EMT Exam 1
92. You respond to the home of a 59-year-old man who is unconscious, has slow, shallow breathing, and has a weak pulse. The family states that the patient has terminal brain cancer and does not wish to be resuscitated. They further state that there is a DNR order for this patient; however, they are unable to locate it. You should: A) begin treatment and contact medical control as needed. B) honor the patient's wishes and withhold all treatment. C) transport the patient without providing any treatment. D) decide on further action once the DNR order is produced.
A
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: 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
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.
A
An appropriate demonstration of professionalism when your patient is frightened, demanding, or unpleasant is to: A) continue to be nonjudgmental, compassionate, and respectful. B) demand the patient to be quiet and cooperative during transport. C) ignore the patient's feelings and focus on his or her medical complaint. D) reassure him or her that everything will be all right, even if it will not be.
A
As an EMT, it is important to remember that the signs and symptoms of cumulative stress: 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
Carbon monoxide blocks the ability of the blood to oxygenate the body because it: A) Binds with the hemoglobin in the red blood cells B) Fills with lungs with secretions C) Causes the body to expel too much carbon dioxide D) Destroys the number of circulating red blood cells
A
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.
A
If you use a waterless handwashing substitute in the field, it is important to: 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
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.
A
Shortly after loading your patient, a 50-year-old man with abdominal pain, into the ambulance, he tells you that he changed his mind and does not want to go to the hospital. He is conscious and alert and has no signs of mental incapacitation. You are suspicious that the man has a significant underlying condition and feel strongly that he should go to the hospital. Which of the following statements regarding this situation is correct? A) A mentally competent adult can withdraw his or her consent to treat at any time. B) Any patient who refuses EMS treatment must legally sign a patient refusal form. C) Because of your suspicions, the best approach is to transport him to the hospital. D) Once a patient is in the ambulance, he or she cannot legally refuse EMS treatment.
A
The standards for prehospital emergency care and the individuals who provide it are typically regulated by the: A) state office of EMS. B) regional trauma center. C) American Heart Association. D) National Registry of EMTs.
A
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
A
When decontaminating the back of your ambulance after a call, you should: A) allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions. B) use a bleach and water solution at a 1:2 dilution ratio to thoroughly wipe all surfaces. C) clean all surfaces and patient contact areas with a mixture of alcohol and water. D) spray the contaminated areas and then immediately wipe them dry with a towel.
A
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.
A
When using a body drag to pull a patient who is on the ground, you should: A) kneel to minimize the distance that you will have to lean over. B) extend your elbows as far beyond your anterior torso as possible. C) bend your back laterally to maximize your amount of pulling power. D) avoid situations involving strenuous effort lasting more than 5 minutes.
A
Which of the following general statements regarding consent is MOST correct? A) A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated. B) Patients who are intoxicated are generally allowed to refuse treatment. C) Expressed consent is valid only if given in writing by a family member. D) All patients older than 18 years can legally refuse treatment or transport.
A
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate device to use when immobilizing a patient with a suspected spinal injury? A) long backboard B) scoop stretcher C) portable stretcher D) wheeled stretcher
A
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: 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
You are dispatched to a middle school for a 16-year-old female experiencing an asthma attack. She is conscious and alert, but in severe respiratory distress. The school nurse informs you that she has tried several times to contact the patient's parents but has not been successful. You should: A) provide treatment up to your level of training and transport the child at once. B) recognize that you cannot begin treatment without expressed parental consent. C) transport the child to the closest hospital and let them provide any treatment. D) administer oxygen only until you receive parental consent for further treatment.
A
You are dispatched to an office building for a 49-year-old male with chest pain. When you arrive at the scene, you find the patient to be conscious and alert, but in obvious pain. He tells you that he did not call 9-1-1; a coworker did. He further states that he does not want to be treated or transported to the hospital. You should: A) ensure that he is aware of the risks of refusing medical care. B) err in the best interest of the patient and transport him at once. C) have him sign a refusal of care form and then return to service. D) tell him that he is having a heart attack and needs medical care.
A
You are dispatched to the scene of a crash involving a large tanker truck. While you are en route, dispatch advises you that there are multiple patients and that the fire department is en route as well. As you approach the scene, you should: A) maintain a safe distance and try to read the placard with binoculars. B) cordon off the area and quickly remove all of the injured patients. C) immediately begin evacuating residents that live near the crash site. D) don PPE and quickly triage all patients.
