CH 24 EMT Q's
Which sign would present earliest in the hypothermic patient? A. Shivering B. Confusion C. Hypotension D. Bradycardia
Shivering
Which patient with hot skin that is moist or dry does not require transport to the emergency department? A. All patients with these symptoms require transport B. A 55-year-old female who moved indoors as soon as symptoms developed C. A 24-year-old female whose core body temperature has stopped rising D. An 18-year-old male who responds to commands
All patients with these symptoms require transport
In which situation would you most likely have to consider an environmental injury as part of your assessment process? A. A teen who struck his head while diving into a shallow pool B. An adult who is suffering from smoke inhalation that occurred during a house fire C. An elderly woman who suffered a heart attack after seeing a bear while out walking D. An auto accident when the outdoor temperature is 25 degrees Fahrenheit
An auto accident when the outdoor temperature is 25 degrees Fahrenheit
You have been summoned to a field where a 32-year-old male patient has been struck by lightning. Emergency Medical Responders are with the patient, holding manual in-line spinal stabilization. When you arrive at the patient's side, what should you do first? A. Place the patient on the stretcher. B. Perform a secondary assessment. C. Assess the airway and breathing. D. Apply a cervical spine collar.
Assess the airway and breathing.
What is the best way to manage a patient who has been bitten or stung? A. Place a tourniquet proximal to the site of the injury. B. Monitor the patient for at least 30 minutes before initiating transport. C. Locate the source of the bite or sting. D. Assess the patient for signs of systemic compromise.
Assess the patient for signs of systemic compromise.
A 31-year-old groundskeeper has been stung by multiple bees. You identify that he has been stung three times on his right arm and once on his left ankle. After performing the primary and secondary assessments and the patient is presenting as stable, what should you do next? A. Attempt removal of any embedded stingers. B. Place a constricting band above the sting sites. C. Apply ice packs to the sting site for pain relief. D. Wash the sting sites with sterile water and soap.
Attempt removal of any embedded stingers.
Which situation is MOST likely an environmental emergency? A. A 28-year-old man falls asleep in a sleeping bag next to a campfire and is awakened by flames engulfing the foot of his sleeping bag. He has severe burns to both feet and lower legs. B. An 80-year-old woman in a housecoat with loose sleeves reaches across a burner on her gas stove and catches the sleeve on fire, resulting in severe burns to her arm and shoulder, the side of her face, and her neck. C. A 38-year-old man is working on the engine of a classic car he is restoring. His wife finds him unresponsive in the garage with the engine of the car running. D. A 49-year-old homeless woman wearing a winter coat falls asleep on a park bench in below-freezing temperatures with a brisk wind and is found unresponsive the next morning.
A 49-year-old homeless woman wearing a winter coat falls asleep on a park bench in below-freezing temperatures with a brisk wind and is found unresponsive the next morning.
Of the injuries inflicted by a lightning strike, which is MOST likely to resolve itself without intervention on the part of the EMT? A. Trauma B. Burns C. Respiratory arrest D. Cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest
An 18-month-old has a temperature of 105.2°F. Without treatment, which of the following will occur? A. Fluid overload B. Hypertension C. Cellular dysfunction D. Drying of the skin
Cellular dysfunction
What is the BEST emergency medical care for high-altitude pulmonary edema? A. Remaining at altitude but using CPAP B. Remaining at altitude and using diuretics (water pills) C. Descending to a lower altitude D. Remaining at altitude and using oxygen
Descending to a lower altitude
When cooling a patient with possible heat stroke, which one of the following would be of most concern to the EMT? A. The heart rate going from 140 beats to 120 beats per minute B. Blood pressure increasing to 102/78 mmHg C. Observing your partner apply a sheet soaked in tepid water to the patient D. Determining that the patient is shivering after having cold packs applied to the neck
Determining that the patient is shivering after having cold packs applied to the neck
For what reason should an ALS backup be requested for a poisonous snakebite? A. Development of anaphylaxis B. The bite was from a pit viper C. Pain at the site of the bite D. Severe muscle spasms
Development of anaphylaxis
You have been chosen by the medical director to give a 15-minute presentation on cold-related emergencies to a local volunteer fire department. In preparing the talk, which one of the points should you emphasize? A. A cold-related emergency becomes critical when the body temperature falls below 79°F since at this point the body loses ability to regulate its temperature. B. Of the two types of cold-related injuries, a local cold injury, or frostbite, is more life-threatening since it can result in the loss of fingers, toes, arms, or legs. C. Emergency responders play a critical role in caring for the hypothermic patient since the most important phase of care occurs during the first 30 minutes. D. Coma or unresponsiveness in the patient suffering a cold-related injury is actually protective since it decreases the body's energy requirements.
