medical
You are assessing a 40-year-old male with an apparent psychiatric crisis. According to the man's wife, he has a history of depression and schizophrenia and takes Zoloft and Zyprexa. A police officer is present at the scene. The patient, who is obviously scared, tells you that he sees snakes everywhere. You should: A) tell him that you do not see any snakes, but they are obviously scaring him. B) let him know that going to the hospital will keep him safe from the snakes. C) advise him that you suspect he has not been compliant with his medications. D) let him know that it is important for him to be transported as soon as possible.
A) tell him that you do not see any snakes, but they are obviously scaring him.
In general, you should avoid rewarming a frostbitten body part in the field if: A) the affected part could refreeze after rewarming. B) a paramedic is not present to administer analgesia. C) you are unable to obtain water that is at least 120ºF. D) arrival at the emergency department will be delayed.
A) the affected part could refreeze after rewarming.
The bite of a brown recluse spider is characterized by: A) immediate pain, swelling at the site, and painful muscle spasms. B) delayed onset of pain, swelling, and blister formation at the site. C) two small puncture marks, swelling, and delayed onset of pain. D) rapid swelling within 30 minutes and a decline in mental status.
B) delayed onset of pain, swelling, and blister formation at the site.
A 36-year-old male, who is a known diabetic, presents with severe weakness, diaphoresis, and tachycardia. He is conscious, but confused. His blood pressure is 110/58 mm Hg, pulse is 120 beats/min and weak, and respirations are 24 breaths/min. The glucometer reads error after several attempts to assess his blood glucose level. In addition to high-flow oxygen, medical control will MOST likely order you to: A) assist the patient in taking his insulin. B) give at least one tube of oral glucose. C) transport only and closely monitor him. D) give him a salt-containing solution to drink.
B) give at least one tube of oral glucose.
All of the following are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, EXCEPT: A) melena. B) hemoptysis. C) tachycardia. D) hematemesis.
B) hemoptysis.
A 42-year-old male presents with fever, a severe headache, and a stiff neck. He is conscious, but confused. His wife tells you that he does not have any medical problems and does not take any medications. You should be MOST suspicious for: A) influenza. B) meningitis. C) tuberculosis. D) acute stroke.
B) meningitis.
Law enforcement requests your assistance to evaluate a young female whom they believe has overdosed. The patient is conscious, is displaying bizarre behavior, and is very restless. Her BP is 170/90 mm Hg and her heart rate is 130 beats/min. You see needle tracks on both of her arms. She is MOST likely under the influence of: A) a powerful narcotic. B) methamphetamine. C) a sedative-hypnotic. D) a benzodiazepine.
B) methamphetamine.
You are called to a local park for an ill person. It is a hot day and the humidity is high. When you arrive, a bystander directs you to the patient, a young male who is semiconscious. His skin is flushed, hot, and moist. Your FIRST action in the management of this patient should be to: A) ensure an open airway. B) move him to a cool area. C) administer high-flow oxygen. D) begin rapid cooling measures.
B) move him to a cool area.
You are called to the residence of a 39-year-old male with flu-like symptoms. The patient tells you that he has been feeling ill for the last 2 days. He has a fever, headache, and diarrhea, and asks that you take him to the hospital. His blood pressure is 120/60 mm Hg, his pulse is 110 beats/min, and his respirations are 16 breaths/min. You should: A) ask him if he has a history of HIV infection or hepatitis. B) offer oxygen and transport him in a position of comfort. C) request an ALS ambulance to the scene to start an IV line. D) advise him that he can drive himself to his family physician.
B) offer oxygen and transport him in a position of comfort.
A 50-year-old woman with a history of epilepsy is actively seizing. Care for this patient should focus primarily on: A) frequently suctioning her airway and carefully restraining her. B) protecting her from injury and ensuring adequate ventilation. C) administering high-flow oxygen and requesting an ALS ambulance. D) placing a bite block in between her molars and giving her oxygen.
B) protecting her from injury and ensuring adequate ventilation.
You should not attempt to actively rewarm a patient with moderate or severe hypothermia in the field because: A) the risk of inadvertently inducing hyperthermia is too high. B) rewarming too quickly can cause a fatal cardiac dysrhythmia. C) it is painful for the patient and you cannot give analgesic drugs. D) active rewarming has been shown to cause severe hypertension.
