EMT Final

Your patient opens his eyes, moans, and pulls away from you when you pinch his trapezius muscle. You should assign a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of: a. 8 b. 9 c. 7 d. 6

a. 8

Solid abdominal organs include the: a. urinary bladder, colon, and ureters. b. gallbladder and large intestine. c. spleen, kidneys, and pancreas.

c. spleen, kidneys, and pancreas.

Muscle control and body coordination are controlled by the:

cerebellum

Most patients with abdominal pain prefer to:

lie on their side with their knees drawn into the abdomen.

The greatest danger in displaying a personal bias or "labeling" a patient who frequently calls EMS is:

overlooking a potentially serious medical condition.

Most AEDs are set up to adjust the voltage based on the impedance, which is the:

resistance of the body to the flow of electricity.

After sizing up the scene of a patient with a possible infectious disease, your next priority should be to:

take standard precautions.

What organ assists in the filtration of blood, serves as a blood reservoir, and produces antibodies?

the Spleen

When treating a patient with chest pain, you should assume that he or she is having an AMI because:

the cause of the pain cannot be diagnosed in the field.

Cardiac output may decrease if the heart beats too rapidly because:

there is not enough time in between contractions for the heart to refill completely.

Functions of the liver include:

secretion of bile and filtration of toxic substances.

The left cerebral hemisphere controls:

the right side of the body.

Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) would MOST likely be contraindicated in which of the following situations?

-Shortness of breath and a blood pressure of 76/56 mm Hg

Your primary assessment of an elderly woman reveals that she is conscious and alert, but is experiencing difficulty breathing. She has a history of emphysema, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. As you assess the patient's circulatory status, you should direct your partner to do what?

Administer oxygen with the appropriate device.

Your patient's symptoms include high fever, cough, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and shortness of breath.

MERS-CoV

While auscultating an elderly woman's breath sounds, you hear low-pitched "rattling" sounds at the bases of both of her lungs. This finding is MOST consistent with which of the following conditions?

Aspiration pneumonia

In contrast to an automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD), an external defibrillator vest:

Delivers high energy shocks, similar to an AED

Your patient's past medical history includes hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and seizures. Today, he presents with signs of acute renal failure. Which of his medical problems MOST likely caused this?

Heart failure

Major risk factors for AMI include all of the following,

Hypoglycemia

What medication would an EMT be LEAST likely to administer to a patient with a medical complaint?

Ibuprofen

What is the function of the left atrium?

It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.

Which of the following statements regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is correct?

MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections and is resistant to most antibiotics.

A patient who presents with a headache, fever, confusion, and red blotches on his or her skin should be suspected of having:

Meningitis Is the inflammation of the meningeal covering of the pain of the brain and the spinal cord. Signs and symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, and altered mental status.

Which of the following statements regarding pulse oximetry is correct?

Pulse oximetry measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen, but does not measure the actual hemoglobin content of the blood.

Which of the following conditions would MOST likely affect the entire brain?

Respiratory failure or cardiopulmonary arrest

What symptom would lead the EMT to believe that a patient's headache is caused by sinus congestion?

The pain is worse when bending over

An infectious disease is MOST accurately defined as:

a medical condition caused by the growth and spread of small, harmful organisms within the body

When caring for a patient with documented hypoglycemia, you should be MOST alert for:

a seizure

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when:

a small clot in a cerebral artery causes temporary symptoms.

