Chapter 15 - Medical Overview

In which of the following situations would it be MOST appropriate to utilize an air medical transportation service? Select one: A. 43-year-old man experiencing a heart attack, and the closest appropriate hospital is 15 minutes away B. 29-year-old woman who is 18 weeks pregnant, has light vaginal bleeding, and has stable vital signs C. 50-year-old conscious woman with severe nausea and vomiting, fever, and chills of 3 days' duration D. 61-year-old man with signs and symptoms of a stroke and your ground transport time is 50 minutes

61-year-old man with signs and symptoms of a stroke and your ground transport time is 50 minutes

Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for complications caused by the influenza virus? Select one: A. 68-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes B. 39-year-old man with mild hypertension C. 12-year-old child with a fractured arm D. 50-year-old woman with moderate obesity

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? Select one: A. Focusing solely on how the call is dispatched B. Refraining from asking open-ended questions C. Trending of the patient's vital signs over time D. Asking questions related to the chief complaint

Asking questions related to the chief complaint

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

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

Which of the following medications would the EMT be LEAST likely to administer to a patient with a medical complaint? Select one: A. Albuterol B. Aspirin C. Oral glucose D. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen

Which of the following questions would be the MOST pertinent to ask a patient who recently returned from Europe and is now ill? Select one: A. What was the purpose of your travel? B. How much time did you spend in Europe? C. Will you be traveling again in the future? D. Is anyone else in your travel party sick?

Is anyone else in your travel party sick?

Which of the following assessment findings is MOST indicative of a cardiovascular problem? Select one: A. Jugular venous distention B. Use of the accessory muscles C. Unequal breath sounds D. Palpable pain to the epigastrium

Jugular venous distention

Your patient's symptoms include high fever, cough, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and shortness of breath. Which of the following should you suspect? Select one: A. Whooping cough B. Influenza C. Hepatitis B D. MERS-CoV

MERS-CoV

Which of the following statements regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is correct? Select one: A. Most cases of MRSA transmission occur following an accidental needlestick. B. MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections and is resistant to most antibiotics. C. Studies have shown that fewer than 1% of health care providers are MRSA carriers. D. The communicable period for MRSA is 10 days to 2 weeks after being infected.

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

When assessing a patient with a medical complaint, which of the following would MOST likely reveal the cause of the problem? Select one: A. Baseline vital signs B. Medical history C. Index of suspicion D. Primary assessment

Medical history

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? Select one: A. Sexual practices B. HIV status C. Drug allergies D. Recent travel

Recent travel

Which of the following conditions often requires transport to a hospital with specialized capabilities that may not be available at the closest hospital? Select one: A. Seizures and infection B. Stroke and heart attack C. Cardiac arrest and shock D. Diabetes and migraines

Stroke and heart attack

Which of the following conditions is NOT categorized as a psychiatric condition? Select one: A. Schizophrenia B. Depression C. Alzheimer's disease D. Substance abuse

Substance abuse

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

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

An infectious disease is MOST accurately defined as: Select one: A. any disease that enters the body via the bloodstream and renders the immune system nonfunctional. B. a medical condition caused by the growth and spread of small, harmful organisms within the body. C. the invasion of the human body by a bacterium that cannot be destroyed by antibiotics or other drugs. D. a disease that can be spread from one person or species to another through a number of mechanisms.

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

A sign of respiratory distress seen in the neck is: Select one: A. muscular atrophy. B. muscular definition. C. muscular twitches. D. accessory muscle use

accessory muscle use

The primary prehospital treatment for most medical emergencies: Select one: A. focuses on definitive care because a diagnosis can usually be made. B. typically does not require the EMT to contact medical control. C. involves transport only until treatment can be performed at the hospital. D. addresses the patient's symptoms more than the actual disease process.

addresses the patient's symptoms more than the actual disease process

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: Select one: A. perform a head-to-toe secondary assessment. B. retrieve the stretcher and prepare for transport. C. assess her oxygen saturation and blood pressure. D. administer oxygen with the appropriate device.

administer oxygen with the appropriate device.

The determination of whether a medical patient is a high-priority or low-priority transport is typically made: Select one: A. once the patient's baseline vital signs are known. B. after the primary assessment has been completed. C. upon completion of a detailed secondary assessment. D. as soon as the patient voices his or her chief complaint.

after the primary assessment has been completed.

A 58-year-old man 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: Select one: A. recall that erectile ED drugs can cause significant hypertension. B. administer his nitroglycerin and then reassess his blood pressure. C. ask him what he takes, how much, and when he last took it. D. avoid giving him nitroglycerin and transport him at once.

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

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

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

In addition to looking for severe bleeding, assessment of circulation in the conscious patient should involve: Select one: A. palpating the carotid pulse to determine the approximate rate and checking capillary refill time. B. taking a blood pressure and determining if the patient is alert and oriented or confused. C. applying a pulse oximeter probe to the finger to determine if peripheral perfusion is adequate. D. checking the radial pulse and noting the color, temperature, and condition of the skin.

checking the radial pulse and noting the color, temperature, and condition of the skin.

Patients with tuberculosis pose the greatest risk for transmitting the disease when they: Select one: A. vomit. B. have a fever. C. are bleeding. D. cough.

cough

Typical chief complaints in patients with an infectious disease include: Select one: A. crushing chest pain, vomiting, and weakness. B. fever, rash, nausea, and difficulty breathing. C. joint pain, muscle aches, and blurred vision. D. headache, low back pain, and arm numbness.

fever, rash, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

When performing a secondary assessment on a conscious patient with nontraumatic abdominal pain and stable vital signs, you should: Select one: A. only palpate tender areas of the abdomen. B. examine the patient from head to toe. C. prepare the patient for transport first. D. focus on his or her chief complaint.

focus on his or her chief complaint.