B) rewarming too quickly can cause a fatal cardiac dysrhythmia.
A 46-year-old man presents with generalized weakness and shortness of breath after he was bitten on the leg by a rattlesnake. His blood pressure is 106/58 mm Hg and his pulse rate is 112 beats/min. In addition to supplemental oxygen, further treatment for this patient should include: A) elevation of the affected part and ice packs. B) splinting and lowering of the affected part. C) ice packs to the wound and splinting. D) proximal arterial constricting band and splinting.
B) splinting and lowering of the affected part.
A 60-year-old man presents with a severe right-sided headache. He is conscious and alert. As you are assessing him, he tells you that the left side of his body feels weak. His blood pressure is 190/100 mm Hg, pulse is 88 beats/min, and respirations are 14 breaths/min. His past medical history includes diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension. You should be MOST concerned with: A) his blood glucose level. B) the presence of hemiparesis. C) his current blood pressure. D) the location of his headache.
B) the presence of hemiparesis.
When assessing a conscious patient who overdosed on a drug, you should FIRST determine: A) the patient's weight in kilograms. B) the type of medication ingested. C) when the medication was ingested. D) if there is a history of prior overdose.
B) the type of medication ingested.
A young male experienced a syncopal episode after working in the heat for several hours. He is conscious and alert; has cool, clammy skin; and complains of nausea and lightheadedness. You should: A) provide rapid cooling. B) transport him on his side. C) give him cold water to drink. D) advise him to go home and rest.
B) transport him on his side.
You are called to an assisted living center where an attendant found a 72-year-old man unresponsive. The patient had recent hip surgery and has been taking Vicodin for pain. His respirations are slow and shallow, and his pulse is slow and weak. You should: A) apply high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. B) ventilate the patient with a bag-valve-mask device. C) request an ALS ambulance to respond to the scene. D) apply the AED in case he develops cardiac arrest.
B) ventilate the patient with a bag-valve-mask device.
When dealing with an emotionally disturbed patient, you should be MOST concerned with: A) safely transporting the patient to the hospital. B) whether the patient could harm you. C) obtaining a complete medical history. D) gathering all of the patient's medications.
B) whether the patient could harm you.
Which of the following is a physiologic effect of epinephrine when used to treat anaphylactic shock? A) As a vasodilator, it increases the blood pressure. B) As a vasoconstrictor, it lowers the blood pressure. C) As a bronchodilator, it improves the patient's breathing. D) As an antihistamine, it blocks chemicals that cause the reaction.
C) As a bronchodilator, it improves the patient's breathing.
Which of the following mechanisms cause respiratory and circulatory collapse during anaphylactic shock? A) Bronchodilation and vasodilation B) Bronchodilation and vasoconstriction C) Bronchoconstriction and vasodilation D) Bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction
C) Bronchoconstriction and vasodilation
Which of the following structures is responsible for regulating body temperature? A) Cerebrum B) Cerebellum C) Hypothalamus D) Medulla oblongata
C) Hypothalamus
Which of the following statements regarding the function of insulin is correct? A) It stimulates the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. B) It promotes the entry of glucose from the cells into the bloodstream. C) It facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. D) It causes the pancreas to produce glucose based on the body's demand.
C) It facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.
Which of the following organs are contained within the right upper quadrant of the abdomen? A) Liver and spleen B) Liver and stomach C) Liver and gallbladder D) Stomach and gallbladder
C) Liver and gallbladder
Which of the following signs or symptoms is MOST suggestive of a systemic reaction following ingestion of a poison? A) Nausea and vomiting B) Burns around the mouth C) Tachycardia and hypotension D) Painful or difficult swallowing
C) Tachycardia and hypotension
Which of the following would MOST likely cause a rapid drop in a patient's blood glucose level? A) Mild exertion after eating a meal B) Eating a meal after taking insulin C) Taking too much prescribed insulin D) Forgetting to take prescribed insulin
C) Taking too much prescribed insulin
Which of the following is the MOST significant finding in a patient with a severe headache? A) Pain in both legs B) Chest discomfort C) Unilateral weakness D) Abdominal tenderness
C) Unilateral weakness
A 48-year-old male became acutely hypoxic, experienced a seizure, and is now postictal. The MOST effective way to prevent another seizure is to: A) place him in the recovery position. B) give him oral glucose if he can swallow. C) administer high-flow supplemental oxygen. D) dim the lights in the back of the ambulance.
