EMT
After being dispatched on an emergency call you should expect the dispatcher to provide you with all of the following information EXCEPT:
d) the general geographic location of the incident.
Clinical signs of compensated shock include all of the following
EXCEPT: , b) absent peripheral pulses.
Cardiogenic shock may result from all of the following
EXCEPT: , c) increased preload.
Information included in a radio report to the receiving hospital should include all of the following
EXCEPT:, b) a preliminary diagnosis of the patient's problem.
In which of the following circumstances can the EMT legally release confidential patient information?
d) the patient is competent and signs a release form
Your BEST protection against legal liability when a competent patient refuses EMS care and transport is to:
d) thoroughly document the entire event.
Successful treatment of a stroke depends on whether:
d) thrombolytic therapy is given within 3 hours after symptoms began.
A teenage boy who was involved in a bicycle accident has a puncture wound where the bicycle kickstand impaled his leg. The MOST appropriate method for treating this injury is to:
d) unbolt the kickstand from the bike frame and stabilize it with bulky dressings.
The principal clinical difference between a stroke and hypoglycemia is that patients with hypoglycemia:
d) usually have an altered mental status or decreased level of consciousness.
Which of the following cardiac arrhythmias has the greatest chance of deteriorating into a pulseless rhythm?
d) ventricular tachycardia
Gloves a mask eye protection and a face shield should be used:
d) when performing endotracheal intubation.
The carpal bones form the:
d) wrist.
Palpating the carotid pulse is not recommended in infants because:
d) you may inadvertently compress the trachea.
Evaluation of the interior of a crashed motor vehicle during extrication will allow the EMT to:
d). identify contact points and predict potential injuries.
An infectious disease is MOST accurately defined as:
d)a medical condition caused by the growth and spread of small harmful organisms within the body.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of epinephrine?
d)decreases heart rate and blood pressure
Determination of exposure is an important component of an infection control plan because it:
d)defines who is at risk for contact with blood and body fluids and which tasks pose a risk of exposure.
When assessing an elderly male who complains of nausea and generalized weakness you find that he takes simvastatin (Vytorin) and clopidogrel (Plavix). This medication regimen suggests a history of
d)non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
What is the minute volume of a patient with a tidal volume of 500 mL a dead space volume of 150 mL and a respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min?
a) 5,600 mL
Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts abandonment?
a) A paramedic transfers patient care to an EMT.
Which of the following general statements regarding consent is MOST correct?
a) A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated.
You are assessing a 45-year-old female who is severely depressed. She states that it seems as though her entire world is crashing down around her. She further states that she has had frequent thoughts of suicide but is not sure if she can actually go through with it. How should you manage this situation?
a) Ask the patient if she has developed a suicidal plan.
Which of the following statements regarding electrical burns is correct?
a) Entrance wounds are small relative to the amount of internal tissue damage.
Which of the following statements regarding penetrating injuries is correct?
a) External bleeding may be minimal but internal injuries can be extensive.
Which of the following statements regarding fire ants is correct?
a) Fire ants often bite a person repeatedly.
___________ pressure is the pressure exerted by a liquid and occurs when blood is moved through the artery at relatively high pressures.
a) Hydrostatic
Which of the following statements regarding age-related changes in the nervous system is correct?
a) Interconnections between brain cells often prevent a loss of knowledge or skill despite a loss of neurons.
Which of the following statements regarding inhaled poisons is correct?
a) Lung damage may progress after the patient is removed from the environment.
Which of the following statements regarding plasma is correct?
a) Plasma transports the blood cells and nutrients.
Which of the following statements regarding the AED and defibrillation is correct?
a) The AED will not analyze the rhythm of a moving patient.
Which of the following statements regarding the hypoxic drive is MOST correct?
a) The hypoxic drive stimulates a person to breathe on the basis of low oxygen levels.
Pain that is localized to the lower back and/or lower abdominal quadrants is MOST suggestive of:
b) an aortic aneurysm.
Erosion of the protective layer of the stomach or duodenum secondary to overactivity of digestive juices results in:
b) an ulcer.
Which of the following is a severe burn in a 2-year-old child?
b) any full-thickness burn, regardless of its location on the body
The term "behavioral crisis" is MOST accurately defined as:
b) any reaction that interferes with activities of daily living or is deemed unacceptable by others.
Which of the following injuries would MOST likely occur as a direct result of the third collision in a motor vehicle crash?
b) aortic rupture
Pain that radiates to the right lower quadrant from the umbilical area nausea and vomiting and anorexia are MOST indicative of:
b) appendicitis.
You respond to a movie theater for a 70-year-old male who is confused. His wife tells you he has type 2 diabetes but refuses to take his pills. Your assessment reveals that the patient is diaphoretic tachycardic and tachypneic. Initial management for this patient should include:
b) applying a nonrebreathing mask at 15 L/min.
When evaluating the mechanism of injury of a car versus pedestrian collision you should first:
b) approximate the speed of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian.
You are assessing a 75-year-old woman with mild shortness of breath. As you are asking her questions regarding her chief complaint and medical history you progressively move closer and closer to her. In doing this it is important to remember that:
b) as you physically get closer to the patient a greater and greater sense of trust must be established.
A 66-year-old male presents with bizarre behavior. His daughter states that he did not seem to recognize her and was very rude to her. The patient is conscious and has a patent airway and adequate breathing. You should:
b) ask the daughter how her father normally behaves.
Diabetic coma is a life-threatening condition that results from:
b) hyperglycemia, ketoacidosis, and dehydration.
The MOST significant risk factor for a hemorrhagic stroke is:
b) hypertension.
Gastric distention will MOST likely occur:
b) if you ventilate a patient too fast.
Each pelvic bone is formed by the fusion of the:
b) ilium, ischium, and pubis.
Which of the following is NOT a possible cause of airway obstruction?
c) shallow breathing
In contrast to secure attachment anxious-avoidant attachment occurs when a child:
c) shows little emotional response to a parent or caregiver following repeated rejection.
In contrast to the sympathetic nervous system the parasympathetic nervous system:
c) slows the heart and respiratory rates.
If you use a waterless handwashing substitute in the field it is important to:
a) wash your hands with soap and water at the hospital.
In older patients the first indicator of nontraumatic internal bleeding may be:
a) weakness or dizziness.
Epinephrine is indicated for patients with an allergic reaction when:
a) wheezing and hypotension are present.
The two MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:
a) wheezing and widespread urticaria.
Force acting over a distance defines the concept of:
a) work.
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:
a)assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device.
Common factors that influence how a patient reacts to the stress of an illness or injury include all of the following EXCEPT:
a)distrust of the EMT.
Law enforcement personnel request your assistance to assess a 31-year-old female who was sexually assaulted. When you arrive at the scene you find the patient sitting on a curb outside her apartment. She is conscious alert and crying. When you ask her what happened she tells you that she does not want to be treated or transported to the hospital. She further tells you that all she wants to do is clean up. You should:
a)provide emotional support and visually assess her for obvious trauma.
Patients with type 2 diabetes usually control their disease with all of the following EXCEPT:
d) supplemental insulin.
A 42-year-old male is found unresponsive on his couch by a neighbor. During your assessment you find no signs of trauma and the patient's blood glucose level is 75 mg/dL. His blood pressure is 168/98 mm Hg his heart rate is 45 beats/min and bounding and his respirations are 8 breaths/min and irregular. The patient is wearing a medical alert bracelet that states he has hemophilia. You should:
d) suspect that he has intracranial bleeding, assist his ventilations, and transport rapidly to an appropriate hospital.
All of the following conditions would make you suspect shock EXCEPT:
d) tachycardia.
When forming your general impression of a patient with a medical complaint it is important to remember that:
d) the conditions of many medical patients may not appear serious at first.
Which of the following conditions often requires transport to a hospital with specialized capabilities that may not be available at the closest hospital?
c) stroke and heart attack
When treating a patient with chest pain you should assume that he or she is having an AMI because:
c) the cause of the pain cannot be diagnosed in the field.