Which of the following patients would MOST likely demonstrate typical signs of infection, such as a fever? a. A 17yearold male with anxiety b. A 3monthold female who was born prematurely c. A 35yearold female in the later stages of AIDS d. An 88yearold male with chronic renal problems

a. A 17yearold male with anxiety

In what area of the lungs does respiration occur? a. Alveoli b. Trachea c. Bronchi d. Capillaries

a. Alveoli

Which of the following statements regarding anaphylaxis is correct? a. Anaphylaxis is characterized by airway swelling and hypotension. b. The signs of anaphylaxis are caused by widespread vasoconstriction. c. Most anaphylactic reactions occur within 60 minutes of exposure. d. Patients with asthma are at lower risk of developing anaphylaxis.

a. Anaphylaxis is characterized by airway swelling and hypotension

A 30yearold male experienced a generalized (tonicclonic) seizure, which stopped before you arrived at the scene. The patient is conscious, is answering your questions appropriately, and refuses EMS transport. Which of the following would be the MOST compelling reason to disagree with his refusal of transport? a. He is currently not prescribed any medications b. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is 15 c. He has experienced seizures since he was 20 d. His wife states that this was his "usual" seizure

a. He is currently not prescribed any medications

Which of the following statements regarding hepatitis A is correct? a. Hepatitis A can only be transmitted by a patient who has an acute infection. b. Although there is no vaccine against hepatitis A, treatment is usually successful. c. Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted via contact with blood or other body fluids. d. Infection with hepatitis A causes chronic illness with a high mortality rate.

a. Hepatitis A can only be transmitted by a patient who has an acute infection.

Which of the following conditions would be the LEAST likely to mimic the signs and symptoms of a stroke? a. Hypovolemia b. Intracranial bleeding c. Hypoglycemia d. A postictal state

a. Hypovolemia

You are assessing a patient with respiratory distress and are unsure if the cause is congestive heart failure (CHF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following clinical signs would be the MOST helpful in determining whether the patient has CHF or COPD? a. Jugular vein distention b. Altered mental status c. Rapid breathing d. Cyanosis of the skin

a. Jugular vein distention

Which of the following medications would indicate that a patient has a history of seizures? a. Levetiracetam (Keppra) b. Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) c. Enalapril (Vasotec) d. Metformin (Glucophage)

a. Levetiracetam (Keppra)

Which of the following statements regarding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is correct? a. The risk of HIV infection is greatest when deposited on a mucous membrane or directly into the bloodstream. b. HIV is far more contagious than hepatitis B and is easily transmitted in the health care setting. c. The risk of HIV infection is high, even if an infected person's blood comes in contact with your intact skin. d. Most patients who are infected with HIV experience chronic symptoms that vary in duration and severity.

a. The risk of HIV infection is greatest when deposited on a mucous membrane or directly into the bloodstream.

Albuterol is a generic name for: a. Ventolin. b. Alupent. c. Atrovent. d. Singulair.

a. Ventolin

You are dispatched to a residence for a 67yearoldfemale who was awakened by shortness of breath and sharp chest pain. Her husband tells you that she was recently discharged from the hospital after having hip surgery. Your assessment reveals dried blood around her mouth, facial cyanosis, and an oxygen saturation of 88%. You should suspect: a. acute pulmonary embolism. b. right sided heart failure. c. spontaneous pneumothorax.

a. acute pulmonary embolism

Law enforcement has summoned you to a nightclub, where a 22yearold female was found unconscious in an adjacent alley. Your primary assessment reveals that her respirations are rapid and shallow and her pulse is rapid and weak. She is wearing a medical alert bracelet that identifies her as an epileptic. There is an empty bottle of vodka next to the patient. You should: a. assist ventilations, perform a rapid exam, and prepare for immediate transport. b. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask, place her on her left side, and transport. c. place a bite block in her mouth in case she has a seizure and transport at once.

a. assist ventilations, perform a rapid exam, and prepare for immediate transport.

You and your partner arrive at the scene of a middle aged man who collapsed about 5 minutes ago. He is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Bystanders are present, but have not provided any care. You should: a. begin high quality CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible. b. have your partner perform CPR while you question the bystanders. c.perform two rescuer CPR for 5 minutes and request ALS backup.

a. begin high quality CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible

The principal symptom in both infectious and noninfectious gastroenteritis is: a. diarrhea. b. vomiting. c. dysuria. d. high fever.

a. diarrhea.

