EMT Chapter 2 Workforce Safety and Wellness

Which of the following statements would NOT be appropriate to say to the family of a dying patient? Select one: A. "Things will get better in time." B. "It is okay to be angry and sad." C. "This must be painful for you." D. "Tell me how you are feeling."

A. "Things will get better in time."

Which of the following is an effective stress management strategy? Select one: A. Developing a social network outside of EMS B. Frequently reflecting on troublesome calls C. Requesting overtime to occupy your mind D. Modestly increasing caffeine consumption

A. Developing a social network outside of EMS

While providing care to a patient, blood got onto the ambulance stretcher. Because the stretcher was not properly cleaned afterward, a virus was transmitted to another emergency medical technician (EMT) several days later. Which route of transmission does this scenario describe? Select one: A. Indirect contact B. Direct contact C. Vector-borne transmission D. Airborne transmission

A. Indirect contact

You are transporting an elderly woman who has possibly experienced a stroke. She is obviously scared but is unable to talk and cannot move the entire right side of her body. In addition to providing the medical care that she needs, you should: Select one: A. acknowledge that she is scared and tell her that you will take good care of her. B. tell her that you understand why she is scared and that everything will likely be okay. C. reassure her that after proper treatment in the hospital, she will regain her speech in time. D. maintain eye contact at all times and tell her that there is no need for her to be scared.

A. acknowledge that she is scared and tell her that you will take good care of her.

A 15-year-old boy was killed when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle. He has numerous disfiguring injuries and has been placed in the back of the ambulance to shield him from curious bystanders. When the child's parents arrive at the scene, they demand to see him. You should: Select one: A. advise them that their son had severely disfiguring injuries and ask them if there is anyone they would like you to contact first. B. discreetly escort them to the back of the ambulance and allow them to see their child by themselves while you wait outside. C. let them know that because of the circumstances of their child's death, they will not be permitted to see him at this time. D. express your sincere condolences over their loss and have them escorted away from the scene by a law enforcement officer.

A. advise them that their son had severely disfiguring injuries and ask them if there is anyone they would like you to contact first.

You are transporting a 40-year-old male with respiratory distress. The patient tells you that he recently had a positive tuberculosis (TB) skin test and is currently being evaluated for possible TB. You should: Select one: A. apply a nonrebreathing mask on the patient and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirator on yourself. B. remain at least 3 feet away from the patient and apply a surgical mask on him. C. apply a sterile surgical mask on yourself and a HEPA respirator on the patient. D. apply a nasal cannula on the patient and a sterile surgical mask on yourself.

A. apply a nonrebreathing mask on the patient and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirator on yourself.

The spread of HIV and hepatitis in the health care setting can usually be traced to: Select one: A. careless handling of sharps. B. a lack of proper immunizations. C. excessive blood splashing or splattering. D. a noncompliance with standard precautions.

A. careless handling of sharps.

You are caring for a 35-year-old female with pregnancy-related complications. She is clearly experiencing significant stress and is crying uncontrollably. Your MOST appropriate action would be to: Select one: A. demonstrate courtesy and speak with a professional tone of voice. B. discourage her from expressing fears until a counselor is available. C. explain to her that "everything will be all right" in order to calm her down. D. restrain her if she is extremely emotional and will not calm down.

A. demonstrate courtesy and speak with a professional tone of voice.

Common factors that influence how a patient reacts to the stress of an illness or injury include all of the following, EXCEPT: Select one: A. distrust of the EMT. B. mental disorders. C. history of chronic disease. D. fear of medical personnel.

A. distrust of the EMT.

The compliance monitoring component of an infection control plan should: Select one: A. ensure that employees understand what they should do and why it is important. B. identify who to notify after an exposure and where treatment should be provided. C. consist of a list of tasks that pose a risk for contact with blood or other body fluids. D. address issues such as medical waste collection, storage, and ambulance disinfection.

A. ensure that employees understand what they should do and why it is important.

The hepatitis B vaccine program, a component of the infection control plan, addresses all of the following issues, EXCEPT: Select one: A. family history of hepatitis. B. postvaccine antibody titers. C. vaccine safety and efficacy. D. record keeping and tracking.

A. family history of hepatitis.

As an EMT, it is important to remember that the signs and symptoms of cumulative stress: Select one: A. may not be obvious or present all the time. B. usually manifest suddenly and without warning. C. cannot be identified and can cause health problems. D. are most effectively treated with medications.