An infant or small child's airway can be occluded if it is overextended or overflexed because:
c) the occiput is proportionately large and the trachea is flexible.
The term "pharmacology" is MOST accurately defined as:
c) the study of drugs and their actions on the body.
A low ETCO2 reading as measured by capnography would MOST likely be observed if:
c) there is an absence or decrease in the level of CO2 in the lungs.
Acute pulmonary edema would MOST likely develop as the result of:
c) toxic chemical inhalation.
A 4-year-old female has a peanut lodged in the external auditory canal of her right ear. You should:
c) transport her to the emergency department.
The MOST important treatment for a patient with severe abdominal pain and signs of shock includes:
c) transporting the patient without delay.
A patient who is experiencing aphasia is:
c) unable to produce or understand speech.
PID typically does NOT affect the:
c) urinary bladder.
A patient has a blood pressure of 130/70 mm Hg. The "130" represents:
c) ventricular contraction.
Sudden death following AMI is MOST often caused by:
c) ventricular fibrillation.
The parietal peritoneum lines the:
c) walls of the abdominal cavity.
You respond to a local motel for a young female who was sexually assaulted. The patient is conscious but confused. She tells you that the last thing she remembers was drinking beer at a club with her friends the night before. When she awoke she was in the bed of the motel room. You should be MOST suspicious that this patient:
c) was given flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).
The MOST effective way to preserve your own body heat when functioning in cold wet weather is to:
c) wear at least three layers of clothing.
When caring for a patient with an open facial injury the EMT must:
c) wear gloves and facial protection.
Which of the following clinical signs is unique to anaphylactic shock?
c) wheezing
The index of suspicion is MOST accurately defined as:
c) your concern for potentially serious underlying injuries
A 4-year-old male ingested an unknown quantity of acetaminophen (Tylenol). The child's mother states that the ingestion occurred approximately 20 minutes ago. The child is conscious and alert and in no apparent distress. After contacting medical control you should:
c)administer up to 25 g of activated charcoal.
It is not uncommon for young females who experience their first menstrual period to:
c)experience abdominal cramping, which may be misinterpreted.
A patient should be placed in the recovery position when he or she:
c)is unconscious, uninjured, and breathing adequately.
A 31-year-old female is experiencing an acute asthma attack. She is conscious and alert but in obvious respiratory distress. After assisting her with her prescribed MDI you should:
c)reassess the patient and document her response to the medication.
The risk of bleeding in the skull
which increases with age is MOST directly related to: , d) shrinkage of the brain.
Activated charcoal is an example of a(n):
a) suspension.
According to the CDC recommended immunization and tests include a
,d) tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years.
Reassessment is performed to determine all of the following
EXCEPT: , a) the reason why the patient called EMS.
Insulin shock will MOST likely develop if a patient:
a) takes too much of his or her prescribed insulin.
Which of the following is of LEAST importance when initially assessing the severity of a burn?
b) age of the patient
Following blunt trauma to the face
a 21-year-old male complains of a severe headache and decreased ability to move his eyes. This patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with: , b) a blowout fracture.
In contrast to a Level III trauma center
a Level I trauma center must: , b) have general surgeons that are in-house 24 hours a day.
A 75-year-old male with a terminal illness has died at home. As you and your partner enter the residence
a family member becomes verbally abusive, pushes you, and states that you took too long to get there. You should: ,a) retreat and notify law enforcement personnel.
Which of the following statements would NOT be appropriate to say to the family of a dying patient?
a) "Things will get better in time."
According to the rule of palm method for estimating the extent of a patient's burns the palm of the patient's hand is equal to _____ of his or her total BSA.
a) 1%
A 21-year-old male was working in an auto repair shop and sustained radiator burns to the anterior aspect of both arms and to his anterior chest. According to the rule of nines this patient has burns that cover _____ of his BSA.
a) 18%
The mastoid process is located approximately:
a) 1″ posterior to the external opening of the ear.
The MOST commonly abused drug in the United States is:
b) alcohol.
During your assessment of a 50-year-old male who was found unconscious in an alley you note that he has slow shallow respirations; significant bradycardia; facial cyanosis; and pinpoint pupils. As your partner begins assisting the patient's ventilations he directs your attention to the patient's arms which have multiple needle tracks on them. This patient's clinical presentation is MOST consistent with:
a) a heroin overdose.
Which of the following patients does NOT have an altered mental status?
a) a patient with an acute allergic reaction and dizziness
When caring for a patient with documented hypoglycemia you should be MOST alert for:
a) a seizure.
You are dispatched to a residence for a 40-year-old female who complains of lower abdominal pain fever and chills and a foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Which of the following additional assessment findings would increase your index of suspicion for PID?
a) a shuffling gait when walking
A 66-year-old female with a history of hypertension and diabetes presents with substernal chest pressure of 2 hours' duration. Her blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg her pulse is 100 beats/min and irregular and her respirations are 22 breaths/min with adequate depth. The patient does not have prescribed nitroglycerin but her husband does. You should:
a) administer oxygen give her 324 mg aspirin and assess her further.
You are dispatched to a movie theater for a 39-year-old female with signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. As you are assessing her she pulls an epinephrine auto-injector out of her purse and hands it to you. After administering 100% oxygen you should:
a) administer the drug
The process of binding or sticking to a surface is called:
a) adsorption.
The foreign substance responsible for causing an allergic reaction is called a(n):
a) allergen.
In addition to severe bleeding the MOST life-threatening complication associated with an open neck injury is:
a) an air embolism.
Vector-borne transmission of an infectious organism occurs via:
a) animals or insects.
You are transporting a 40-year-old male with respiratory distress. The patient tells you that he recently had a positive tuberculosis (TB) skin test and is currently being evaluated for possible TB. You should:
a) apply a nonrebreathing mask on the patient and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirator on yourself.
If gastric distention is so severe that is makes positive-pressure ventilation extremely difficult or impossible you may have to:
a) apply manual pressure to the abdomen.
A 33-year-old female presents with lower abdominal quadrant pain. She is conscious and alert but in moderate pain. While your partner is asking her questions about her medical history you take her vital signs. When you assess her radial pulse you are unable to locate it. You should:
a) assess the rate regularity and quality of her carotid pulse.
A 37-year-old male is found unconscious in his car. His airway is patent and his respirations are rapid and labored. As you and your partner are assessing and treating the patient a police officer hands you a medication named Alupent which he found in the backseat of the patient's car. This medication suggests that the patient has a history of:
a) asthma.
Initial treatment to dislodge a severe foreign body airway obstruction in a responsive infant involves:
a) back slaps.
You and your partner arrive at the side of a 60-year-old woman who suddenly collapsed about 7 minutes ago. She is unresponsive apneic and pulseless. You should:
a) begin CPR and apply the AED as soon as it is available.
Which of the following MOST accurately describes the cause of an ischemic stroke?
a) blockage of a cerebral artery
Alkalosis is a condition that occurs when:
a) blood acidity is reduced by excessive breathing.
When an electrical impulse reaches the AV node it is slowed for a brief period of time so that:
a) blood can pass from the atria to the ventricles.
Which of the following conditions would MOST likely lead to PID if left untreated?
a) chlamydia
A small compact car was involved in a rollover crash. As you are approaching the vehicle you note that the roof is significantly collapsed. The patient a 29-year-old male is complaining of severe pain in his neck and to the top of his head as well as numbness and tingling in his extremities. Witnesses who removed the patient from the vehicle state that he was wearing his seatbelt. What injury mechanism is MOST likely responsible for this patient's condition?
a) compression of the head against the roof
Immediately after being dispatched to a residence for an elderly patient with diabetic complications you should:
a) confirm with dispatch that you received the call information.
When assessing a patient who is displaying bizarre behavior the EMT should:
a) consider that an acute medical illness may be causing the patient's behavior.
