EMT 104 - Exam 1
In which of the following situations does a legal duty to act clearly exist? The EMT witnesses a vehicle crash while off duty. A call is received 15 minutes prior to shift change. The EMT hears of a cardiac arrest after his or her shift ends. A bystander encounters a victim who is not breathing.
A call is received 15 minutes prior to shift change.
Which of the following would provide the EMT with the BEST cover in a situation involving active gunfire?
A concrete barricade
Which of the following general statements regarding consent is correct? A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated. Patients who are intoxicated are generally allowed to refuse treatment. Expressed consent is valid only if given in writing by a family member. All patients older than 18 years can legally refuse treatment or transport.
A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated.
Which of the following descriptions MOST accurately portrays emergency medical services (EMS)?(Chapter 1) A vast network of advanced life support (ALS) providers who provide definitive emergency care in the prehospital setting A team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured 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 A team of paramedics and emergency physicians who are responsible for providing emergency care to critically injured patients
A team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured
General adaptation syndrome is characterized by which of the following phases?
Alarm response, reaction and resistance, and recovery
Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reaction?
An EMT becomes distracted at the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving the same type of car in which a child was previously killed.
Which of the following interventions is used by all levels of EMS providers?(Chapter 1) Multilumen airways Needle decompression Automatic transport ventilators Automated external defibrillator
Automated external defibrillator
Which of the following is an effective stress management strategy?
Developing a social network outside of EMS
Where would you MOST likely find information regarding a patient's wishes to be an organ donor? Driver's license Insurance card Social Security card Voter registration card
Driver's license
Which of the following components are needed to prove negligence? Abandonment, breach of duty, damages, and causation Duty to act, abandonment, breach of duty, and causation Duty to act, breach of duty, injury/damages, and causation Breach of duty, injury/damages, abandonment, and causation
Duty to act, breach of duty, injury/damages, and causation
Prehospital patient care decisions should be based on __________.(Chapter 1) the opinions of physicians EMS research the experiences of EMTs an EMS agency's fiscal resources
EMS research
The determination that prompt surgical care in the hospital is more important than performing time-consuming procedures in the field on a major trauma patient is based MOSTLY on: (Chapter 1) EMS research. local protocols. the lead EMT's decision. regional trauma guidelines.
EMS research.
Which of the following courses requires about 150 hours of training? (Chapter 1) EMT EMR AEMT Paramedic
EMT
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? Formal Implied Informed Expressed
Expressed
What should an EMT do to limit errors in the field?(Chapter 1) Carry an EMT text for reference at all times. Deviate from established standards when necessary. Follow the agency's written protocols. Contact medical direction before initiating any treatments.
Follow the agency's written protocols.
Which aspect of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) MOST affects EMS personnel? Controlling insurance costs Protecting patient privacy Preventing insurance fraud Ensuring access to insurance
Protecting patient privacy
Which of the following statements regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is correct? (Chapter 1) The ADA applies only to individuals with a diagnosed and well-documented physical disability. The minimum number of hours required to successfully complete an EMT course is less for candidates who are disabled. The ADA prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment to those who are disabled. According to the ADA, EMT candidates with a documented disability are exempt from taking the NREMT exam.
The ADA prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment to those who are disabled.
Which of the following statements regarding the NREMT is correct?(Chapter 1) The NREMT is a governmental agency that certifies EMTs. EMS training standards are regulated by the NREMT. The NREMT is the exclusive certifying body for EMTs. The NREMT provides a national standard for EMS testing.
The NREMT provides a national standard for EMS testing.
What is an EMT's primary service area?(Chapter 1) The main area in which the EMS agency operates The only area the EMT is certified to provide patient care The area serviced by the EMT's medical director The location where the EMT provides essential care during a 9-1-1 call
The main area in which the EMS agency operates
Which of the following is a specific example of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) model?(Chapter 1) EMTs assess a patient whose lung disease is "acting up" The paramedic administers a patient's flu vaccination EMTs respond to a woman who complains of high fever Paramedics pick up a patient from an acute care clinic
The paramedic administers a patient's flu vaccination
In which of the following circumstances can the EMT legally release confidential patient information? A police officer requests a copy to place on file The family requests a copy for insurance purposes A media representative inquires about the patient The patient is competent and signs a release form
The patient is competent and signs a release form
Which of the following statements regarding the different stages of the grieving process is correct? The grieving process typically begins with severe depression. It is rare that people will jump back and forth between stages. The stages of the grieving process may occur simultaneously. Bargaining is the most unpleasant stage of the grieving process.
