Review 7
Following a stab wound to the left anterior chest, a 25-year-old male presents with a decreased level of consciousness and signs of shock. Which of the following additional assessment findings should increase your index of suspicion for a cardiac tamponade? Select one: A. Engorged jugular veins B. Diminished breath sounds C. Widening pulse pressure D. A rapid, irregular pulse
A. Engorged jugular veins
Subcutaneous emphysema is an indication that: Select one: • A. your patient is experiencing a pericardial tamponade. • B. at least half of one lung has completely collapsed. • C. air is escaping into the chest wall from a damaged lung. • D. blood is slowly accumulating within the tissue of the lung.
C. air is escaping into the chest wall from a damaged lung.
When a light is shone into the pupil: Select one: A. it should become larger in size. B. both pupils should dilate together. C. it should become smaller in size. D. the opposite pupil should dilate.
C. it should become smaller in size.
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 body surface area. Select one: • A. 1% • B. 6% • C. 2% • D. 4%
• A. 1%
A 12-year-old male jumped approximately 12 feet from a tree and landed on his feet. He complains of pain to his lower back. What injury mechanism is MOST likely responsible for his back pain? Select one: • A. Energy transmission to the spine • B. Secondary fall after the initial impact • C. Lateral impact to the spine & • D. Direct trauma to the spinal column
• A. Energy transmission to the spine
Which of the following statements regarding lightning strikes is correct? Select one: • A. Lightning strikes might cause cardiac dysrhythmias that spontaneously resolve. • B. Victims who are struck by lightning often experience severe full-thickness burns. • C. The tissue damage pathway caused by lightning usually occurs through the skin. • D. Cervical spine fractures are the most common cause of lightning-related deaths.
• A. Lightning strikes might cause cardiac dysrhythmias that spontaneously resolve.
Which of the following interventions is the MOST critical to the outcome of a patient with multisystem trauma? Select one: • A. Rapid transport to a trauma center • B. Intravenous fluid administration • C. Early administration of oxygen • D. Elevation of the lower extremities
• A. Rapid transport to a trauma center
You are assessing a 33-year-old male who complains of severe abdominal pain, weakness, and nausea. He tells you that he was gathering wood to build a fire when he felt a sudden, sharp pain on the back of his hand. Your assessment reveals that the patient's abdomen is rigid and painful to palpation. You should suspect: Select one: • A. a black widow spider bite. • B. Rocky Mountain spotted fever. • C. envenomation from a pit viper. D. a brown recluse spider bite.
• A. a black widow spider bite.
You receive a call to a local gymnasium for a basketball player with a dislocated shoulder. Upon arrival, you find the patient, a 17-year-old male, sitting on the ground. He is holding his left arm in a fixed position away from his body. There is an obvious anterior bulge to the area of injury. You should: Select one: • A. assess distal pulse, motor, and sensory functions. • B. flex his arm at the elbow and then apply a sling. • C. place a pillow under his arm and apply a swathe. • D. gently attempt to move his arm toward his body.
• A. assess distal pulse, motor, and sensory functions.
The phenomenon of pressure waves emanating from the bullet, causing damage remote from its path, is known as: Select one: • A. cavitation. • B. conversion. • C. capitation. • D. congruent.
• A. cavitation.
Perfusion is most accurately defined as the: Select one: • A. circulation of blood within an organ in adequate amounts to meet the body's metabolic needs. • B. effective transfer of oxygen from the venues across the systemic capillary membrane walls. C. ability of the systemic arteries to constrict as needed to maintain an adequate blood pressure. • D. effective removal of carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste products from the body's cells.
• A. circulation of blood within an organ in adequate amounts to meet the body's metabolic needs.
Common signs and symptoms of a sprain include all of the following, except: Select one: • A. deformity. • B. swelling. • C. ecchymosis. • D. guarding.
• A. deformity.
Covering a patient's minimize radiation heat loss. will significantly Select one: • A. head • B. abdomen • C. chest • D. extremities
• A. head
You are transporting a 42-year-old male who experienced blunt abdominal trauma. He is receiving oxygen at 12 L/min via a nonrebreathing mask, and full spinal precautions have been applied. During your reassessment, you note his level of consciousness has decreased and his respirations have become shallow. You should: Select one: • A. insert an airway adjunct if he will tolerate it and begin assisting his ventilations with a bag valve mask. • B. perform a comprehensive secondary assessment to determine why his clinical status has changed. • C. suction his oropharynx to ensure it is clear of secretions and then increase the oxygen flow rate to 15 L/min. • D. reassess his vital signs and then notify the receiving hospital of the change in his clinical status.