A 73-year-old man presents with a generalized rash which he thinks may have been caused by an antibiotic that he recently began taking. He has a history of coronary artery disease hypertension and emphysema. He is conscious and alert his blood pressure is 144/94 mm Hg and his pulse is 64 beats/min and regular. You auscultate his breath sounds and hear scattered wheezing although he is not experiencing respiratory distress. In addition to administering oxygen you should:
a) contact medical control if needed, transport the patient, and monitor him for signs of deterioration.
In contrast to a behavioral crisis a psychiatric emergency occurs when a person:
a) demonstrates agitation or violence or becomes a threat to himself or herself, or to others.
The single most significant factor that contributes to suicide is:
a) depression.
Burns are classified according to:
a) depth and extent.
Infants are often referred to as "belly breathers" because:
a) their rib cage is less rigid and the ribs sit horizontally.
During the alert and dispatch phase of EMS communications the dispatcher's responsibilities include all of the following EXCEPT:
a) discouraging the caller from providing care until the EMS unit arrives.
After delivering your patient to the hospital you sit down to complete the PCR. When documenting the patient's last blood pressure reading you inadvertently write 120/60 instead of 130/70. To correct this mistake you should:
a) draw a single horizontal line through the error initial it and write the correct data next to it.
Esophageal varices MOST commonly occur in patients who:
a) drink a lot of alcohol.
Common side effects of epinephrine include all of the following EXCEPT:
a) drowsiness.
During your assessment of a patient who experienced a blast injury you note that he has a depressed area to the front of his skull. This injury MOST likely occurred:
a) during the tertiary phase.
The compliance monitoring component of an infection control plan should:
a) ensure that employees understand what they should do and why it is important.
The leaf-shaped structure located superior to the larynx is called the:
a) epiglottis.
Neurogenic shock occurs when:
a) failure of the nervous system causes widespread vasodilation.
Two of the MOST common mechanisms of injury for blunt trauma are:
a) falls and motor vehicle collisions.
Which of the following are central pulses?
a) femoral and carotid
When performing a secondary assessment on a conscious patient with nontraumatic abdominal pain and stable vital signs you should:
a) focus on his or her chief complain
What medication form does oral glucose come in?
a) gel
Whenever possible a female sexual assault victim should be:
a) given the option of being treated by a female EMT.
When a woman presents with abdominal pain or other vague symptoms the EMT is often unable to determine the nature of the problem until he or she:
a) has gathered patient history information.
A 40-year-old unrestrained female impacted the steering wheel of her vehicle with her chest when she hit a tree while traveling at 45 mph. She is conscious and alert but is experiencing significant chest pain and shortness of breath. Which of the following injuries did this patient likely NOT experience?
a) head injury
The cervical spine is MOST protected from whiplash-type injuries when the:
a) headrest is appropriately positioned.
As a woman approaches menopause:
a) her menstrual periods may become irregular and vary in severity.
A 30-year-old female presents with severe acute pain to the left upper quadrant of her abdomen. During your assessment she tells you that she has sickle cell disease. You should suspect that:
a) her spleen is enlarged because of red blood cell engorgement.
You suspect that a 75-year-old man has internal injuries after he fell and struck his ribs and abdomen on the corner of a table. When assessing and treating an injured patient of this age you must recall that:
a) his ability to physiologically compensate for his injury may be impaired due to an inability to increase cardiac output.
When obtaining patient care orders from a physician via a two-way radio it is MOST important to remember that:
a) his or her instructions are based on the information you provide.
What part of the patient assessment process focuses on obtaining additional information about the patient's chief complaint and any medical problems he or she may have?
a) history taking
Urticaria is the medical term for:
a) hives.
The medical term for an extremely low blood glucose level is:
a) hypoglycemia
Shock is the result of:
a) hypoperfusion to the cells of the body.
When obtaining a SAMPLE history from a patient with diabetes it would be MOST important to determine:
a) if he or she has had any recent illnesses or excessive stress.
Which of the following would cause the greatest increase in cardiac output?
a) increased heart rate and increased stroke volume
A hypnotic drug is one that:
a) induces sleep.
In addition to external bleeding the MOST significant risk that an open soft-tissue injury exposes a patient to is:
a) infection.
Most poisonings occur via the __________ route.
a) ingestion
The dorsal respiratory group (DRG) is a part of the brain stem and is responsible for:
a) initiating inspiration.
A poison that enters the body by __________ is the MOST difficult to treat.
a) injection
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.
A mucosal atomizer device (MAD) is used to deliver certain medications via the:
a) intranasal route.
Which of the following medication routes would be the MOST appropriate to use in an unconscious patient when intravenous access cannot be obtained?
a) intraosseous
Bleeding from the nose following head trauma:
a) is a sign of a skull fracture and should not be stopped.
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 and is breathing at a normal rate with adequate depth. You should:
a) suction her oropharynx and apply 100% oxygen.
A 28-year-old female patient is found to be responsive to verbal stimuli only. Her roommate states that she was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and has had difficulty controlling her blood sugar level. She further tells you that the patient has been urinating excessively and has progressively worsened over the last 24 to 36 hours. On the basis of this patient's clinical presentation you should suspect that she:
a) is significantly hyperglycemic.
If an action or procedure that was performed on a patient is not recorded on the written report:
a) it was not performed in the eyes of the law.
Which of the following maneuvers should be used to open a patient's airway when a spinal injury is suspected?
a) jaw-thrust
The physical examination of a sexual assault victim should be:
a) limited to a brief survey for life-threatening injuries.
All of the following body structures are lined with mucous membranes EXCEPT for the:
a) lips.
Which of the following organs would MOST likely bleed profusely if injured?
a) liver
In contrast to bleeding caused by external trauma to the vagina bleeding caused by conditions such as polyps or cancer:
a) may be relatively painless.
An acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs when:
a) myocardial tissue dies secondary to an absence of oxygen.
Which of the following medications would the EMT LEAST likely administer to a patient with a medical complaint?
a) naloxone (Narcan)
Before giving activated charcoal you should:
a) obtain approval from medical control.
A 22-year-old male with a history of clinical depression called 9-1-1 and stated that he has attempted to kill himself. Your unit and law enforcement officers arrive at the scene simultaneously. You find the patient lying supine on the living room floor. He is unconscious and cyanotic. An empty bottle of hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is found on an adjacent table. You should:
a) open the patient's airway and assess his respirations.
Which of the following medication routes has the slowest rate of absorption?
a) oral
You are caring for a semiconscious man with left-sided paralysis. His airway is patent and his respirations are 14 breaths/min with adequate tidal volume. Treatment for this patient should include:
a) oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask, left lateral recumbent position and transport.
When assessing a patient with abdominal pain you should:
a) palpate the abdomen in a clockwise direction beginning with the quadrant after the one the patient indicates is painful.
You respond to the scene of a motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival you find the driver a young female sitting on the curb. She is confused is in obvious respiratory distress and has pale moist skin. As your partner manually stabilizes her head you perform a primary assessment. After performing any immediate livesaving treatment you should:
a) perform a rapid scan of her entire body and prepare for immediate transport.
The MOST common and significant complication associated with an acute abdomen is:
a) peritonitis.
Which of the following are noticeable characteristics of a 9-month-old infant?
a) places objects in the mouth, pulls himself or herself up
Hypovolemic shock caused by severe burns is the result of a loss of:
a) plasma.
Which of the following is a metabolic cause of a seizure?
a) poisoning
Excessive eating caused by cellular "hunger" is called:
a) polyphagia.
The mental status of a patient who has experienced a typical seizure:
a) progressively worsens over a period of a few hours.
The opening in the center of the iris which allows light to move to the back of the eye is called the:
a) pupil.
The bones of the forearm are called the:
a) radius and ulna.
The primary function of the right atrium is to:
a) receive blood from the vena cava.
In addition to obtaining a SAMPLE history and asking questions related to the chief complaint what else should you inquire about when assessing a patient with a potentially infectious disease?
a) recent travel
You are ventilating a 40-year-old uninjured man who is apneic but has a pulse. When your partner reassesses his blood pressure he notes that it has decreased significantly from previous readings. You elevate the patient's legs but this action has no effect. You should:
a) reevaluate the rate and volume of your ventilations.