The stages of the grieving process may occur simultaneously.
Which of the following statements regarding HIV is correct?
There is no vaccine against HIV infection.
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? Transport the child immediately and have the parents meet you at the hospital. Treat the child at the scene and wait for the parents to arrive and give consent. Begin transport at once and have the parents meet you en route to the hospital. Withhold treatment until the parents arrive and give you consent for treatment.
Transport the child immediately and have the parents meet you at the hospital.
When is forcible restraint permitted? Anytime that the EMT feels threatened Only if consent to restrain is given by a family member When the patient poses a significant threat to self or others Only if law enforcement personnel have witnessed threatening behavior
When the patient poses a significant threat to self or others
To help protect patients, EMS agencies are required to have __________. public forums with their medical director online access to patient records an anonymous reporting system a privacy officer to answer questions
a privacy officer to answer questions
The EMT is legally obligated to protect a patient's privacy according to _____________. (Chapter 1) a. DCAP b. APGAR c. HIPAA d. CQI
a, HIPAA
The EMT's scope of practice within his or her local response area is defined by the: a. medical director. b. state EMS office. c. EMS supervisor. d. local health district.
a, medical director
You are caring for a driver who struck a light pole. She admits to drinking alcohol but orders you not to tell anyone. You should report the information to __________.(Chapter 1) a. the receiving nurse or doctor b. law enforcement personnel c. the state motor vehicle department d. your medical director
a, the receiving nurse or doctor
Effective therapeutic communication skills require _________. a. verbal and nonverbal communication techniques b. English-speaking patients or family members c. supervision by advanced life support personnel d. correct use of complex medical terminology
a, verbal and nonverbal communication techniques
Which of the following suffixes mean "pertaining to"? a. "-al" and "-ic" b. "-ic" and "-ology" c. "-ology" and "-oma" d. "-al" and "-ology"
a. "-al" and "-ic"
Which of the following statements is NOT appropriate to document in the narrative section of a PCR? a. "General impression revealed that the patient was intoxicated." b. "Significant damage was noted to the front end of the vehicle." c. "The patient admits to smoking marijuana earlier in the day." d. "After oxygen was administered, the patient's breathing improved."
a. "General impression revealed that the patient was intoxicated."
The ___________ of the heart is the inferior portion of the ventricles. a. apex b. base c. dorsum d. septum
a. apex
A 4-year-old boy had an apparent seizure. He is conscious and calm and is sitting on his mother's lap. His father is sitting in a nearby chair. The child's mother suddenly begins crying uncontrollably, which causes the child to start crying. You should: a. ask the father to hold the child so you can assess him while your partner tries to calm the mother. b. give the child a favorite toy or blanket to hold onto and perform your assessment to the best of your ability. c. reassure the child's mother that seizures in children are very common and that there is nothing to worry about. d. attempt to calm the child's mother, but avoid separating her from her child because this will increase her anxiety.
a. ask the father to hold the child so you can assess him while your partner tries to calm the mother.
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.
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. 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.
a. carry out the order and then carefully document it on the run form.
After applying a tourniquet, the injury from a patient's leg stops bleeding. This is called: a. hemostasis. b. hemiplegia. c. hemolysis. d. hematemesis.
a. hemostasis.
A diabetic patient has polydipsia. This means that she: a. is excessively thirsty. b. has low blood sugar. c. is unable to swallow. d. urinates frequently.
a. is excessively thirsty.
You are transporting to a 66-year-old patient with a history of heart problems. The patient chart indicates that he has hepatomegaly. The root of the term indicates that: a. the problem is with the patient's liver. b. the organ involved is enlarged. c. the problem is a direct consequence of the patient's heart disease. d. the problem is unrelated to the patient's heart condition
a. the problem is with the patient's liver.