• A. insert an airway adjunct if he will tolerate it and begin assisting his ventilations with a bag valve mask.
The venom of a black widow spider is toxic to the: Select one: • A. nervous system. • B. renal system. • C. cardiovascular system. • D. respiratory system.
• A. nervous system.
Early signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal bleeding include: Select one: • A. pain and distention. • B. widespread ecchymosis. • C. bruising only. • D. significant hypotension.
• A. pain and distention.
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: Select one: • A. potential airway compromise. • B. alterations in his mental status. • C. damage to internal structures. • D. injury to the cervical spine.
• A. potential airway compromise.
A 22-year-old male was kicked in the abdomen multiple times during an assault. He is conscious but restless and his pulse is rapid. His skin is cold and moist. Your assessment reveals a large area of bruising to the right upper quadrant of his abdomen. The most appropriate treatment for this patient includes Select one: • A. preparing for immediate transport. • B. applying oxygen via nasal cannula. • C. a detailed assessment of his abdomen. • D. performing a focused physical exam.
• A. preparing for immediate transport.
Internal injuries caused by gunshot wounds are difficult to predict because: Select one: • A. the bullet may tumble or ricochet within the body. • B. the area of damage is usually smaller than the bullet. • C. exit wounds caused by the bullet are usually small. • D. the caliber of the bullet is frequently unknown.
• A. the bullet may tumble or ricochet within the body.
A person's ability to shiver is lost when his or her body temperature falls below: Select one: • A. 94°F (34°C). • B. 90°F (32°C). • C. 95°F (35°C). • D. 92°F (33°C).
• B. 90°F (32°C).
Which of the following sets of vital signs depicts Cushing triad? Select one: • A. Blood pressure, 200/100 mm Hg; pulse, 140 beats/min; respirations, 28 breaths/min • B. Blood pressure, 190/110 mm Hg; pulse, 55 beats/min; respirations, 30 breaths/min • C. Blood pressure, 90/50 mm Hg; pulse, 120 beats/min; respirations, 10 breaths/min • D. Blood pressure, 80/40 mm Hg; pulse, 30 beats/min; respirations, 32 breaths/min
• B. Blood pressure, 190/110 mm Hg; pulse, 55 beats/min; respirations, 30 breaths/min
Which of the following statements regarding secondary brain injury is correct? Select one: • A. It results from direct brain trauma following an impact to the head. • B. Hypoxia and hypotension are the two most common causes of secondary brain injury. • C. Because cerebral edema develops quickly, it is considered to be a primary brain injury. • D. Signs are often present immediately after an impact to the head.
• B. Hypoxia and hypotension are the two most common causes of secondary brain injury.
Which of the following skull fractures would be the least likely to present with palpable deformity or other outward signs? Select one: • A. Depressed • B. Linear • C. Open • D. Basilar
• B. Linear
Which of the following organs is at most risk for injury as the result of a pelvic fracture? Select one: • A. Liver or spleen • B. Urinary bladder • C. Fallopian tubes • D. Pancreas
• B. Urinary bladder
A patient with a core body temperature of 95°F (35°C) will most likely experience: Select one: • A. rapid breathing. • B. a slow pulse. • C. loss of consciousness. • D. muscle stiffness.
• B. a slow pulse.
While jogging, a 19-year-old male experienced an acute onset of shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. He is conscious and alert with stable vital signs. Your assessment reveals that he has diminished breath sounds over the left side of the chest. You should: Select one: • A. immediately perform a rapid head-to-toe exam. • B. administer oxygen and transport to the hospital. • C. circumferentially tape a dressing around his chest. • D. recognize that he needs a needle decompression.
• B. administer oxygen and transport to the hospital.
A 22-year-old female was ejected from her car after striking a tree head-on. As you approach her, you note obvious closed deformities to both of her femurs. She is not moving and does not appear to be conscious. You should: Select one: • A. stabilize her head and perform a primary assessment. • B. assess for a carotid pulse and assist her ventilations. • C. apply manual stabilization to both of her temurs. • D. administer oxygen and perform a rapid assessment.
• B. assess for a carotid pulse and assist her ventilations. • A. stabilize her head and perform a primary assessment.