You are ventilating an apneic woman with a bag-mask device. She has dentures which are tight-fitting. Adequate chest rise is present with each ventilation and the patient's oxygen saturation reads 96%. When you reassess the patency of her airway you note that her dentures are now loose although your ventilations are still producing adequate chest rise. You should:
a) remove her dentures resume ventilations and assess for adequate chest rise.
An unconscious patient found in a prone position must be placed in a supine position in case he or she
a) requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The systemic veins function by:
a) returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
Which of the following signs of respiratory distress is typically unique to infants and children?
a) seesaw respirations
A generalized seizure is characterized by:
a) severe twitching of all the body's muscles.
Hypoperfusion is another name for:
a) shock.
After taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for an allergic reaction a person begins experiencing drowsiness and a dry mouth. These findings are an example of a(n):
a) side effect.
The effects of epinephrine are typically observed within _________ following administration.
b) 1 minute
When administering epinephrine via auto-injector you should hold the injector in place for:
b) 10 seconds.
What is the minimum number of chest compressions that should be delivered per minute to a 4-month-old infant?
b) 100
In infants and children a capillary refill time (CRT) that is greater than ______ second(s) is a sign of poor peripheral perfusion
b) 2
You are performing mouth-to-mask ventilations with oxygen connected and set at a flow rate of 15 L/min. What percentage of oxygen is your patient receiving?
b) 55%
The average pulse rate of individuals between 19 and 60 years of age is typically:
b) 70 beats/min.
The pulse rate of a child from ages 6 to 12 years is approximately:
b) 70 to 120 beats/min.
Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts informed consent?
b) An EMT advises a patient of the risks of receiving treatment.
Which of the following statements regarding an infant's vital signs is correct?
b) An infant's normal body temperature is typically higher than a preschooler's.
Which of the following statements regarding anaphylaxis is correct?
b) Anaphylaxis is characterized by airway swelling and hypotension.
Which of the following statements regarding diabetic coma is correct?
b) Diabetic coma typically develops over a period of hours or days.
Which of the following statements regarding the vitreous humor is correct?
b) It is a clear, jellylike fluid near the back of the eye that cannot be replaced if it is lost.
Which of the following statements regarding a "dedicated line" is MOST correct?
b) It is a constantly open line of communication that cannot be accessed by outside users.
What is the function of the left atrium?
b) It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs.
When gathering a patient's medications you find the following: Isordil Lasix Motrin and Digoxin. Which of these medications can be obtained over-the-counter (OTC)?
b) Motrin
Which of the following statements regarding pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is correct?
b) PID can scar the fallopian tubes, which increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
Which of the following statements regarding gonorrhea is correct?
b) Painful urination is a common symptom of gonorrhea in men and women.
Which of the following statements regarding rape is correct?
b) Rape is a legal diagnosis, not a medical diagnosis.
Which of the following describes the Moro reflex?
b) The neonate opens his or her arms wide, spreads his or her fingers, and seems to grasp at something after being startled.
Most prehospital cardiac arrests occur as the result of:
b) a cardiac arrhythmia.
Age-related changes in the renal system result in:
b) a decreased ability to clear wastes from the body and a decreased ability to conserve fluids when needed.
Organic brain syndrome is MOST accurately defined as:
b) a dysfunction of the brain caused by abnormal physical or physiological function.
You are assessing a 49-year-old man who according to his wife experienced a sudden severe headache and then passed out. He is unresponsive and has slow irregular breathing. His blood pressure is 190/94 mm Hg and his pulse rate is 50 beats/min. His wife tells you that he has hypertension and diabetes. He has MOST likely experienced:
b) a ruptured cerebral artery.
Blood stasis changes in the vessel wall and certain medications affect the:
b) ability of the blood to effectively clot.
You are dispatched to a state park for a young female experiencing an allergic reaction. Your assessment reveals that her breathing is severely labored and her blood pressure is very low. You carry epinephrine auto-injectors on your ambulance and have been trained and approved by your medical director to administer them. As your partner gives the patient high-flow oxygen you attempt to contact medical control but do not have a signal from your cell phone. You should:
b) administer epinephrine to the patient begin immediate transport and attempt to contact medical control en route to the hospital.
A 59-year-old male presents with a sudden onset of 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:
b) administer oxygen and prepare for immediate transport.
A 38-year-old female was bitten by fire ants while at the park with her kids. Your primary assessment reveals that she is semiconscious has profoundly labored breathing and has a rapid thready pulse. She has a red rash on her entire body and her face is very swollen. You should:
b) assist her ventilations with 100% oxygen.
A construction worker fell approximately 30 feet. He is semiconscious with rapid shallow respirations. Further assessment reveals deformity to the thoracic region of his spine. His blood pressure is 70/50 mm Hg his pulse is 66 beats/min and weak and his skin is warm and dry. In addition to spinal immobilization and rapid transport the MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes:
b) assisted ventilation thermal management and elevation of the lower extremities.
Both areas of the pons are used to:
b) augment respirations during emotional or physical stress.
An EMT may administer aspirin to a patient if:
b) authorization from medical control has been obtained.
Your priority in caring for a patient with a surface contact poisoning is to:
b) avoid contaminating yourself.
After administering activated charcoal to a patient it is MOST important to:
b) be alert for vomiting.
The onset of menstruation is called menarche and usually occurs in women who are:
b) between 11 and 16 years of age.
Subcutaneous injections deliver the medication:
b) between the skin and the muscle.
One of the primary waste products of normal cellular metabolism that must be removed from the body by the lungs is
b) carbon dioxide.
Which of the following injuries would MOST likely cause obstructive shock?
b) cardiac tamponade
A 56-year-old male is found semiconscious by his wife. Your assessment reveals that his respirations are rapid and shallow his pulse is rapid and irregular and his blood pressure is low. The patient's wife states that he complained of left arm pain and nausea the day before but would not allow her to call 9-1-1. The MOST likely cause of this patient's present condition is
b) cardiogenic hypoperfusion.
When assessing an elderly male who complains of nausea and generalized weakness you find that he takes simvastatin (Vytorin) and clopidogrel (Plavix). This medication regimen suggests a history of:
b) cardiovascular disease.
Several attempts to adequately open a trauma patient's airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver have been unsuccessful. You should:
b) carefully perform the head tilt-chin lift maneuver.
Common signs and symptoms of an airway burn include all of the following EXCEPT:
b) chest pressure.
Your EMS system uses a computerized PCR in which you fill in the information electronically and then send it to the emergency department via a secure Internet server. The PCR has a comprehensive series of drop-down boxes which are used to identify your assessment findings and specify the treatment that you provided; it also has a section for your narrative. When completing your PCR after a call you should:
b) complete a thorough and accurate narrative because drop-down boxes cannot provide all of the information that needs to be documented.
A 30-year-old female presents with redness inflammation and pain to her left eye. During your assessment you note that she is having difficulty keeping her eyes open. You should suspect that she is experiencing:
b) conjunctivitis.
A closed soft-tissue injury characterized by swelling and ecchymosis is called a(n):
b) contusion.
Classic signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
b) cool, clammy skin; weakness; tachycardia; and rapid respirations.
Signs of a pulmonary blast injury include:
b) coughing up blood.
Which of the following is a late sign of hypoxia?
b) cyanosis
A patient's short-term memory is MOST likely intact if he or she correctly answers questions regarding:
b) date and event.
It is especially important for EMS personnel to develop non-adversarial relationships with their coworkers because they:
b) depend on each other for their safety.
Which of the following MOST accurately defines negligence?
b) deviation from the standard of care that may result in further injury
Signs of agitated delirium include:
b) diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hallucinations.
The artery that can be palpated on the anterior surface of the foot is the:
b) dorsalis pedis.
A patient whose speech is slurred and difficult to understand is experiencing:
b) dysarthria.
