EMT Module 1

According to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, an EMT should be able to: a) assist a patient with certain prescribed medications. b) insert a peripheral IV line and infuse fluids. c) administer epinephrine via the subcutaneous route. d) interpret a basic (ECG) rhythm and treat accordingly.

a) assist a patient with certain prescribed medications.

When faced with a situation in which a patient is in cardiac arrest and a valid living will or DNR order cannot be located, you should: a) begin resuscitation at once. b) contact medical control first. c) determine the patient's illness. d) notify the coroner immediately.

a) begin resuscitation at once.

When relaying patient information via radio, communications should be: a) brief and easily understood. b) coded and scripted. c) spoken in a loud voice. d) lengthy and complete.

a) brief and easily understood.

The spread of HIV and hepatitis in the healthcare setting can usually be traced to: a) careless handling of sharps. b) lack of proper immunizations. c) excessive blood splashing or splattering. d) noncompliance with standard precautions.

a) careless handling of sharps.

For patient handoff, it is important for EMTs and hospital staff to use: a) common language. b) common goals. c) metric-sized tools. d) shared training.

a) common language.

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 that the patient remain quiet and cooperative during transport. c) ignore the patient's feelings and focus on his or her medical complaint. d) reassure the patient that everything will be all right, even if it will not be.

a) continue to be nonjudgmental, compassionate, and respectful.

Putrefaction is defined as: a) decomposition of the body's tissues. b) profound cyanosis to the trunk and face. c) blood settling to the lowest point of the body. d) separation of the torso from the rest of the body.

a) decomposition of the body's tissues.

In an interdependent group, when one person fails: a) everyone fails. b) that person is fired. c) management will be changed. d) pay is withheld.

a) everyone fails.

The proper technique for using the power grip is to: a) lift with your palms up. b) rotate your palms down. c) hold the handle with your fingers. d) position your hands about 6″ apart.

a) lift with your palms up.

While providing care to a patient, the EMT informs her partner that a shotgun is leaning against the wall in the corner of the room. In making this observation, the EMT has demonstrated: a) situational awareness. b) closed-loop communication. c) crew resource management. d) constructive intervention.

a) situational awareness.

EMTs arrive at the scene of an ill person. The EMR, who arrived before the EMTs, advises that the patient had a syncopal episode. The patient is conscious and alert and remains so throughout transport. When transferring patient care to the emergency department nurse, the EMT should advise the nurse that: a) the patient had a reported syncopal episode. b) she should contact the EMR about the incident. c) the EMR was probably mistaken about the episode. d) there is no evidence to support the syncopal episode.

a) the patient had a reported syncopal episode.

Which of the following skills or interventions is included at every level of prehospital emergency training? a) Oral glucose for hypoglycemia b) Automated external defibrillation c) Intranasal medication administration d) Use of a manually triggered ventilator

b) Automated external defibrillation

Which of the following is not an example of the use of proper body mechanics when lifting: a) The hips are used as a fulcrum to bend. b) Hands and arms are held over the head. c) Shoulders are aligned over the pelvis. d) As many core muscles are engaged as possible.

b) Hands and arms are held over the head.

Which of the following types of consent allows treatment of a patient who is unconscious or mentally incapacitated? a) Actual b) Implied c) Informed d) Expressed

b) Implied

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? a) Direct contact b) Indirect contact c) Airborne transmission d) Vector-borne transmission

b) Indirect contact

In which of the following situations is an emergency patient move indicated? a) A patient has an altered mental status or is in shock. b) The EMT is unable to protect the patient from scene hazards. c) The EMT has to gain access to lesser-injured patients in a vehicle. d) A significant mechanism of injury is involved.

b) The EMT is unable to protect the patient from scene hazards.

Medical control gives you an order that seems inappropriate for the patient's condition. After confirming that you heard the physician correctly, you should: a) carry out the order and then carefully document it on the run form. b) advise the physician that the order is unclear and ask for clarification. c) argue 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) advise the physician that the order is unclear and ask for clarification.

Acting in such a way as to make another person fear immediate bodily harm is called: a) libel. b) assault. c) battery. d) negligence.

b) assault.

All information recorded on the PCR must be: a) typewritten or printed. b) considered confidential. c) a matter of public record. d) reflective of your opinion.

b) considered confidential.

It is essential that you ____________ your equipment to prevent the spread of disease. a) throw out b) decontaminate c) incinerate d) properly store

b) decontaminate

An effective team leader should: a) command his or her team. b) help the team accomplish goals. c) perform all difficult interventions. d) refrain from any direct patient care.

b) help the team accomplish goals.

The continuous quality improvement (CQI) process is designed to: a) administer punitive actions to EMTs who do not follow local protocols. b) identify areas of improvement and provide remedial training if needed. c) ensure that all EMTs maintain licensure through the state EMS office. d) focus specifically on the quality of emergency care provided to the patient.

b) identify areas of improvement and provide remedial training if needed.

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) legal but unethical.

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) not disclosing his or her name.

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, an employer must: a) guarantee a 100% risk-free environment prior to employment. b) offer a workplace environment that reduces the risk of exposure. c) provide gloves and other personal protective equipment to full-time paid employees only. d) screen all prospective employees for bloodborne pathogens.

b) offer a workplace environment that reduces the risk of exposure.