A
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?"
A
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: 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
You arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident. The patient, a 13-year-old male, is unconscious and has multiple injuries. As you are treating the child, a law enforcement officer advises you that the child's parents will be at the scene in approximately 15 minutes. What should you do? A) Transport the child immediately and have the parents meet you at the hospital. B) Treat the child at the scene and wait for the parents to arrive and give consent. C) Begin transport at once and have the parents meet you en route to the hospital. D) Withhold treatment until the parents arrive and give you consent for treatment.
A
An unrestrained patient is sitting in his car after an automobile crash. He is conscious and alert, has no visible trauma, and is complaining of neck and back pain. Before removing him from his car, you should: A) slide a scoop stretcher under his buttocks and rotate him laterally. B) apply a cervical collar and immobilize him with a vest-style device. C) perform a detailed head-to-toe assessment and apply a cervical collar. D) maintain manual stabilization of his head and grasp him by the clothes.
B
As an EMT, you may be authorized to administer aspirin to a patient with chest pain based on: A) the patient's condition. B) your local EMS protocols. C) an order from a paramedic. D) the transport time to the hospital
B
As you and your partner are carrying a stable patient down a flight of stairs in a stair chair, you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back. You should: A) reposition your hands and continue to move the patient. B) stop the move and request additional lifting assistance. C) guide your partner while moving the chair backwards. D) stop the move and have the patient walk down the stairs.
B
At the scene of a mass-casualty incident, you identify a patient as an organ donor. When triaging the other patients, you: A) should transport the donor patient before critical patients. B) may have to assign the donor patient a lower triage priority. C) should use a separate ambulance to transport the donor patient. D) must assign the donor the highest priority regardless of injuries.
B
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.
B
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 you are unsure about the order 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.
B
The MOST serious consequence of a poorly planned or rushed patient move is: A) unnecessarily wasting time. B) injury to you or your patient. C) causing patient anxiety or fear. D) confusion among team members.
B
The person who is responsible for authorizing EMTs to perform emergency medical care in the field is the: A) shift supervisor. B) medical director. C) EMS administrator. D) field training officer.
B
To avoid injury when pushing a patient or other object, you should: A) push the patient from an overhead position if possible. B) avoid pushing the patient with your elbows fully extended. C) push from the area of your body between the knees and hips. D) kneel if you are pushing an object that is above waist level.
B
To minimize the risk of litigation, the EMT should always: A) transport patients to the hospital of their choice. B) provide competent care that meets current standards. C) use universal precautions with every patient encounter. D) utilize at least four personnel when moving a patient.
B
Two EMTs witnessed a call in which a coworker gave adequate medical care but ignored the patient's emotional needs. The coworker was deliberately rude solely because the patient was thought to be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The EMTs ignored the coworker's treatment of this patient and took no steps to prevent this behavior from happening again. This lack of action on the part of the two EMTs is considered: A) legal and ethical. B) legal but unethical. C) illegal but ethical. D) illegal and unethical.
B
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
B
When carrying a patient on a backboard up or down stairs: A) keep your palms facing down. B) keep the head end elevated. C) carry the patient headfirst. D) keep the foot end elevated.
B
When moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, you should: A) secure the patient to a scoop stretcher and carry him or her headfirst down the stairs to the awaiting stretcher. B) place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs and carry the patient down the stairs with a stair chair. C) collapse the undercarriage of the wheeled stretcher and carefully carry the patient down the stairs on the stretcher. D) assist the patient in walking down the stairs and place him or her on the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs.
B
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.
B
Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts informed consent? A) A patient advises an EMT of why he or she is refusing care. B) An EMT advises a patient of the risks of receiving treatment. C) An EMT initiates immediate care for an unconscious adult. D) A patient is advised by an EMT of the risks of refusing care.
B
Which of the following skills or interventions is included at every level of prehospital emergency training? A) Oral Glucose for hypoglycemia B) AED C) Internasal Medication Administration D) Use of a manually triggered ventilator
B
Which of the following statements regarding the power lift is correct? A) It involves using your lower back instead of your legs to lift. B) The leg muscles should remain relaxed during the power lift. C) It is the safest and most powerful method of lifting a patient. D) It is not recommended for people with weak knees or thighs.