An important aspect in the treatment of a patient with severe abdominal pain is to: a. encourage the patient to remain in a supine position. b. give 100% oxygen only if signs of shock are present. c. administer analgesic medications to alleviate pain.

a. encourage the patient to remain in a supine position.

During the primary assessment of a semiconscious 70yearold female, you should: a. ensure a patent airway and support ventilation as needed. b. ask family members if the patient has a history of stroke. c. immediately determine the patient's blood glucose level.

a. ensure a patent airway and support ventilation as needed.

A patient who is possibly experiencing a stroke is NOT eligible for thrombolytic (fibrinolytic) therapy if he or she: a. has bleeding within the brain. b. is older than 60 years of age. c. has a GCS score that is less than 8. d. has had a prior heart attack.

a. has bleeding within the brain.

You are dispatched to an apartment complex where a 21yearold female has apparently overdosed on several narcotic medications. She is semiconscious and has slow, shallow respirations. You should: a. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation. b. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask and transport at once. c. insert an oropharyngeal airway and perform oral suctioning. d. place her in the recovery position and monitor for vomiting.

a. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation.

You are assisting an asthma patient with his prescribed metered dose inhaler. After the patient takes a deep breath and depresses the inhaler, you should: a. instruct him to hold his breath for as long as he comfortably can. b. allow him to breathe room air and assess his oxygen saturation. c. immediately reapply the oxygen mask and reassess his condition.

a. instruct him to hold his breath for as long as he comfortably can

In contrast to viral hepatitis, toxin induced hepatitis: a. is not a communicable disease. b. is a far more transmittable disease. c. typically does not cause yellow skin. d. can be prevented with a vaccination.

a. is not a communicable disease

Chronic renal failure is a condition that: a. is often caused by hypertension or diabetes. b. can be reversed with prompt treatment. c. occurs from conditions such as dehydration. d. causes dehydration from excessive urination.

a. is often caused by hypertension or diabetes.

Which of the following statements regarding the pain associated with AMI is correct? a. It can occur during exertion or when the patient is at rest b. It often fluctuates in intensity when the patient breathes. c. Nitroglycerin usually resolves the pain within 30 minutes. d. It is often described by the patient as a sharp feeling.

a. it can occur during the exertion or when the patient is at rest

You respond to the residence of a 70yearold male who complains of weakness and severe shortness of breath. His wife tells you that he is a dialysis patient, but has missed his last two treatments. After applying oxygen, you auscultate his lungs and hear diffuse rhonchi. The patient is conscious, but appears confused. His blood pressure is 98/54 mm Hg, his pulse rate is 120 beats/min and irregular, and his respirations are 24breaths/min and labored. You should: a. leave him in a sitting position, keep him warm, and prepare for immediate transport. b. perform a detailed secondary assessment and then transport him to a dialysis center. c. treat for shock and request a paramedic unit to respond to the scene and assist you.

a. leave him in a sitting position, keep him warm, and prepare for immediate transport.

Individuals with chronic alcoholism are predisposed to intracranial bleeding and hypoglycemia secondary to abnormalities in the: a. liver. b. kidneys. c. pancreas. d. brain.

a. liver

The EMT should use an AED on a child between 1 month and 8 years of age if: a. pediatric pads and an energy reducing device are available. b. he or she is not breathing and has a weakly palpable pulse. c. his or her condition is rapidly progressing to cardiac arrest. d. special pads are used and the child has profound tachycardia.

a. pediatric pads and an energy reducing device are available

Endtidal carbon dioxide (ETCO ) monitoring is clearly indicated for patients who present with: a. respiratory distress. b. high blood pressure. c. headache. d. abdominal pain.

a. respiratory distress.