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:
acknowledge that she is scared and tell her that you will take good care of her.
When decontaminating the back of your ambulance after a call, you should:
allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions.
Vector-borne transmission of an infectious organism occurs via: animals or insects. smoke or dust. direct contact. inanimate objects.
animals or insects
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: acted appropriately but must have each EMT sign a waiver stating that he or she will not discuss the cases with others. adequately safeguarded the patient's PHI because the cases were discussed internally. are in violation of HIPAA because you did not remove the PHI from the PCR beforehand. violated the patient's privacy because you should have discussed the information only with the EMTs involved.
are in violation of HIPAA because you did not remove the PHI from the PCR beforehand.
Common factors that influence how a patient reacts to the stress of an illness or injury include all of the following, EXCEPT: assessment by the EMT. mental disorders. history of chronic disease. fear of medical personnel.
assessment by the EMT.
Which of the following pre-suffixes mean "two"? a. "primi-" and "dipl-" b. "dipl-" and "bi-" c. "bi-" and "null-" d. "primi-" and "bi-"
b. "dipl-" and "bi-"
You are transporting a 54-year-old male in respiratory arrest. An EMR is driving the ambulance as you and your partner are caring for the patient. Which of the following is the MOST logical way of notifying the hospital? a. Call the receiving hospital with your cell phone while providing patient care. 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 the staff of your arrival. d. Wait until you arrive at the hospital and then quickly apprise the staff of the situation.
b. Have the driver contact dispatch and relay the patient information to the hospital.
Which of the following statements regarding a "dedicated line" is correct? a. It is a frequency that is used exclusively by EMTs to communicate with one another in the field. b. It is a constantly open line of communication that cannot be accessed by outside users. c. It is a designated frequency on a portable radio that provides direct access to medical control. d. It is a constantly open line of communication that is under exclusive control of a single user.
b. It is a constantly open line of communication that cannot be accessed by outside users.
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. allow him time to think about the question and respond to it.
The root "melan/o" means: a. white. b. black. c. red. d. gray.
b. black.
The ____________ is a muscular dome that forms the inferior boundary of the thorax, separating the thorax from the abdomen. a. costal arch b. diaphragm c. mediastinum d. costovertebral angle
b. diaphragm
Communicating with patients who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can be facilitated by doing all of the following, EXCEPT: a. shining a light on your face when you are in a darkened environment. b. elevating the tone of your voice and exaggerating word pronunciation. c. placing yourself in a position to ensure that the patient can see your lips. d. providing pen and paper if the patient prefers to write his or her response.
b. elevating the tone of your voice and exaggerating word pronunciation.
The topographic term used to describe the location of body parts that are closer toward the midline of the body is: a. lateral. b. medial. c. midaxillary. d. midclavicular.
b. medial
When you are communicating with an older patient, it is important to remember that: a. your questions should focus exclusively on the patient's obvious problem. b. most older people think clearly and are capable of answering questions. c. hostility and confusion should be presumed to be due to the patient's age. d. speaking loudly and distinctly will ensure that the patient can hear you.
b. most older people think clearly and are capable of answering questions.
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.
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, but they are unable to locate it. You should: begin treatment and contact medical control as needed. honor the patient's wishes and withhold all treatment. transport the patient without providing any treatment. decide on further action once the DNR order is produced.
begin treatment and contact medical control as needed.
Which of the following types of questions allow for the most detailed response? a. Yes or no questions b. Closed-ended questions c. Open-ended questions d. Multiple questions asked at once
c, Open-ended questions
Which of the following statements regarding a patient refusal is correct? a. A patient who consumed a few beers will likely be able to refuse EMS treatment. b. Advice given to a patient who refuses EMS treatment should not be documented. c. A mentally competent adult has the legal right to refuse EMS care and transport. d. Documentation of proposed care is unnecessary if the patient refuses treatment.
c. A mentally competent adult has the legal right to refuse EMS care and transport.
