Block #1 Chapter 1-6

B

Tendons function by: A. connecting bones to each other. B. attaching muscles to the bones. C. supporting two bones at a joint. D. providing the body's framework.

A

The leg consists of the: A. tibia and fibula. B. patella and thighbone. C. femur, tibia, and fibula. D. pelvic girdle and femur.

A

A combination of caffeine and alcohol would most likely cause: A. dehydration. B. depression. C. hyperactivity. D. low blood pressure.

A

A pulse is felt: A. when a wave of pressure is created by the heart as it forces blood into the arteries. B. on any part of the body where a large vein lies close to the surface of the skin. C. as oxygen and nutrients pass from the blood cells into the cells of the body tissues. D. wherever a large capillary lies between a bony structure and a thin layer of skin.

A

A specialized type of muscle that is found only in the heart is called: A. cardiac muscle. B. smooth muscle. C. voluntary muscle. D. pulmonary muscle.

D

Caffeine is a drug that: A. decreases your reaction time. B. causes a drop in blood pressure. C. results in a low level of activity. D. causes a release of adrenaline.

B

Older adulthood is considered to begin at _____ years of age. A. 55 B. 61 C. 65 D. 70

A

Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder via the: A. ureters. B. urethra. C. fallopian tube. D. spermatic cord.

A

When referring to the blood, the prefix _______ is used. A. hema- B. angio- C. cardio- D. arterio-

D

Which of the following infectious diseases would be the least likely to be spread by the airborne droplet route? A. Influenza B. Tuberculosis (TB) C. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) D. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

A

Which of the following would most likely produce the greatest amount of stress for the EMR? A. Death B. Anger C. Exercise D. Depression

B

With which of the following hearing-impaired patients would it be the most difficult to communicate effectively? A. A young patient with hereditary deafness B. A patient with temporary deafness caused by an explosion C. A patient with long-term hearing loss caused by an illness D. An elderly patient with hearing aids

A

You arrive at the scene of an incident involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. Law enforcement officers are present, but the paramedic unit will not arrive for another 5 minutes. Your patient, who was struck by the vehicle, is a 16-year-old girl. She is unconscious and has severe bleeding from her head. You should: A. begin immediate treatment and ask a law enforcement officer to attempt to contact the child's parents. B. contact the child's parents and obtain phone consent before rendering any emergency medical care. C. keep curious bystanders away from the patient until the paramedic unit arrives at the scene. D. ask a law enforcement officer to sign a statement that you are providing care without parental consent.

D

You have arrived at the scene of a patient with respiratory distress. A responding ambulance is approximately 10 minutes away. After performing a primary assessment and correcting any life-threatening conditions, you should: A. monitor the patient's condition until the EMS unit arrives. B. document your assessment and the skills that you performed. C. call online medical control and obtain permission for further care. D. update the responding EMS unit on the patient's present condition.

B

You have given responding paramedics a hand-off report regarding your patient, who has signs and symptoms of an infectious disease. When documenting the incident, you should: A. make a copy of your patient care form and give it to law enforcement personnel for their report. B. provide a detailed account of your assessment findings, treatment given, and pertinent medical history. C. include in your report that you think the patient is probably infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis, or tuberculosis. D. include the advanced care provided by the paramedics and why you think the care was performed.

A

Your mental and physical health may suffer, resulting in a decreased ability to deal with stress, if you: A. get less than 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. B. fail to eat adequate amounts of sugar on a daily basis. C. maintain a routine of working a regular shift schedule. D. eliminate working additional shifts or a second job.

B

Your partner, who holds a second job with a private ambulance service, is very irritable with you and the patient during a call. When you ask him to take the patient's blood pressure, he fumbles with the equipment and appears very distracted. You should be most suspicious that your partner: A. is abusing alcohol or illegal drugs. B. is experiencing sleep deprivation. C. has personal issues with the patient. D. has been oversleeping because of stress.

B

A 40-year-old woman has an injury to the midshaft humerus following a motor vehicle crash. What major joint is immediately distal to her injury? A. Wrist B. Elbow C. Shoulder D. Xiphoid

B

Bile is produced by the __________ and is stored in the ___________. A. pancreas, liver B. liver, gallbladder C. pancreas, stomach D. gallbladder, kidneys

c

The spine consists of _____ vertebrae. A. 26 B. 30 C. 33 D. 36

A

When moving a patient on a long backboard, you should: A. secure him or her to the board with straps. B. always immobilize the head to the board. C. use no more than two rescuers to lift the board. D. use a board made of varnished plywood if possible.

B

A 33-year-old woman has a possible broken left ankle. She is in significant pain but is conscious and otherwise stable. This patient: A. does not require transport to the hospital. B. requires transport but without lights and siren. C. may deteriorate and requires prompt transport. D. should be rapidly transported to the closest hospital

C

A 37-year-old man tripped on a throw rug and fell to the ground, injuring his shoulder. The man is blind and has a service dog. As you are assessing the patient, he keeps inquiring about his dog. You should: A. tell him that he should not be concerned about the dog because you are there to help him. B. speak loudly into the patient's ear to ensure that he heard the questions you are asking him. C. provide psychological support and recognize that the dog and the patient depend on each other. D. tell him that the dog has been secured in another room and that you need him to answer your questions.

B

A 60-year-old man is found sitting in his car alongside the road. There is no apparent damage to his vehicle. Your assessment reveals that the man is in cardiac arrest. You should: A. begin CPR while the patient is still in his car and remove him from the car when additional help arrives. B. grasp the patient under his arms, cradle his head between your arms, and remove him from the vehicle. C. recline the seat completely back, get inside the car, and begin CPR until additional help arrives at the scene. D. grasp the patient by his arms and rapidly drag him from the vehicle while protecting his head and neck as much as possible.

D

A DNR order is a written request giving permission for medical personnel not to: A. give oxygen to a patient with severe hypoxemia. B. begin resuscitation unless the patient is in shock. C. render treatment to patients with a terminal illness. D. attempt resuscitation in the event of cardiac arrest.

C

A ___________ transmits data messages through a radio system and reduces the amount of time the radio frequency is tied up to send or receive a message. A. fax machine B. rapid paging system C. mobile data terminal D. stationary base station

C

A basic life support (BLS) ambulance is most accurately defined as: A. any transport vehicle that is staffed by at least two EMRs. B. an emergency response vehicle equipped with a defibrillator. C. a properly equipped vehicle that is staffed by EMT personnel. D. any transport vehicle staffed by EMTs with additional training.

A

A cardiac arrest patient's most crucial contact with the EMS system occurs when: A. trained EMRs arrive at the patient's side. B. medical control is made aware of the situation. C. paramedics arrive and administer advanced care. D. the receiving hospital is made aware of the situation.

D

A chronically ill patient who is experiencing denial: A. commonly makes statements such as "Why me?" B. is typically withdrawn and will not speak to you. C. usually tries to make a deal to avoid the inevitable. D. often cannot believe what is happening to him or her.

B

A critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) is used to: A. determine whether any errors in patient care occurred. B. alleviate the stress reactions caused by high-stress incidents. C. investigate potential wrongdoings by the EMS responder. D. identify the exact stressors that resulted in the stress reaction.

A

A device that receives a weak radio signal, amplifies that signal, and then rebroadcasts it is called a(n): A. repeater. B. amplifier. C. antenna. D. paging system.

B

A device that separates into left and right halves and is helpful when moving a patient from a small place is called a: A. folding stretcher. B. scoop stretcher. C. flexible stretcher. D. semirigid stretcher.

A

A fracture of a femur in a location farthest away from the hip is: A. distal. B. medial. C. superior. D. proximal.

B

A man has a fractured leg and is in severe pain. Which of the following would you expect to encounter? A. Decreased heart rate B. Increased blood pressure C. Decreased respiratory rate D. Irregular heart rate

A

A man sustained a stab wound to the artery in the neck. To control the bleeding from this injury, you should apply pressure to the: A. carotid artery. B. femoral artery. C. radial artery. D. popliteal artery.

D

A pager is most accurately defined as a: A. two-way radio that can send and receive voice information. B. stationary alert device that can transmit only text messages. C. device that receives multiple frequencies but cannot transmit. D. radio receiver that is silent unless activated by a dispatcher.

D

A paramedic unit requests that you respond to a call involving an injury to an elderly woman. Upon your arrival, you assess the patient and have reason to believe that she has been abused. A relative of the patient is present at the scene. You should: A. ask the relative if the patient has been abused by the family. B. notify law enforcement and have the family member arrested. C. avoid divulging your suspicions unless you are asked about them. D. report your suspicions to the paramedics and document carefully.

D

A patient is in the anatomic position when he or she is: A. standing facing you with arms to the side and palms touching the side of the lower extremities. B. lying down on his or her back with the arms at the sides and the palms facing downward. C. lying down on his or her side with the arms above the head and the hands clenched in a fist. D. standing facing you with arms at the sides and the palms of the hands facing outward.

B

A patient is trapped in his car following a collision. After the paramedic starts an intravenous (IV) line on the patient, the paramedic hands you the needle. You should: A. carefully recap the needle and dispose of it properly. B. place the needle directly in a puncture-proof container. C. break the needle off and place it in a sharps container. D. lay the needle on the ground and document its location.