B
While assisting an advanced life support (ALS) ambulance crew, you are accidentally stuck with an IV needle. You should: A) immerse your wound in an alcohol-based solution. B) report the incident to your supervisor after the call. C) get immunized against hepatitis as soon as possible. D) discontinue patient care and seek medical attention.
B
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? A) denial B) anger C) bargaining D) depression
B
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.
B
You are dispatched to an apartment complex for a shooting. Law enforcement personnel are present and have the suspect in custody. You find the patient lying in a narrow space between the couch and coffee table of his small apartment. He is semiconscious and has a large gunshot wound to his chest. You should: A) obtain permission from law enforcement before moving anything. B) quickly move the coffee table so you can access and treat the patient. C) treat the patient where he is so that you do not destroy any evidence. D) drag the patient into a larger area so that you can begin treatment.
B
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.
B
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: A) reassure her that after proper treatment in the hospital, she will regain her speech in time. B) acknowledge that she is scared and tell her that you are going to take good care of her. C) maintain eye contact at all times and tell her that there is no need for her to be scared. D) tell her that you understand why she is scared and that everything will likely be okay.
B
You have been tasked by your medical director to assist in the development of your EMS agency's institutional standards. When developing these standards, it is important to: A) require personnel to transport all patients to the closest hospital. B) be reasonable and realistic to avoid overburdening your personnel. C) demand that all personnel consistently exceed the standard of care. D) expect personnel to function beyond their scope of practice if needed.
B
You have been working at the scene of a major building collapse for 8 hours. Many injured people are still being removed, and everyone is becoming frustrated and losing focus. This situation is MOST effectively managed by: A) providing large amounts of caffeine to the rescue workers. B) requesting a CISM team to provide on-scene peer support. C) conducting a critical incident stress debriefing the next day. D) allowing each worker to sleep in 15- to 30-minute increments.
B
You suspect that a 6-year-old girl has broken her leg after falling from a swing at a playground. Shortly after you arrive, the child's mother appears and refuses to allow you to continue treatment. You should: A) use your authority under the implied consent law. B) try to persuade the mother that treatment is needed. C) ask the mother to sign a refusal form and then leave. D) tell the mother that her refusal is a form of child abuse.
B
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.
B
Critical incident stress management (CISM) can occur at an ongoing scene in all of the following circumstances, EXCEPT: 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
During your monthly internal quality improvement (QI) meeting, you review several patient care reports (PCRs) with the staff of your EMS system. You identify the patient's name, age, and sex, and then discuss the treatment that was provided by the EMTs in the field. By taking this approach to the QI process, you: A) acted appropriately but must have each EMT sign a waiver stating that he or she will not discuss the cases with others. B) adequately safeguarded the patient's PHI because the cases were discussed internally. C) are in violation of HIPAA because you did not remove the PHI from the PCR beforehand. D) violated the patient's privacy because you should have only discussed the information with the EMTs who provided it.
C
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.
C
Laypeople are often trained to perform all of the following skills, EXCEPT: A) one- or two-rescuer CPR. B) splinting of a possible fracture. C) insertion of an oropharyngeal airway. D) control of life-threatening bleeding.
C
Physiologic manifestations of stress include: 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
The simplest yet most effective method of preventing the spread of an infectious disease is to: A) undergo an annual physical examination. B) ensure that your immunizations are up-to-date. C) wash your hands in between patient contacts. D) undergo human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing at least twice a year.
C
Vaccination against the hepatitis A virus is unnecessary if you: A) are older than 35 years of age. B) have a weak immune system. C) have been infected in the past. D) received a hepatitis B vaccination.
C
What type of medical direction do standing orders and protocols describe? A) radio B) online C) off-line D) direct
C
When caring for a 65-year-old male with respiratory distress, you place him in a comfortable position but do not apply oxygen. The patient's condition continues to deteriorate and he develops cardiac arrest and dies at the hospital. This scenario is an example of: A) assault. B) battery. C) negligence. D) abandonment.