Which of the following incidents does NOT require a report to be filed with local authorities? a. Spousal abuse b. Animal bites c. Cardiac arrest d. Gunshot wounds
c. Cardiac arrest
An intoxicated 40-year-old male is found lying face down. How would you document his body's position? a. Dorsal b.Supine c. Prone d. Recumbent
c. Prone
A patient has fractured both femurs. Anatomically, these injuries would be described as being: a. medial. b. proximal. c. bilateral. d. unilateral.
c. bilateral
"Chondro" in the word chondritis means: a. tendon. b. rib. c. cartilage. d. joint.
c. cartilage.
EMTs should have a strong working knowledge of medical terminology in order to: a. perform and document more accurate patient assessments. b. more clearly explain to patients the nature of their condition. c. communicate effectively with other members of the health care team. d. determine and document more accurate patient diagnoses.
c. communicate effectively with other members of the health care team.
"Myo" in the word myocarditis means: a. cartilage. b. muscle. c. bone. d. vein.
c. muscle
You could be sued for ___________ if your radio report to the hospital describes the patient in a manner that injures his or her reputation. a. libel b. assault c. slander d. negligence
c. slander
"Gastro" in the word "gastroenteritis" means: a. intestine. b. tongue. c. stomach. d. bowel.
c. stomach.
You are caring for a 56-year-old male patient complaining of abdominal pain. Your service has recently switched to an electronic PCR system (ePCR). When completing the ePCR, it is important to be aware that: a.the ePCR is relatively unsecured and should not contain patient-specific information. b. the ePCR does not contain the same level of information as the written version and your verbal report should be expanded. c. the ePCR allows patient information to be transmitted directly to the receiving hospital's computers. d. a written patient care record will need to be completed on arrival at the hospital.
c. the ePCR allows patient information to be transmitted directly to the receiving hospital's computers.
The term "pericardiocentesis" means: a. a surgical opening made in the heart. b. surgical repair of the sac around the heart. c. the removal of fluid from around the heart. d. narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart.
c. the removal of fluid from around the heart.
You are providing care to a 61-year-old female complaining of chest pain that is cardiac in origin. Your service utilizes a multiplex communication system. You wish to transmit the patient's electrocardiogram to the hospital. In order to accomplish this, you must: a. send the electrocardiogram from the back of the ambulance. b. be aware that only audio or data transmissions can be sent at any one time. c. use the multiplex system to transmit the information . d. wait until you reach the hospital to transmit the information.
c. use the multiplex system to transmit the information .
You are called to attend to an elderly patient with an extensive medical history who is now in cardiac arrest. The patient's family tells you that the patient has a DNR order. There is no paperwork available but the patient does have a MedicAlert bracelet indicating Do Not Resuscitate. You should: initiate resuscitation in the absence of paperwork. confirm the patient's identity and honor the DNR order. transport with minimal care. confirm the patient identity and then confirm the DNR by calling the MedicAlert Foundation number on the bracelet.
confirm the patient identity and then confirm the DNR by calling the MedicAlert Foundation number on the bracelet.
When performing his or her duties, the EMT is generally expected to: consistently exceed the standard of care. contact medical control on every EMS call. function above his or her scope of practice. exercise reasonable care and act prudently.
consistently exceed the standard of care.
Which of the following will help improve radio communications?Select one: A. Hold the radio at least 6 inches from your mouth. B. Use codes to speed communication. C. Answer questions with "yes" or "no." D. Wait 1 second after pressing the transmit button before speaking.
d, Wait 1 second after pressing the transmit button before speaking.
Ethnocentrism is defined as: a.understanding that people from different cultural backgrounds respond to pain and stress differently. b. suspecting that a person has an ulterior motive based on the tone of his or her voice when answering a question. c. subconsciously forcing your cultural values onto a patient because you feel that your own values are more acceptable. d. considering your own cultural values to be more important when interacting with people of a different culture.
d, considering your own cultural values to be more important when interacting with people of a different culture.
The meaning "around" can have which of the following prefixes? a. "epi-" and "sub-" b. "sub-" and "infra-" c. "infra-" and "peri-" d. "peri-" and "circum-"
d. "peri-" and "circum-"
You are transporting a 67-year-old female patient to the hospital for investigation of abdominal pain. The patient care record indicates that the patient has a history of AAA. Based on this information, the patient care record includes an abbreviation for: a. acute abdominal assessment. b. against ambulance advice. c. acute abdominal aneurysm . d. abdominal aortic aneurysm.
d. abdominal aortic aneurysm.