A 59 year old male with a history of emphysema complains of an acute worsening of his dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain following a forceful cough. Your assessment reveals that he has a barrel shaped chest, unilaterally diminished breath sounds, and tachycardia. What is the MOST likely cause of this patient's condition? a. spontaneous pneumothorax b. rupture of the diaphragm c. acute pulmonary embolism d. exacerbation of his COPD

a. spontaneous pneumothorax

Prompt transport of a patient with a suspected AMI is important because: a. the patient may be eligible to receive thrombolytic therapy. b. 90% of the cardiac cells will die within the first 30 minutes. c. many patients with an AMI die within 6 hours. d. nitroglycerin can only be given in the emergency department.

a. the patient may be eligible to receive thrombolytic therapy

A 35-year-old obese woman is complaining of localized pain in the right upper quadrant with referred pain to the right shoulder. The MOST likely cause of her pain is:

acute cholecystitis.

The determination of whether a medical patient is a high-priority or low priority transport is typically made:

after the primary assessment has been completed.

Older patients with abdominal problems may not exhibit the same pain response as younger patients because of:

age-related deterioration of their sensory systems.

An area of swelling or enlargement in a weakened arterial wall is called:

an aneurysm

A 62-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure presents with severe respiratory distress and with an oxygen saturation of 82%. When you auscultate his lungs, you hear widespread rales. He is conscious and alert, is able to follow simple commands, and can only speak in two- to three-word sentences at a time. You should:

apply a CPAP device, monitor his blood pressure, and observe him for signs of improvement or deterioration.

You receive a call for a 70-year-old female with respiratory distress. Her husband tells you that she has congestive heart failure; however, he does not think that she has been taking her medications as prescribed. The patient is laboring to breathe, appears tired, and has cyanosis around her lips. You should:

assist her ventilations with a bag-valve mask.

The ability of cardiac muscle cells to contract spontaneously without a stimulus from a nerve source is called:

automaticity

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom associated with malfunction of an implanted cardiac pacemaker? a. Heart rate less than 60 beats/min b. A rapid heart rate c. Syncope or dizziness d.Generalized weakness

b. A rapid heart rate

A patient tells you that he has a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Which of the following conditions should you suspect that he has experienced? a. Thoracic aortic aneurysm b. Acute myocardial infarction c. Uncontrolled hypertension d. Obstructive lung disease

b. Acute myocardial infarction

You and your partner have achieved return of spontaneous circulation(ROSC) in a patient who was in cardiac arrest. An ALS unit will arrive in less than 2 minutes. The patient remains unresponsive and has slow, irregular breathing. Further treatment for this patient should include: a. insertion of an oropharyngeal airway and positioning him on his side b. BVM ventilation at 10-12 breaths/min and assessment of oxygen saturation. c. elevation of his lower extremities and covering him with warm blankets.

b. BVM ventilation at 10-12 breaths/min and assessment of oxygen saturation.

Which of the following MOST accurately describes what the patient will experience during the postictal state that follows a seizure? a. A gradually decreasing level of consciousness b. Confusion and fatigue c. A rapidly improving level of consciousness d. Hyperventilation and hypersalivation

b. Confusion and fatigue

Which of the following conditions is NOT a common cause of seizures? a. Poisoning or overdose b. Hypotension c. Acute hypoglycemia d. Acute alcohol withdrawal

b. Hypotension

Which of the following would cause the greatest increase in cardiac output? a. Decreased stroke volume and decreased heart rate b. Increased heart rate and increased stroke volume c. Decreased heart rate and increased stroke volume d. Decreased stroke volume and increased heart rate

b. Increased heart rate and increased stroke volume

Which of the following organs would MOST likely bleed profusely if injured? a. Gallbladder b. Liver c. Appendix d. Stomach

b. Liver

When assessing a patient with a medical complaint, which of the following would MOST likely reveal the cause of the problem? a. Primary assessment b. Medical history c. Index of suspicion d. Baseline vital signs

b. Medical history

Which of the following statements regarding dialysis is correct? a. Hemodialysis is effective but carries a high risk of peritonitis. b. Patients who miss a dialysis treatment often present with weakness. c. Acute hypertension is a common adverse effect of dialysis. d. The purpose of dialysis is to help the kidneys retain salt and water.

b. Patients who miss a dialysis treatment often present with weakness.