An epidural hematoma is most accurately defined as: Select one: • A. bleeding between the dura mater and brain. • B. bleeding between the skull and dura mater. • C. venous lacerations that occur within the brain. • D. an injury caused by a damaged cerebral artery.
• B. bleeding between the skull and dura mater.
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: Select one: • A. a detached retina. • B. conjunctivitis. • C. acute retinitis. • D. a corneal abrasion.
• B. conjunctivitis.
The transfer of heat to circulating air, such as when cool air moves across the body's surface, is called: Select one: • A. radiation. • B. convection. • C. evaporation. • D. conduction.
• B. convection.
A man has a large laceration across his lower abdominal wall and a loop of bowel is protruding from the wound. He is conscious and alert and there is minimal bleeding from the wound. You should: Select one: • A. cover the bowel with a dry sterile dressing, elevate his lower extremities, and cover him with a blanket. • B. cover the exposed bowel with a moist sterile dressing and then secure it in place with a dry bandage. • C. make one attempt to replace the bowel back into the abdomen and then cover the wound with a sterile dressing. • D. gently irrigate the exposed bowel with sterile saline and then cover the wound with a dry sterile dressing.
• B. cover the exposed bowel with a moist sterile dressing and then secure it in place with a dry bandage.
Accumulation of blood in the abdominal cavity will most likely cause: Select one: • A. nausea or vomiting. • B. distention. • C. referred pain. • D. diffuse bruising.
• B. distention.
Traction splints primarily immobilize and secure fractures of the: Select one: • A. pelvis. • B. femur. • C. humerus. • D. hip.
• B. femur.
A 67-year-old male presents with weakness, dizziness, and melena that began approximately two 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 Select one: • A. intrathoracic hemorrhaging. • B. gastrointestinal bleeding. • C. an aortic aneurysm. • D. acute appendicitis.
• B. gastrointestinal bleeding.
Common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include all of the following, except Select one: • A. dry tongue and thirst. • B. hot, dry skin. • C. tachycardia. • D. nausea.
• B. hot, dry skin.
You arrive at the scene of a major motor vehicle crash. The patient, a 50-year-old female, was removed from her vehicle prior to your arrival. Bystanders who removed her state that she was not wearing a seatbelt. The patient is unresponsive, tachycardic, and diaphoretic. Your assessment reveals bilaterally clear and equal breath sounds, a midline trachea, and collapsed jugular veins. You should be most suspicious that this patient has experienced a: Select one: • A. tension pneumothorax. • B. laceration of the aorta. • C. massive hemothorax. • D. pericardial tamponade.
• B. laceration of the aorta.
Following direct trauma to the upper part of the anterior neck, a young male presents with labored breathing, loss of voice, and subcutaneous emphysema in the soft tissues around his neck. You should suspect an): Select one: • A. collapsed trachea. • B. laryngeal fracture. • C. esophageal tear. • D. crushed cricoid.
• B. laryngeal fracture.
An abdominal evisceration: Select one: • A. is most commonly the result of blunt & force trauma. • B. occurs when organs protrude through an open wound. • C. should be covered with bulky dry, sterile dressings. • D. often causes severe hypothermia because of heat loss.
• B. occurs when organs protrude through an open wound.
After blunt trauma to the abdomen, a 21-year-old female complains of diffuse abdominal pain and 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: Select one: • A. pancreas. • B. spleen. • C. kidneys. • D. gallbladder.
• B. spleen.
A 30-year-old female was robbed and assaulted as she was leaving a nightclub. She has massive facial trauma and slow, gurgling respirations. As your partner manually stabilizes her head, you should: Select one: • A. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. • B. suction her oropharynx. C. visualize her mouth for obvious wounds. D. begin immediate ventilator assistance.
• B. suction her oropharynx.
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 body surface area. Select one: • A. 36% • B. 27% • C. 18% • D. 45%
• C. 18%
Which of the following interventions may be used to help reduce intracranial pressure? Select one: • A. Supine with the legs elevated • B. Increasing the patient's body temperature • C. 30-degree elevation of the head • D. Maintaining the SpOz at 90%
• C. 30-degree elevation of the head
A patient is bleeding severely from a severed femoral artery high in the groin region. Which of the following would most likely control the bleeding? Select one: • A. Apply chemical ice packs to the wound and transport. • B. Position the patient with his injured side down. • C. Apply a topical hemostatic agent with direct pressure. • D. Apply a pelvic binder device to stabilize the pelvis.