C
Which of the following descriptions MOST accurately portrays emergency medical services (EMS)? A) a vast network of advanced life support (ALS) providers who provide definitive emergency care in the prehospital setting B) a team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured C) a system composed exclusively of emergency medical responders (EMRs) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are responsible for providing care to sick and injured patients D) a team of paramedics and emergency physicians who are responsible for providing emergency care to critically injured patients
C
Which of the following situations would require an urgent patient move? A) conscious patient with abrasions and a possibly fractured humerus B) a conscious patient trapped in a vehicle C) semiconscious patient with shallow respirations and signs of shock D) stable patient who is blocking access to a critically injured patient
C
Which of the following statements regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is correct? A) The ADA only applies to individuals with a diagnosed and well-documented physical disability. B) The requirements to successfully complete an EMT program are different for those who are disabled. C) The ADA prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment to the disabled. D) According to the ADA, EMT candidates with a documented disability are exempt from taking the NREMT exam.
C
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) It is rare that people will jump back and forth between stages. C) The stages of the grieving process may occur simultaneously. D) Bargaining is the most unpleasant stage of the grieving process.
C
While transporting a woman with diabetes, you inadvertently give her oral glucose even though her blood glucose level was high. You reassess the patient and note that her condition did not change; she remained stable. You should: A) document the error and report it to your supervisor. B) notify law enforcement so they can file an incident report. C) contact medical control and notify him or her of the error. D) exclude this from the PCR since it did not harm the patient.
C
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.
C
You are caring for a 40-year-old female who was involved in a motor vehicle crash. Her husband, who was driving the vehicle, was killed. When the patient asks you if her husband is all right, you should: A) tell her that he is being resuscitated by other EMTs. B) immediately tell her of his death so that she may grieve. C) let clergy or hospital staff relay the bad news if possible. D) avoid answering her questions and focus on her injuries.
C
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.
C
You are treating a man with a closed head injury following an assault by a burglar. The patient, who has slurred speech, becomes verbally abusive and tells you to leave him alone. You should: A) ask a police officer to transport the patient to the hospital. B) allow him to refuse treatment since the injury was not his fault. C) proceed with treatment and utilize law enforcement if necessary. D) have the police arrest him so that you can legally begin treatment.
C
Your partner, a veteran EMT who you have worked with regularly for the past 4 years, seems unusually agitated during a call involving an elderly patient. Upon arrival back at your station, you note the obvious smell of alcohol on his breath. What should you do? A) Remain quiet and simply request another partner. B) Report the incident to your EMS medical director. C) Discreetly report your suspicions to your supervisor. D) Tell your partner that he must seek professional help.
C
47. Prior to applying medical restraints to a combative patient, you should: A) have at least three rescuers present, one for the upper extremities, one for the lower extremities, and one for the head. B) place the patient in a prone position to avoid airway and breathing compromise once restrained and placed onto the stretcher. C) advise the patient that medical restraint is necessary, but can be removed if he or she cooperates with you during transport. D) evaluate the patient for potentially correctible cause of combativeness, such as head injury, hypoxia, or hypoglycemia.
D
A patient regains consciousness en route from his office to the emergency department. The patient tells you that he feels fine and does not want to go to the hospital. Under these circumstances, you should: A) document the patient's request but continue to transport him. B) have the patient sign a refusal form and return him to his office. C) request that the police place the patient under protective custody. D) assess whether or not the patient's mental condition is impaired.
D
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.
D
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: A) proceed with normal extrication procedures. B) remove the lines with a nonconductive object. C) advise the patients to carefully get out of the car. D) mark off a danger zone around the downed lines.
D
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.
D
General guidelines for carrying a patient on a stretcher include: A) maintaining slight flexion of your back. B) leaning back from your waist when lifting. C) slightly twisting your body when carrying. D) constant communication with your partners.
D
The BEST way to reduce your risk of contracting a work-related disease following exposure is to: 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
The FIRST rule of safe lifting is to: A) always lift with your palms facing down. B) spread your legs approximately 20 apart. C) keep your back in a slightly curved position. D) keep your back in a straight, vertical position.
D
The MOST appropriate carrying device to use when moving a patient across rough or uneven terrain is the: A) stair chair. B) wheeled stretcher. C) scoop stretcher. D) basket stretcher.
D
The MOST serious consequence of drug or alcohol abuse among EMS personnel is: A) punitive action and the loss of a job. B) low morale and frequently missed shifts. C) tension among coworkers and supervisors. D) substandard or inappropriate patient care.
D
To minimize the risk of injuring yourself when lifting or moving a patient, you should: A) flex at the waist instead of the hips. B) avoid the use of log rolls or body drags. C) use a direct carry whenever possible. D) keep the weight as close to your body as possible.
