Chapter 4
41. General guidelines for effective radio communications include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. speaking in a clear, calm, monotone voice. B. acknowledging a transmission as soon as possible. C. using 10 codes to ensure radio traffic confidentiality. D. holding the microphone about 2" to 3" from your mouth.
Answer: C Page: 133
45. You could be sued for ___________ if your radio report to the hospital describes the patient in a manner that injures his or her reputation. A. libel B. assault C. slander D. negligence
Answer: C Page: 134
1. Ethnocentrism is defined as: A. understanding that people from different cultural backgrounds respond to pain and stress differently. B. suspecting that a person has an ulterior motive based on the tone of his or her voice when answering a question. C. subconsciously forcing your cultural values onto a patient because you feel that yours are more acceptable. D. considering your own cultural values as more important when interacting with people of a different culture.
Answer: D Page: 108
4. A 60-year-old man complains of chest pain. He is conscious and alert and denies shortness of breath. Which of the following questions would be the MOST appropriate to ask him? A. "Were you exerting yourself when the chest pain began?" B. "Does the pain in your chest move to either of your arms?" C. "Does the pain in your chest feel like a stabbing sensation?" D. "Do you have any heart problems or take any medications?"
Answer: D Page: 110
8. In what manner should you act and speak with a patient? A. passive B. authoritative C. loud and official D. calm and confident
Answer: D Page: 113
15. As you are wheeling your patient through the emergency department doors, you receive another call for a major motor vehicle crash. You should: A. place the patient in a high-visibility area and then respond to the call. B. inform the admissions clerk of the situation and then respond at once. C. leave a copy of the run form with a nurse and then respond to the call. D. respond only after giving a verbal patient report to a nurse or physician.
Answer: D Page: 117
16. The official transfer of patient care does not occur until the EMT: A. gives a radio report to the receiving medical facility. B. notifies the admitting clerk of their arrival at the hospital. C. informs dispatch of their arrival at the emergency department. D. gives an oral report to the emergency room physician or nurse.
Answer: D Page: 117
19. The patient care report (PCR) ensures: A. research data. B. legal protection. C. quality assurance. D. continuity of care.
Answer: D Page: 119
6. Calming and reassuring an anxious patient can be facilitated by: A. maintaining eye contact with the patient whenever possible. B. using medical terminology to ensure the patient understands. C. positioning yourself at a level that is higher than the patient. D. withholding unpleasant information until arrival at the hospital.
Answer: A Page: 112
5. You are interviewing a 52-year-old man who complains of chest discomfort. The patient is a retired paramedic and is very anxious because he thinks he is having a heart attack. Which of the following statements would be appropriate to say? A. "It is possible that you are experiencing a heart attack. I am going to give you four baby aspirin to chew and swallow." B. "I notice that you are a retired paramedic, so I'm sure you will understand all of the things that we will be doing to you." C. "This is nothing to worry about. Please try to stay calm. The physician at the hospital will probably not find any signs of a heart problem." D. "We need to take you to the ED stat. We will give you ASA and NTG en route and then reassess your vitals. Do you have any questions?"
Answer: A Page: 112
32. A ___________ receives messages and signals on one frequency and then automatically retransmits them on a second frequency. A. duplex B. scanner C. repeater D. decoder
Answer: C Page: 128
10. A 4-year-old boy had an apparent seizure. He is conscious and calm and is sitting on his mother's lap. His father is sitting in a nearby chair. The child's mother suddenly begins crying uncontrollably, which causes the child to start crying. You should: A. consider asking the father to hold the child so you can assess him while your partner tries to calm the mother. B. give the child a favorite toy or blanket to hold onto and perform your assessment to the best of your ability. C. reassure the child's mother that seizures in children are very common and that there is nothing to worry about. D. attempt to calm the child's mother, but avoid separating her from her child because this will increase her anxiety.
Answer: A Page: 115
13. When communicating with a visually impaired patient, you should: A. determine the degree of the patient's impairment. B. expect him or her to have difficulty understanding. C. recall that most visually impaired patients are blind. D. possess an in-depth knowledge of sign language.