Which of the following clinical signs is MOST suggestive of a ruptured aneurysm? a. Confusion and weakness b. Sudden, severe headache c. Unilateral hemiparesis d. Nasal discharge of blood

b. Sudden, severe headache

A 60yearoldfemale presents with a tearing sensation in her lower back. Her skin is sweaty and she is tachycardic. The EMT should suspect: a. strangulated hernia. b. aortic aneurysm. c. kidney stones. d. acute pancreatitis.

b. aortic aneurysm.

The MOST common reason that many people experiencing AMI do not seek immediate medical attention is because they: a. do not trust EMTs. b. are in denial. c. are elderly. d.cannot afford it.

b. are in denial

Components of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale include: a. facial droop, speech, and pupil size. b. arm drift, speech, and facial droop. c. arm drift, memory, and grip strength. d. speech, pupil reaction, and memory.

b. arm drift, speech, and facial droop.

Upon initial contact with a patient who appears to be unconscious, you should: a. assess breathing depth and determine the respiratory rate. b. attempt to elicit a verbal response by talking to the patient. c. squeeze the trapezius muscle to see if the patient responds. d. direct your partner to apply oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.

b. attempt to elicit a verbal response by talking to the patient.

While obtaining an 12 lead ECG prior to ALS arrival, you note the presence of artifacts on the tracing. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this? a. The patient's pulse is irregular b. Excessive movement of the patient c. Abnormal cardiac electrical activity d. placement of the leads

b. excessive movement of the patient

A pleural effusion is MOST accurately defined as: a. a unilaterally collapsed lung. b. fluid accumulation outside the lung. c. a bacterial infection of the lung tissue. d. diffuse collapsing of the alveoli.

b. fluid accumulation outside the lung

You are dispatched to a residence for a 66yearoldmale who, according to family members, has suffered a massive stroke. Your primary assessment reveals that the patient is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. You should: a. assess the patient for a facial droop and hemiparesis. b. initiate CPR and attach an AED as soon as possible. c. obtain a blood glucose sample to rule out hypoglycemia

b. initiate CPR and attach an AED as soon as possible.

You have just completed your primary assessment of a 48 year old man with crushing chest pain and difficulty breathing. The patient has been given 324mg of aspirin and is receiving supplemental oxygen. As you begin your secondary assessment, you note that his mental status has deteriorated and he is now bradycardic. You should: a. request an ALS unit to respond to the scene. b. prepare the patient for immediate transport. c. insert a nasal airway and assist his breathing.

b. prepare the patient for immediate transport.

A 30yearold woman with a history of alcoholism presents with severe upper abdominal pain and is vomiting large amounts of bright red blood. Her skin is cool, pale, and clammy; her heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak; and her blood pressure is 70/50 mm Hg. Your MOST immediate action should be to: a. give her highflow-supplemental oxygen. b. rapidly transport her to the hospital. c. keep her supine and keep her warm.

b. rapidly transport her to the hospital.

When the level of arterial carbon dioxide rises above normal: a. exhalation lasts longer than inhalation. b. respirations increase in rate and depth. c. the brain stem inhibits respirations.

b. respirations increase in rate and depth

A 47yearold male presents with severe abdominal pain of 3 hours' duration. His abdomen is distended and guarded. Your MOST important consideration for this patient should be to: a. determine the exact location and cause of his pain. b. transport him in a supine position. c. assess his blood pressure to determine perfusion adequacy.

b. transport him in a supine position.

Which of the following MOST accurately describes a simple partial seizure? a. A seizure that causes the patient to stare blankly b. A generalized seizure without incontinence c. A seizure that begins in one extremity d. A seizure that is not preceded by an aura

c. A seizure that begins in one extremity

Which of the following statements regarding the acute abdomen is correct? a. The parietal peritoneum is typically the first abdominal layer that becomes inflamed or irritated. b. An acute abdomen almost always occurs as the result of blunt trauma to solid abdominal organs. c. The initial pain associated with an acute abdomen tends to be vague and poorly localized. d. The most common cause of an acute abdomen is inflammation of the gallbladder and liver.

c. The initial pain associated with an acute abdomen tends to be vague and poorly localized.

