N AT I O N A L A S S O C I AT I O N O F E M E R G E N C Y M E D I C A L T E C H N I C I A N S
Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)
AMLS Post Test Certification Review
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Comprehensive Question Bank - Verified Answers
Question 1
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 taken next?
A. Administer naloxone immediately
B. Supplemental oxygen and suction
C. Perform a sternal rub
D. Establish IV access
CORRECT ANSWER B. Supplemental oxygen and suction
RATIONALE
Airway management is the priority. Pinpoint pupils and shallow respirations suggest opioid
overdose, but suctioning and oxygenation must precede medication administration to prevent
aspiration and hypoxia.
,Question 2
Patients with a history of COPD that present with an acute onset of shortness of breath
are likely to have what condition?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Spontaneous pneumothorax
C. Acute exacerbation of COPD
D. Heart failure
CORRECT ANSWER A. Pulmonary embolism
RATIONALE
Patients with COPD have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Acute onset of shortness
of breath in a COPD patient should raise suspicion for pulmonary embolism, especially when
symptoms are sudden rather than gradual.
Question 3
During compensatory shock, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated to
cause a/an:
A. Increase in preload, afterload, and re-absorption of sodium
B. Decrease in preload and afterload
C. Increase in heart rate only
D. Decrease in systemic vascular resistance
CORRECT ANSWER A. Increase in preload, afterload, and re-absorption of sodium
RATIONALE
RAAS activation causes vasoconstriction (increased afterload), sodium and water retention
(increased preload), and increased blood volume. This compensatory mechanism attempts to
maintain cardiac output and blood pressure during shock.
, Question 4
What clinical findings are most commonly associated with a pulmonary embolus?
A. Clear breath sounds with tachypnea
B. Wheezing and productive cough
C. Fever and purulent sputum
D. Crackles and egophony
CORRECT ANSWER A. Clear breath sounds with tachypnea
RATIONALE
Pulmonary embolism classically presents with clear breath sounds despite tachypnea and hypoxia.
Other findings: tachycardia, pleuritic chest pain, and possible hemoptysis. Lung sounds are often
normal because the obstruction is vascular, not alveolar.
Question 5
What condition is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis?
A. Anxiety with hyperventilation
B. Narcotic overdose
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Fever
CORRECT ANSWER B. Narcotic overdose
RATIONALE
Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation and CO2 retention. Narcotic overdose causes
CNS depression, reducing respiratory rate and depth, leading to hypercapnia and respiratory
acidosis. Hyperventilation causes respiratory alkalosis.
Advanced Medical Life Support (AMLS)
AMLS Post Test Certification Review
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Comprehensive Question Bank - Verified Answers
Question 1
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 taken next?
A. Administer naloxone immediately
B. Supplemental oxygen and suction
C. Perform a sternal rub
D. Establish IV access
CORRECT ANSWER B. Supplemental oxygen and suction
RATIONALE
Airway management is the priority. Pinpoint pupils and shallow respirations suggest opioid
overdose, but suctioning and oxygenation must precede medication administration to prevent
aspiration and hypoxia.
,Question 2
Patients with a history of COPD that present with an acute onset of shortness of breath
are likely to have what condition?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Spontaneous pneumothorax
C. Acute exacerbation of COPD
D. Heart failure
CORRECT ANSWER A. Pulmonary embolism
RATIONALE
Patients with COPD have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Acute onset of shortness
of breath in a COPD patient should raise suspicion for pulmonary embolism, especially when
symptoms are sudden rather than gradual.
Question 3
During compensatory shock, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated to
cause a/an:
A. Increase in preload, afterload, and re-absorption of sodium
B. Decrease in preload and afterload
C. Increase in heart rate only
D. Decrease in systemic vascular resistance
CORRECT ANSWER A. Increase in preload, afterload, and re-absorption of sodium
RATIONALE
RAAS activation causes vasoconstriction (increased afterload), sodium and water retention
(increased preload), and increased blood volume. This compensatory mechanism attempts to
maintain cardiac output and blood pressure during shock.
, Question 4
What clinical findings are most commonly associated with a pulmonary embolus?
A. Clear breath sounds with tachypnea
B. Wheezing and productive cough
C. Fever and purulent sputum
D. Crackles and egophony
CORRECT ANSWER A. Clear breath sounds with tachypnea
RATIONALE
Pulmonary embolism classically presents with clear breath sounds despite tachypnea and hypoxia.
Other findings: tachycardia, pleuritic chest pain, and possible hemoptysis. Lung sounds are often
normal because the obstruction is vascular, not alveolar.
Question 5
What condition is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis?
A. Anxiety with hyperventilation
B. Narcotic overdose
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Fever
CORRECT ANSWER B. Narcotic overdose
RATIONALE
Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation and CO2 retention. Narcotic overdose causes
CNS depression, reducing respiratory rate and depth, leading to hypercapnia and respiratory
acidosis. Hyperventilation causes respiratory alkalosis.