Emergency responders play a critical role in caring for the hypothermic patient since the most important phase of care occurs during the first 30 minutes.
On entering an apartment for a confused elderly female, you note that the air conditioner is running on high and the room is extremely cold. What other clue obtained during the scene size-up would best indicate that the patient may be hypothermic? A. Fan blowing directly onto the patient B. Medication for hypertension next to the patient C. Oxygen concentrator next to the patient D. Patient covered with diaphoresis
Fan blowing directly onto the patient
For which disorder is the only treatment moving of the patient to a lower altitude? A. HACE B. HAPE C. AMS D. Nitrogen narcosis
HACE
Administration of oxygen for 36 to72 hours is a treatment modality for which disorder? A. AMS B. HAPE C. HACE D. Barotrauma
HAPE
Which sign or symptom BEST indicates that the patient with cold skin is suffering from generalized hypothermia? A. Heart rate of 48 beats per minute B. Blood pressure of 108/60 mmHg C. Respirations of 24 per minute D. Pulse oximetry reading of 95%
Heart rate of 48 beats per minute
When treating a confused patient who has been exposed to high temperatures, which finding is most concerning? A. Bounding radial pulse B. SpO2 94% C. Hot and dry skin D. Cramping in arms, legs, and abdomen
Hot and dry skin
You are called to a construction site on a hot, humid day for a male patient suffering a heat emergency. On scene, you find a 49-year-old man who is responsive to verbal stimuli. Co-workers state that he has been moving concrete blocks all day in the hot weather and has not rested, eaten, or had anything to drink in the past 2 hours. After conducting the primary assessment, you note his airway to be open and his breathing to be rapid but adequate. His radial pulse is rapid and bounding, and his skin is hot and dry. Which sign makes this patient a priority for immediate and rapid transport? A. Hot and dry skin B. Altered mental status C. Bounding pulse D. Tachypneic respirations
Hot and dry skin
You have been called for an alert and oriented male patient whose friends state that he spent several hours locked out of his house in the cold temperatures. Since the primary and secondary assessments have ruled out immediate life-threatening conditions, you have decided to rewarm the patient. What would be MOST appropriate for this patient? A. Hot packs to the patient's chest, groin, and armpits B. Massaging of the arms and legs after applying warm blankets C. Placement in a tub of warm water D. Blowing hot air with a hair dryer over the patient's arms and legs
Hot packs to the patient's chest, groin, and armpits
Which factor is LEAST likely to increase the risk of an elderly person for urban hypothermia? A. Immobility B. Increased food intake C. Economic concerns D. Decreased body fat
Increased food intake
Which statement BEST describes a patient who is suffering an environmental emergency? A. Male patient who fell into a stream and sustained a laceration to the head after hitting a rock B. Young female who slipped on ice and has pain and deformity to her left arm C. Intoxicated male patient who collapsed in the snow and is complaining that he feels cold D. Female who is sick and vomiting after eating potato salad at an outdoor church picnic
Intoxicated male patient who collapsed in the snow and is complaining that he feels cold
An intoxicated 24-year-old female has been struck by lightning and is conscious but confused. Which assessment finding should the EMT investigate first? A. Irregular heartbeat B. Burns to both arms C. Deformity to the left wrist D. Unequal pupils
Irregular heartbeat
While working in her garden, a 44-year-old woman was bitten on the lower leg by a snake. She did not call for help right away because she had no symptoms other than a little pain at the site. Thirty minutes later, she has swelling, discoloration, and increased pain in the leg. What is included in the emergency care of this patient? A. Attempting to locate and identify the type of snake B. Keeping the patient calm and immobilizing the leg C. Immobilizing the leg and applying warm packs D. Elevating and immobilizing the leg
Keeping the patient calm and immobilizing the leg
When providing oxygen to a patient with a core temperature of 95 degrees and adequate breathing, which one of the following is best? A. Positive pressure ventilation with warm oxygen B. Warm but nonhumidified oxygen through a nonrebreather face mask C. Humidified oxygen delivered through a nonrebreather face mask D. Oxygen that is warmed and humidified via nonrebreather mask
Oxygen that is warmed and humidified via nonrebreather mask
You are called for an elderly woman who has slipped on the ice. On arrival you find her supine on an icy sidewalk and responsive to painful stimuli with decorticate posturing (flexion). She has blood coming from a laceration on the back of her head and is breathing agonally at 4 times a minute. Which one of the following should you do immediately? A. Insert a nasal airway. B. Perform the jaw-thrust airway maneuver. C. Remove the patient to the warm ambulance. D. Start positive pressure ventilation.