The suffix "-pathy" means: a. enlargement. b. study of. c. specialist. d. disease.
d. disease.
A 5-year-old boy has fallen and has a severe deformity of the forearm near the wrist. He has possibly sustained a fracture of the ____________ forearm. a. proximal b. superior c. dorsal d. distal
d. distal
Bile is produced by the liver and concentrated and stored in the: a. kidneys. b. pancreas. c. stomach. d. gallbladder.
d. gallbladder.
In relation to the chest, the back is: a. ventral. b. inferior. c. anterior. d. posterior.
d. posterior.
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. respond only after giving a verbal patient report to a nurse or physician.
Putrefaction is defined as: decomposition of the body's tissues. profound cyanosis to the trunk and face. blood settling to the lowest point of the body. separation of the torso from the rest of the body.
decomposition of the body's tissues.
American Heart Association protocols are based on __________.(Chapter 1) evidence-based research trends in the EMS community theories ready for field trial opinions from a core group of cardiologists
evidence-based research
Vaccination against the hepatitis A virus is unnecessary if you:
have been infected with hepatitis in the past.
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: stop any active bleeding and advise dispatch to send a paramedic crew. ventilate the patient for 5 minutes and then stop if there is no response. request the fire department to extricate the patient so you can begin CPR. have your partner check for a pulse to confirm that the patient is deceased.
have your partner check for a pulse to confirm that the patient is deceased.
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:
mark off a danger zone around the downed lines.
As an EMT, you may be authorized to administer aspirin to a patient with chest pain based on:(Chapter 1) the patient's condition. medical director approval. an order from a paramedic. the transport time to the hospital.
medical director approval.
Maintaining the chain of evidence at the scene of a crime should include: quickly moving any weapons out of the patient's sight. placing the patient in a private area until the police arrive. making brief notes at the scene and then completing them later. not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons.
not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons.
You are encouraging a patient to go to the hospital by ambulance. You know that a transport will keep you on duty several hours after your regular quitting time. This is an example of __________.(Chapter 1) undue hardship patient advocacy scope of practice abuse of authority
patient advocacy
The EMT's first priority is __________.
personal safety
Online medical control requires __________.(Chapter 1) written protocols approved by medical control phone or radio contact with the medical director the presence of an advanced-level provider a physician's presence on the scene of the call
phone or radio contact with the medical director
National guidelines for EMS care are intended to __________. (Chapter 1) reduce expenses at the local and state levels facilitate a national EMS labor group unify EMS providers under a single medical director provide more consistent delivery of EMS care across the United States
provide more consistent delivery of EMS care across the United States
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:
put on high-visibility safety vests.
After assessing a patient's blood glucose level, you accidentally stick yourself with the contaminated lancet. You should:
report the incident to your supervisor after the call.
Quid pro quo, a type of sexual harassment, occurs when the harasser:
requests sexual favors in exchange for something else.
The ability to take appropriate action with little direction is known as __________.(Chapter 1) diplomacy self-confidence time management self-motivation
self-motivation
The MOST serious consequence of drug or alcohol abuse among EMS personnel is:
substandard or inappropriate patient care.
The ability to handle multiple tasks based on their priority is called __________.(Chapter 1) patient advocacy integrity time management patient empathy
time management
The simplest, yet most effective method of preventing the spread of an infectious disease is to:
wash your hands in between patient contacts.
Gloves, a mask, eye protection, and a face shield should be used:
when performing endotracheal intubation.
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? Direct contact Indirect contact Airborne transmission Vector-borne transmission
Indirect contact
As an EMT, the standards of emergency care are often partially based on: It is difficult to prove actions were performed if they are not included on the report. EMTs are not liable for any actions that are accurately documented. Patient care cannot be discredited based on poor documentation. Incomplete reports are common and accepted in EMS
It is difficult to prove actions were performed if they are not included on the report.