Hyperventilation could be associated with all of the following, EXCEPT: a. a respiratory infection. b. high blood glucose levels c. a narcotic overdose.

c. a narcotic overdose

A 59yearold male presents with sudden onset severe lower back pain. He is conscious and alert, but very restless and diaphoretic. Your assessment-reveals a pulsating mass to the left of his umbilicus. You should: a. request a paramedic unit to give the patient pain medication. b. vigorously palpate the abdomen to establish pain severity. c. administer oxygen and prepare for immediate transport.

c. administer oxygen and prepare for immediate transport.

Upon arriving at the residence of a patient with a possible cardiac problem, it is MOST important to: a. request a paramedic unit for assistance. b. gain immediate access to the patient. c. assess the scene for potential hazards. d.determine if you need additional help.

c. assess the scene to the patient

Alkalosis is a condition that occurs when: a. dangerous acids accumulate in the bloodstream. b. slow, shallow breathing eliminates too much carbon dioxide. c. blood acidity is reduced by excessive breathing. d. the level of carbon dioxide in the blood increases.

c. blood acidity is reduced by excessive breathing

It would be MOST appropriate for a patient to take his or her prescribed nitroglycerin when experiencing: a. sharp chest pain that lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes. b. an acute onset of dizziness during a period of exertion. c. chest pain that does not immediately subside with rest. d. difficulty breathing that awakens the patient from sleep

c. chest pain that does not immediately subside with rest.

At the onset of an acute asthma attack, patients commonly experience difficulty breathing and: a. audible stridor. b. profound cyanosis. c. expiratory wheezing. d. rales and rhonchi.

c. expiratory wheezing

The mental status of a patient who has experienced a generalized seizure: a. progressively worsens over a period of a few hours. b. typically does not improve, even after several minutes. c. is likely to improve over a period of 5 to 30 minutes. d. is easily differentiated from that of acute hypoglycemia.

c. is likely to improve over a period of 5 to 30 minutes

In contrast to the parietal peritoneum, the visceral peritoneum: a. is supplied by the same nerves from the spinal cord that supply the skin of the abdomen. b. lines the walls of the abdominal cavity and is stimulated when the solid abdominal organs contract. c. is supplied by nerves of the autonomic nervous system, which are less able to localize pain or sensation. d. is less likely to become inflamed or infected because it lines the abdominal organs themselves.

c. is supplied by nerves of the autonomic nervous system, which are less able to localize pain or sensation.

You and your EMT partner arrive at the residence of a 50 year old man who complains of weakness. Your primary assessment reveals that he is critically ill and will require aggressive treatment. The closest hospital is 25 miles away. You should: a. administer oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and obtain as much of his medical history as possible. b. perform a detailed secondary assessment, assess his vital signs, and then transport rapidly. c. manage all threats to airway, breathing, and circulation and consider requesting an ALS unit

c. manage all threats to airway, breathing, and circulation and consider requesting an ALS unit.

An absence seizure is also referred to as a: a. total body seizure. b. grand mal seizure. c. petit mal seizure. d. generalized motor seizure.

c. petit mal seizure.

After assisting your patient with prescribed nitroglycerin, you should: a. place the patient in a recumbent position in case of fainting. b. avoid further dosing if the patient complains of a severe headache. c. reassess his or her blood pressure within 5 minutes to detect hypotension. d. perform a secondary assessment before administering further doses.

c. reassess his or her blood pressure within 5 minutes to detect hypotension

When assessing for fluid collection in the lungs during auscultation of lung sounds, you should: a. auscultate the posterior chest first and compare the apex of one lung to the base of the opposite lung. b. pay special attention to the exhalation phase because this is when you will likely hear rales or rhonchi. c. start at the lower lung fields and determine at which level you start hearing clear breath sounds. d. note the presence of a high pitched whistling sound, which is an indicator of fluid in the lungs.

c. start at the lower lung fields and determine at which level you start hearing clear breath sounds

When forming your general impression of a patient with a medical complaint, it is important to remember that: a. the majority of medical patients you encounter are also injured. b. it is during the general impression that assessment of the ABCs occurs. c. the conditions of many medical patients may not appear serious at first.

c. the conditions of many medical patients may not appear serious at first.