A. may not be obvious or present all the time.

The EMT's first priority is __________. Select one: A. personal safety B. rapid response C. treatment and transport D. empathy for all patients

A. personal safety

Upon arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you note that two small cars collided head-on; the occupants are still in their vehicles. The fire department is in the process of stabilizing the vehicles and law enforcement personnel are directing traffic. After parking the ambulance at a safe distance, you and your partner should: Select one: A. put on high-visibility safety vests. B. quickly begin the triage process. C. report to the incident commander. D. assist with vehicle stabilization.

A. put on high-visibility safety vests.

A 75-year-old male with a terminal illness has died at home. As you and your partner enter the residence, a family member becomes verbally abusive, pushes you, and states that you took too long to get there. You should: Select one: A. retreat and notify law enforcement personnel B. tell the family member that it is not your fault. C. subdue the family member until the police arrive. D. ignore the family member and assess the patient.

A. retreat and notify law enforcement personnel

The simplest, yet most effective method of preventing the spread of an infectious disease is to: Select one: A. wash your hands in between patient contacts. B. undergo an annual physical examination. C. undergo annual testing for tuberculosis and hepatitis. D. ensure that your immunizations are up-to-date.

A. wash your hands in between patient contacts.

If you use a waterless handwashing substitute in the field, it is important to: Select one: A. wash your hands with soap and water at the hospital. B. immediately dry your hands with a paper towel. C. wait at least 5 minutes before touching another patient. D. avoid donning another pair of gloves for at least 10 minutes.

A. wash your hands with soap and water at the hospital.

While trying to make a family member feel better after a loved one has died, your partner uses trite statements. The family members may view this as: Select one: A. your partner's attempt to diminish their grief. B. a show of respect for the person who has died. C. coaching them through the grieving process. D. your partner's caring and supportive attitude.

A. your partner's attempt to diminish their grief.

Which of the following statements is MOST consistent with the bargaining phase of the grieving process? Select one: A. "It is because of our lousy health care system that I developed this brain tumor." B. "I will be compliant with all my medications if I can just see my grandson graduate." C. "I understand that my death is inevitable and I am ready to die when the time comes." D. "The doctors must be wrong in their diagnosis because I have always been healthy."

B. "I will be compliant with all my medications if I can just see my grandson graduate."

Common questions asked by patients with a serious illness or injury include all of the following, EXCEPT: Select one: A. "Am I going to die?" B. "What hospital am I going to?" C. "What are you doing to me?" D. "Will I be permanently disabled?"

B. "What hospital am I going to?"

General adaptation syndrome is characterized by which of the following phases? Select one: A. Delayed reaction, alarm response, and physical recovery B. Alarm response, reaction and resistance, and recovery C. Reaction and resistance, euphoria, and physical exhaustion D. Immediate reaction, psychological exhaustion, and recovery

B. Alarm response, reaction and resistance, and recovery

Which of the following statements regarding the hepatitis B vaccine is correct? Select one: A. Vaccination against hepatitis B provides partial immunity for life. B. OSHA requires that your employer offer you the vaccine free of charge. C. The hepatitis B vaccine provides protection against the disease for 2 years. D. Vaccination with the hepatitis B vaccine confers immunity against hepatitis A.

B. OSHA requires that your employer offer you the vaccine free of charge.

Which of the following statements regarding the different stages of the grieving process is correct? A. The grieving process typically begins with severe depression. B. The stages of the grieving process may occur simultaneously. C. Bargaining is the most unpleasant stage of the grieving process. D. It is rare that people will jump back and forth between stages.

B. The stages of the grieving process may occur simultaneously.

Which of the following statements regarding HIV is correct? Select one: A. HIV is far more contagious than hepatitis B. B. There is no vaccine against HIV infection. C. HIV is easily transmittable in the EMS field. D. HIV is transmitted exclusively via blood.

B. There is no vaccine against HIV infection.

When decontaminating the back of your ambulance after a call, you should: Select one: A. clean all surfaces and patient contact areas with a mixture of alcohol and water. B. allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions. C. use a bleach and water solution at a 1:2 dilution ratio to thoroughly wipe all surfaces. D. spray the contaminated areas and then immediately wipe them dry with a towel.

B. allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions.

You and your partner respond to the residence of a 66-year-old male with shortness of breath. As you are assessing the patient, his wife tells you that he was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. The patient is verbally abusive and tells you that failure of the health care system caused his disease. What stage of the grieving process is this patient's behavior consistent with? Select one: A. denial B. anger C. bargaining D. depression

B. anger

Vector-borne transmission of an infectious organism occurs via: A. direct contact. B. animals or insects. C. inanimate objects. D. smoke or dust.