The pulse oximeter is an assessment tool used to evaluate the:
b) effectiveness of oxygenation.
Insulin functions in the body by:
b) enabling glucose to enter the cells.
What layer of the skin forms a watertight protective seal for the body?
b) epidermis
The leaf-shaped flap of tissue that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing is called the:
b) epiglottis.
Anaphylaxis is MOST accurately defined as a(n):
b) extreme allergic reaction that may affect multiple body systems.
Factors that increase the risk for developing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) include:
b) failure to be vaccinated against any strain of hepatitis.
A burn that is characterized by redness and pain is classified as a:
b) first-degree burn.
Peritonitis may result in shock because:
b) fluid shifts from the bloodstream into body tissues.
The __________ of a medication usually dictates the route by which it will be administered.
b) form
While providing care to the 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. What route of transmission does this scenario describe?
b) indirect contact
A 78-year-old female presents with an acute change in her behavior. The patient's son tells you that his mother has type 2 diabetes and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 6 months ago. The patient's speech is slurred and she is not alert to her surroundings. You should:
b) inquire about the possibility of head trauma.
The two processes that occur during respiration are:
b) inspiration and expiration.
When caring for a known alcoholic patient with severe trauma to the chest and abdomen you should be concerned that:
b) internal bleeding may be profuse because prolonged alcohol use may impair the blood's ability to clot.
Which of the following is the MOST rapidly acting medication administration route?
b) intravenous (IV)
Type 1 diabetes:
b) is a condition in which no insulin is produced by the body.
In contrast to the assessment of a trauma patient assessment of a medical patient:
b) is focused on the nature of illness the patient's chief complaint and his or her symptoms.
If a woman with vaginal bleeding reports syncope the EMT must assume that she:
b) is in shock.
A young female presents with costovertebral angle tenderness. She is conscious and alert with stable vital signs. Which of the following organs is MOST likely causing her pain?
b) kidney
The energy of a moving object is called:
b) kinetic energy.
Which of the following would MOST likely result in hemorrhagic shock?
b) liver laceration
You are dispatched to a residence where a middle-aged man was found unconscious in his front yard. There are no witnesses who can tell you what happened. You find him in a prone position; his eyes are closed and he is not moving. Your FIRST action should be to:
b) log roll him as a unit to a supine position.
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:
b) manage all threats to airway breathing and circulation and consider requesting an ALS unit.
Your unit is dispatched to the county jail for an intoxicated inmate. Upon arrival you find the patient a 33-year-old male lying supine in a jail cell. He is responsive to painful stimuli only and has slow shallow respirations. You should be MOST concerned that this patient:
b) may vomit and aspirate.
When communicating with an older patient it is important to remember that:
b) most older people think clearly and are capable of answering questions.
A patient who is suspected of being hypoxic and is breathing adequately should be given supplemental oxygen with a:
b) nonrebreathing mask.
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that occurs when:
b) normal bacteria in the vagina are replaced by an overgrowth of other bacterial forms.
Chronic renal failure is a condition that:
b) occurs from conditions such as dehydration.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations an employer must:
b) offer a workplace environment that reduces the risk of exposure.
A 60-year-old male presents with acute respiratory distress. He is conscious and alert has pink and dry skin and has respirations of 24 breaths/min with adequate depth. Which of the following treatment modalities is MOST appropriate for this patient?
b) oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and a focused secondary assessment
Early signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal bleeding include:
b) pain and distention.
Anterior to the knee is a specialized bone called the:
b) patella.
A 43-year-old man is experiencing a severe nosebleed. His blood pressure is 190/110 mm Hg and his heart rate is 90 beats/min and bounding. Appropriate treatment for this patient includes:
b) pinching the patient's nostrils and having him lean forward.
A 30-year-old male sustained a stab wound to the neck when he was attacked outside a nightclub. During your assessment you should be MOST alert for:
b) potential airway compromise.
Functions of the liver include:
b) production of substances necessary for blood clotting.
What section of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) MOST affects EMS personnel?
b) protect patient privacy.
You and your partner are the first to arrive at a potential crime scene with a critically injured patient involved. The scene is safe. Your first priority is to:
b) provide immediate patient care.
You are dispatched to an apartment complex for a shooting. Law enforcement personnel are present and have the suspect in custody. You find the patient lying in a narrow space between the couch and coffee table of his small apartment. He is semiconscious and has a large gunshot wound to his chest. You should:
b) quickly move the coffee table so you can access and treat the patient.
After assisting your patient with his or her nitroglycerin you should:
b) reassess the blood pressure within 5 minutes to detect hypotension.
When transporting a stable stroke patient with unilateral paralysis it is best to place the patient in a:
b) recumbent position with the paralyzed side down.
When considering his or her personal life it is important for the EMT to realize that:
c) family or friends may not understand the stress associated with EMS.
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:
b) repeat the arm drift test but move the patient's arms into position yourself.
When the level of arterial carbon dioxide rises above normal:
b) respirations increase in rate and depth.
You are assessing a 13-month-old female who is running a fever and has been vomiting. While you are performing your physical examination on this child you will MOST likely find that she:
b) responds to her name but is fearful of your presence.
The stinger from a honeybee should be:
b) scraped away from the skin.
Which of the following situations or conditions warrants immediate transport?
b) severe chest pain and cool, pale skin
Two-way communication that requires the EMT to "push to talk" and "release to listen" describes what mode of communication?
b) simplex
Solid abdominal organs include the:
b) spleen, kidneys, and pancreas.
Following blunt trauma to the abdomen a 21-year-old female complains of left upper quadrant abdominal pain with referred pain to the left shoulder. Your assessment reveals that her abdomen is distended and tender to palpation. On the basis of these findings you should be MOST suspicious of injury to the:
b) spleen.
When using a stick and square knot as a tourniquet to control severe bleeding from an amputated arm the EMT should:
b) stop twisting the stick when the bleeding stops.
Harsh high-pitched inspiratory sounds are characteristic of:
b) stridor.
Frequent reassessments of the patient with face or neck injuries are MOST important because:
b) such injuries can affect the respiratory system.
When caring for a patient who takes numerous medications it is best to:
b) take all of the patient's medications with you to the hospital and document them on your patient care report.
Hypovolemic shock occurs when:
b) the body cannot compensate for rapid blood loss.
The main benefit of using a mechanical piston or load-distributing band device for chest compressions is:
b) the elimination of rescuer fatigue that results from manual compressions.
Factors that should be considered when assessing a patient who has fallen include all of the following EXCEPT:
b) the surface struck.
Whether you are using a commercial device or a stick and triangular bandage as a tourniquet it is important to remember that:
b) the tourniquet should only be removed at the hospital because bleeding may return if the tourniquet is released.
Most patients are instructed by their physician to take up to _______ doses of nitroglycerin before calling EMS.
b) three
You suspect that a 6-year-old girl has broken her leg after falling from a swing at a playground. Shortly after you arrive the child's mother appears and refuses to allow you to continue treatment. You should:
b) try to persuade the mother that treatment is needed.
When communicating information over the radio you should:
b) use the words "affirmative" and "negative" instead of "yes" or "no."
An index of suspicion is MOST accurately defined as:
b) your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying and unseen injuries or illness.
While assisting a paramedic in the attempted resuscitation of a 55-year-old male in cardiac arrest you should expect the paramedic to:
b)administer drugs via the IV route to achieve the fastest effect.
1 Subcutaneous injection delivers the medication
b)between the skin and the muscle
Rapid labored breathing in a patient with signs and symptoms of AMI should make you suspicious for:
b)congestive heart failure.
Which of the following would MOST likely occur as the direct result of the second collision in a motor vehicle crash?
b)deformed steering wheel
A drug is contraindicated for a patient when it:
b)may cause harm or have no positive effect.
Hypotension hypoventilation and pinpoint pupils would be expected following an overdose of:
b)oxycodone (Percocet).
After ________ minutes without oxygen
brain damage is likely. , d) 6
A 31-year-old female is experiencing an acute asthma attack. She is conscious and alert
but in obvious respiratory distress. After assisting her with her prescribed MDI you should: , c) reassess the patient and document her response to the medication.