C

A patient requires rapid transport to the hospital when: A. he or she requires care that can be provided only by a physician at the hospital. B. the patient's condition may deteriorate if he or she is not transported fairly quickly. C. EMS personnel are unable to give the patient adequate life-saving care in the field. D. traffic is extremely heavy and the patient's condition requires treatment by a physician.

c

A patient who verbally or nonverbally lets you know that he or she is willing to accept treatment is giving you ____________ consent. A. informed B. implied C. expressed D. assumed

B

A patient with neurologic trauma has injury to some part of the: A. vasculature. B. nervous system. C. brain or spinal cord. D. cardiovascular system.

B

Accompanied by a concerned neighbor, you enter the residence of an unconscious elderly woman and encounter several small dogs. As you approach the patient, one of the dogs begins to growl at you. You should: A. have your partner distract the dog as you quickly assess the patient. B. remain calm and ask the neighbor to secure the dogs in another room. C. immediately retreat from the scene and notify the animal control officer. D. carefully pick up the dog and put it in another room or in the back yard.

B

Advanced life support (ALS) providers often use ___________ to transmit electrocardiograms and other patient data to online medical control. A. scanners B. telemetry C. cellular phones D. fax machines

D

After blood picks up oxygen in the lungs, it: A. is eliminated from the body. B. is received by the right atrium. C. is combined with carbon dioxide. D. returns to the left side of the heart.

B

After delivering a trauma patient to the hospital, you later learn that the patient had an injury to his lower back. Which spinal vertebrae were most likely injured? A. Cervical B. Lumbar C. Thoracic D. Coccyx

B

Air is inhaled into the lungs when the diaphragm: A. relaxes and moves upward in the chest. B. contracts and moves downward in the chest. C. relaxes and moves downward in the chest. D. contracts and moves upward in the chest.

A

All of the following are appropriate when communicating with a hearing-impaired patient, except: A. speaking loudly, directly in the patient's ear. B. identifying yourself by showing your badge. C. rephrasing comments in clear, simple language. D. watching the patient's face for uncertain expressions.

D

All of the following are functions of the skin, except: A. regulating body temperature. B. protecting against harmful substances. C. receiving information from the environment. D. producing sweat when body temperature falls.

B

All of the following are general recommendations to follow when moving a patient, except: A. explaining to the patient what you are going to do and how. B. moving the patient before treating him or her if the scene is safe. C. delaying the move of a patient until additional EMS personnel arrive. D. moving the patient as few times as possible unless the scene is unsafe.

C

All of the following are important principles of patient movement when a spinal injury is suspected, except: A. ensuring that you move the patient as a unit. B. ensuring that one rescuer gives all commands to move. C. transporting the patient on the left side in case of vomiting. D. keeping the patient's head and neck in a neutral position.

B

All of the following are part of the normal grieving process, except: A. anger. B. violence. C. depression. D. acceptance.

B

All of the following are signs of obvious death, except: A. decapitation. B. pulselessness. C. decomposition. D. dependent lividity.

B

All of the following are upper airway structures, except the: A. larynx. B. alveoli. C. pharynx. D. epiglottis.

D

An EMR has a legal duty to act: A. even when outside of his or her response jurisdiction. B. if he or she encounters an emergency scene while not on duty. C. only if he or she is not paid by a fire department or rescue squad. D. while employed by an agency that designates you as an EMR.

C

An advance directive is most accurately defined as a(n): A. legal document that allows EMS providers to provide all necessary treatment. B. notarized document that specifies who may and may not provide emergency care. C. legal document that indicates the care to be provided if the patient is incapacitated. D. document in which the patient's family determines what care the patient is to receive.

D

An appropriately sized cervical collar is designed to: A. completely immobilize the patient's head and neck. B. replace manual stabilization of a patient's head and neck. C. be applied after the patient has been placed onto a backboard. D. minimize head and neck movement and prevent further injury.

B

An egg matures in the __________ and travels to the ___________ via the __________. A. vagina, uterus, fallopian tube B. ovary, uterus, fallopian tube C. fallopian tube, uterus, ovary D. uterus, fallopian tube, ovary

D

An elderly woman must be moved from an unsafe environment quickly. The patient is unconscious and is wearing a thin nightgown. What is the most rapid and effective way for you and your partner to move her? A. Place her in a chair and rapidly move her to a place of safety while protecting her head and neck. B. Quickly log roll her onto a backboard, secure her to the board with straps, and move her to safety. C. Grasp the patient by the collar of her nightgown and pull her in the direction of the long axis of her body. D. Place a blanket or rug on the ground, roll her onto it, and quickly remove her from the unsafe environment.

B

An important aspect of caring for a sick or injured child is to: A. remove any toys because they will likely distract the child. B. ask a parent to hold the child if the illness or injury permits. C. stand over the child to reassure him or her that you can help. D. recall that most children are uncooperative when they are sick.

B

An important step in managing your own stress is the ability to: A. ignore its signs and symptoms. B. recognize its signs and symptoms. C. eliminate all stressors in your life. D. project the stress toward others.

D

An infant's normal heart rate ranges between: A. 60 and 100 beats/min. B. 100 and 120 beats/min. C. 70 and 150 beats/min. D. 90 and 180 beats/min.

B

An uninvolved citizen who encounters a motor vehicle crash: A. has a legal duty to act. B. is not required by law to stop. C. is required to provide immediate care. D. must wait until EMS personnel arrive.

A

Any time a patient has suffered a traumatic injury, you should: A. suspect injury to the head, neck, or spine. B. move the patient with a folding stretcher. C. routinely apply a short backboard device. D. immobilize him or her with a scoop stretcher.

B

As an EMR, your most important consideration is: A. accessing the patient. B. ensuring your own safety. C. providing competent patient care. D. assisting paramedics at the scene.

C

As part of your ethical responsibilities, you are expected to: A. transport every patient to the closest hospital. B. provide patient care as directed by a paramedic. C. conform to accepted professional standards of conduct. D. review the care provided by all members of the EMS system.

C

At what age do the body's systems typically begin to decline? A. 22 years B. 35 years C. 41 years D. 50 years

B

BThe best way to avoid being accused of abandonment is to: A. allow only a physician to assume care of the patient. B. never leave a patient alone after you have begun care. C. always transfer care of a patient to a qualified bystander. D. confirm that anyone assuming care of the patient knows CPR.

D

Because the chair carry technique may force the patient's head forward, the rescuer should: A. use one hand to support the patient's head. B. request three more rescuers prior to lifting. C. use a folding chair to maximize head support. D. watch the patient for problems with the airway.

B

Before attempting to move any patient, you should: A. roll the patient onto his or her side to estimate his or her weight. B. assess the patient's weight and know your physical limitations. C. concentrate on what you are doing instead of the other rescuers. D. put on a protective back brace to facilitate curvature of your back.

D

Between the ages of 1 and 3 years, a child: A. typically loses his or her primary teeth. B. normally has a systolic blood pressure of 50 to 60 mm Hg. C. has a normal respiratory rate that peaks at 50 breaths/min. D. is at high risk for falls because of poor coordination and balance.

C

Common signs or symptoms of stress include: A. excessive eating. B. heightened awareness. C. insomnia or nightmares. D. an increase in sexual drive.

B

Communication with a physician via two-way radio or wireless telephone is an example of: A. indirect medical control. B. online medical control. C. off-line medical control. D. standard operating protocol.

C

Components of the quality improvement process, as identified by the Institute of Medicine, include all of the following, except: A. safety. B. timeliness. C. teamwork. D. efficiency.

B

Effective communication means that: A. the person being spoken to will be able to hear what is being said. B. the person being spoken to understands exactly what he or she is told. C. only a minimal communication barrier exists between two people. D. all external distractions have been eliminated from a conversation.

B

Depression and a reduced ability to deal with stress would most likely be caused by: A. sugar. B. alcohol. C. caffeine. D. coffee or cola.

A

Difficulty sleeping may be a difficult sign of stress to recognize in emergency responders because: A. shift work or rotating hours make normal sleep patterns hard to maintain. B. stress usually causes emergency responders to request additional hours. C. increased adrenalin levels often cause the responder to be hyperactive. D. the emergency responder often responds to stress by sleeping excessively.

A

Documentation regarding patient care provided by the EMR should: A. be clear, concise, accurate, and readable. B. include no more than two sets of vital signs. C. remain on file for a maximum of 18 months. D. occur at the same time the patient is being treated.

B

During a multiple-casualty incident, you and your partner are caring for patients until EMT and paramedic units arrive. There are three patients, all of whom have bleeding from various wounds. After taking care of the first patient, you should: A. place another pair of gloves over the blood-soaked gloves you are wearing. B. take off your gloves and apply another pair before caring for another patient. C. immediately move to the next patient and provide bleeding control as needed. D. wash off your gloves with a disinfectant solution before caring for another patient.

C

During an incident that may involve electrical hazards, you should: A. recall that electricity is usually visible. B. have law enforcement turn off the power source. C. wear a helmet with a chin strap and a face shield. D. put on rubber gloves and turn the power source off.