• C. Apply a topical hemostatic agent with direct pressure.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three types of collisions in a typical impact in a motor vehicular crash? Select one: A. Collision of the passenger against the interior of the car B. Collision of a car against another car, a tree, or another object C. Collision of two passenger bodies within the same vehicle D. Collision of the internal organs against the body's solid structures
• C. Collision of two passenger bodies within the same vehicle
Which of the following would MOST likely occur as the direct result of the second collision in a motor vehicle crash? Select one: • A. Collapsed dashboard • B. Caved-in passenger door • C. Deformed steering wheel • D. Intrathoracic hemorrhage
• C. Deformed steering wheel
A flail chest occurs when: Select one: • A. multiple ribs are fractured on both sides of the thoracic cage. • B. a segment of fractured ribs bulges during the inhalation phase. • C. a segment of the chest wall is detached from the thoracic cage. • D. more than three ribs are fractured on the same side of the chest.
• C. a segment of the chest wall is detached from the thoracic cage.
To assess a patient's general body temperature, pull back on your glove and place the back of your hand on his or her skin at the: Select one: • A. forehead. • B. neck. • C. abdomen. • D. chest.
• C. abdomen.
A young male was shot in the abdomen by an unknown type of gun. Law enforcement personnel have ensured that the scene is safe. The patient is semiconscious, has shallow breathing, and is bleeding externally from the wound. As you control the external bleeding, your partner should: Select one: • A. apply a nonrebreathing mask. • B. perform a secondary assessment. • C. assist the patient's ventilations. • D. obtain baseline vital signs.
• C. assist the patient's ventilations.
An injury that separates various layers of soft tissue, resulting in complete detachment or a flap of skin, is called an): Select one: • A. laceration. • B. incision. • C. avulsion. • D. amputation.
• C. avulsion.
When caring for a patient whose arm is covered with a dry chemical, you should: Select one: • A. deactivate the chemical with a 5% vinegar solution. • B. quickly irrigate the arm with large amounts of water. • C. brush away the chemical before flushing with water. • D. use forceful streams of water to remove the chemical.
• C. brush away the chemical before flushing with water.
Burns are classified according to: Select one: • A. extent and location. • B. degree and location. • C. depth and extent. • D. location and pain.
• C. depth and extent.
A(n) fracture occurs in the growth section of a child's bone and might lead to bone growth abnormalities. Select one: • A. metaphyseal • B. greenstick • C. epiphyseal • D. diaphyseal
• C. epiphyseal
The ability of a person's cardiovascular system to compensate for blood loss is most related to: Select one: A. the part of the body injured. B. his or her baseline blood pressure. C. how rapidly he or she bleeds. D. how fast his or her heart beats.
• C. how rapidly he or she bleeds.
Bleeding within the brain tissue itself is called a(n): Select one: • A. epidural hematoma. • B. subdural hematoma. • C. intracerebral hematoma. • D. subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• C. intracerebral hematoma.
Bruising to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen after blunt trauma is most suggestive of injury to the: Select one: • A. spleen. • B. stomach. • C. liver. • D. kidney.
• C. liver.
A frostbitten foot can be identified by the presence of: Select one: • A. blanching of the skin. • B. soft, smooth skin. • C. mottling and blisters. • D. gross deformity.
• C. mottling and blisters.
While en route to a major motor vehicle crash, an on-scene police officer advises you that a 6-year-old male who was riding in the front seat is involved. He further states that the child was only wearing a lap belt and that the airbag deployed. On the basis of this information, you should be MOST suspicious that the child has experienced: Select one: • A. blunt trauma to the head. • B. lower extremity fractures. • C. neck and facial injuries. • D. open abdominal trauma.
• C. neck and facial injuries.
During your secondary assessment of a 30-year-old male who fell 25 feet, you note crepitus when palpating his pelvis. Your partner advises you that the patient's blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg, and his heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak. After completing your assessment, you should: Select one: • A. defer spinal immobilization and transport to a trauma center. • B. perform a focused physical exam with emphasis on the pelvis. • C. stabilize the pelvis with a pelvic binder and protect the spine. • D. log roll the patient onto a long backboard and transport at once.
• C. stabilize the pelvis with a pelvic binder and protect the spine.