B. animals or insects.

If it is not possible to adequately clean your ambulance at the hospital following a call, you should: Select one: A. quickly wipe down all high contact surfaces with an antibacterial solution. B. clean the ambulance at your station in a designated area that is well ventilated. C. wait until the end of your shift and then disinfect the entire patient compartment. D. thoroughly wash the back of the ambulance at a local car wash or similar facility.

B. clean the ambulance at your station in a designated area that is well ventilated.

What type of stress reaction occurs when an EMT is exposed to many insignificant stressors over a period of several months or years? Select one: A. acute stress reaction B. cumulative stress reaction C. posttraumatic stress reaction D. critical incident stress reaction

B. cumulative stress reaction

t is especially important for EMS personnel to develop nonadversarial relationships with their coworkers because they: Select one: A. are highly prone to stress and burnout. B. depend on each other for their safety. C. must work together every third day. D. may have to bunk in the same room.

B. depend on each other for their safety.

Vaccination against the hepatitis A virus is unnecessary if you: Select one: A. have a weak immune system. B. have been infected with hepatitis in the past. C. are older than 35 years of age. D. received a hepatitis B vaccination.

B. have been infected with hepatitis in the past.

Which of the following signs would indicate that your partner is experiencing significant stress? Select one: A. increased interest in daily activities B. isolation from the rest of the crew C. hyperactivity during an EMS call D. acute increase in his or her appetite

B. isolation from the rest of the crew

A positive TB skin test indicates that: Select one: A. you have never been exposed to TB. B. you have been exposed to the disease. C. you are actively infected with the disease. D. the disease is dormant and may become active.

B. you have been exposed to the disease.

Which of the following would provide the EMT with the BEST cover in a situation involving active gunfire? Select one: A. Stacked empty barrels B. A large cluster of shrubs C. A concrete barricade D. Behind a car door

C. A concrete barricade

When a patient is dying, he or she may experience regression. This is MOST accurately defined as: Select one: A. anger projected toward the EMT or other providers. B. fear of being completely dependent upon other people. C. behavior consistent with an earlier developmental stage. D. a decreased ability to exercise age-appropriate judgment.

C. behavior consistent with an earlier developmental stage.

You are assessing a middle-aged man with chest pain that you suspect is caused by a cardiac problem. The patient tells you that he does not want to go to the hospital and insists that you leave him alone. You should: Select one: A. reassure him that he will not receive a bill for the EMS call if he cannot pay. B. tell him that he is having a heart attack and that he needs to go to the hospital. C. explain the seriousness of the situation to him, but avoid causing undue alarm. D. proceed to treat him because the stress of the situation has impaired his thinking.

C. explain the seriousness of the situation to him, but avoid causing undue alarm.

When considering his or her personal life, it is important for the EMT to realize that: Select one: A. he or she should not discuss stressful issues with family members. B. shift work is the least stressful type of an EMS-related work schedule. C. family or friends may not understand the stress associated with EMS. D. it is more difficult to effectively relax at home than it is while on duty

C. family or friends may not understand the stress associated with EMS.

At the scene of an automobile crash, a utility pole has been broken and power lines are lying across the car. The patients inside the car are conscious. You should: Select one: A. remove the lines with a nonconductive object. B. proceed with normal extrication procedures. C. mark off a danger zone around the downed lines. D. advise the patients to carefully get out of the car.

C. mark off a danger zone around the downed lines.

Prescription glasses do not provide adequate eye protection because they: Select one: A. have large rounded lenses. B. are not secured with a strap. C. offer little or no side protection. D. do not have shatterproof lenses.

C. offer little or no side protection.

Physiologic manifestations of stress include: Select one: A. flushed skin, decreased muscle control, and vomiting. B. slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and severe headaches. C. perspiration, increased blood glucose levels, and dilated pupils. D. increased blood pressure, decreased blood glucose levels, and chest pain.

C. perspiration, increased blood glucose levels, and dilated pupils.

After assessing a patient's blood glucose level, you accidentally stick yourself with the contaminated lancet. You should: Select one: A. discontinue patient care and seek medical attention. B. get immunized against hepatitis as soon as possible. C. report the incident to your supervisor after the call. D. immerse your wound in an alcohol-based solution.