A 6-year-old female was riding her bicycle and struck a clothesline with her throat. She is breathing
but with obvious difficulty. Your assessment reveals a crackling sensation in the soft tissues of her neck and facial cyanosis. In addition to the appropriate airway management the intervention that will MOST likely improve her chance of survival is: , c) rapidly transporting her to the hospital.
To ensure that you will deliver the appropriate number of chest compressions during one-rescuer adult CPR you should compress the patient's chest at a rate of least _______ per minute.
c) 100
Which of the following is MOST characteristic of adequate breathing?
c) 24 breaths/min with bilaterally equal breath sounds and pink skin
Which of the following statements regarding a patient refusal is MOST correct?
c) A mentally competent adult has the legal right to refuse EMS care and transport.
Common causes of acute psychotic behavior include all of the following EXCEPT:
c) Alzheimer's disease.
Which of the following statements regarding the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is correct?
c) An MDI delivers the same amount of medication every time it is used.
Which of the following statements regarding nervous system control of the cardiovascular system is correct?
c) Baroreceptors located throughout the body provide information to the brain regarding the blood pressure.
Bile is produced by the liver and concentrated and stored in the:
d) gallbladder.
You are treating a 45-year-old woman who was stung by a hornet and has a rash. She tells you that she is allergic to hornets and has her own epinephrine auto-injector. She also tells you that she takes medication for hypertension. Her breath sounds do not reveal any wheezing her breathing is unlabored and her blood pressure is 154/94 mm Hg. What should you do if you are not able to make contact with medical control?
c) Give her oxygen transport her to the hospital and monitor her condition en route.
Which of the following statements regarding the H1N1 virus is correct?
c) It is only one type of influenza among the many other strains of influenza that exist and infect humans.
Albuterol is a generic name for:
c) Proventil.
Which of the following statements regarding pulse oximetry is correct?
c) 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 statements regarding communication with a child is MOST correct?
c) Standing over a child often increases his or her level of anxiety.
Which of the following statements regarding glucose is correct?
c) The brain requires glucose as much as it requires oxygen.
Which of the following statements regarding the epinephrine auto-injector is correct?
c) The epinephrine auto-injector delivers a preset amount of the drug.
Which of the following statements regarding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is correct?
c) The risk of HIV infection is greatest when deposited on a mucous membrane or directly into the bloodstream.
Why do middle adults commonly experience financial concerns?
c) They are preparing for retirement but must still manage everyday financial demands.
Which of the following patients should you place in the recovery position?
c) a 31-year-old semiconscious male with low blood sugar and adequate breathing
Which of the following patients would MOST likely have a delayed onset of an allergic reaction?
c) a 45-year-old male who ingested penicillin
Which of the following conditions would be LEAST likely to cause an altered level of consciousness?
c) acute anxiety
You are dispatched to a residence for a 67-year-old female 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%. This patient's presentation is MOST consistent with:
c) acute pulmonary embolism.
In the presence of oxygen the mitochondria of the cells convert glucose into energy through a process called:
c) aerobic metabolism.
When communicating with an older patient it is important to remember that:
c) age-related changes diminish the effectiveness of the eyes and ears.
While auscultating an elderly woman's breath sounds you hear low-pitched "rattling" sounds at the bases of both of her lungs. With which of the following conditions is this finding MOST consistent?
c) aspiration pneumonia
You are dispatched to an apartment complex for a young male with abdominal pain. Your priority upon arriving at the scene should be to:
c) assess the scene for potential hazards.
Which of the following situations requires you to notify the appropriate authorities?
c) attempted suicide
It is MOST important for the EMT to remember that suicidal patients may:
c) be homicidal as well.
A medication with antagonistic properties is one that:
c) blocks receptor sites and prevents other chemicals from attaching to them.
The primary waste product of aerobic metabolism is:
c) carbon dioxide.
Which of the following incidents does NOT require a report to be filed with local authorities?
c) cardiac arrest
Pulmonary edema and impaired ventilation occur during:
c) cardiogenic shock.
General treatment for a woman with vaginal bleeding and shock following sexual assault includes all of the following EXCEPT:
c) carefully removing any foreign bodies from the vagina.
Interruption of cerebral blood flow may result from all of the following EXCEPT:
c) cerebral vasodilation.
Which of the following techniques should you use to dislodge a foreign body airway obstruction in a patient who is in an advanced stage of pregnancy or who is very obese?
c) chest thrusts
Which of the following drugs is NOT a sedative-hypnotic?
c) cocaine
You arrive at the scene of an apparent death. When evaluating the patient which of the following is a definitive sign of death?
c) dependent lividity
An EMT would MOST likely be held liable for abandonment if he or she:
c) did not make provisions for continued care of an injured patient.
In nontrauma patients an early indicator of internal bleeding is:
c) dizziness upon standing.
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:
c) document this on your patient care report and advise the emergency department staff of what the child's parents told you.
Which of the following areas of the body has the thinnest skin?
c) ears
Risk factors for AMI that cannot be controlled include:
c) family history.
A 39-year-old male sustained a large laceration to his leg during an accident with a chainsaw and is experiencing signs and symptoms of shock. You should:
c) follow appropriate standard precautions.
Which of the following organs lies in the retroperitoneal space?
c) gallbladder
Complications associated with chest compressions include all of the following EXCEPT:
c) gastric distention.
A 67-year-old male presents with weakness dizziness and melena that began approximately 2 days ago. He denies a history of trauma. His blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg and his pulse is 120 beats/min and thready. You should be MOST suspicious that this patient is experiencing:
c) gastrointestinal bleeding
Which of the following conditions does NOT typically present with vaginal discharge?
c) genital herpes
You should suspect that a patient is experiencing respiratory failure if he or she:
c) has bradycardia and diminished muscle tone.
Vaccination against the hepatitis A virus is unnecessary if you:
c) have been infected in the past
CPAP is indicated for patients who:
c) have pulmonary edema and can follow verbal commands.
You are dispatched to a convenience store for a patient who passed out. Upon arriving at the scene you find two bystanders performing CPR on the patient a 58-year-old male. Your initial action should be to:
c) have the bystanders stop CPR and assess the patient.
During your assessment of a 19-year-old male you are told that he is being treated with factor VIII. This indicates that:
c) he has hemophilia A.
End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) monitoring is clearly indicated for patients who present with:
c) high blood pressure.
Advil Nuprin and Motrin are brand (trade) names for the generic medication:
c) ibuprofen.
Which of the following is NOT a common factor that would affect a 75-year-old patient's vital signs?
c) increased weight
In late adults the amount of air left in the lungs after expiration of the maximum amount of air:
c) increases which hampers diffusion of gases because of stagnant air that remains in the alveoli.
You are treating a 40-year-old male with a documented blood sugar reading of 300 mg/dL. The patient is semiconscious and breathing shallowly and is receiving assisted ventilation from your partner. You should recognize that definitive treatment for this patient includes:
c) insulin.
The secondary assessment of a medical patient:
c) is not practical if the patient is critically ill or your transport time is short.
Hypotension in a child with blunt or penetrating trauma is particularly significant because:
c) it often indicates the loss of half of his or her blood volume.
When using an auto-injector to give epinephrine the primary injection site is the:
c) lateral portion of the thigh.
Law enforcement personnel request your assistance for a 30-year-old man who they pulled over for erratic driving. The patient became acutely violent while he was being questioned which required one of the officers to subdue him with a Taser. When you arrive and assess the patient you find that he is very agitated and is experiencing apparent hallucinations. His skin is flushed and diaphoretic. You should:
c) limit physical contact with the patient as much as possible and avoid interrupting him if he is attempting to communicate with you.
After administering 0.3 mg of epinephrine via auto-injector to a 22-year-old female with an allergic reaction you note improvement in her breathing and dissipation of her hives. However she is still anxious and tachycardic. You should:
c) monitor her closely but recall that anxiety and tachycardia are side effects of epinephrine.