D
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: A) quickly begin the triage process. B) assist with vehicle stabilization. C) report to the incident commander. D) put on high-visibility safety vests.
D
What type of consent is involved when a 39-year-old mentally competent female with a severe headache asks you to take her to the hospital? A) formal B) implied C) informed D) expressed
D
When a person is standing upright, the weight of anything being lifted and carried in the hands is FIRST reflected onto the: A) pelvic girdle. B) spinal column. C) thigh muscles. D) shoulder girdle.
D
When you and your partner arrive at the residence of a man in cardiac arrest, you immediately recognize the patient as the drunk driver who killed your brother several years earlier. A backup ambulance is en route to the scene. You should: A) advise your partner that you cannot provide care to this patient. B) wait for the backup ambulance while your partner performs CPR. C) obtain permission from medical control to not attempt resuscitation. D) begin two-rescuer CPR and apply the automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.
D
Which of the following errors is an example of a knowledge-based failure? A) An EMT gives the correct drug to a patient, although his protocols clearly state that he is not authorized to do so. B) Due to an improperly applied cervical collar, a patient's spinal injury is aggravated and he is permanently disabled. C) A patient is given nitroglycerin by an EMT who did not obtain proper authorization from medical control first. D) An EMT administers the wrong drug to a patient because she did not know the pertinent information about the drug.
D
Which of the following factors is NOT taken into consideration when assessing a person's potential for violence? A) poor impulse control B) tattoos, such as those with gang identification C) substance abuse D) large physical size
D
Which of the following is a unique function of the emergency medical dispatcher (EMD)? A) relaying relevant information to the EMTs B) directing the ambulance to the correct address C) obtaining patient information from the caller D) providing callers with life-saving instructions
D
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.
D
Which of the following statements regarding the EMS medical director and an EMT's scope of practice is correct? A) The EMS medical director can expand the EMT's scope of practice but cannot limit it without state approval. B) The EMS medical director can expand or limit an individual EMT's scope of practice without state approval. C) An EMT's scope of practice is exclusively regulated by the state EMS office, not the EMS medical director. D) An EMT's scope of practice may be expanded by the medical director after proper training and state approval.
D
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.
D
While on duty, your partner asks you out on a date and touches you in an inappropriate location without your consent. You should: 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
While transporting a stable patient with chest pain to the hospital, you come across a major motor vehicle crash involving several critically injured patients. Your MOST appropriate action should be to: A) ask a bystander to remain with your patient as you treat the crash victims. B) remain at the scene until law enforcement and another ambulance arrive. C) stop and triage the patients while your partner remains in the ambulance. D) continue transporting your patient and notify the dispatcher of the crash.
D
You and your partner are EMT's and have been dispatched to standby at the scene of a residential fire. While standing next to the ambulance observing the fire fighters, you see a woman frantically moving around in her burning house. You should: A) Request permission from the fire chief to enter the structure B) Don a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and rescue the woman C) Stay where you are until firefighters remove her from the house D) Immediately notify the incident commander and safety officer
D
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.
D
You and your partner arrive at the scene of a major motor vehicle crash. The driver, a young male, is severely entrapped in his car. He has an open head injury and massive facial trauma. He is unresponsive, is not breathing, and does not have a palpable carotid pulse. You should: A) stop any active bleeding and advise dispatch to send a paramedic crew. B) ventilate the patient for 5 minutes and then stop if there is no response. C) request the fire department to extricate the patient so you can begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). D) have your partner check for a pulse to confirm that the patient is deceased.
D
You and your partner respond to the scene of a 49-year-old male with acute abdominal pain. As you enter his residence, you find him lying on the floor in severe pain. He is conscious and alert. The patient appears to weigh in excess of 350 lb. Your FIRST action should be to: A) request the fire department if one attempt to move him fails. B) encourage the patient to walk himself to the awaiting ambulance. C) assess him and then move him to the stretcher with a direct carry. D) request additional personnel before making any attempts to lift him.
D
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: 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
You arrive at the scene of a domestic violence situation. As you approach the doorway of the apartment, you hear screaming and the statement "He has a gun!" Your MOST appropriate action should be to: A) continue into the apartment using extreme caution. B) proceed into the apartment and apprehend the gunman. C) get in your ambulance and leave the scene immediately. D) seek a safe place and request law enforcement assistance.
D