D

During your assessment of a 21-year-old man who fell from a roof, you note the presence of bruising on the medial aspect of the anterior trunk. What part of the body is this describing? A. Toward the midline on the back of the torso B. Away from the midline on the back of the torso C. Away from the midline on the front part of the torso D. Toward the midline on the front part of the torso

D

During your assessment of a young woman with a sudden onset of abdominal pain, you ask the patient when the pain began. She does not immediately respond to your question. You should: A. ask another question and repeat the first question later. B. immediately repeat the question to ensure that she heard you. C. tell her that you cannot help her if she won't answer you. D. allow the patient adequate time to answer your question.

A

EMS documentation is most accurately defined as: A. a process for verifying your actions on a call using written or computer-based records. B. a direct method of communicating with your patient by writing all questions on paper. C. a written chronological account that includes all of the skills you performed at the scene. D. a quality assurance tool that your medical director can use to determine if you performed appropriately.

C

EMS providers, law enforcement officers, and fire fighters are especially at risk for: A. an overall decrease in blood pressure. B. increased circulating blood sugar levels. C. dehydration caused by excess fluid loss. D. violent behavior and homicidal thoughts.

A

Each shoulder girdle consists of the: A. clavicle, scapula, and humerus. B. first rib, clavicle, and scapula. C. scapula, humerus, and second rib. D. thoracic spine, clavicle, and scapula.

B

Enhanced 9-1-1 centers have the capability to: A. provide immediate ALS instructions to the caller. B. determine the physical location of the caller via the computer. C. function as medical control in the absence of a licensed physician. D. automatically dispatch aeromedical support when a call is received.

D

Events that the EMR would likely be required to report to a state or federal agency include all of the following, except: A. child or elder abuse. B. gunshot or knife wounds. C. certain infectious diseases. D. sports-related injuries.

B

Expiration occurs when: A. the chest muscles contract and push air from the chest. B. the diaphragm relaxes and moves upward in the chest. C. the chest muscles relax and the diaphragm moves downward. D. air is drawn into the lungs as a result of contraction of the diaphragm.

B

Factors that increase a person's vital signs include: A. young age. B. excess body weight. C. athletic conditioning. D. blood pressure medications.

D

Federal regulations require that all vehicles transporting a certain quantity of hazardous materials: A. proceed through neighborhood areas when highway traffic is heavy. B. be operated by a person who has received extensive hazardous materials training. C. carry a pair of binoculars and the current Emergency Response Guidebook. D. be marked with a placard that identifies the material being transported.

D

Fibrous bands that connect bones to each other are called: A. joints. B. tendons. C. muscles. D. ligaments.

A

Fire fighters and law enforcement personnel are likely to be the first EMRs to arrive at a scene because: A. of their location or speed in responding to the call. B. they are typically paid and are on call 24 hours a day. C. most communities do not have EMTs or paramedics. D. they are trained in all aspects of an emergency call.

D

Fire units are often a crucial part of the EMS system because they: A. provide protection and control of the scene. B. are better trained than EMTs to assist paramedics. C. always arrive at the scene before EMTs or paramedics. D. provide specialized rescue such as patient extrication.

C

Following a call involving a high-profile individual, a police officer asks you for a copy of your patient care report. You should: A. provide the officer with the patient care report because you are required by law to do so. B. refuse to give the officer a copy of your report but verbally share the information with him or her. C. advise the officer that he or she must obtain a legal subpoena to receive a copy of your report. D. provide a copy of your report to the officer only if you have permission from the patient's family.

A

For a patient to be legally able to make a decision regarding his or her own health care, he or she must: A. be of legal age as defined by state law. B. have a non-life-threatening injury or illness. C. have at least two witnesses present at the scene. D. accept EMS transport to an appropriate hospital.

D

Functions of the skeletal system include all of the following, except: A. supporting the body. B. protecting vital structures. C. producing red blood cells. D. facilitating strength and agility.

D

Guidelines for effective radio communication include all of the following, except: A. holding the microphone 2" to 3" from your mouth. B. reducing background noise as much as you possibly can. C. avoiding words that are difficult to hear, such as "yes" and "no." D. pausing every 60 seconds and saying, "Do you copy?"

A

In relation to the nose, the eyes are: A. lateral. B. medial. C. distal. D. proximal.

A

If a mentally competent adult refuses medical care, it is important to: A. advise the patient to call EMS if he or she changes his or her mind. B. recommend that the patient drive him- or herself to the hospital. C. ask a family member to witness the patient's refusal of care. D. tell the patient that his or her condition will ultimately cause death.

B

If a patient is lying on the floor or ground in an unsafe environment, you should: A. push the patient to safety using the long axis of his or her body. B. drag the patient away from the scene instead of trying to lift or carry him or her. C. disregard the possibility of spinal injury and move the patient quickly. D. grab the patient by the pants and quickly drag him or her to a safe area.

D

If a patient refuses emergency medical care but is not thinking rationally and appears to be a threat to self or others, the EMR's best course of action is to: A. restrain the patient. B. obtain a court order. C. contact medical control. D. involve law enforcement.

D

If you and your partner must remove a patient from a vehicle immediately, you should first: A. request at least two more rescuers for assistance. B. place a long backboard under the patient's buttocks. C. move the patient forward to check the back for injuries. D. have your partner manually support the patient's head.

C

If you are experiencing stress away from your job, you should: A. spend some time away from family and friends. B. obtain a prescription for antianxiety medication. C. seek assistance from a mental health professional. D. find another job not related to emergency medicine.

A

If you are presented with an advance directive that does not appear to be valid, you should: A. initiate the care that is appropriate for the patient's condition. B. look for a bracelet to determine whether the patient has a living will. C. contact the patient's attorney for guidance before providing care. D. begin care only after receiving approval from a licensed physician.

B

If you have any doubts about the safety of a scene, you should: A. proceed to the scene with extreme caution. B. wait at a safe distance and request law enforcement. C. carefully assess the scene and report to law enforcement. D. refuse to respond from your station until the police arrive.

D

If you suspect that a patient has suffered a head or spine injury, you should: A. move the patient quickly so that his or her spine can be immobilized. B. allow the patient to move slowly as you stabilize his or her head. C. carefully move the patient in a sitting position to avoid further injury. D. keep the patient's head and spine immobilized to avoid movement.

B

In addition to ensuring your own safety, the most important guideline to follow when moving a patient is to: A. move the patient's body as a unit. B. do no further harm to the patient. C. move the patient as little as possible. D. move the patient only when necessary.

A

In contrast to the prefix arterio-, the prefix vaso- means: A. vessel. B. artery. C. vein. D. capillary.

A

In contrast to the straddle lift technique, the straddle slide technique involves: A. moving the patient rather than the backboard. B. moving the backboard rather than the patient. C. placing the patient onto a short backboard device. D. lifting the patient at least 12" (30 cm) off the ground.

B

In contrast to veins, arteries: A. return blood back to the heart under low pressure. B. carry blood away from the heart under high pressure. C. return blood back to the heart under high pressure. D. carry blood away from the heart under low pressure.

B

In general, you should never change or alter a patient care report, unless: A. a paramedic or licensed physician orders you to do so. B. you need to correct an error to ensure that the information is accurate. C. law enforcement personnel need the report for legal reasons. D. the patient's condition deteriorated after a paramedic assumed care.

B

In most cases, treatment of a minor in an out-of-hospital setting must wait until: A. the patient's condition becomes life-threatening. B. a parent or legal guardian gives consent for treatment. C. a paramedic unit arrives at the scene and assumes care. D. medical control orders you to initiate emergency treatment.

B

In most states, personal information regarding a patient cannot be released to someone not directly involved in that patient's care, unless: A. you have reason to believe that inappropriate care was provided. B. the patient signs a release and understands the nature of the release. C. the requesting individual is a law enforcement officer or attorney. D. permission is granted by an immediate member of the patient's family.

B

In order to keep his or her certification current, the EMR must: A. meet with the medical director. B. attend continuing education classes. C. be evaluated by a senior paramedic. B. respond to at least five calls per month.

B

In which of the following phases of an EMS call is the EMR typically not involved? A. Response to the scene B. Transport to the hospital C. Transferring patient care D. Updating responding EMS units

B

In which of the following situations would an emergency move be most appropriate? A. The patient has a history of cardiopulmonary arrest. B. The area around the patient cannot be protected adequately. C. The patient is in a mobile home or other area that is confined. D. The patient is in a car and there are shards of glass around him.

B

In which of the following situations would it be most appropriate to use an improvised device instead of a commercially prepared long backboard? A. A commercially prepared backboard is not immediately available to move a stable patient. B. An injured patient must be moved immediately to prevent further injury or death. C. An unstable patient with severe injuries requires immediate transportation to the hospital. D. An injured patient in a safe area has an unstable airway that requires immediate treatment.

C

In which of the following situations would the use of a gown or apron, face shield, and gloves clearly be indicated? A. Minor trauma B. Obtaining vital signs C. Emergency childbirth D. All emergency situations

B

In which of the following situations would the use of a stair chair be ideal? A. A patient who is unconscious with poor breathing effort B. A patient with shortness of breath and no history of trauma C. A patient with trouble breathing following trauma to the chest D. A patient with neck and back pain following a motor vehicle crash

A

Information regarding the stresses that you will encounter and the reactions you may experience would most likely be provided to you during: A. preincident stress education. B. on-scene peer support sessions. C. postincident stress debriefings. D. critical incident stress debriefings.