Perform the jaw-thrust airway maneuver.
A patient has been struck by lightning at a picnic. A doctor on scene states that the patient was in cardiac arrest after the strike but, with 1 minute of CPR, now has a heartbeat and weak respirations. The patient remains unresponsive. What care should you provide immediately? A. Initiate positive pressure ventilation. B. Perform the jaw-thrust maneuver. C. Provide care to the burn injury on the patient's back. D. Attach the automated external defibrillator.
Perform the jaw-thrust maneuver.
A person who was displaying symptoms of heat stroke was cooled by using cold water. Which condition is a direct result of this? A. Peripheral vascular constriction B. Hypothermia C. Respiratory distress D. Core body temperature reduction
Peripheral vascular constriction
You have responded to a beach for a patient who reports being stung by a jellyfish. Which action will denature the toxin? A. Applying an icepack. B. Pouring vinegar over the area. C. Scraping away the remaining tentacles D. Pouring fresh water over the area.
Pouring vinegar over the area.
What is the MOST significant mechanism by which the body can lose heat? A. Respirations B. Conduction C. Radiation D. Evaporation
Radiation
In what situation will the means of sweating to cool the body be less effective? A. Internal temperature of 102°F B. Indoor humidity of 68% C. Relative humidity of 98% D. Outdoor temperature of 92°F
Relative humidity of 98%
For which complication must the EMT remain alert and ready to treat in a patient with heat stroke? A. Shivering B. Seizures C. Gastrointestinal bleeding D. Pulmonary embolism
Seizures
Which process is capable of contributing MOST to heat production in the body? A. Digestion B. Peripheral vascular dilation C. Basal metabolism D. Shivering
Shivering
A hypothermic patient is in cardiac arrest. The automated external defibrillator (AED) is applied and delivers one shock. Which one of the actions would the EMT perform next? A. Provide ventilations but not compressions. B. Check for a pulse. C. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation. D. Reanalyze the patient's heart rhythm.
Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A young man has been struck by lightning on a golf course and is in cardiac arrest. Other golfers say that he was struck about 10 minutes ago. What care should you provide immediately? A. Do a secondary assessment to locate the burn sites. B. Attach the automated external defibrillator. C. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation. D. Ventilate 10 to 12 breaths per minute.
Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
You have been called to a hunting camp for a patient with a severe localized cold injury to his hand and fingers. The patient is suffering no life-threatening conditions, and you elect to rewarm the affected areas. Which method would be appropriate for this patient? A. Immerse the hand and fingers in water no hotter than 120°F. B. Thaw and rewarm the tissue as quickly as possible. C. Place the hand lower than the heart after rewarming is complete. D. Do not stir the water while the hand is submerged to decrease risk for injury.
Thaw and rewarm the tissue as quickly as possible.
Regarding snakebites, the EMT would recognize which statement as true? A. Over 75% of all poisonous snakebites involve the injection of venom. B. Over half of all snake bites involve intoxicated males. C. The majority of snakebites involve nonpoisonous snakes. D. The majority of snakebites result in death of the patient.
The majority of snakebites involve nonpoisonous snakes.
You are reassessing a patient you are treating for heat exhaustion. Which finding indicates that the patient is improving? A. The core temperature has only increased by 0.5°F. B. The patient now exhibits shivering. C. The mental status is now alert and oriented. D. The skin is now hot and dry.
The mental status is now alert and oriented.
When treating the victim of an insect sting who is displaying signs of anaphylaxis, for what reason would you NOT request ALS backup? A. The scene is very near the emergency department. B. Administration of the epinephrine auto-injector relieved the symptoms. C. The patient indicated that oxygen administration is all that is usually required. D. The patient indicates that his symptoms are improving.
The scene is very near the emergency department.
Your patient was stung while swimming in the ocean. Why is it important to identify the type of marine animal that administered the sting? A. To ensure that the appropriate antivenin is administered B. No determination is necessary, since vinegar works on all stings. C. To determine whether the animal is rabid D. To determine whether the patient can develop anaphylaxis from the sting
To ensure that the appropriate antivenin is administered
Bystanders have called 911 for a female who lives on the street. She has been outside in the cold all night and is muttering incomprehensible words. Her airway is open, and her breathing is adequate. Her skin is cold, and a radial pulse is present but weak. Oxygen has been applied. What should you do next? A. Transfer her into the ambulance. B. Assess breath sounds. C. Perform a secondary assessment. D. Obtain a blood pressure.