Answer: A Page: 116
17. When you begin an oral report, you should state the patient's age, sex, and: A. chief complaint. B. any known allergies. C. past medical history. D. the emergency care given.
Answer: A Page: 118
21. Which of the following statements is NOT appropriate to document in the narrative section of a PCR? A. "General impression revealed that the patient was intoxicated." B. "Significant damage was noted to the front end of the vehicle." C. "The patient admits to smoking marijuana earlier in the day." D. "After oxygen was administered, the patient's breathing improved."
Answer: A Page: 121
23. After delivering your patient to the hospital, you sit down to complete the PCR. When documenting the patient's last blood pressure reading, you inadvertently write 120/60 instead of 130/70. To correct this mistake, you should: A. draw a single horizontal line through the error, initial it, and write the correct data next to it. B. attempt to erase the error, initial it, and then write the correct data on a separate addendum. C. cover the error with correction fluid and simply write the patient's actual blood pressure over it. D. leave the error on your PCR but inform the staff of the patient's actual blood pressure.
Answer: A Page: 124
24. A patient's refusal for EMS treatment and/or transport must be: A. an informed refusal. B. authorized by a judge. C. reported to the police. D. witnessed by a notary.
Answer: A Page: 124
33. What type of communications equipment functions as a radio receiver and searches across several frequencies? A. scanner B. duplex station C. simplex station D. mobile repeater
Answer: A Page: 129
36. During the alert and dispatch phase of EMS communications, the dispatcher's responsibilities include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. discouraging the caller from providing care until the EMS unit arrives. B. selecting and notifying the correct EMS response units and personnel. C. screening and assigning a priority to each call based on local protocols. D. coordinating responding EMS units with other public safety personnel.
Answer: A Page: 131
38. Immediately after being dispatched to a residence for an elderly patient with diabetic complications, you should: A. confirm with dispatch that you received the call information. B. ask the dispatcher to obtain a medical history from the caller. C. ask the dispatcher if the patient is conscious or unconscious. D. request that law enforcement secure the scene before you arrive.
Answer: A Page: 131-132
39. When relaying patient information via radio, communications should be: A. brief and easily understood. B. coded and scripted. C. spoken in a loud voice. D. lengthy and complete.
Answer: A Page: 132
46. When obtaining patient care orders from a physician via a two-way radio, it is MOST important to remember that: A. his or her instructions are based on the information you provide. B. the use of 10 codes is an effective method of communication. C. all orders should be carried out immediately and without question. D. the physician may or may not be located within your service area.
Answer: A Page: 135
3. You are assessing a 75-year-old woman with mild shortness of breath. As you are asking her questions regarding her chief complaint and medical history, you progressively move closer and closer to her. In doing this, it is important to remember that: A. placing yourself in the patient's personal space is relaying to her that you can be trusted. B. as you physically get closer to the patient, a greater and greater sense of trust must be established. C. it is necessary to enter an older person's intimate space because the elderly are typically hearing impaired. D. a patient's personal space should not be violated, regardless of any barriers that may hamper communication.
Answer: B Page: 109
7. During your assessment of a 20-year-old man with a severe headache and nausea, you ask him when his headache began, but he does not answer your question immediately. You should: A. repeat your question because he probably did not hear you. B. allow him time to think about the question and respond to it. C. ask him if he frequently experiences severe headaches and nausea. D. tell him that you cannot help him unless he answers your questions.
Answer: B Page: 113
9. When communicating with an older patient, it is important to remember that: A. your questions should focus exclusively on the patient's obvious problem. B. most older people think clearly and are capable of answering questions. C. hostility and confusion should be presumed to be due to the patient's age. D. speaking loudly and distinctly will ensure that the patient can hear you.
Answer: B Page: 113
12. Communicating with hearing-impaired patients can be facilitated by doing all of the following, EXCEPT: A. shining a light on your face when you are in a darkened environment. B. elevating the tone of your voice and exaggerating word pronunciation. C. placing yourself in a position to ensure that the patient can see your lips. D. providing pen and paper if the patient prefers to write his or her response.