C) administer high-flow supplemental oxygen.
Your FIRST action in managing a patient with an altered mental status should be to: A) administer one tube of oral glucose. B) administer high-flow supplemental oxygen. C) determine if the patient is breathing adequately. D) ask a family member how the patient normally acts.
C) determine if the patient is breathing adequately.
When treating an unresponsive man who was struck by lightning, you should: A) begin CPR at once if he is apneic and pulseless. B) apply full spinal precautions before moving him. C) ensure that you and the patient are in a safe place. D) manually stabilize his head and open his airway.
C) ensure that you and the patient are in a safe place.
A 40-year-old woman presents with widespread hives that she noticed about 45 minutes after taking penicillin. She is conscious and alert and denies difficulty breathing. Her breath sounds are clear to auscultation bilaterally, her vital signs are stable, and her oxygen saturation is 94%. She tells you she is allergic to wasps and has an epinephrine auto-injector. You should: A) give high-flow oxygen and administer 100 mg of Benadryl. B) advise her that she can probably drive herself to the hospital. C) give supplemental oxygen and transport her to the hospital. D) assist her in administering epinephrine via her auto-injector.
C) give supplemental oxygen and transport her to the hospital.
A 73-year-old male presents with confusion; cool, pale, clammy skin; absent radial pulses; and a blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg. The patient's wife tells you that he has had abdominal pain for a week and began vomiting a coffee-ground substance yesterday. His past medical history includes hypertension and gastric ulcer disease. Your MOST immediate concern should be that: A) his blood glucose level is probably too high. B) he is bleeding from his gastrointestinal tract. C) he is in shock and requires prompt transport. D) his condition requires surgery within 2 hours.
C) he is in shock and requires prompt transport.
An elderly man is found unresponsive in his kitchen. The patient's wife tells you that her husband has diabetes and that he took his insulin, but did not eat anything. You should suspect: A) ketoacidosis. B) diabetic coma. C) hypoglycemia. D) hyperglycemia.
C) hypoglycemia.
A patient who overdosed on heroin would be expected to present with: A) tachycardia. B) dilated pupils. C) hypotension. D) hyperpnea.
C) hypotension.
Your patient is a 75-year-old female who, according to her son, tripped on a throw rug and fell. The patient is conscious and alert, is sitting on the couch, and has a hematoma to her forehead. When you ask her what happened, her son interjects by saying, "I already told you, she tripped and fell." As you further question her, you find that she is hesitant to answer your questions and keeps looking at her son. You should: A) ask the patient if someone hurt her intentionally. B) notify law enforcement and have the son removed. C) interview the patient and her son separately if possible. D) tell the son that you suspect his mother has been abused.
C) interview the patient and her son separately if possible.
The MOST obvious way to reduce heat loss from radiation and convection is to: A) move away from a cold object. B) wear a thick wind-proof jacket. C) move to a warmer environment. D) increase metabolism by shivering.
C) move to a warmer environment.
When caring for a patient with severe hypothermia who is in cardiac arrest, you should: A) avoid using the AED. B) hyperventilate the patient. C) perform BLS and transport. D) perform rescue breathing only.
C) perform BLS and transport.
You and your partner arrive at the home of a 60-year-old man with shortness of breath. As you enter the residence, you find the patient sitting in his recliner; he is in obvious respiratory distress. As you approach him, he becomes verbally abusive, stating that it took you too long to get to his home. A small handgun is sitting on a table next to his recliner. You should: A) turn around, rapidly exit the residence, and notify law enforcement. B) explain the reason for your delay as your partner administers oxygen. C) slowly back your way out of the residence and call law enforcement. D) verbally distract the patient as your partner attempts to retrieve the gun.
C) slowly back your way out of the residence and call law enforcement.
When restraining a violent patient, you should make sure that: A) at least two EMTs restrain the patient. B) the patient is restrained using maximal force. C) someone talks to the patient during the process. D) consent for restraint has been obtained from a family member.