Skeletal muscle is also referred to as muscle. Select one: • A. involuntary • B. smooth • C. striated • D. connective
• C. striated
An air embolism associated with diving occurs when: Select one: • A. the alveoli completely collapse due to high pressure. • B. high water pressure forces air into the mediastinum. • C. the diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent. • D. the diver hyperventilates prior to entering the water.
• C. the diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent.
Elevation of the rib cage during inhalation occurs when: Select one: • A. abdominal contents descend. • B. the diaphragm descends. • C. the intercostal muscles contract. • D. intrathoracic pressure decreases.
• C. the intercostal muscles contract.
Patients with full-thickness (third-degree) burns generally do not complain of pain because: Select one: • A. blister formation protects the burn. • B. he or she is generally not conscious. • C. the nerve endings have been destroyed. • D. subcutaneous vessels are usually clotted.
• C. the nerve endings have been destroyed.
Factors that should be considered when assessing a patient who has fallen include all of the following, EXCEPT: Select one: • A. the primary impact point. • B. the surface struck. • C. the speed of the fall. • D. the height of the fall.
• C. the speed of the fall.
What is the function of the sternocleidomastoid muscle? Select one: • A. Provides respiration • B. Connects the scapulae together • C. Allows flexion of the neck • D. Allows movement of the head
• D. Allows movement of the head
Which of the following nerves allow sensory and motor impulses to be sent from one nerve directly to another? Select one: • A. Peripheral • B. Autonomic • C. Somatic • D. Connecting
• D. Connecting
A 33-year-old male sustained an abdominal evisceration to the left lower quadrant of his abdomen after he was cut with a large knife. After appropriately managing his ABCs and assessing him for other life-threatening injuries, how should you care for his wound? Select one: • A. Irrigate it with sterile water and cover it with a dry dressing. B. Carefully replace the exposed bowel into the abdomen and transport. • C. Cover the exposed bowel and keep his legs in a straight position. • D. Cover it with moist, sterile gauze and secure with an occlusive dressing.
• D. Cover it with moist, sterile gauze and secure with an occlusive dressing.
Which of the following breathing patterns is most indicative of increased intracranial pressure? Select one: • A. Increased rate with a normal inspiratory time and a prolonged expiratory time • B. Slow, shallow occasional gasps that progress to prolonged periods of apnea • C. Increased rate and depth with the distinct odor of acetone on the patient's breath • D. Irregular rate, pattern, and volume of breathing with intermittent periods of apnea
• D. Irregular rate, pattern, and volume of breathing with intermittent periods of apnea
What part of the nervous system controls the body's voluntary activities? Select one: • A. Sensory • B. Central • C. Autonomic • D. Somatic
• D. Somatic
The most significant hazard associated with splinting is: Select one: • A. delaying transport of a critically injured patient. • B. compression of nerves, tissues, and vasculature. • C. reduction in circulation distal to the injury site. • D. aggravation of the injury or worsened pain.
• D. aggravation of the injury or worsened pain.
An open pneumothorax is: Select one: A. extreme pleural pressure that causes the lung to rupture. • B. the entry of air into the pleural space from a perforated lung. • C. a fractured rib that perforates the tissue of the lung surface. • D. an open chest wound through which air moves during breathing.
• D. an open chest wound through which air moves during breathing.
In the setting of a head injury, hypertension, bradycardia, and Biot respirations indicate: Select one: • A. internal bleeding in the chest. • B. herniation of the brain stem. • C. decreased cerebral blood flow. • D. an underlying skull fracture.
• D. an underlying skull fracture. • B. herniation of the brain stem.
When treating a partial-thickness burn, you should: Select one: • A. immerse the affected part in warm water. • B. cover the burn with a moist, sterile dressing. • C. rupture any blisters to prevent an infection. • D. avoid the use of creams, lotions, or antiseptics.
• D. avoid the use of creams, lotions, or antiseptics.
The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the Select one: • A. meninges and spinal cord. • B. cerebrum and meninges. • C. cerebellum and brain. • D. brain and spinal cord.
• D. brain and spinal cord.
All of the following should be addressed during the primary assessment except Select one: • A. slow, shallow breathing. • B. severe hemorrhage. • C. airway obstruction. • D. capillary bleeding.
• D. capillary bleeding.
Common signs and symptoms of an airway burn include all of the following, except: Select one: • A. singed nasal hair. • B. hoarseness. • C. soot around the mouth. • D. chest pressure.
• D. chest pressure.