C. report the incident to your supervisor after the call.

Which of the following infectious diseases confers no protection from reinfection after exposure? Select one: A. mumps B. rubella C. syphilis D. chickenpox

C. syphilis

Critical incident stress management (CISM) can occur at an ongoing scene in all of the following circumstances, EXCEPT: Select one: A. when personnel are assessed during periods of rest. B. before personnel are preparing to reenter the scene. C. when patients are actively being assessed or treated. D. before leaving the scene after the incident is resolved

C. when patients are actively being assessed or treated.

A critical incident stress debriefing should be conducted no longer than ________ hours following the incident. Select one: A. 6 B. 12 C. 24 D. 72

D. 72

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reaction? Select one: A. An EMT is emotionally exhausted and depressed after a school bus crash involving critical injuries and the death of several children. B. An EMT with many years of field experience becomes irritable with her coworkers and experiences headaches and insomnia. C. A newly certified EMT becomes extremely nauseated and diaphoretic at the scene of an incident involving grotesque injuries. D. An EMT becomes distracted at the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving the same type of car in which a child was previously killed.

D. An EMT becomes distracted at the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving the same type of car in which a child was previously killed.

The final stage of death and dying is MOST commonly displayed as: Select one: A. anger. B. denial. C. depression. D. acceptance.

D. acceptance.

When caring for the parents of a child who has died of leukemia, the EMT should: Select one: A. immediately refer them to a counselor. B. tell them that their feelings are understood. C. refrain from using words such as "died" or "dead." D. acknowledge the death of their child in private.

D. acknowledge the death of their child in private.

The BEST way to reduce your risk of contracting a work-related disease following exposure is to: Select one: A. vigorously wash the affected area with an antimicrobial solution. B. be evaluated by a physician within 72 hours following the exposure. C. get vaccinated against the disease you think you were exposed to. D. activate your department's infection control plan as soon as possible.

D. activate your department's infection control plan as soon as possible.

Common factors that influence how a patient reacts to the stress of an illness or injury include all of the following, EXCEPT: Select one: A. history of chronic disease. B. mental disorders. C. fear of medical personnel. D. assessment by the EMT.

D. assessment by the EMT.

Determination of exposure is an important component of an infection control plan because it: Select one: A. determines the time of day that most exposures are likely to occur. B. determines which type of communicable disease might be present in the workplace. C. defines who is most likely to transmit communicable diseases in the workplace. D. defines who is at risk for contact with blood and body fluids and which tasks pose a risk of exposure.

D. defines who is at risk for contact with blood and body fluids and which tasks pose a risk of exposure.

Which of the following is the MOST significant factor in determining if a person will become ill from certain germs? Select one: A. age B. race C. gender D. immunity

D. immunity

You are summoned to a convalescent center for an 88-year-old female with an altered mental status. A staff nurse advises you that the patient has terminal cancer and her physician stated that she would probably die within the next few hours; a valid do not resuscitate (DNR) order is presented to you. When caring for this patient, you should: Select one: A. depart the scene and allow her to die with dignity. B. start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if she experiences cardiopulmonary arrest. C. provide no interventions and transport to the hospital. D. make her comfortable and provide emotional support.

D. make her comfortable and provide emotional support.

Quid pro quo, a type of sexual harassment, occurs when the harasser: Select one: A. stares at certain parts of another person's anatomy. B. touches another person without his or her consent. C. makes rude remarks about a person's body parts. D. requests sexual favors in exchange for something else.

D. requests sexual favors in exchange for something else.

Patients who become dependent upon EMS personnel or other health care providers often feel: Select one: A. relieved. B. superior. C. hopeful. D. shamed.

D. shamed.

The MOST serious consequence of drug or alcohol abuse among EMS personnel is: Select one: A. tension among coworkers and supervisors. B. punitive action and the loss of a job. C. low morale and frequently missed shifts. D. substandard or inappropriate patient care.

D. substandard or inappropriate patient care.

While on duty, your partner asks you out on a date and touches you in an inappropriate location without your consent. You should: Select one: A. tell your partner to quit kidding around and focus on his or her job. B. warn your partner that you will report him or her if it happens again. C. notify law enforcement personnel and have your partner arrested. D. tell your partner to stop and report the incident to your supervisor.

D. tell your partner to stop and report the incident to your supervisor.

According to the CDC, recommended immunizations and tests include a: Select one: A. smallpox vaccine every 5 years. B. TB skin test every 6 months. C. two-shot hepatitis A vaccination series. D. tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.

D. tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.

Gloves, a mask, eye protection, and a face shield should be used: Select one: A. while handling needles or other sharps. B. during routine cleaning of the ambulance. C. whenever you touch nonintact skin. D. when performing endotracheal intubation.

D. when performing endotracheal intubation.