The bones that comprise the fingers and toes are called:
c) phalanges.
Temporary widespread vasodilation and syncope caused by a sudden nervous system reaction MOST accurately describes:
c) psychogenic shock.
You are transporting a 33-year-old male who was involved in a motor vehicle crash. You have addressed all immediate and potentially life-threatening conditions and have stabilized his condition with the appropriate treatment. With an estimated time of arrival at the hospital of 20 minutes you should:
c) reassess his condition in 5 minutes.
When assessing a patient with a closed soft-tissue injury it is MOST important to:
c) remain alert for more severe underlying injuries.
Reassessment of a patient with a medical complaint should begin by:
c) repeating the primary assessment.
While assisting in advanced life support (ALS) ambulance crew you are accidentally stuck with an IV needle. You should:
c) report the incident to your supervisor after the call.
You have administered one dose of epinephrine to a 40-year-old female to treat an allergic reaction that she developed after being stung by a scorpion. Your reassessment reveals that she is still having difficulty breathing has a decreasing mental status and has a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg. You should:
c) request permission from medical control to give another dose of epinephrine.
You have inserted an oral airway and are ventilating an apneic woman with a bag-mask device. She suddenly begins regurgitating large amounts of vomit. You should:
c) roll her onto her side and remove the oral airway.
Which of the following veins is located inferior to the trunk?
c) saphenous
The large flat triangular bone that overlies the posterior thoracic wall is called the:
c) scapula.
Which of the following is an example of a functional behavioral disorder?
c) schizophrenia
The white portion of the eye is called the:
c) sclera.
In patients with deeply pigmented skin
changes in color may be apparent only in certain areas, such as the: , d) lips or oral mucosa.
In preconventional reasoning
children: , c) act almost purely to avoid punishment and to get what they want.
The official transfer of patient care does not occur until the EMT:
d) gives an oral report to the emergency room physician or nurse.
A 60-year-old man complains of chest pain. He is conscious and alert and denies shortness of breath. Which of the following questions would be the MOST appropriate to ask him?
d) "Do you have any heart problems or take any medications?"
Which of the following patient responses would establish the "E" in the SAMPLE history?
d) "I was mowing the lawn when the pain began."
When caring for a female patient who has been sexually assaulted you should:
d) ,place any bloodstained clothing or other articles in separate paper bags.
From a mental health standpoint an abnormal or disturbing pattern of behavior is a matter of concern if it lasts for at least:
d) 1 month.
Significant vital sign changes will occur if the typical adult acutely loses more than ______ of his or her total blood volume
d) 20%
In two-rescuer adult CPR you should deliver a compression to ventilation ratio of:
d) 30:2.
With the flowmeter set at 6 L/min the nasal cannula will deliver up to _______ oxygen.
d) 44%
In which of the following situations would it be MOST appropriate to utilize an air medical transportation service?
d) 61-year-old man with signs and symptoms of a stroke and your ground transport time is 50 minutes
At present the average life expectancy is ________ years while the maximum life expectancy is estimated at ________ years.
d) 78, 120
The anterior fontanelle fuses together between the ages of:
d) 9 and 18 months.
Which of the following statements regarding the clotting of blood is correct?
d) A person taking aspirin will experience slower blood clotting.
A 49-year-old male presents with confusion sweating and visual hallucinations. The patient's wife tells you that he is a heavy drinker and she thinks he had a seizure shortly before your arrival. This patient is MOST likely experiencing:
d) DTs.
Which of the following statements regarding anaphylactic shock is MOST correct?
d) Each subsequent exposure following sensitization often produces a more severe reaction.
By what mechanism is a person injured when he or she falls from a significant height?
d) Potential energy is converted to kinetic energy; the kinetic energy is then converted into the work of bringing the body to a stop.
Which of the following questions would be of LEAST pertinence during the initial questioning of a patient who ingested a substance?
d) Why was the substance ingested?
Which of the following scenarios does NOT involve the presence of any symptoms?
d) a 61-year-old female who is unconscious with facial cyanosis
Abnormal variations in pupil size and reaction would MOST likely be observed in a patient with:
d) a brain injury.
A 75-year-old male with type 1 diabetes presents with chest pain and a general feeling of weakness. He tells you that he took his insulin today and ate a regular meal approximately 2 hours ago. You should treat this patient as though he is experiencing:
d) a heart attack.
A raised swollen well-defined area on the skin that is the result of an insect bite or sting is called:
d) a wheal.
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:
d) administer oxygen with the appropriate device.
Elderly patients with abdominal problems may not exhibit the same pain response as younger patients because of:
d) age-realated deterioration of their sensory system
An elderly patient has fallen and hit her head. You assess her level of consciousness as unresponsive using the AVPU scale. Your initial care should focus on:
d) airway, breathing, and circulation.
What is the function of the sternocleidomastoid muscle?
d) allows movement of the head
You are assessing a young male who was stung on the leg by a scorpion. He is conscious and alert his breathing is regular and unlabored and his blood pressure is 122/64 mm Hg. Assessment of his leg reveals a wheal surrounded by an area of redness. He states that he had a "bad reaction" the last time he was stung by a scorpion and carries his own epinephrine auto-injector. You should:
d) apply oxygen as needed, clean the area with soap and water or a mild antiseptic, and transport him to the hospital.
Most cases of external bleeding from an extremity can be controlled by:
d) applying local direct pressure.
A young male sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen during an altercation with a rival gang member. As your partner is assessing and managing his airway you should control the obvious bleeding and then:
d) assess for an exit wound.
A patient regains consciousness en route from his office to the emergency department. The patient tells you that he feels fine and does not want to go to the hospital. Under these circumstances you should:
d) assess whether or not the patient's mental condition is impaired.
A young male was shot in the abdomen by an unknown type of gun. He is semiconscious has shallow breathing and is bleeding externally from the wound. As you control the external bleeding your partner should:
d) assist the patient's ventilations.
You respond to a college campus for a young male who is acting strangely. After law enforcement has secured the scene you enter the patient's dorm room and find him sitting on the edge of the bed; he appears agitated. As you approach him you note that he has dried blood around both nostrils. He is breathing adequately his pulse is rapid and irregular and his blood pressure is 200/110 mm Hg. Treatment for this patient includes
d) attempting to calm him and giving him oxygen if tolerated.
When you and your partner arrive at the residence of a man in cardiac arrest you immediately recognize the patient as the drunk driver who killed your brother several years earlier. A backup ambulance is en route to the scene. You should:
d) begin two-rescuer CPR and apply the automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.
General guidelines for managing a patient with a behavioral emergency include:
d) being prepared to spend extra time with the patient.
When caring for a patient whose arm is covered with a dry chemical you should:
d) brush away the chemical before flushing with water.
In what manner should you act and speak with a patient?
d) calm and confident
A 40-year-old male intentionally cut his wrist out of anger after losing his job. Law enforcement has secured the scene prior to your arrival. As you enter the residence and visualize the patient you can see that he has a towel around his wrist and a moderate amount of blood has soaked through it. You should:
d) calmly identify yourself to the patient.
Medications encased in a gelatin shell taken by mouth are called:
d) capsules
Medications encased in a gelatin shell taken by mouth are called:
d) capsules.
The three major parts of the brain are the:
d) cerebrum cerebellum and brain stem.
The inner surface of the eyelids and the exposed surface of the eye itself are covered by a delicate membrane called the
d) conjunctiva.
The myocardium receives oxygenated blood from the __________ which originate(s) from the __________.
d) coronary arteries, aorta
A partial-thickness burn involves the outer layer of skin and a portion of the:
d) dermal layer.
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 100% oxygen you should:
d) determine if she has been prescribed a beta-agonist inhaler.
A percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) restores blood flow to the ischemic myocardium by:
d) dilating the affected coronary artery with a small inflatable balloon.