C

Insulin is produced by the: A. liver. B. spleen. C. pancreas. D. gallbladder.

D

Long backboards are most appropriate to use for patients who: A. do not require neck or back protection. B. only need to be moved a short distance. C. must be moved from a dangerous scene. D. require stabilization of the head and neck.

A

Maintenance of required certifications or registrations is the responsibility of the: A. individual provider. B. employing agency. C. state board of health. D. EMS medical director.

B

Most cases of MRSA occur in: A. trauma patients. B. healthcare settings. C. infants and children. D. the elderly population.

D

On the human body, proximal means: A. a position that is closest to the body's midline. B. toward or positioned on the back side of the body. C. a position that is closer to the head than the feet. D. close to the point where an arm or leg is attached.

B

Patients who pose the highest risk of transmitting TB usually: A. gain weight. B. have a cough. C. are older adults. D. have a fever.

D

Problems that occur in the prehospital phase of the EMS operation are most often related to: A. EMRs functioning above their skill level. B. delayed response times to the scene by EMTs. C. failure of the dispatcher to obtain accurate information. D. a lack of control and coordination of resources and personnel.

B

Proximate cause is most accurately defined as: A. failure of the EMS provider to respond to an emergency scene in an expedient manner. B. a correlation between the patient's injury or injuries and the EMS responder's negligence. C. an injury sustained by the EMS provider as a result of inappropriate scene safety precautions. D. death of a patient as a result of failure of the EMS provider to render the accepted standard of care.

D

Regardless of the technique you use for moving patients, you should: A. keep your arms away from your body. B. maintain a slight curvature of your back. C. lift and lower the patient by bending your back. D. lift and lower the patient by bending your legs.

C

Roles and responsibilities of the EMR include all of the following, except: A. prompt and safe response to the scene. B. ensuring the safety of self and others. C. transporting the patient to the hospital. D. adequately assessing every patient.

B

Second only to your own safety, your priority at a crime scene is to: A. protect potential evidence. B. provide care to the patient. C. report to law enforcement. D. keep bystanders at a distance.

D

Several hours following death, a patient develops red or purple colored areas on the parts of the body that are closest to the ground. This is called: A. rigor mortis. B. decomposition. C. widespread pallor. D. dependent lividity.

D

Short backboards or vest-style devices are most appropriate to use for patients who: A. are injured and found in a lying position. B. require rapid movement from an unsafe scene. C. are in need of CPR and movement down stairs. D. have neck or back pain and are in a sitting position.

A

Sick or injured patients may not always understand what you are doing or saying because they: A. are often scared. B. do not trust your abilities. C. are thinking about their family. D. experience trauma-induced hearing loss.

D

Skills commonly performed by the EMR include all of the following, except: A. treating shock. B. splinting fractures. C. hemorrhage control. D. intravenous therapy.

B

When placing a patient onto a long backboard in a confined space, you should do so using the: A. log roll. B. straddle lift. C. direct carry. D. blanket drag.

C

The 11th and 12th ribs are: A. not attached to the spine in any way. B. firmly attached to the sternum by cartilage. C. the floating ribs and are attached to the spine. D. connected to each other by several strong tendons.

A

The EMR must possess the ability to: A. treat patients using limited equipment. B. sustain a patient's life for several hours. C. avoid improvisation whenever possible. D. function at the same level as an EMT.

B

The EMS system can be considered a component of public health because: A. EMS provides transportation directly to an emergency department. B. the services it provides are available to all people in a community. C. its primary role is to provide illness and injury prevention programs. D. the health department mandates that EMS responders carry certain equipment.

A

The H1N1 strain of influenza (swine flu) has caused concern because: A. few people have immunity to this strain of virus. B. there is presently no vaccination against H1N1. C. it is most commonly spread via infected blood. D. it is fatal in the majority of people who are infected.

C

The MOST common cause of death in public safety workers is: A. job-related accidents. B. depression and suicide. C. heart and blood vessel disease. D. cancer from exposure to poisons.

C

The US Department of Transportation's responsibility is to: A. determine each EMR's scope of practice. B. credential the EMR through a system of testing. C. develop the national education standards for the EMR. D. maintain a registry of all certified EMRs in the country.

D

The _________ artery produces a pulse at the groin. A. radial B. carotid C. brachial D. femoral

C

The airway within the lungs branches into narrower and narrower passages called: A. alveoli. B. capillaries. C. bronchioles. D. red blood cells.

C

The arm-to-arm drag allows you to move a patient: A. regardless of the patient's weight. B. while immobilizing the head and spine at the same time to prevent further injury. C. by carrying the weight of his or her upper body as the lower trunk and legs drag on the floor. D. while simultaneously maintaining spinal immobilization with a minimum of two rescuers.

A

The blanket drag would be most appropriate to use to move a patient if he or she is: A. wearing clothing that is easily torn. B. in cardiac arrest and requires CPR. C. wearing a sturdy shirt but no pants. D. underweight and semiconscious.

A

The bone of the upper arm is called the _________, and the bones of the forearm are called the _________ and _________. A. humerus, radius, ulna B. radius, humerus, tibia C. clavicle, ulna, radius D. humerus, tibia, fibula

A

The central nervous system is composed of the: A. brain and spinal cord. B. spinal cord and its nerve fibers. C. region of the brain that regulates breathing. D. nerve fibers that extend throughout the body.

A

The circulatory system is responsible for: A. pumping blood through the body. B. enriching the blood with oxygen. C. producing oxygen-carrying blood cells. D. producing carbon dioxide in the body.

B

The direct ground lift should not be performed if the patient: A. is unconscious and not breathing. B. has experienced a traumatic injury. C. weighs more than 175 pounds (79 kg). D. has a back injury and is able to walk.

D

The disease-causing agents that are spread through contact with blood or other secretions are called: A. viruses. B. bacteria. C. antigens. D. pathogens.

C

The exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen occurs: A. within the walls of the trachea. B. about 20 to 24 times per minute. C. without conscious effort on your part. D. outside the alveoli within the lungs.

C

The function of the right ventricle is to: A. pump blood to the body. B. receive blood from the body. C. pump blood to the lungs. D. receive blood from the lungs.

B

The left ventricle is the most muscular chamber of the heart because it: A. receives a lot of blood from the aorta. B. must pump blood throughout the entire body. C. receives large amounts of blood from the body. D. must pump adequate amounts of blood to the lungs.

D

The location of a lateral body part is: A. in the lower part of the body. B. at the highest point of the body. C. toward the center of the body. D. away from the midline of the body.

B

The major bones of the head include the: A. skull and facial bones. B. skull and lower jawbone. C. upper jawbone and skull. D. upper and lower jawbones.

B

The most appropriate technique for moving an adult patient from his or her bed to the ambulance stretcher is the: A. direct carry lift. B. draw sheet method. C. cradle-in-arms carry. D. pack-strap carry technique.

C

The most common abandonment scenario occurs when: A. an EMR transfers care of a critically injured patient to a certified EMT or paramedic. B. a paramedic transfers care of a patient to an emergency department nurse or physician. C. an EMS provider assesses a patient but fails to transport and later learns the patient died. D. a competent patient refuses treatment at the scene but later dies of a hidden injury or illness.

A

The most effective way to prevent accidental movement of a patient's head when strapping him or her to a long backboard is to: A. secure the head to the backboard after securing the wrist and hip area. B. routinely secure the patient's head to the backboard first. C. secure the torso before centering the patient on the board. D. pad any voids in between the patient and the long backboard.

A

The most effective way to prevent exposure to infectious diseases is to: A. follow standard precautions on all calls. B. place a mask on all patients you treat. C. ensure that your immunizations are current. D. wash your hands thoroughly after each call.

D

The most important reason for notifying the dispatcher after you have turned over care of a patient to other EMS providers is: A. to enable the dispatcher to maintain an accurate time log for the incident. B. to inform the dispatcher of the care you provided before other EMS providers arrived. C. that the dispatcher is required to report any and all radio traffic to his or her supervisor. D. to let the dispatcher know how long it will take before you are available for another call.

B

The nerve fibers outside the brain and spinal cord make up the: A. central nervous system. B. peripheral nervous system. C. voluntary nervous system. D. involuntary nervous system.

C

The one-person walking assist method can be used if the patient: A. weighs less than 150 pounds (68 kg). B. requires assistance over rough terrain. C. is able to bear weight on his or her feet. D. only has minor lower extremity injuries.

D

The organ that delivers sperm to fertilize the female egg is called the: A. fallopian tube. B. uterus. C. ovary. D. penis.

B

The oxygen-carrying component of the blood is/are: A. platelets. B. red blood cells. C. white blood cells. D. plasma.

D

The prefix hyper- means: A. rapid or swift. B. below or deficient. C. abnormally slow. D. above or excessive.

C

The presence of rigor mortis indicates that: A. the body's tissues are beginning to decay. B. death has occurred within the last 15 minutes. C. the patient is dead and cannot be resuscitated. D. the muscles of the body are permanently stiff.

B

The primary function of the digestive system is to: A. prevent harmful substances from being absorbed into the blood. B. break down food into a form that can be carried to the body's cells. C. produce bile for release into the small intestine to help digest fats. D. create waste products that are eliminated from the body via the rectum.