Signs and symptoms of a tension pneumothorax include all of the following, except Select one: • A. altered mental status. • B. unilaterally absent breath sounds. • C. profound cyanosis. • D. collapsed jugular veins.
• D. collapsed jugular veins.
A 30-year-old male experienced a crushing injury when his forearm was trapped between the back of a truck and a loading dock. Upon your arrival, the man's arm has been freed. Your assessment reveals that his arm is obviously deformed and swollen and is cold and pale. Further assessment reveals an absent radial pulse. You should be most concerned that this patient has: Select one: • A. internal hemorrhage. • B. a severe closed fracture. • C. damage to the radial nerve. • D. compartment syndrome.
• D. compartment syndrome.
A construction worker fell approximately 30 feet and landed in a pile of steel rods. Your assessment reveals that he is pulseless and apneic and has a 10-foot steel rod impaled in his left leg. You should: Select one: A. remove the steel rod, control the bleeding, apply an automated external defibrillator, begin CPR, and transport to a trauma center. • B. control the bleeding, carefully remove the steel rod, begin CPR, and transport as soon as possible. • C. stabilize the steel rod, control the bleeding, begin CPR, and rapidly transport to a trauma center. • D. control the bleeding, begin CPR, stabilize the steel rod, immobilize his spine, and transport immediately.
• D. control the bleeding, begin CPR, stabilize the steel rod, immobilize his spine, and transport immediately.
A partial-thickness burn involves the outer layer of skin and a portion of the: Select one: • A. epidermis. • B. fatty layer. • C. muscle fascia. • D. dermal layer.
• D. dermal layer.
High humidity reduces the body's ability to lose heat through: Select one: • A. conduction. • B. radiation. • C. convection. • D. evaporation.
• D. evaporation.
Geriatric patients, newborns, and infants are especially prone to hyperthermia because they: Select one: • A. have less body fat. • B. have smaller body surface areas. • C. have relatively smaller heads. • D. exhibit poor thermoregulation.
• D. exhibit poor thermoregulation.
Evaluation of the interior of a crashed motor vehicle during extrication will allow the EMT to: Select one: A. determine the vehicle's speed at the time of impact. • B. assess the severity of the third collision of the crash. • C. recognize if the driver hit the brakes before impact. • D. identify contact points and predict potential injuries.
• D. identify contact points and predict potential injuries.
During your primary assessment of a semiconscious 30-year-old female with closed head trauma, you note that she has slow, irregular breathing and a slow, bounding pulse. As your partner maintains manual in-line stabilization of her head, you should: Select one: • A. perform a focused secondary assessment of the patient's head and neck. • B. immediately place her on a long backboard and prepare for rapid transport. • C. apply 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask and obtain baseline vital signs. • D. instruct him to assist her ventilations while you perform a rapid assessment.
• D. instruct him to assist her ventilations while you perform a rapid assessment.
When splinting a possible fracture of the foot, it is most important for the EMT to Select one: • A. apply a pneumatic splint. • B. observe for tissue swelling. • C. use a pillow as a splint. • D. leave the toes exposed.
• D. leave the toes exposed.
When assessing the interior of a crashed motor vehicle for damage, you are gathering information regarding the: Select one: • A. index of suspicion. • B. potential energy. • C. kinetic energy. • D. mechanism of injury.
• D. mechanism of injury.
When a patient experiences a severe spinal injury, he or she: Select one: • A. will likely be paralyzed from the neck down. • B. often loses motor function on one side of the body. • C. most commonly has a palpable spinal deformity. • D. might lose sensation below the level of the injury.
• D. might lose sensation below the level of the injury.
You have sealed the open chest wound of a 40-year-old male who was stabbed in the anterior chest. Your reassessment reveals that he is experiencing increasing respiratory distress and tachycardia, and is developing cyanosis. You should: Select one: • A. begin ventilatory assistance. • B. begin rapid transport at once. • C. call for a paramedic ambulance. • D. partially remove the dressing.
• D. partially remove the dressing.
Your assessment of a 23-year-old female reveals a core body temperature of 93.4°F (34°C). She is conscious, answers your questions appropriately, is shivering, and complains of nausea. Her skin is cold and pale, her muscles appear rigid, and her respirations are rapid. You should: Select one: • A. cover her with warm blankets and let her move about on the stretcher to generate body heat and increase her temperature. • B. sit her up and give her small sips of warm water to drink, place heat packs to her axillae and groin, and cover her with blankets. • C. apply the automated external defibrillator in case she develops cardiopulmonary arrest, cover her with layers of blankets, and transport carefully. • D. place heat packs to her groin, axillae, and behind her neck; cover her with warm blankets; and avoid rough handling.