A 29-year-old male complains of a severe headache and nausea that has gradually worsened over the past 12 hours. He is conscious alert and oriented and tells you that his physician diagnosed him with migraine headaches. He further tells you that he has taken numerous different medications but none of them seem to help. His blood pressure is 132/74 mm Hg his pulse is 110 beats/min and strong and his respirations are 20 breaths/min and adequate. In addition to high-flow oxygen further treatment should include:
d) dimming the lights in the back of the ambulance and transporting without lights and siren.
Which of the following medications blocks the release of histamines?
d) diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Your paramedic partner administers atropine to a 49-year-old male with bradycardia. Which of the following side effects would you expect the patient to experience?
d) dry mucous membranes
A 37-year-old male has an apparent foreign body airway obstruction. He is conscious and alert and is coughing forcefully. His skin is pink warm and moist. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes:
d) encouraging him to cough and transporting.
Which of the following structures is contained within the mediastinum?
d) esophagus
When performing his or her duties the EMT is generally expected to:
d) exercise reasonable care and act prudently.
At the onset of an acute asthma attack patients commonly experience difficulty breathing and:
d) expiratory wheezing.
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:
d) have your partner check for a pulse to confirm that the patient is deceased.
Gastrointestinal bleeding should be suspected if a patient presents with:
d) hematemesis.
You receive a call for a domestic dispute. When you arrive at the scene you find a young male standing on the front porch of his house. You notice that an adjacent window is broken. The patient has a large body is clenching his fists and is yelling obscenities at you. Which of the following findings is LEAST predictive of this patient's potential for violence?
d) his large body
Chemicals that are responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include:
d) histamines and leukotrienes.
In an acute injury setting neurogenic shock is commonly accompanied by:
d) hypothermia.
The goal of the primary assessment is to:
d) identify and rapidly treat all life-threatening conditions.
Assessing the blood pressure and oxygen saturation of a patient with a behavioral crisis should be performed:
d) if doing so will not worsen his or her emotional distress.
You respond to a call for a female pedestrian who has been struck by a car. As your partner maintains manual stabilization of her head you perform a primary assessment. She is unconscious has ineffective breathing and has bloody secretions in her mouth. You should:
d) immediately suction her oropharynx.
The superficial temporal artery can be palpated:
d) just anterior to the tragus.
You are summoned to a convalescent center for an 88-year-old female with an altered mental status. A staff nurse advises you that the patient has terminal cancer and her physician stated that she would probably die within the next few hours; a valid do not resuscitate (DNR) order is presented to you. When caring for this patient you should:
d) make her comfortable and provide emotional support.
A factory worker was splashed in the eyes with a strong acid chemical. He complains of intense pain and blurred vision. Your ambulance does not carry bottles of sterile saline or water. You should:
d) mix baking soda with water and irrigate his eyes with the solution.
Basic life support (BLS) is defined as:
d) noninvasive emergency care that is used to treat conditions such as airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and cardiac arrest.
Maintaining the chain of evidence at the scene of a crime should include:
d) not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons.
Trauma to the __________ lobe of the brain would likely result in visual disturbances.
d) occipital
Potentially life-threatening consequences of PID include:
d) ovarian abscess and ectopic pregnancy.
In order for efficient pulmonary gas exchange to occur:
d) oxygen and carbon dioxide must be able to freely diffuse across the alveolar-capillary membrane.
Burns to pediatric patients are generally considered more serious than burns to adults because:
d) pediatric patients have more surface area relative to total body mass.
You are assessing a 72-year-old man with abdominal pain. The patient is sitting in a chair; he is conscious alert and calm. As you are talking to the patient your partner discreetly directs your attention to a handgun which is located on a nearby table. You should:
d) position yourself in between the patient and the gun and ask your partner to request law enforcement assistance.
Aspirin is beneficial to patients suspected of having a heart attack because it:
d) prevents the aggregation of platelets.
Status epilepticus is characterized by:
d) prolonged seizures without a return of consciousness.
Which of the following arteries does NOT carry highly oxygenated blood?
d) pulmonary
Which of the following blood vessels transports oxygenated blood?
d) pulmonary veins
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:
d) put on high-visibility safety vests
Which of the following interventions is the MOST critical to the outcome of a patient with multisystem trauma?
d) rapid transport to a trauma center
A technique used to gain insight into a patient's thinking which involves repeating in question form what the patient has said is called:
d) reflective listening.
Which of the following conditions would MOST likely affect the entire brain?
d) respiratory failure or cardiopulmonary arrest
What types of motor vehicle collisions present the greatest potential for multiple impacts?
d) rotational and rollover
Which of the following organs can tolerate inadequate perfusion for up to 2 hours?
d) skeletal muscle
Significant trauma to the face should increase the EMT's index of suspicion for a(n):
d) spinal cord injury.
While eating dinner your partner suddenly grabs his throat and has a panicked look on his face. He has a weak cough faint inspiratory stridor and cyanosis around the lips. You should:
d) stand behind him and administer abdominal thrusts.
When assessing for fluid collection in the lungs during auscultation of lung sounds you should:
d) start at the lower lung fields and determine at which level you start hearing clear breath sounds.
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes experience polyuria because:
excess glucose in the blood is excreted by the kidneys.
A 30-year-old female was robbed and assaulted by a gang as she was leaving a nightclub. She has massive facial trauma and slow
gurgling respirations. As your partner manually stabilizes her head you should: , d) suction her oropharynx for 15 seconds.
Glipizide a non-insulin-type medication
is another name for: , b) Glucotrol.
You arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident. The patient a 13-year-old male
is unconscious and has multiple injuries. As you are treating the child a law enforcement officer advises you that the child's parents will be at the scene in approximately 15 minutes. What should you do? , a) Transport the child immediately and have the parents meet you at the hospital.
A 67-year-old female with severe chest pain becomes unresponsive
pulseless and apneic during transport. You should: , b) stop the ambulance begin CPR and attach the AED as soon as possible.
It is especially important to assess pulse
sensation, and movement in all extremities as well as pupillary reactions in patients with a suspected ___________ problem. , d) neurologic
A 40-year-old male was in his woodworking shop when he felt a sudden
sharp pain in his left eye. Your assessment reveals a small splinter of wood embedded in his cornea. You should: c) cover both of his eyes and transport to the hospital.
A 49-year-old male with an extensive cardiac history presents with 2 hours of crushing chest pain and shortness of breath. He is pale and diaphoretic and tells you that he feels like he is going to die. His medications include nitroglycerin
sildenafil (Viagra), and enalapril (Vasotec). His blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg and his heart rate is 110 beats/min. In addition to administering 100% oxygen, you should: , d) ask him if he took his Viagra within the past 24 hours.
Bleeding from soft-tissue injuries to the face is MOST effectively controlled with: c) direct pressure using dry
sterile dressings.
Pain that may be perceived at a distant point on the surface of the body
such as the back or shoulder, is called:va) referred pain.
In a healthy individual
the brain stem stimulates breathing on the basis of: , c) increased carbon dioxide levels.
In contrast to the parietal peritoneum
the visceral peritoneum: , d) is supplied by nerves of the autonomic nervous system, which are less able to localize pain or sensation.
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: , c) use short simple questions and point to specific parts of your body to try to determine the source of the patient's complaint.
You are dispatched to the county jail for an inmate who is "sick." When you arrive
you find the patient a 33-year-old male unresponsive. His airway is patent and his respirations are rapid and shallow. Your initial action should be to: , c) provide assisted ventilation.
A 27-year-old male was stabbed in the chest during a disagreement at a poker game. As you approach him
you see that a knife is impaled in his chest. Before you make physical contact with the patient, it is MOST important to: , c) follow standard precautions.
If a patient develops difficulty breathing after your primary assessment
you should immediately: , c) reevaluate his or her airway status.
As you enter the residence of a patient who has possibly overdosed
you should: , a) be alert for personal hazards.
After establishing that an adult patient is unresponsive
you should: , b) assess for breathing.
If you are exposed to a patient's blood or other bodily fluid
your first action should be to: ,c) transfer care of your patient to another EMS provider.