B

The primary technique used to move a patient onto a long backboard is the: A. sheet drag. B. log roll technique. C. fire fighter's drag. D. direct carry method.

D

The principle of implied consent assumes that an unconscious patient: A. has a living will on file. B. is at least 18 years of age. C. has a life-threatening condition. D. would wish to receive treatment.

B

The purpose of a communications system is to: A. communicate critical patient information face to face with another healthcare professional. B. relay information from one location to another when it is impossible to communicate face to face. C. transmit data from a remote location to the hospital so that the physician can provide the proper guidance. D. alert the general public in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other significant situation.

C

The purpose of the Good Samaritan law is to: A. encourage citizens to become EMRs. B. afford protection to EMS personnel who commit negligent acts. C. protect citizens from liability when rendering care in good faith. D. provide total immunity from being sued to all EMS professionals

C

The rate of a person's breathing increases when: A. the need for carbon dioxide increases. B. the body requires less oxygen. C. the body generates additional carbon dioxide. D. there is too much oxygen in the blood.

A

The recovery position is used for patients who are: A. unconscious and not injured. B. experiencing respiratory distress. C. severely obese and not breathing. D. semiconscious with a neck injury.

C

The removal of waste products from the body by the genitourinary system begins in the: A. ovaries B. pancreas. C. kidneys. D. gallbladder.

C

The respiratory system functions by: A. transporting oxygenated blood throughout the body. B. eliminating damaged blood cells from the body. C. bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. D. ensuring that an adequate amount of oxygen reaches the body's cells.

D

The scope of care under which the EMR functions is specified by the: A. National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. B. State Department of Public Safety. C. National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. D. EMS system medical director.

A

The section of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 that most directly affects EMS relates to: A. patient privacy. B. continuity of care. C. access to health insurance. D. combating waste and fraud.

B

The sections of the spinal column, in descending order, are the: A. coccyx, sacrum, lumbar, thoracic, and cervical. B. cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx. C. thoracic, cervical, sacrum, lumbar, and coccyx. D. cervical, thoracic, sacrum, coccyx, and lumbar.

C

The shoulder is an example of a(n): A. hinge joint. B. fused joint. C. ball-and-socket joint. D. immovable joint.

c

The skin is a protective barrier against bacteria and viruses unless: A. it gets wet. B. it is too warm. C. it is injured. D. it is stretched.

A

The spinal cord is a group of nerves that: A. carries messages to and from the brain. B. extends from the midchest to the pelvis. C. is surrounded by tendons and ligaments. D. is positioned lateral to the spinal vertebrae.

A

The structure that prevents food or liquid from entering the larynx is called the: A. epiglottis. B. esophagus. C. oropharynx. D. nasopharynx.

D

The term "anterior" refers to the: A. top. B. back. C. sides. D. front.

A

The two-person extremity carry is particularly advantageous when moving a patient who: A. is in a narrow space. B. has an injury to the spine. C. has an altered mental state. D. weighs more than 250 pounds (113 kg).

C

There is no scientific documentation that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted via urine, nasal secretions, or sputum, unless: A. the secretions come into contact with intact skin. B. the patient has an abnormal blood cell count. C. the secretions contain visible signs of blood. D. the rescuer has been immunized against HIV.

A

Thin-walled vessels that carry blood back to the heart are called: A. veins. B. arteries. C. arterioles. D. capillaries.

C

Thinking, breathing, heartbeat, and digestion are central functions of the: A. peripheral nerves. B. spinal cord. C. brain. D. spinal nerves.

B

When EMTs or paramedics arrive at an emergency scene, the EMR should: A. disengage from patient care and give them room to work. B. provide them with a hand-off report and assist as needed. C. apprise family members who may be present at the scene. D. notify the dispatcher of their arrival and then depart the scene.

A

To comply with the standard of care, the EMR must: A. treat the patient to the best of his or her ability and provide care that a reasonable, prudent person with similar training would provide under similar circumstances. B. provide prompt and competent care that is consistent with what is deemed appropriate by the paramedic in charge and that is clearly defined in the EMS system protocols. C. provide the same prompt and competent care that an individual with a higher level of training would have provided under the same or similar circumstances. D. treat the patient in a manner that is consistent with what is expected of the general public and that meets or exceeds the EMR's established scope of practice.

A

To provide the best possible care for the patient: A. all EMS personnel must function effectively as a team. B. a paramedic must be present at each and every emergency. C. the patient must receive rapid transport to the closest hospital. D. the medical director must be notified during every emergency.

D

To see his grandson graduate from high school, a man with a terminal illness promises to keep all of his doctor's appointments and take all of his medications exactly as prescribed. This is an example of: A. anger. B. denial. C. acceptance. D. bargaining.

C

Upon arriving at the scene of a major motor vehicle crash, you determine that there are multiple patients. You should: A. page additional help by using the mobile data terminal in your response vehicle. B. triage all patients and then use your portable radio to call for additional resources. C. immediately request additional resources using the mobile radio in your response vehicle. D. call for additional help using a cellular phone after you have determined the severity of the patients' injuries.

D

Upon arriving at the scene of an emergency call, a visual survey will enable you to: A. identify the patients who are the most critically ill or injured. B. determine the events that occurred shortly before the incident. C. identify any type of hazardous materials that may be involved. D. determine the number of patients and estimate injury severity.

D

Ways in which the EMR can prevent and reduce unnecessary stress include all of the following, except: A. learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress. B. adjustments in lifestyle to include stress-reducing activities. C. being aware of the resources and services that are available. D. frequent exposure to stress-causing situations to train the mind.

B

What effects does caffeine have on the body? A. Overhydration and decreased stress levels B. Increased blood pressure and increased stress C. Decreased alertness, sleepiness, and depression D. Decreased heart rate and decreased blood pressure

D

What level of EMS provider is able to perform limited ALS skills? A. EMR B. EMT C. Paramedic D. Advanced EMT

A

What role does insulin play in the body? A. It aids in the body's use of glucose. B. It stimulates the liver to make glucose. C. It breaks down and eliminates glucose. D. It draws glucose from the body's cells.

C

When EMTs or paramedics arrive at the scene of an emergency, the EMR should: A. accompany the patient to the receiving medical facility. B. assume that his or her assistance will no longer be required. C. assist the EMTs in continuing the care that he or she initiated. D. obtain a signature from the EMT who is assuming patient care.

C

When addressing a patient, using terms such as "Dear": A. usually puts the patient at ease. B. lets the patient know that you care. C. is disrespectful and should be avoided. D. is most appropriate for elderly patients.

C

When arriving at a patient's residence, all of the following signs would indicate that the patient is visually impaired, except: A. the presence of eye glasses. B. a white cane found near the patient. C. a small dog penned up in the backyard. D. the patient pointing to his or her ear when you talk.

C

When can the rescuer who is manually stabilizing a patient's head safely let go of the head? A. After an appropriately sized cervical collar has been applied B. As soon as the patient's torso has been secured to the board C. After the head has been secured to the board with blanket rolls D. As soon as the patient is adequately centered on the backboard

B

When communicating with a conscious, sick, or injured patient, it is important to: A. speak quickly to expedite patient care. B. maintain eye contact whenever possible. C. use medical terms to avoid patient confusion. D. allow minimal time for the patient to respond.

D

When communicating with a non-English-speaking patient, you should first: A. use hand gestures only when communicating. B. write down your questions on a piece of paper. C. ask a family member to function as an interpreter. D. determine how much English the patient can speak.

B

When communicating with older people who have a visual or hearing impairment, it is important to: A. remove their hearing aids to minimize distortion of your voice. B. use the same communication skills you would for any other patient with similar conditions. C. recall that most older people have significant hearing and visual impairments as a result of aging. D. constantly reassure them that the paramedics are on their way and that everything will be all right.

B

When determining whether to use one or two rescuers to provide walking assistance to an ambulatory patient, you should: A. ask the patient how much he or she weighs. B. assess the patient's condition and the incident scene. C. use one rescuer initially and then a second if needed. D. ask the patient to walk a short distance to assess for pain.

A

When dispatched to an emergency call, you should: A. not respond until you are sure of the location. B. call the dispatcher by phone to confirm directions. C. get in your response vehicle and proceed immediately. D. send a "received call" message to the dispatcher via text.

D

When documenting the events of an emergency call, the EMR should include the: A. names of all personnel at the scene. B. treatment provided by the paramedics. C. diagnosis provided by the paramedics. D. treatment provided before EMS arrival.

B

When functioning at a crime scene, the EMR should: A. position equipment in a location that is most convenient. B. avoid moving furniture unless it interferes with patient care. C. avoid moving the patient unless he or she is in cardiac arrest. D. obtain law enforcement permission before treating a critical patient.

A

When immobilizing the patient's head to the long backboard, you should: A. place rolled blankets on both sides of the patient's head. B. tightly secure the patient's head to the board with cravats. C. secure the head to the board before securing the torso and legs. D. stabilize both sides of the head prior to applying a cervical collar.

A

When moving a deceased person, it is most appropriate to: A. place the body in a body bag and then place the body bag on a long backboard. B. cover the body with a white sheet and then place it in a fully encapsulated body bag. C. place the body in a body bag and then use at least two people to carry the body bag. D. cover the body with a yellow sheet and then move the body with a portable stretcher.