Answer: B Page: 116
25. Which of the following statements regarding a patient refusal is MOST correct? A. A patient who consumed a few beers will likely be able to refuse EMS treatment. B. Advice given to a patient who refuses EMS treatment should not be documented. C. A mentally competent adult has the legal right to refuse EMS care and transport. D. Documentation of proposed care is unnecessary if the patient refuses treatment.
Answer: C Page: 124
20. Your EMS system uses a computerized PCR in which you fill in the information electronically and then send it to the emergency department via a secure Internet server. The PCR has a comprehensive series of drop-down boxes, which are used to identify your assessment findings and specify the treatment that you provided; it also has a section for your narrative. When completing your PCR after a call, you should: A. defer the narrative only if the information in the drop-down boxes accurately reflects the assessment and treatment that you performed. B. complete a thorough and accurate narrative because drop-down boxes cannot provide all of the information that needs to be documented. C. enter all of the pertinent information of the electronic PCR, but then print it out and provide a copy to the emergency department staff. D. avoid documenting personally identifiable information, such as the patient's name, because the PCR could be intercepted during transmission.
Answer: B Page: 121
22. All information recorded on the PCR must be: A. typewritten or printed. B. considered confidential. C. a matter of public record. D. reflective of your opinion.
Answer: B Page: 122
29. Which of the following statements regarding a "dedicated line" is MOST correct? A. It is an exclusive frequency that is used by EMTs to communicate with each other in the field. B. It is a constantly open line of communication that cannot be accessed by outside users. C. It is a designated frequency on a portable radio that provides direct access to medical control. D. It is a constantly open line of communication that is under exclusive control of a single user.
Answer: B Page: 127
34. Two-way communication that requires the EMT to "push to talk" and "release to listen" describes what mode of communication? A. duplex B. simplex C. multiplex D. mediplex
Answer: B Page: 129
35. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)? A. monitoring all radio traffic and conducting field spot checks B. maintaining communications equipment on the ambulance C. licensing base stations and assigning appropriate radio call signs D. allocating specific radio frequencies for use by EMS providers
Answer: B Page: 130
40. You are transporting a 54-year-old male in cardiac arrest. An EMR is driving the ambulance as you and your partner attempt to resuscitate the patient. What is the MOST logical way of notifying the hospital? A. Call the receiving hospital with your cellular phone as you attempt resuscitation. B. Have the driver contact dispatch and relay the patient information to the hospital. C. Request that a police officer respond to the hospital to apprise them of your arrival. D. Wait until you arrive at the hospital and then quickly apprise them of the situation.
Answer: B Page: 132
42. When communicating information over the radio, you should: A. respond professionally by saying "please" and "thank you." B. use the words "affirmative" and "negative" instead of "yes" or "no." C. limit any single transmission to 60 seconds or less and use 10 codes. D. use the patient's name only when communicating with the hospital.
Answer: B Page: 133
43. When providing a patient report via radio, you should protect the patient's privacy by: A. using coded medical language. B. not disclosing his or her name. C. withholding medical history data. D. refraining from objective statements.
Answer: B Page: 134
44. Information included in a radio report to the receiving hospital should include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. your perception of the severity of the problem. B. a preliminary diagnosis of the patient's problem. C. a brief history of the patient's current problem. D. a brief summary of the care you provided.
Answer: B Page: 134
48. Medical control gives you an order that seems inappropriate for the patient's condition. After confirming that you heard the physician correctly, you should: A. carry out the order and then carefully document it on the run form. B. advise the physician that the order is unclear and ask for clarification. C. state that you will not carry out the order because it is inappropriate. D. obtain consent from the patient and then carry out the order as usual.
Answer: B Page: 135
2. You are dispatched to the residence of an Asian family for a child with a high fever. When you assess the child, you note that he has numerous red marks on his back. The child's parents explain that these marks represent coining—a traditional Asian healing practice in which hot coins are rubbed on the back. You should: A. advise the child's parents that this is a harmful practice and is considered a form of child abuse in the United States. B. acknowledge and respect this practice as a cultural belief, but advise the child's parents that it has no healing power. C. document this on your patient care report and advise the emergency department staff of what the child's parents told you. D. advise the emergency department physician that you feel as though the child was intentionally abused by his parents.
