cough for
2-3 weeks, night sweats, headache, weight loss, hemoptysis, and chest pain. AMLS Page 301
What is the initial treatment for a patient experiencing Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Non-
ketotic Syndrome (HHNS)? - ANSWER- The patient may have significant volume depletion. Begin
2|Page
, IV fluid resuscitation immediately. The initial fluid of choice is 0.9% normal saline (crystalloid
solution). AMLS Page 270
When assessing geriatric patients, infectious disease is more difficult to identify for all the
following reasons EXCEPT - ANSWER- Older Adult Patients. AMLS Page 325
Your patient has had a seizure secondary to a nerve agent exposure. What medication would be
best to diminish the seizure? - ANSWER- If seizures develop administer diazepam (Valium) or
lorazepam (Ativan). AMLS Page 424 (Treat seizure before treating for the exposure to the nerve
agent)
A caregiver for a quadriplegic patient notes an onset of difficulty in breathing and anxiousness
in her patient. Further assessment shows a temperature of 101.2°F (38"C), P 128, BP 86/68,
and R 24. Physical exam shows the skin is warm and urine in the Foley catheter is dark yellow
and cloudy. This patient is most likely experiencing what type of shock? - ANSWER- AMLS Page
159, Table 4-11 (Septic Shock)
Respiratory Alkalosis may occur as a result of? - ANSWER- Some causes of primary respiratory
alkalosis include aspirin overdose, anxiety reaction, and pulmonary embolism. See table AMLS
Page 272.
A 22-year old male has recently undergone a surgical procedure to repair an injury to the
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? - ANSWER- In
neurogenic shock the patient is often both bradycardic and hypotensive. AMLS Page 149.
Warm, dry, pink skin, decreased BP, alert, normal capillary refill. AMLS Page 157 table 4-9
An age related change that increases the risk of respiratory compromise is - ANSWER-
Reduced lung compliance due to calcification of cartilage in the trachea and
bronchioles and calcification of interstitial tissue. AMLS P. 98
A patient complaining of a 3-day history of left, lower abdominal pain describes it as sharp in
nature and, during the focused physical exam, the pain intensifies during palpation over the
site. Differentials should include - ANSWER- Ectopic pregnancy or diverticulitis (Question does
not state the PT is female, but pick ectopic pregnancy)
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea is most common in patients with a history of? - ANSWER-
AMLS Page 60 Table 2-1 (Left-sided heart failure)
The most common underlying medical conditions found in patients with acute pancreatitis is -
ANSWER- The disease is thought to be caused by cholelithiasis (gall stones) or alcohol abuse in
more than 90% of cases. AMLS Page 235
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? - ANSWER- This is hyperglycemic DKA. Patients with
DKA are dehydrated and appear ill.
3|Page