C

When moving a deceased person, your priority should be to: A. move the body in a manner that creates a respectful image for the family. B. move the body in a manner that does not expose it directly to the media. C. move the body in a manner that minimizes your risk of personal injury. D. avoid covering the body in case his or her death was caused by homicide.

A

When moving a patient, who typically gives the command to begin the move? A. The rescuer at the patient's head B. The strongest rescuer at the scene C. The most senior responder at the scene D. The paramedic in charge of patient care

D

When nerves send signals to the brain about what is happening to the body, the brain: A. automatically increases the rate and depth of breathing. B. sends signals back to the body to obtain more sensory information. C. often takes a lengthy period of time to interpret the sensory signals. D. sends signals to the body in response to the sensory signals it received.

A

When parking your vehicle at an emergency scene, you should: A. protect the emergency scene from traffic hazards. B. avoid reflective vests because they will distract other drivers. C. first ensure the safety of your partner and the patient(s). D. park your vehicle as close to the patient(s) as possible.

C

When performing the pack-strap carry technique, optimal weight distribution occurs when the: A. rescuer bends forward to lift the patient. B. rescuer is in an upright standing position. C. patient's armpits are over the rescuer's shoulders. D. patient weighs less than 150 pounds (68 kg).

D

When performing the straddle slide technique, team coordination problems would MOST likely occur if the patient is moved more than __________ at a time. A. 5" to 6" (12.7 to 15.2 cm) B. 6" to 8" (15.2 to 20.3 cm) C. 8" to 10" (20.3 to 25.4 cm) D. 10" to 12" (25.4 to 30.5 cm)

C

When performing the two-person seat carry technique, the rescuers should: A. be standing side by side when they lift the patient. B. maintain stabilization of the patient's head as they move. C. keep their backs as straight as possible and lift with their legs. D. not attempt to lift the patient if he or she weighs more than 120 pounds (54 kg).

B

When the body gets too cold, the blood vessels: A. remain at a constant size to maintain body temperature. B. constrict to shunt warm blood to the body's core. C. dilate to bring cold blood to the surface of the skin. D. constrict initially but then dilate to maintain temperature.

C

When transmitting information from the patient's side to the responding ambulance, the EMR would most likely use a: A. base station. B. mobile radio. C. portable radio. D. cellular telephone.

D

When treating any critically ill or injured patient, it is important to: A. reassure the patient that you are competent and that he or she will not die. B. allow multiple family members to speak to the patient at any given time. C. minimize communications with the patient to facilitate treatment. D. treat the patient the same way you would want your family member treated.

B

When you encounter a patient with a significant illness, it is important to remember that he or she: A. is usually depressed and will not talk. B. may be experiencing any stage of grief. C. will always project anger toward you. D. has probably already accepted the situation.

A

Which bone is located on the medial aspect of the forearm? A. Ulna B. Radius C. Fibula D. Humerus

A

Which layer of the skin contains sensory nerves and sweat glands? A. Dermis B. Epidermis C. Deep muscle tissue D. Subcutaneous layer

B

Which of the following MOST accurately describes an emergency medical responder (EMR)? A. An individual who responds to the scene in an ambulance B. The first medically trained person to arrive at the scene C. An individual who provides initial advanced life support D. A fire fighter or police officer who assists the paramedics

D

Which of the following components is not required to prove negligence? A. Duty to act B. Breach of duty C. Resulting injuries D. Patient refusal of care

C

Which of the following concepts is the first and most important when providing patient care? A. Render proper treatment B. Maintain your composure C. Above all else, do no harm D. Provide your care in good faith

B

Which of the following devices would not serve as an adequate replacement for a long backboard? A. Door B. Foam surfboard C. Sturdy folding table D. Ironing board

A

Which of the following findings would most likely be normal? A. Marathon runner with a heart rate of 45 beats/min B. Competitive bicyclist with a heart rate of 100 beats/min C. Overweight person with a resting heart rate of 40 beats/min D. Overweight person with a systolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg

A

Which of the following functions would the EMS medical director be the least likely to perform? A. Responding to the scene of an emergency B. Providing medical direction via two-way radio C. Establishing medical policies and procedures D. Providing direction during an EMR's initial training

B

Which of the following general statements regarding communication devices is most correct? A. EMRs should be thoroughly familiar with the construction of the radio devices used in their departments. B. It is more important to understand how to send and receive data than it is to understand how the system is constructed. C. Thorough knowledge of all the different communication systems is critical to transmitting and receiving information effectively. D. Throughout the different phases of an EMS call, communications systems are used for the same function.

A

Which of the following immunizations and tests are recommended for EMS providers? A. Tetanus prophylaxis, hepatitis B vaccine, and TB skin testing B. Hepatitis C vaccine, HIV prophylaxis, and annual TB skin testing C. West Nile virus vaccine, tetanus prophylaxis, and hepatitis B vaccine D. TB skin testing, hepatitis A vaccine, and prophylactic antibiotics

A

Which of the following interventions would the EMR most likely perform at the scene of a cardiac arrest? A. CPR and defibrillation B. Insertion of an endotracheal tube C. Administration of certain medications D. Initiation of an intravenous line

A

Which of the following is an example of an internal distraction that may hinder an EMR's communication with a patient? A. Worrying about personal finances while at the scene of a car crash B. A loud bulldozer that is operating in a lot near a patient's residence C. An angry husband who is demanding that the EMR care for his wife D. Numerous family members who are giving the EMR patient information

D

Which of the following is not a consideration when responding to an emergency scene? A. Fastening your safety belt B. Proceeding quickly but safely C. Considering the drivers around you D. Taking the shortest route

A

Which of the following is not a criterion used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to evaluate an EMS system? A. Billing and collections B. Resource management C. Regulation and policy D. Education of the public

C

Which of the following is not a female reproductive organ? A. Uterus B. Ovaries C. Testes D. Fallopian tubes

D

Which of the following is not considered an advance directive? A. Living will B. Durable power of attorney for health care C. Do not resuscitate (DNR) order D. EMS system protocols

D

Which of the following is not part of the standard precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)? A. Wear a face shield if blood splatter is anticipated. B. Place needles directly in a puncture-proof container. C. Wash your hands immediately after patient contact. D. Use leather gloves as a barrier against blood and fluids.

C

Which of the following is the least important to document on a patient care report? A. The patient's initial and repeat vital signs B. The agency who assumed patient care C. The patient's social security number D. The patient's condition when found

A

Which of the following is the most effective way to avoid allowing an angry patient or family member to interfere with your patient care duties? A. Realize that the anger is not because of you. B. Ignore the behavior and continue your duties. C. Be stern with the patient or family member. D. Cease all care until everyone calms down.

A

Which of the following most accurately describes negligence? A. Performance of care that does not meet the accepted standards B. Desertion of a patient who is still in need of emergency treatment C. Failure to respond to the scene of an emergency when dispatched D. Performing skills that are beyond your level of EMS certification

D

Which of the following most accurately describes the correct technique for performing a clothes drag? A. Grasp the patient's pant legs, support the patient's legs under your arms, and drag the patient to safety. B. Use two rescuers to grab each side of the patient's pants, minimize movement of the head, and drag the patient to safety. C. Secure a strap under the patient's arms and around his or her chest, protect his or her spine, and drag to safety. D. Grasp the clothes just behind the collar, rest the patient's head on your arms, and drag the patient to safety.

D

Which of the following pieces of equipment should be included in the EMR's life support kit? A. Manual defibrillator B. Endotracheal tubes C. Mechanical suction device D. Mouth-to-mask ventilation device

C

Which of the following pieces of information is the least critical to relay to the responding EMS unit about your patient? A. Chief complaint B. Status of the airway C. Past medical history D. Level of responsiveness

A

Which of the following prefixes is used when referring to the heart? A. Cardio- B. Hyper- C. Hypo- D. Vaso-

D

Which of the following represents the least healthy and balanced diet? A. Lean meats, fish, fat-free milk, and yogurt B. Whole-grain cereal, vegetables, and low-fat milk C. Six ounces of pasta and 2.5 cups of a variety of vegetables D. One cup of fruit, 3 ounces of salt, and 1 cup of fat-free milk

D

Which of the following sets of vital signs is typical for an otherwise healthy adult? A. Blood pressure, 80/50 mm Hg; pulse, 130 beats/min; respirations, 30 breaths/min B. Blood pressure, 90/60 mm Hg; pulse, 110 beats/min; respirations, 26 breaths/min C. Blood pressure, 100/50 mm Hg; pulse, 90 beats/min; respirations, 24 breaths/min D. Blood pressure, 110/60 mm Hg; pulse, 70 beats/min; respirations, 16 breaths/min

C

Which of the following statements about the skull is correct? A. The many bones of the skull form a solid sphere. B. The skull consists of two major bones that are fused together loosely. C. The skull forms a hollow sphere that contains and protects the brain. D. The skull comprises many small, thin, bony structures.

B

Which of the following statements is correct? A. The abdomen is on the posterior aspect of the body. B. The chest is located on the anterior aspect of the body. C. The thigh is proximal in relation to the patient's hips. D. An injured left foot is proximal to an injured left knee.