• D. place heat packs to her groin, axillae, and behind her neck; cover her with warm blankets; and avoid rough handling.
A 77-year-old woman slipped and fell on a throw rug and landed on her left hip. She denies striking her head or losing consciousness. Assessment of her left leg reveals that it is shortened and externally rotated. Distal pulses, sensory, and motor functions are intact. You should: Select one: • A. bind both of her legs together with triangular bandages and carefully secure her onto the ambulance stretcher. • B. manually stabilize her left leg, apply a traction splint, and then secure her to a long backboard or scoop. • C. carefully slide a long backboard underneath her, keep her in a supine position, and apply a splint to her leg. • D. place her onto a scoop stretcher, pad around her left hip with pillows, and secure her to the scoop with straps.
• D. place her onto a scoop stretcher, pad around her left hip with pillows, and secure her to the scoop with straps.
Following blunt trauma to the chest, an 18-year-old female presents with respiratory distress, shallow breathing, and cyanosis. Her blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg and her pulse is 130 beats/min and thready. You should: Select one: • A. perform a rapid head-to-toe physical assessment. • B. apply 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. • C. place her supine and elevate her lower extremities. • D. provide ventilation assistance with a V bag valve mask.
• D. provide ventilation assistance with a V bag valve mask.
A patient who cannot remember the events that preceded his or her head injury is experiencing: Select one: • A. posttraumatic amnesia. • B. prograde amnesia. • C. anterograde amnesia. • D. retrograde amnesia.
• D. retrograde amnesia.
You should be most suspicious that a patient has experienced a significant head injury if his or her pulse is: Select one: • A. irregular. • B. rapid. • C. weak. • D. slow.
• D. slow.
You and your partner are preparing to apply a traction splint to a patient's deformed thigh. As you apply manual traction, the patient resists your efforts and states that the pain is getting worse. You should: Select one: • A. gently massage the thigh muscles to relax them. • B. flex the knee and place a pillow under the thigh. • C. assess distal pulses and continue pulling traction. • D. stop and splint the leg in the deformed position.
• D. stop and splint the leg in the deformed position.
Heatstroke occurs when: Select one: • A. a person becomes dehydrated secondary to excess water loss. • B. a person's core body temperature rises above 103°F (39°C). • C. the ambient temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C) and the humidity is high. • D. the body's heat-eliminating mechanisms are overwhelmed.
• D. the body's heat-eliminating mechanisms are overwhelmed.
Functions of the skin include all of the following, except: Select one: • A. regulation of body temperature. • B. maintenance of water balance. • C. sending information to the brain. • D. the production of key antibodies.
• D. the production of key antibodies.
You are transporting an immobilized patient with severe facial trauma. As you are preparing to give your radio report to the hospital, the patient begins vomiting large amounts of blood. You should: Select one: • A. reassess his breathing adequacy. • B. alert the hospital of the situation. • C. quickly suction his oropharynx. • D. turn the backboard onto its side.
• D. turn the backboard onto its side.
The index of suspicion is MOST accurately defined as: Select one: • A. a predictable pattern that leads to serious injuries. • B. the way in which traumatic injuries occur. • C. the detection of less obvious life-threatening injuries. • D. your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying injuries.
• D. your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying injuries.
When splinting an injury of the wrist, the hand should be placed: Select one: • A. in a straight position. •B. in a functional position. C. into a fist. D. in an extended position.
•B. in a functional position.
During your assessment of a patient who experienced blunt trauma to the abdomen, you notice bruising around the umbilicus. This is a sign of Select one: • A. rupture of a hollow organ. •B. intra-abdominal bleeding. • C. a ruptured spleen. • D. a severe liver laceration.
•B. intra-abdominal bleeding.
You and your partner arrive at the scene of a house fire where firefighters have rescued a 50-year-old male from his burning house. The patient has superficial and partial-thickness burns to his face and chest. His nasal hairs are singed, and he is coughing up sooty sputum. You should be most concerned with: Select one: • A. estimating the extent of his burns. •B. the potential for airway swelling. • C. treating him for hypothermia. • D. preventing the risk of infection.
•B. the potential for airway swelling.
