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OMSB Emergency & Critical Care Practice Questions
Emergency questions test BLS and ACLS knowledge, shock, anaphylaxis, sepsis and heat illness, which is highly relevant in the Gulf. Below are 5 free sample questions for the OMSB nursing exam, each with the answer and a rationale.
What this topic covers
- Adult, child and infant CPR (AHA guidelines)
- Shockable vs non-shockable rhythms
- Anaphylaxis and IM adrenaline
- Types of shock
- Sepsis and early warning signs
- Heat stroke vs heat exhaustion
The full bank has 100 emergency & critical care questions, part of 1,500 questions across 16 nursing topics.
Free OMSB emergency & critical care questions
1. Which nursing action most effectively reduces the risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection?
- A. Scrubbing the catheter hub with an antiseptic such as chlorhexidine before each access
- B. Changing the catheter every 24 hours
- C. Leaving the dressing uncovered to allow air flow
- D. Giving prophylactic antibiotics to all patients with central lines
Show answer and rationale
Scrubbing the hub or needleless connector before every access ('scrub the hub') is a key evidence-based CLABSI prevention measure, along with chlorhexidine skin antisepsis and sterile dressings.
Reference: CDC guidelines – prevention of intravascular catheter infections
2. Which set of findings is most consistent with hypovolaemic shock?
- A. Bradycardia, warm dry skin, hypotension
- B. Hypertension, bounding pulse, flushed skin
- C. Tachycardia, cool clammy skin, reduced urine output
- D. Bradycardia, distended neck veins, crackles
Show answer and rationale
Loss of circulating volume triggers sympathetic compensation: tachycardia, peripheral vasoconstriction (cool, clammy skin) and reduced renal perfusion (oliguria).
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – shock
3. A farm worker exposed to an organophosphate pesticide has excessive salivation, sweating, diarrhoea, bradycardia and constricted pupils. Which drug does the nurse expect to give?
- A. Adrenaline
- B. Flumazenil
- C. Atropine
- D. Acetylcysteine
Show answer and rationale
Organophosphates inhibit acetylcholinesterase, causing cholinergic excess. Atropine blocks muscarinic effects and is titrated until secretions dry; pralidoxime may also be given.
Reference: Emergency nursing – organophosphate poisoning
4. A patient with severe hypothermia (core temperature 28 °C) arrives in the emergency department. Which principle applies when moving the patient?
- A. Rub the arms and legs firmly to restore circulation
- B. Give a warm alcoholic drink to help rewarming
- C. Help the patient walk to the bed to generate heat
- D. Handle gently and keep horizontal to avoid triggering ventricular fibrillation
Show answer and rationale
The cold heart is very irritable, and rough handling or sudden position changes can trigger ventricular fibrillation. Rubbing the limbs and alcohol cause vasodilation and can worsen heat loss.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – hypothermia
5. Using the rule of nines, what is the estimated total body surface area burned in an adult with burns to the entire right arm and the entire anterior trunk?
- A. 18%
- B. 27%
- C. 36%
- D. 45%
Show answer and rationale
In an adult, each arm is 9% and the anterior trunk is 18%, giving 9% + 18% = 27% TBSA.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – burns
Study tip
Know the CPR numbers exactly: rate 100–120 per minute, depth 5–6 cm in adults, and 30:2 without an advanced airway.
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