B

Which of the following statements is correct? A. The head is inferior to the neck. B. The wrist is distal to the elbow. C. The ears are medial to the eyes. D. The knee is proximal to the thigh.

D

Which of the following statements regarding HIV is not correct? A. HIV is transmitted via direct contact with infected blood. B. There is currently no vaccine to protect rescuers from HIV. C. Blood splashed into the eyes is a significant route of exposure. D. Most people with HIV show symptoms early in their disease.

A

Which of the following statements regarding a base station is correct? A. A base station is used by dispatchers to send and receive messages to and from all parts of the service area. B. Base stations are attached to more than one antenna but can transmit and receive on only one frequency. C. A base station is a powerful mobile two-way radio system that is designed to transmit on multiple frequencies. D. Most base stations can be mobilized and deployed quickly to a remote location in an emergency situation.

A

Which of the following statements regarding a child's airway is correct? A. Very young infants can breathe only through their noses. B. Airway blockage is less likely to occur in small children. C. The child's airway is smaller but less flexible than an adult's. D. An infant's respiratory rate is somewhat slower than an adult's.

D

Which of the following statements regarding a patient's consent to treatment is correct? A. Once a patient gives you consent, he or she cannot revoke it. B. A patient must be transported if he or she consents to treatment. C. Patients can give consent to treat only to an EMT or paramedic. D. Patients may refuse treatment at any time, even if treatment has begun.

A

Which of the following statements regarding adolescents is correct? A. An adolescent will test the limits of authority. B. An adolescent often fears and respects his or her elders. C. Adolescents understand the consequences of their actions. D. Adolescents are usually responsible and are not risk takers

D

Which of the following statements regarding ambulance stretchers is correct? A. All ambulance stretchers have the same operational features. B. Ambulance stretchers should only be operated by two people. C. Ambulance stretchers will accommodate patients of any weight. D. It is best to use four people if the ambulance stretcher must be lifted or carried.

C

Which of the following statements regarding capillaries is correct? A. Capillaries are thick-walled blood vessels that are under high pressure. B. At the capillary level, carbon dioxide passes from the blood into the cells. C. Some capillaries are so small that only one blood cell at a time can pass through them. D. Blood cells pick up blood that is high in oxygen from the capillaries and return it to the heart.

C

Which of the following statements regarding documentation is not correct? A. Your documentation serves as a legal document that reflects the actions you took at a scene. B. Good documentation can help you recall the events of a call several months after it happened. C. Proper documentation is an unreliable method for determining whether you functioned appropriately. D. If you do not document an action or procedure, it is assumed that the action or procedure never occurred.

C

Which of the following statements regarding fused joints is correct? A. Fused joints permit movement in only one plane. B. The shoulders and hips are examples of fused joints. C. Fused joints do not permit movement between the bone ends. D. Fused joints allow movement in more than one plane.

A

Which of the following statements regarding hearing-impaired patients is correct? A. Do a complete assessment on every patient, whether he or she can hear you or not. B. Patients with short-term hearing loss usually can communicate with you effectively. C. Assess only the area where the hearing-impaired patient complains of pain or discomfort. D. Patients who are hearing impaired will not be able to communicate effectively with other people.

A

Which of the following statements regarding online medical control is correct? A. In most EMS systems, EMRs are not required to contact medical control for the basic skills they are permitted to perform. B. The EMR should always contact medical control via cellular telephone prior to performing any basic life support (BLS) skills. C. EMTs and paramedics are rarely required to contact online medical control because they follow locally established protocols. D. As an EMR, you should be present when an EMT or paramedic contacts medical control for patient care guidance or advice.

D

Which of the following statements regarding skeletal muscle is correct? A. Skeletal muscle is attached to bones by ligaments. B. Skeletal muscle carries out automatic functions of the body. C. Skeletal muscle is not under conscious control. D. Skeletal muscles provide voluntary muscle movement.

B

Which of the following statements regarding stress is correct? A. Mass-casualty incidents typically produce low stress levels. B. Past experiences may make it difficult to deal with stress. C. Most emergency calls produce only a minor level of stress. D. Very young patients tend to cause the least amount of stress.

C

Which of the following statements regarding the acceptance stage of the grieving process is correct? A. The patient is satisfied with the situation during this phase. B. Acceptance is typically the first stage of the grieving process. C. The patient understands that the situation cannot be changed. D. It is often characterized by sadness, despair, and denial.

A

Which of the following statements regarding the direct ground lift is correct? A. It results in poor body mechanics and is generally discouraged. B. The rescuers should be on opposite sides of each other when lifting. C. It is optimal for patients with suspected neck or back injuries. D. It requires minimal lifting effort on the part of the rescuers.

B

Which of the following statements regarding the fire fighter drag is correct? A. It requires minimal strain on the rescuer's back. B. It does not require you to lift or carry the patient. C. It is appropriate only if the patient is unconscious. D. It is most effective if the patient is severely obese

A

Which of the following statements regarding the hepatitis B virus is correct? A. Hepatitis B is far more contagious than HIV is. B. Indirect contact with blood spreads hepatitis B. C. There is no effective vaccine against hepatitis B. D. Hepatitis B is usually spread via the droplet route

D

Which of the following statements regarding the ribs is correct? A. The seven pairs of ribs attach anteriorly to the sternum. B. The eight pairs of ribs protect the heart, lungs, liver, and spleen. C. The 11th and 12th ribs are attached directly to the sternum. D. All 12 pairs of ribs are attached posteriorly to the spinal column.

B

Which of the following statements regarding the two-person chair carry technique is correct? A. A folding chair should be used whenever possible. B. The patient generally feels more secure with this carry than with the seat carry. C. It is of minimal use when moving a patient through a narrow hallway. D. The rescuer at the foot end of the chair should be facing away from the patient.

B

Which of the following statements regarding transport of a patient to the hospital is correct? A. Any sick or injured patient should be transported to the closest hospital, regardless of the patient's condition. B. Patients may require immediate stabilization at the closest hospital and then transfer to another facility. C. EMRs are legally obligated to accompany the patient in the back of the ambulance to the hospital. D. In most states and EMS systems, EMRs are not authorized to assist the EMT in the back of the ambulance.

D

Which of the following would be the EMR's most important initial responsibility when arriving at the scene of a multiple-patient incident? A. Advising the dispatcher that additional resources will be needed B. Protecting bystanders from any hazards that may exist at the scene C. Quickly gaining access to all patients and begin immediate treatment D. Assessing the environment to detect possible threats to his or her safety

B

Which organs are protected by the pelvis? A. Liver and spleen B. Reproductive organs C. Kidneys and gallbladder D. Stomach and gallbladder

B

Which type of muscle carries out many of the body's automatic functions? A. Cardiac muscle B. Smooth muscle C. Skeletal muscle D. Voluntary muscle

C

While at the scene of a motor vehicle crash on a hot afternoon, you begin experiencing lightheadedness and feel like you are going to faint. There are ample personnel to take care of the patients. You should: A. continue working but stop if your symptoms get worse. B. get a cup of coffee and immediately sit down in the shade. C. rehabilitate yourself by drinking water or a sports drink. D. leave the scene at once and seek the care of a physician.

D

While functioning at the scene of a patient in cardiac arrest, you do not initiate CPR because the patient is elderly and you think that he is probably dead. Paramedics arrive and determine that the patient has only been in cardiac arrest for 6 minutes. Which of the following statements regarding this scenario is correct? A. As an EMR, you did not have a legal duty to begin CPR. B. The patient would most likely not be able to be resuscitated. C. Your actions are consistent with the responsibilities of an EMR. D. You may be held liable for failure to follow the standard of care.

C

While you treat an elderly patient, he tells you that he bleeds easily. Which of the following would most likely cause this? A. Weak bone structure B. Progressive liver failure C. Inadequate platelet count D. Increased white blood cell count

B

White blood cells are responsible for: A. carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide. B. devouring disease-causing organisms. C. activating the blood's clotting process. D. circulating all of the cells in the blood.

B

Who should give the commands to move a patient with a suspected spinal injury? A. The rescuer with the most experience B. The rescuer at the patient's head C. The rescuer at the patient's torso D. The rescuer who will bear the most weight

C

With regard to lifting and moving, good body mechanics includes: A. twisting your body slightly when lifting. B. keeping your feet no less than 3′ (1 m) apart. C. using your legs and not your back when lifting. D. lifting with the strong musculature of your back.

A

You and your partner are assisting paramedics in securing an injured patient to a long backboard. One paramedic is supporting the patient's head while the other paramedic and your partner are supporting the patient's torso and legs. Where should you be? A. Ready to slide the board under the patient as the team performs a log roll B. Standing behind the paramedic at the head to help him or her stay balanced C. Waiting to apply a cervical collar after the patient is secured to the backboard D. Behind the rescuers at the patient's torso and legs to prevent them from falling

D

You and your partner are performing CPR on a 77-year-old man when his wife states that he has terminal cancer and does not want to be resuscitated. She further tells you that he has a living will; however, she is unable to locate it. You should: A. honor the wife's wishes and cease resuscitation efforts. B. assist the wife in looking for the living will documents. C. have the wife sign a release form and then cease CPR. D. continue CPR and contact medical control for guidance.