Answer: C Page: 109
11. Which of the following statements regarding communication with a child is MOST correct? A. Most children are intrigued by strangers wearing uniforms. B. Give the child minimal information to avoid scaring him or her. C. Standing over a child often increases his or her level of anxiety. D. Unlike adults, children cannot see through lies or deceptions.
Answer: C Page: 116
14. You and your partner are dispatched to a residence for an "ill person." When you arrive, you find that the patient, a 44-year-old man, does not speak English. There are no relatives or bystanders present who can act as an interpreter. You should: A. give the patient oxygen, assess his vital signs, and transport him to the hospital in a position of comfort. B. speak to the patient with a moderately louder voice to facilitate his ability to understand what you are saying. C. use short, simple questions and point to specific parts of your body to try to determine the source of the patient's complaint. D. refrain from performing any assessment or treatment until you can contact someone who can function as an interpreter.
Answer: C Page: 117
18. Typical components of an oral patient report include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. the chief complaint or mechanism of injury. B. important medical history not previously given. C. the set of baseline vital signs taken at the scene. D. the patient's response to treatment you provided.
Answer: C Page: 118
27. Which of the following incidents does NOT require a report to be filed with local authorities? A. spousal abuse B. animal bites C. cardiac arrest D. gunshot wounds
Answer: C Page: 125
26. Despite numerous, sincere efforts to convince a 40-year-old man to consent to EMS treatment and transport, he refuses. After explaining the potential consequences of his refusal and determining that he has decision-making capacity, you ask him to sign an EMS refusal form, but he refuses to do that as well. You should: A. sign the refusal form, include the date and time, and have your partner witness it with his or her signature. B. document the patient's refusal, but leave the refusal form blank because only the patient can legally sign it. C. advise the patient that unless he signs the refusal form, he cannot legally refuse EMS treatment or transport. D. ask a family member, law enforcement officer, or bystander to sign the form verifying that the patient refused to sign.
Answer: D Page: 124
28. Any radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed location is called a: A. repeater. B. multiplex. C. mobile radio. D. base station.
Answer: D Page: 127
30. While at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you determine that there are two critically injured patients and that another ambulance is needed. You attempt to contact the dispatcher with your portable radio but are unsuccessful. You should: A. reattempt to contact dispatch from an area of higher terrain. B. place both patients in the ambulance and transport at once. C. ask a police officer to call dispatch with his portable radio. D. use the mobile radio in the ambulance to contact dispatch.
Answer: D Page: 127
31. Which of the following has the weakest transmission signal and, as a result, is LEAST likely to be heard by the party being called? A. multiplex base station B. land-base repeater station C. mobile repeater station D. hand-held portable radio
Answer: D Page: 127
37. After being dispatched on an emergency call, you should expect the dispatcher to provide you with all of the following information, EXCEPT: A. the time at which your unit was dispatched. B. the number of patients involved in the incident. C. other agencies that are responding to the scene. D. the general geographic location of the incident.
Answer: D Page: 131
47. After receiving online orders from medical control to perform a patient care intervention, you should: A. perform the intervention as ordered. B. confirm the order in your own words. C. ask the physician to repeat the order. D. repeat the order to medical control word for word.
Answer: D Page: 135
49. Which of the following statements regarding standing orders is MOST correct? A. Standing orders have less legal authority than orders given via radio. B. Standing orders require you to contact medical control first. C. Standing orders only highlight the care that you may provide. D. Standing orders should be followed when physician contact is not possible.
Answer: D Page: 136
50. You and your partner are attempting to resuscitate a middle-aged female in cardiac arrest. Because of the remote location you are in, you are unable to contact medical control. What should you do? A. Perform CPR only and initiate immediate transport. B. Make continuous attempts to contact medical control. C. Ask the husband if he wants to continue resuscitation. D. Follow locally established protocols or standing orders.
Answer: D Page: 136