C) someone talks to the patient during the process.
You receive a call for a 54-year-old female who is having a seizure. When you arrive at the scene, the patient is actively seizing. Her husband tells you that she has a history of seizures, and that she has been seizing continuously for 20 minutes. It is MOST important for you to recognize that: A) her seizure could be the result of a low blood glucose level. B) the patient may have stopped taking her seizure medication. C) the patient is hypoxic and needs oxygen as soon as possible. D) her husband's description is consistent with status epilepticus.
C) the patient is hypoxic and needs oxygen as soon as possible.
A 60-year-old male complains of a tearing sensation in his abdomen. He tells you the pain began suddenly and feels like someone is sticking a knife into his abdomen. He is conscious and alert with a blood pressure of 148/88 mm Hg, a pulse of 120 beats/min, and respirations of 22 breaths/min. In addition to administering high-flow oxygen, you should: A) auscultate over his epigastrium to assess for bowel sounds. B) vigorously palpate his abdomen to assess for a pulsating mass. C) transport at once and be prepared to treat him for severe shock. D) perform a rapid head-to-toe assessment and prepare for transport.
C) transport at once and be prepared to treat him for severe shock.
A young female is unresponsive after overdosing on an unknown type of drug. Her respirations are slow and shallow, and her pulse is slow and weak. Which of the following drugs is the LEAST likely cause of her condition? A) Heroin B) Valium C) Seconal D) Cocaine
D) Cocaine
Which of the following structures is NOT part of the endocrine system? A) Thyroid B) Pituitary C) Pancreas D) Gallbladder
D) Gallbladder
A 56-year-old diabetic man is found unresponsive by his wife. She tells you that he ate breakfast this morning, but is unsure if he took his insulin. His respirations are rapid and shallow, his skin is cool and profusely diaphoretic, and his pulse is rapid and weak. Which of the following statements regarding this patient is correct? A) The fact that he ate breakfast makes hypoglycemia highly unlikely. B) He probably did not take his insulin and has a high blood glucose level. C) You should request an ALS unit so they can give the patient his insulin. D) He needs glucose as soon as possible because he is likely hypoglycemic.
D) He needs glucose as soon as possible because he is likely hypoglycemic.
When you arrive at a residence for a man who is "not acting right," you enter the house and find him sitting on his couch. Which of the following findings would be MOST indicative of an altered mental status? A) Odor of alcohol B) Closed eyes C) Tired appearance D) Slurred speech
D) Slurred speech
Which of the following patients with diabetes is the BEST candidate for oral glucose? A) confused patient who has cool, clammy skin B) A confused patient with suspected hyperglycemia C) A semiconscious patient with pale, clammy skin D) An unresponsive patient who took too much insulin
A) confused patient who has cool, clammy skin
When caring for a patient with an acute behavioral crisis, your primary concern should be: A) ensuring your own and your partner's safety. B) providing safe transport to the hospital. C) gathering all of the patient's medications. D) obtaining a complete past medical history
A) ensuring your own and your partner's safety.
A 72-year-old woman is found unresponsive in her poorly ventilated home. Her skin is flushed, hot, and dry, and her respirations are rapid and shallow. She is wearing a medical alert bracelet that states she is a diabetic and is allergic to sulfa drugs. You should be MOST suspicious for: A) heat stroke. B) anaphylactic shock. C) acute ischemic stroke. D) a diabetic complication.
A) heat stroke.
Hypoxia-induced unresponsiveness during a submersion injury is usually the result of: A) laryngospasm. B) water in the lungs. C) a cardiac dysrhythmia. D) associated hypothermia.
A) laryngospasm.
An 80-year-old woman has pain in the right upper quadrant of her abdomen and a yellow tinge to her skin. You should suspect dysfunction of the: A) liver. B) spleen. C) pancreas. D) gallbladder.
A) liver.
You are transporting a 35-year-old male who has a history of alcoholism. He stopped drinking 4 days ago and is now disoriented, diaphoretic, and tachycardic. You should be MOST concerned that he: A) may have a seizure. B) is severely dehydrated. C) will begin hallucinating. D) will develop a high fever.
A) may have a seizure.