The concept of consistent care across the entire health care team from first patient contact to patient discharge is called: a) the standard of care. b) the continuum of care. c) patient care advocacy. d) the scope of practice.

b) the continuum of care.

EMRs such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and park rangers are an integral part of the EMS system because: a) they are usually trained to assist paramedics with certain procedures. b) they often arrive at the scene before the ambulance and EMTs. c) the average response time for the EMT crew is approximately 15 minutes. d) they can initiate certain ALS procedures before EMS arrival.

b) they often arrive at the scene before the ambulance and EMTs.

To facilitate a safe and coordinated move, the team leader should: a) be positioned at the feet so the team can hear. b) use preparatory commands to initiate any moves. c) speak softly but clearly to avoid startling the patient. d) never become involved in the move, only direct the move.

b) use preparatory commands to initiate any moves.

Which type of medical direction do standing orders and protocols describe? a) Radio b) Online c) Off-line d) Direct

c) Off-line

Which of the following statements regarding communication with a child is correct? a) Most children are intrigued by strangers wearing uniforms. b) The EMT should give the child minimal information to avoid scaring him or her. c) Standing over a child often increases his or her level of anxiety. d) Unlike adults, children cannot see through lies or deceptions.

c) Standing over a child often increases his or her level of anxiety.

Which of the following statements regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is correct? a) The ADA applies only to individuals with a diagnosed and well-documented physical disability. b) The minimum number of hours required to successfully complete an EMT course is less for candidates who are disabled. c) The ADA prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment to those who are disabled. d) According to the ADA, EMT candidates with a documented disability are exempt from taking the NREMT exam.

c) The ADA prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment to those who are disabled.

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 finding 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 believe the child was intentionally abused by his parents.

c) document this finding on your patient care report and advise the emergency department staff of what the child's parents told you.

While transporting a patient, you inadvertently give an incorrect medication. You reassess the patient and note that their condition did not change and they remained stable. You should: a) document the error at a later time, but report it to your supervisor. b) notify law enforcement so they can file an incident report. c) immediately contact medical control and notify them of your error. d) exclude this intervention from the PCR because it did not harm the patient.

c) immediately contact medical control and notify them of your error.

All of the following are considered to be protected health information (PHI), except: a) patient history. b) treatment rendered. c) location of the call. d) assessment findings.

c) location of the call.

Prescription glasses do not provide adequate eye protection because they: 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: a) flushed skin, decreased muscle control, and vomiting. b) slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and severe headaches. c) perspiration, dilated pupils, and increased heart rate. d) increased blood pressure, decreased blood glucose levels, and chest pain.

c) perspiration, dilated pupils, and increased heart rate.

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) use short, simple questions and point to specific parts of your body to try to determine the source of the patient's complaint.

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 annual testing for tuberculosis and hepatitis.

c) wash your hands in between patient contacts.

Which of the following conditions or situations presents the most unique challenge to the EMT when immobilizing an elderly patient on a long backboard? a) Joint flexibility b) Patient disorientation c) Naturally deformed bones d) Abnormal spinal curvature

d) Abnormal spinal curvature

In which of the following manners should you act and speak with a patient? a) Passive b) Authoritative c) Loud and official d) Calm and confident

d) Calm and confident

Which 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) Expressed

You and your partner enter the residence of an elderly couple, both of whom are found unconscious in their bed. As you begin your assessment, you partner notice the smell of natural gas in the residence. How should you extricate these patients? a) Roll and secure onto a long spine board and carry them out of the house. b) Request another ambulance to assist with lifting and moving the patients. c) The female should sit on the stair chair and be wheeled from the home. d) Rapidly remove the patients from their residence using a blanket or clothes drag.

d) Rapidly remove the patients from their residence using a blanket or clothes drag.

In which of the following circumstances can the EMT legally release confidential patient information? a) A police officer requests a copy to place on file b) The family requests a copy for insurance purposes c) A media representative inquiries about the patient d) The patient is competent and signs a release form

d) The patient is competent and signs a release form

Any radio hardware containing a transmitter and a receiver that is located in a fixed location is called a: d) base station. a) repeater. c) mobile radio. b) multiplex.

d) base station.

The EMT certification exam is designed to: a) rank EMTs based on performance on the certification exam. b) identify those EMTs who are prepared for advanced levels of training. c) provide EMTs with the best possible wage once certification is achieved. d) ensure that EMTs are competent and have the same level of knowledge and skills.

d) ensure that EMTs are competent and have the same level of knowledge and skills.

In many states, a minor may be treated as an adult for the purpose of consenting to or refusing medical treatment if the minor: a) possesses a valid driver's license. b) is mentally competent and able to refuse. c) has a poor relationship with his or her parents. d) is self-supporting and lives by him- or herself.

d) is self-supporting and lives by him- or herself.

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) keep the weight as close to your body as possible.

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) put on high-visibility safety vests.

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 pounds. 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) request additional personnel before making any attempts to lift him.

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) continue 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) seek a safe place and request law enforcement assistance.