D

You and your partner are the first to arrive at the scene of a man who fell approximately 20′ (6 m) from a second-story balcony. The patient is found lying on his side. He is conscious and alert with adequate breathing. A paramedic unit is approximately 5 minutes away. You should: A. apply a cervical collar and carefully secure the patient to a short backboard or vest-style immobilization device. B. carefully place the patient on his back and stabilize his head and neck until the paramedic unit arrives at the scene. C. carefully immobilize the patient to a long backboard and monitor his condition until the paramedic unit arrives. D. keep the patient's head and neck stabilized, tell the patient not to move, and wait for the paramedic unit to arrive at the scene.

A

You and your partner are the first unit to arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle crash. The driver of the car is deceased. There are two passengers in the back seat, an unconscious man who is breathing poorly, and a conscious woman who is lying on top of him. How should you move the woman? A. Rapidly but carefully remove her from the car so that you can gain access to the unconscious man. B. Apply a cervical collar, immobilize her to a short backboard device, and quickly remove her from the car. C. Slide a long backboard underneath her, secure her to the board with straps, and rapidly remove her from the car. D. Manually stabilize her head and neck, leave her where she is, and wait for a paramedic unit to arrive at the scene.

C

You are a volunteer EMR and have placed your name on the schedule to respond for a 12-hour shift. With 10 minutes left in your shift, you are dispatched for a patient with a possible fractured leg. You should: A. wait until your relief arrives and let him or her respond. B. respond only if it is convenient because you are a volunteer. C. proceed to the scene and begin providing care to the patient. D. wait for paramedics to arrive to determine if you are needed.

D

You are asked to accompany a paramedic in the back of the ambulance to assist in the care of a critically injured patient. The patient, who is semiconscious, is fully immobilized on a long backboard. What is the MOST important thing that you should be doing? A. Taking the patient's vital signs B. Performing a head-to-toe assessment C. Manually stabilizing the patient's head D. Monitoring the patient for airway problems

C

You are asked to accompany a paramedic in the back of the ambulance to take care of a patient with suspected TB. The patient is coughing and is in severe respiratory distress. In addition to gloves, what protective measures should you take? A. Place a HEPA respirator on the patient and a gown on yourself. B. Put on safety goggles and apply an oxygen mask to the patient. C. Put on a HEPA respirator and apply an oxygen mask to the patient. D. Apply a full face shield to the patient and don a second pair of gloves.

B

You are at the scene of a shooting. The patient, who is being cared for by paramedics, is unresponsive and has severe bleeding from his injury. In this case, the EMR's most important function is to: A. help keep bystanders away from the patient. B. help the paramedics prepare for rapid transport. C. factually document the care provided to the patient. D. report observations to law enforcement personnel.

D

You are attempting to communicate with a deaf patient; however, because of the patient's hearing impairment, you are having difficulty obtaining the information you need and you do not know sign language. The patient lives alone and has no family. You should: A. cease communication and wait for the EMTs. B. repeatedly ask the patient the same questions. C. speak loudly and directly into the patient's ear. D. write your questions on a piece of paper.

A

You are caring for an 81-year-old woman as a responding EMS unit is en route to the scene. The woman is possibly having a heart attack and becomes frightened after you explain the situation to her. You should: A. ask the patient if she understood what you told her. B. request a neighbor to explain the situation to the patient. C. use medical terminology to reassure and calm the patient. D. wait for the EMS unit to arrive before providing further care.

B

You are dispatched to an elementary school for a 7-year-old boy who sustained a minor injury while on the playground. The child is conscious, alert, and does not appear to have any life-threatening injuries. What should you do? A. Begin treatment of the child and request an EMT unit to transport him to the hospital. B. Ask a teacher to contact the child's parents to obtain consent for you to begin treatment. C. Allow a teacher to sign a patient refusal form because the child does not require treatment. D. Send the child to the nurse's office for minor treatment and then return your unit to service.

C

You are dispatched to assist EMTs with an injured person. You are the first responder to arrive at the scene. As you are getting out of your vehicle, you hear someone screaming. What should you do? A. Carefully proceed to the patient while remaining alert. B. Get back in your vehicle and leave the scene immediately. C. Retreat to a safe distance until law enforcement personnel arrive. D. Access the patient quickly to determine if prompt care is needed.

B

You are obtaining the vital signs of a 50-year-old man who is complaining of severe chest pain when he asks you if he is going to die. You should tell him that: A. his condition is probably not critical and that he will not die. B. you don't know, but you are providing the best care that you can. C. he is having a heart attack and there is a chance that he could die. D. the responding EMS unit will probably be able to answer his question.

B

You are the first emergency medical responder (EMR) to arrive at the scene of a 49-year-old man in cardiac arrest. The patient clearly weighs more than you do and is in an area that makes it extremely difficult for you perform CPR. You should: A. begin CPR to the best of your ability and continue until additional rescuers arrive at the scene. B. slide a long backboard under the patient and move him to a larger area where you can begin CPR. C. not attempt to move the patient until sufficient help is available to move the patient safely to a larger area. D. tie the patient's wrists together, place his arms around your neck, and drag the patient to an area where you can begin CPR.

D

You are the first emergency medical responder (EMR) to arrive at the scene of a 49-year-old man in cardiac arrest. The patient clearly weighs more than you do and is in an area that makes it extremely difficult for you perform CPR. You should: A. begin CPR to the best of your ability and continue until additional rescuers arrive at the scene. B. slide a long backboard under the patient and move him to a larger area where you can begin CPR. C. not attempt to move the patient until sufficient help is available to move the patient safely to a larger area. D. tie the patient's wrists together, place his arms around your neck, and drag the patient to an area where you can begin CPR.

C

You are the first medically trained person to arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle crash. The patient is conscious and is bleeding heavily from a wound on his head. He is still in the vehicle, which has power lines draped across the hood. You should: A. carefully remove the patient from the vehicle without touching any metal. B. ask the patient to crawl out of the vehicle carefully without touching metal. C. advise the patient to remain still and immediately contact the power company. D. put on rubber gloves and carefully move the power lines away from the car.

A

You are the first medically trained person to arrive at the scene of a shooting. Law enforcement personnel have secured the scene. The patient, who is critically injured and requires immediate care, is found in his living room. A paramedic unit is en route to the scene. You should: A. provide the appropriate care while disturbing the scene as little as possible. B. move all furniture and other objects out of the way to make adequate room. C. take a mental picture of the scene and wait for the paramedic unit to arrive. D. not provide any patient care until authorized by a law enforcement officer.

B

You are the first medically trained person to arrive at the scene of an ill person. You find the patient, a 350-pound man, sitting in a small bathroom. The patient tells you that he is extremely weak and is unable to walk. You should: A. carefully lift the patient and move him to a more open area. B. wait for additional rescuers to arrive before trying to move him. C. apply a cervical collar and position the patient on his left side. D. use the one-person walking assist technique to move the patient.

A

You are the first responder to arrive at an emergency scene. What should you do first? A. Survey the scene for potential safety hazards. B. Access the patient and initiate the appropriate care. C. Wait in your vehicle until law enforcement arrives. D. Determine exactly how many patients are involved.

B

You are the first responder to arrive at the scene of a one-vehicle car crash. A paramedic crew is approximately 10 minutes away. The patient is outside of her car, sitting on the curb. As you approach her, she begins telling you what happened and asks you to take her blood pressure. This patient: A. should be placed in your response vehicle and transported to a hospital. B. is giving you actual consent to treat her and you should do so promptly. C. should not be treated until paramedics arrive and thoroughly assess her. D. is probably not significantly injured and will only require minimal care.

D

You arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle crash. The vehicle is a small passenger car that rolled several times and is now resting on its side. The patient, a middle-aged man, is still in the vehicle and will not respond when you ask if he is okay. You should: A. stabilize the car with rope and carefully extricate the man. B. carefully enter the car and rapidly remove the man to safety. C. use bystanders to help roll the car over so that you can access the man. D. assess the stability of the vehicle and notify the fire department.

A

You arrive at the scene of a patient who, according to neighbors, is acting strange. Law enforcement personnel and a responding ambulance are en route but have not yet arrived. The patient, a middle-aged man, is sitting in a chair on his front porch. He appears sick and has slurred speech. As you get out of your response vehicle, the man shouts, "I have a gun and will shoot anyone who comes near me!" You should: A. retreat to a safe place and wait for law enforcement personnel to secure the scene. B. quickly proceed to the patient and assess him for any life-threatening conditions. C. tell the patient that you are there to help him and that he does not really want to shoot anyone. D. slowly approach the patient and constantly reassure him that you are there to provide assistance.

D

You can reduce stress most effectively during recreational activities by: A. limiting your use of tobacco products. B. discussing work issues with your family. C. consuming moderate amounts of alcohol. D. including friends who are not coworkers.

D

Your response unit and a police officer simultaneously arrive at the scene of a shooting. After the police officer ensures that the scene is safe, you enter the residence and find the patient, a 22-year-old man, with several gunshot wounds to the chest. He is positioned in between the sofa and a coffee table. What should you do? A. Provide immediate care without moving the sofa, coffee table, or any other items at the scene. B. Move the patient to a more open area after the police officer takes photographs of the scene. C. Carefully document the original position of the patient prior to moving him to a more open area. D. Move the coffee table and provide immediate emergency medical treatment to the patient.