A behavioral crisis is MOST accurately defined as: A) an acute psychiatric emergency characterized by violent behavior, mood swings, and a loss of connection to reality. B) a chronic mental health problem in which the patient experiences frequent thoughts of suicide or other self-destructive behavior. C) a persistent feeling of sadness, despair, or hopelessness that incapacitates the patient and prevents him or her from interacting socially. D) any reaction to an event that interferes with the activities of daily living or has become unacceptable to the patient, family, or community.
D) any reaction to an event that interferes with the activities of daily living or has become unacceptable to the patient, family, or community.
The two MOST important steps in treating a patient with a contact poisoning are: A) determining when the exposure occurred and irrigating the patient's entire body with copious amounts of water. B) donning a pair of gloves and performing a physical examination to determine if a significant exposure occurred. C) immediately washing any dry chemicals off of the patient's skin and removing his or her clothing as soon as possible. D) avoiding self-contamination and removing the irritating or corrosive substance from the patient as rapidly as possible.
D) avoiding self-contamination and removing the irritating or corrosive substance from the patient as rapidly as possible.
Rapid transport of a patient who ingested a large dose of Tylenol is important because: A) an antidote may prevent liver failure if administered early enough. B) activated charcoal cannot be given to patients who ingested Tylenol. C) it takes only a small dose of Tylenol to cause cardiopulmonary arrest. D) liver failure usually occurs within 6 hours following a Tylenol overdose.
A) an antidote may prevent liver failure if administered early enough.
Immediately following a generalized seizure involving tonic-clonic activity, most patients: A) are unresponsive but gradually regain consciousness. B) return to a normal level of consciousness but cannot recall the event. C) experience prolonged apnea and require positive-pressure ventilations. D) have a slow heart rate because of cardiac depression during the seizure.
A) are unresponsive but gradually regain consciousness.
A man is experiencing a severe allergic reaction after being stung by a scorpion. He does not have his own epinephrine; however, his wife is allergic to bees and has a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector. You should: A) provide rapid transport and consider an ALS rendezvous. B) assist the patient with the wife's prescribed epinephrine. C) assist the patient with one-half the usual dose of the wife's epinephrine. D) request an ALS unit to respond to the scene to administer epinephrine.
A) provide rapid transport and consider an ALS rendezvous.
You are caring for a conscious patient whom you believe is having an acute ischemic stroke. After administering oxygen (if needed), your next priority should include: A) providing prompt transport for possible fibrinolytic therapy. B) determining whether the patient has prescribed nitroglycerin. C) closely monitoring the blood pressure every 15 to 20 minutes. D) administering 1 tube of oral glucose to rule out hypoglycemia.
A) providing prompt transport for possible fibrinolytic therapy.
You are dispatched to a residence for a 20-year-old male with respiratory distress. When you arrive, you find that the patient has a tracheostomy tube and is ventilator dependent. His mother tells you that he was doing fine, but then suddenly began experiencing breathing difficulty. You should: A) remove him from the mechanical ventilator and ventilate him manually. B) check the settings on the ventilator to ensure that it is functioning properly. C) detach the ventilator, suction the tracheostomy tube, and reassess the patient. D) remove the ventilator tubing and place an oxygen mask over the tracheostomy tube.
A) remove him from the mechanical ventilator and ventilate him manually.
A 50-year-old woman who is conscious and alert complains of a severe migraine headache. When caring for her, you should generally avoid: A) shining a light into her pupils. B) transporting her in a supine position. C) dimming the lights in the ambulance. D) applying ice packs to her forehead.
A) shining a light into her pupils.
Which of the following is a later sign of hepatitis? A) Fatigue B) Jaundice C) Loss of appetite D) Fever and vomiting
B) Jaundice
You respond to a grocery store where a 39-year-old man reportedly experienced a seizure. When you arrive at the scene, a clerk begins to escort you to the patient. She tells you that the man stopped seizing about 5 minutes ago. If the patient truly experienced a seizure, you will MOST likely find that he: A) has a slow heart rate. B) is confused and disoriented. C) is not breathing and is cyanotic. D) is fully conscious and alert.
B) is confused and disoriented.