The BEST way to prevent infection from whooping cough is to: Select one: A. routinely place a surgical mask on all respiratory patients. B. get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. C. wear a HEPA mask when treating any respiratory patient. D. ask all patients if they have recently traveled abroad.

get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Hepatitis B is more virulent than hepatitis C, which means that it: Select one: A. is less resistant to treatment. B. is a more contagious type of disease. C. has a greater ability to produce disease. D. leads to chronic infection after exposure.

has a greater ability to produce disease

Three months after returning home from West Africa, a 50-year-old man begins experiencing a fever, cough, and muscle aches. The EMT should suspect: Select one: A. Ebola. B. whooping cough. C. influenza. D. hepatitis.

influenza

In contrast to the assessment of a trauma patient, assessment of a medical patient: Select one: A. is focused on the nature of illness, the patient's chief complaint, and his or her symptoms. B. is not as complex for the EMT because most patients typically present with classic symptoms. C. almost exclusively focuses on physical signs that indicate the patient is experiencing a problem. D. requires a thorough head-to-toe exam that involves a detailed assessment of all body systems.

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

In contrast to viral hepatitis, toxin-induced hepatitis: Select one: A. typically does not cause yellow skin. B. is a far more transmittable disease. C. is not a communicable disease. D. can be prevented with a vaccination.

is not a communicable disease

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

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

Early signs and symptoms of viral hepatitis include all of the following, EXCEPT: Select one: A. vomiting, fever, and fatigue. B. loss of appetite and a cough. C. pain in the muscles and joints. D. jaundice and abdominal pain.

jaundice and abdominal pain.

When caring for a patient with an altered mental status and signs of circulatory compromise, you should: Select one: A. have a paramedic unit respond to the scene if it is less than 15 minutes away. B. limit your time at the scene to 10 minutes or less, if possible. C. transport immediately and begin all emergency treatment en route to the hospital. D. perform a detailed secondary assessment prior to transporting the patient.

limit your time at the scene to 10 minutes or less, if possible

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: Select one: A. manage all threats to airway, breathing, and circulation and consider requesting an ALS unit. B. perform a detailed secondary assessment, assess his vital signs, and then transport rapidly. C. administer oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and obtain as much of his medical history as possible. D. load him into the ambulance, begin transport, and perform all treatment en route to the hospital.

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

A patient who presents with a headache, fever, confusion, and red blotches on his or her skin should be suspected of having: Select one: A. MERS-CoV. B. tuberculosis. C. meningitis. D. hepatitis.

meningitis

It is especially important to assess pulse, sensation, and movement in all extremities as well as pupillary reactions in patients with a suspected ___________ problem. Select one: A. neurologic B. cardiac C. endocrine D. respiratory Feedback

neurologic

Assessment of a patient's blood pressure with an automatic BP cuff reveals that it is 204/120 mm Hg. The patient is conscious and alert and denies any symptoms. The EMT should: Select one: A. obtain a manual blood pressure. B. prepare for immediate transport. C. reassess her blood pressure in 5 minutes. D. conclude that she has hypertension.

obtain a manual blood pressure.

The greatest danger in displaying a personal bias or "labeling" a patient who frequently calls EMS is: Select one: A. making the entire EMS system look unprofessional. B. discouraging the patient from calling EMS in the future. C. overlooking a potentially serious medical condition. D. demeaning or humiliating the patient and his or her family.

overlooking a potentially serious medical condition.

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 324 mg 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: Select one: A. insert a nasal airway and assist his breathing. B. request an ALS unit to respond to the scene. C. continue with your secondary assessment. D. prepare the patient for immediate transport.

prepare the patient for immediate transport.

Factors that increase the risk for developing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) include: Select one: A. prior exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. B. prolonged hospitalization, especially in an intensive care unit. C. a history of a respiratory illness within the past 6 to 8 weeks. D. failure to be vaccinated against any strain of hepatitis.

prolonged hospitalization, especially in an intensive care unit.

Reassessment of a patient with a medical complaint should begin by: Select one: A. repeating the primary assessment. B. reassessing the nature of illness. C. taking another set of vital signs. D. reviewing all treatment performed.

repeating the primary assessment

When caring for a patient who takes numerous medications, it is best to: Select one: A. let the hospital staff retrieve the patient's medical records, which should show a list of his or her current medications. B. document the medications on your patient care report, but leave them at home so they do not get misplaced. C. send the patient's medications to the hospital with a family member or other person who will safeguard them. D. take all of the patient's medications with you to the hospital and document them on your patient care report.

take all of the patient's medications with you to the hospital and document them on your patient care report.

After sizing up the scene of a patient with a possible infectious disease, your next priority should be to: Select one: A. quickly access the patient. B. take standard precautions. C. contact medical control. D. notify law enforcement.

take standard precautions

When forming your general impression of a patient with a medical complaint, it is important to remember that: Select one: A. the majority of medical patients you encounter are also injured. B. most serious medical conditions do not present with obvious symptoms. C. the conditions of many medical patients may not appear serious at first. D. it is during the general impression that assessment of the ABCs occurs.

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

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: Select one: A. you were exposed to another infected person prior to treating the 34-year-old patient. B. you contracted the disease by casual contact instead of exposure to secretions. C. you are actively infected with tuberculosis and should be treated immediately. D. the disease is dormant in your body, but will probably never cause symptoms.

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

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

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