The respiratory distress that accompanies emphysema is caused by:

chronic stretching of the alveolar walls

The myocardium receives oxygenated blood from the __________, which originate(s) from the __________.

coronary arteries, aorta

Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for complications caused by the influenza virus? a. 50 year old woman moderate obesity b. 39 year old man with mild hypertension c. 12 year old child with a fractured arm d. 68 year old woman with type 2 diabetes

d. 68 year old woman with type 2 diabetes

Which of the following will MOST reliably allow you to determine the nature of a patient's illness? a. Refraining from asking open ended questions b. Trending of the patient's vital signs over time c. Focusing solely on how the call is dispatched d. Asking questions related to the chief complaint

d. Asking questions related to the chief complaint

A 60 year old male presents with acute respiratory distress. He is conscious and alert, has pink and dry skin, and has respirations of 22 breaths/min with adequate depth. Which of the following treatments is MOST appropriate for this patient? a. Assisted ventilation with a bag valve mask and a head to toe exam b. focused secondary assessment Positive pressure c. ventilations and immediate transport to the closest hospital d. Oxygen via a nasal cannula, vital signs, and prompt transport to the hospital

d. Oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and a focused secondary assessment

In addition to obtaining a SAMPLE history and asking questions related to the chief complaint, what else should you specifically inquire about when assessing a patient with a potentially infectious disease? a. Drug allergies b. HIV status c. Sexual practices d. Recent travel

d. Recent travel

Which of the following cardiac dysrhythmias has the greatest chance of deteriorating into a pulseless rhythm? a. Sinus tachycardia b. Sinus bradycardia c. Extra ventricular beats d. Ventricular tachycardia

d. Ventricular tachycardia

When auscultating the lungs of a patient with respiratory distress, you hear adventitious sounds. This means that the patient has: a. normal breath sounds. b. an absence of breath sounds. c. diminished breath sounds. d. abnormal breath sounds.

d. abnormal

An alert patient presents with a regular pattern of inhalation and exhalation and breath sounds that are clear and equal on both sides of the chest. These findings are consistent with: a. an obstructed airway. b. respiratory insufficiency. c. respiratory difficulty. d. adequate air exchange.

d. adequate air exchange

A 58yearoldman complains of chest discomfort and nausea. He is conscious and alert; his blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, his pulse is 104 beats/min, and his respirations are 16 breaths/min. Your partner has applied supplemental oxygen. Prior to assisting the patient with one of his prescribed nitroglycerin tablets, you ask him if he takes medication to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and he tells you that he does. You should: a. avoid giving him nitroglycerin and transport him at once. b. recall that erectile ED drugs can cause significant hypertension. c. administer his nitroglycerin and then reassess his blood pressure. d. ask him what he takes, how much, and when he last took it.

d. ask him what he takes, how much, and when he last took it.

A conscious and alert 29 year old female with a history of asthma complains of difficulty breathing that began after her morning jog. The temperature outside is 40°F (5°C). On exam, you hear bilateral expiratory wheezing. After providing supplemental oxygen, you should: a. contact medical control and administer an antihistamine. b. call medical control and ask how to proceed with treatment. c. place her in a recumbent position to facilitate breathing. d. determine if she has been prescribed a beta agonist inhaler.

d. determine if she has been prescribed a beta agonist inhaler

The secondary assessment of a medical patient: a. is typically limited to a focused exam for patients who are unconscious. b. should be performed at the scene, especially if the patient is critically ill. c. should routinely include a comprehensive examination from head to toe. d. is not practical if the patient is critically ill or your transport time is short.