A 16-year-old, 125-pound male ingested a bottle of aspirin approximately 20 minutes ago. Medical control orders you to administer activated charcoal in a dose of 1 g/kg. How much activated charcoal should you administer? A) 51 g B) 54 g C) 57 g D) 60 g
C) 57 g
Which of the following conditions would MOST likely cause flushed skin? A) Blood loss B) Hypothermia C) Exposure to heat D) Low blood pressure
C) Exposure to heat
Which of the following signs and symptoms are MOST characteristic of hyperglycemic ketoacidosis? A) Cool, clammy skin and a slow onset B) Cool, clammy skin and a rapid onset C) Warm, dry skin and a slow onset D) Warm, dry skin and a rapid onset
C) Warm, dry skin and a slow onset
A middle-aged man was found floating face down in a small pond. When you arrive at the scene, bystanders are present, but no one has removed the patient from the water because they thought he was dead. After reaching the patient, you should: A) stabilize his head as you remove it from the water and open his airway by tilting his head back. B) grab him by his clothing, remove him from the pond, and assess for breathing and a pulse. C) move him to a supine position by rotating the entire upper half of his body as a single unit. D) float a buoyant backboard under him, remove him from the pond, and begin rescue breathing.
C) move him to a supine position by rotating the entire upper half of his body as a single unit.
In the patient with diabetes, insulin shock typically presents with: A) dry skin and a slow onset. B) dry skin and a rapid onset. C) clammy skin and a slow onset. D) clammy skin and a rapid onset.
D) clammy skin and a rapid onset.
Unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, and constricted pupils are indicative of which type of drug overdose? A) Narcotic B) Marijuana C) Barbiturate D) Amphetamine
A) Narcotic
Which of the following statements regarding heatstroke is correct? A) Not all patients experiencing heatstroke have dry skin. B) Heatstroke is caused by a hyperactive sweating mechanism. C) Heatstroke is more likely to occur when the humidity is low. D) As core body temperature rises, the patient becomes more agitated.
A) Not all patients experiencing heatstroke have dry skin.
You are transporting a 30-year-old man who is experiencing an emotional crisis. The patient does not speak when you ask him questions. How should you respond to his unwillingness to speak? A) Remain silent until the patient speaks to you. B) Continually encourage the patient to talk to you. C) Tell the patient that you cannot help if he will not talk. D) Do not speak to the patient, even if he begins to speak to you.
A) Remain silent until the patient speaks to you.
A 32-year-old man who was stung by a bee has diffuse hives, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing. When he breathes, you hear audible stridor. What does this indicate? A) Swelling of the upper airway structures B) Swelling of the lower airway structures C) Narrowing of the two mainstem bronchi D) Narrowing of the bronchioles in the lungs
A) Swelling of the upper airway structures
Assessment and treatment of a patient with severe abdominal pain should include: A) administering supplemental oxygen. B) vigorously palpating the abdomen. C) giving the patient small sips of water. D) placing the patient in a supine position.
A) administering supplemental oxygen.
The daughter of an elderly patient states that her mother is acting confused and talking incoherently. This nature of illness is MOST consistent with: A) altered mental status. B) behavioral problems. C) cardiac compromise. D) diabetic complications.
A) altered mental status.
You respond to a baseball field for a person who was struck by lightning. When you arrive, you see one patient who appears confused and is ambulatory; a second patient who is conscious, sitting on the ground, and holding his arm; and a third patient who is supine and motionless. After requesting additional responders, you should: A) assess the motionless victim and perform CPR and defibrillation if necessary. B) proceed to the ambulatory patient, sit him down, and assess his mental status. C) treat the conscious patients because the motionless patient is likely deceased. D) assess and begin treating the sitting patient first because he is obviously injured.
A) assess the motionless victim and perform CPR and defibrillation if necessary.
Which of the following actions should be carried out during the primary assessment of an unresponsive patient? A) Assessing the skin B) Palpating the cranium C) Auscultating the lungs D) Obtaining a blood pressure
A) Assessing the skin
Which of the following signs is LEAST suggestive of a diabetic emergency? A) Bradycardia B) Tachycardia C) Combativeness D) Fruity breath odor
A) Bradycardia
Shortly after being stung by a scorpion, a 20-year-old female develops hives to her chest and arms. She is conscious and alert, but states that it is difficult to swallow. Her heart rate is 100 beats/min and her oxygen saturation is 94%. Which of her signs or symptoms should concern the EMT the MOST? A) Difficulty swallowing B) Hives to her chest and arms C) Heart rate of 100 beats/min D) Oxygen saturation of 94%
A) Difficulty swallowing
A 34-year-old female complains of persistent fever, fatigue, and night sweats. During your assessment, you note that she has purple blotches on her arms and legs. She MOST likely has: A) HIV/AIDS. B) tuberculosis. C) chickenpox. D) viral hepatitis.
A) HIV/AIDS.
A young woman reports significant weight loss over the last month, persistent fever, and night sweats. When you assess her, you note the presence of dark purple lesions covering her trunk and upper extremities. You should suspect: A) HIV/AIDS. B) tuberculosis. C) rheumatic fever. D) end-stage cancer.
A) HIV/AIDS.
Which of the following is the MOST significant finding in a patient experiencing an allergic reaction? A) Hoarseness B) Headache C) Abdominal cramps D) Widespread rash
A) Hoarseness
A known diabetic female is found unresponsive. Her respirations are rapid and shallow; her skin is cool, clammy, and pale; and her pulse is rapid and weak. Which of the following would BEST explain the likely cause of her condition? A) Insulin overdose B) Excessive eating C) High blood sugar D) Failure to take insulin
A) Insulin overdose
Propoxyphene (Darvon) is categorized as which type of drug? A) Narcotic B) Barbiturate C) Amphetamine D) Benzodiazepine
A) Narcotic
How should you classify a patient's nature of illness if he or she has a low blood glucose level, bizarre behavior, and shallow breathing? A) Cardiac compromise B) Altered mental status C) Behavioral emergency D) Respiratory emergency
B) Altered mental status
A 60-year-old man presents with an acute onset of confusion and slurred speech. Which of the following assessments would be the MOST likely to reveal the possible cause of his altered mental status? A) Oxygen saturation B) Blood glucose level C) Palpation of the skull D) Systolic blood pressure
B) Blood glucose level
Which of the following conditions would be the LEAST likely to be present in a patient who was submerged in water? A) Spinal injury B) Hyperglycemia C) Laryngospasm D) Gastric distention
B) Hyperglycemia
A 24-year-old female presents with a rash to her left leg and swollen, painful knee joints. She tells you that she and her friends returned from a hiking trip in the mountains a week ago. She is conscious and alert with a blood pressure of 112/62 mm Hg, a pulse of 84 beats/min, and respirations of 14 breaths/min. Her symptoms are MOST likely the result of: A) tetanus. B) Lyme disease. C) a localized allergic reaction. D) Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
B) Lyme disease.
Which of the following statements regarding lightning-related injuries is correct? A) The majority of patients who are struck by lightning die, even if CPR is provided immediately. B) The cardiovascular and nervous systems are most commonly injured during a lightning strike. C) Because of the high electrical energy associated with lightning, full-thickness burns are a common finding. D) Multiple fractures, including those of the cervical spine, are the most common cause of lightning-related deaths.
B) The cardiovascular and nervous systems are most commonly injured during a lightning strike.
A 28-year-old woman has severe lower quadrant abdominal pain. When assessing her abdomen, you should: A) ask her where the pain is located and palpate that area first. B) ask her where the pain is located and palpate that area last. C) auscultate for bowel sounds for approximately 2 to 5 minutes. D) encourage the patient to lie supine with her legs fully extended.
B) ask her where the pain is located and palpate that area last.
A 55-year-old woman with a history of diabetes is found unresponsive with rapid, shallow respirations. The patient's husband tells you that he does not know when his wife last took her insulin. Management of this patient should include: A) assisted ventilations and oral glucose. B) assisted ventilations and rapid transport. C) oral glucose and oxygen via nonrebreathing mask. D) subcutaneous injection of insulin and 100% oxygen.
B) assisted ventilations and rapid transport.
Activated charcoal is contraindicated for a patient who is: A) emotionally upset and has ingested two bottles of aspirin. B) awake and alert and has swallowed a commercial drain cleaner. C) agitated and claims to have ingested a bottle of Tylenol. D) conscious and alert and has ingested a large amount of Motrin.
B) awake and alert and has swallowed a commercial drain cleaner.