d. is not practical if the patient is critically ill or your transport time is short

A patient with atherosclerotic heart disease experiences chest pain during exertion because: a. the coronary arteries suddenly spasm and cause a marked reduction in myocardial blood flow. b. the ragged edge of a tear in the coronary artery lumen causes local blood c. clotting and arterial narrowing. d. the lumen of the coronary artery is narrowed and cannot accommodate increased blood flow.

d. the lumen of the coronary artery is narrowed and cannot accommodate increased blood flow

An index of suspicion is MOST accurately defined as: a. determining the underlying cause of a patient's medical condition based on signs and symptoms. b. ruling out specific medical conditions based on the absence of certain signs and symptoms. c. the EMT's prediction of the type of illness a patient has based on how the call is dispatched. d. your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying and unseen injuries or illness.

d. your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying and unseen injuries or illness.

A patient whose speech is slurred and difficult to understand is experiencing:

dysarthria

The anterior aspect of the cerebrum controls:

emotion

A 40-year-old patient without a history of seizures experiences a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure. The LEAST likely cause of this seizure is:

epilepsy

At the onset of an acute asthma attack, patients commonly experience difficulty breathing and:

expiratory wheezing.

Typical chief complaints in patients with an infectious disease include:

fever, rash, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

Hepatitis B is more virulent than hepatitis C, which means that it:

has a greater ability to produce disease.

Asthma is caused by a response of the:

immune system

In a healthy individual, the brain stem stimulates breathing on the basis of:

increased carbon dioxide levels

In contrast to the assessment of a trauma patient, assessment of a medical patient:

is focused on the nature of illness, the patient's chief complaint, and his or her symptoms

The AED is MOST advantageous to the EMT because:

it delivers prompt defibrillation to patients with ventricular fibrillation.

Early signs and symptoms of viral hepatitis include all of the following, EXCEPT:

jaundice and abdominal pain.

Angina pectoris occurs when:

myocardial oxygen demand exceeds supply

Prior to assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin, the EMT must:

obtain authorization from medical control.

Factors that increase the risk for developing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) include:

prolonged hospitalization, especially in an intensive care unit.

Status epilepticus is characterized by:

prolonged seizures without a return of consciousness.

A 22 year old female patient is complaining of dyspnea and numbness and tingling in her hands and feet after an argument with her fiancé. Her respirations are 40 breaths/min. You should:

provide reassurance and give oxygen as needed.

When transporting a stable stroke patient with a paralyzed extremity, place the patient in a:

recumbent position with the paralyzed side down.

You are assessing the arm drift component of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale on a 60-year-old woman. When she holds both of her arms out in front of her and closes her eyes, both of her arms immediately fall to her sides. You should:

repeat the arm drift test, but move the patient's arms into position yourself.

Reassessment of a patient with a medical complaint should begin by:

repeating the primary assessment.

In contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system:

slows the heart and respiratory rates.

The purpose of defibrillation is to:

stop the chaotic, disorganized contraction of the cardiac cells.

You are caring for a 70-year-old female with signs and symptoms of an acute stroke. She is conscious, has secretions in her mouth, is breathing at a normal rate with adequate depth, and has an oxygen saturation of 96%. You should:

suction her oropharynx and transport immediately.

Common symptoms of acute hyperventilation syndrome include:

tachypnea and tingling in the extremities

Successful treatment of a stroke depends on whether:

thrombolytic therapy is given within 3 hours of symptoms beginning.

The principal clinical difference between a stroke and hypoglycemia is that patients with hypoglycemia:

usually have an altered mental status or decreased level of consciousness

Ten days after treating a 34-year-old patient with tuberculosis, you are given a tuberculin skin test, which yields a positive result. This MOST likely indicates that:

you were exposed to another infected person prior to treating the 34-year-old patient.

An index of suspicion is MOST accurately defined as:

your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying and unseen injuries or illness.