Hypoglycemia and acute ischemic stroke can present similarly because: A) the most common cause of stroke is hypoglycemia. B) both oxygen and glucose are needed for brain function. C) the majority of stroke patients have a history of diabetes. D) both are caused by low levels of glucose in the blood.
B) both oxygen and glucose are needed for brain function.
A patient who overdosed on methamphetamine would be expected to have all of the following clinical signs, EXCEPT: A) agitation. B) bradycardia. C) hypertension. D) dilated pupils.
B) bradycardia.
Immediately following a generalized motor seizure, most patients are: A) apneic. B) confused. C) hyperactive. D) awake and alert.
B) confused.
A 30-year-old man with a history of schizophrenia cut his wrists and is bleeding profusely. He is confused and combative and has slurred speech. With the assistance of law enforcement personnel, you and your partner physically restrain him so that you can provide care and transport. In this situation, a court of law would MOST likely: A) determine that the patient had decision-making capacity. B) consider your actions in providing care to be appropriate. C) conclude that you should have had a court order to restrain the patient. D) agree that you and your partner are guilty of assault and battery.
B) consider your actions in providing care to be appropriate.
A 44-year-old woman was bitten on the ankle by an unidentified snake while working in her garden. She is conscious and alert, has stable vital signs, and denies shortness of breath. Her only complaint is a burning sensation at the wound site. Your assessment reveals two small puncture wounds, redness, and swelling. You should: A) elevate her leg, cover the wound with a dry sterile dressing, and apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. B) administer high-flow oxygen, apply a constricting band proximal to the bite, and use ice to prevent venom spread. C) conclude that envenomation likely did not occur, provide reassurance, and allow a friend to take her to the hospital. D) give supplemental oxygen, splint her leg to decrease movement, and keep her leg below the level of her heart.
D) give supplemental oxygen, splint her leg to decrease movement, and keep her leg below the level of her heart.
When insulin levels in the blood remain high: A) a fruity odor can be detected on the patient's breath. B) the cells starve for glucose and begin to metabolize fat. C) the patient urinates excessively and becomes dehydrated. D) glucose is rapidly taken out of the blood to fuel the cells.
D) glucose is rapidly taken out of the blood to fuel the cells.
A 50-year-old female complains of severe pain to the right lower quadrant of her abdomen. You should: A) keep her supine with her legs fully extended. B) quickly palpate that area first to assess for rigidity. C) suspect that she has an acute problem with her liver. D) palpate the left upper quadrant of her abdomen first.
D) palpate the left upper quadrant of her abdomen first.
You receive a call to a restaurant where a 34-year-old man is experiencing shortness of breath. When you arrive, you immediately note that the man has urticaria on his face and arms. He is conscious, but restless, and is in obvious respiratory distress. You should: A) ask the patient if he has an epinephrine auto-injector. B) remove the patient's shirt to inspect his chest for urticaria. C) obtain a set of baseline vital signs and a SAMPLE history. D) place a nonrebreathing mask set at 15 L/min on the patient.
D) place a nonrebreathing mask set at 15 L/min on the patient.
When caring for any patient with a decreased level of consciousness, your primary concern should be the: A) possibility of a spinal injury. B) patient's blood glucose level. C) possibility of a drug overdose. D) potential for airway compromise.
D) potential for airway compromise.
After moving a hypothermic patient to a warmer area, your primary focus should be to: A) provide rapid rewarming. B) give warm, humidified oxygen. C) assess his or her body temperature. D) prevent further body heat loss.
D) prevent further body heat loss.
You are at the scene where a man panicked while swimming in a small lake. Your initial attempt to rescue him should include: A) throwing a rope to the victim. B) rowing a small raft to the victim. C) swimming to the victim to rescue him. D) reaching for the victim with a long stick.
D) reaching for the victim with a long stick
A patient with a core body temperature of 94°F would MOST likely present with: A) decreased muscle activity. B) an altered mental status. C) joint and muscle stiffness. D) shivering and pale skin.
D) shivering and pale skin.
A near-drowning is MOST accurately defined as: A) immediate death due to prolonged submersion in water. B) death greater than 24 hours following submersion in water. C) complications within 24 hours following submersion in water. D) survival for at least 24 hours following submersion in water.
D) survival for at least 24 hours following submersion in water.