Transfer her into the ambulance.
The primary assessment on a teenage male patient who is unresponsive with skin that is hot, moist, and flushed reveals his airway to be open, his breathing to be shallow, and his radial pulse to be weak. You are providing positive pressure ventilation. What should you do next? A. Transfer him into the ambulance. B. Perform a secondary assessment. C. Re-perform the primary assessment. D. Get a medical history.
Transfer him into the ambulance.
You are treating a patient who has heat cramps. After you apply moist towels to the patient's forehead and over cramping muscles and administer low-concentration salt water, the patient continues to display worsening cramping. What should your next action be? A. Increase the amount of salt in the water. B. Pour cold water on the patient. C. Administer salt tablets. D. Transport the patient to the ED.
Transport the patient to the ED.
Which action should NEVER be performed in managing a patient with deep local cold injury? A. Use gentle, steady pressure to break blisters that form. B. Rewarm as rapidly as possible. C. Immerse the part in warm water. D. Use dry, sterile dressings.
Use gentle, steady pressure to break blisters that form.
A person is in a hot environment, and her body is successfully compensating to off-load excess heat. What assessment findings BEST illustrates this process? A. Cool and clammy skin, normal blood pressure, slow respirations B. Diaphoretic skin, decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure C. Warm and diaphoretic skin, elevated heart rate, increased respirations D. Warm skin, elevated heart rate, decreased respirations, decreased blood pressure
Warm and diaphoretic skin, elevated heart rate, increased respirations
You are treating a male patient who is hypothermic. What should you do to decrease heat loss caused by radiation? A. Wrap a towel around the patient's head. B. Turn off the fan in the back of the ambulance. C. Wipe the patient's skin down with warm water. D. Apply warm packs to the patient's body.
Wrap a towel around the patient's head.
Medical direction has ordered you to begin rewarming an unresponsive patient with a core body temperature of 93°F. Which measure would BEST benefit this patient? A. Place one extremity at a time in warm water. B. Gently massage the patient's arms and legs. C. Wrap the patient in several warm blankets. D. Give him warm fluids to drink to increase internal body temperature.
Wrap the patient in several warm blankets.
A lowering of body temperature due to cold water immersion in a lake, which disrupts the normal process of the body, is: A. hyperthermia. B. shivering. C. thermoreceptor failure. D. an environmental emergency.
an environmental emergency.
Generally, a hyperthermic patient with moist, pale skin that is normal to cool in temperature needs transport when: A. her symptoms improve but her temperature is still above 99 degrees Fahrenheit. B. she has a continuously rising temperature. C. she complains of nausea while drinking water. D. her temperature is above 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
she has a continuously rising temperature.
You are providing a "stand-by" service at the county fair. About midmorning, a 50-year-old male patient approaches your tent and states that he was bitten in the right shoulder by some sort of insect and the pain is tremendous. Assessment reveals his shoulder to have a large reddened area with a bite mark in the middle. The skin is warm to the touch. Your care of this patient should include: A. massaging the site gently. B. applying a cold pack to the site. C. elevating the right hand. D. scrubbing the site with soap and sterile water.
applying a cold pack to the site.
A patient has been bitten by a nonpoisonous grass snake. Your care would include: A. applying a constricting band. B. administering epinephrine. C. cleaning and dressing the wound. D. emergency transport to the hospital.
cleaning and dressing the wound.
After successfully rewarming a foot and frozen toes, the EMT should: A. gently massage the foot and toes. B. cover the foot and toes with dry, sterile dressings. C. ambulate the patient to ensure return of adequate motor function. D. place the foot below the level of the heart to enhance circulation.
cover the foot and toes with dry, sterile dressings.
Common precursors to heat-related emergencies include: A. a cool shower or bath. B. drinking chilled sports drinks. C. exercise. D. diabetes.
exercise.
Medical direction has asked you to remove a tick from behind the left ear of a 5-year-old girl. You would: A. grab the tick close to its head and pull directly outward. B. scrape it from the skin using a credit card or other similar object. C. grasp the tick with tweezers and gently twist it from the skin. D. refuse to remove the tick given its location and age of patient.
grab the tick close to its head and pull directly outward.
A young female was weeding her garden when she was bitten on her left hand by an unidentified snake. The primary assessment does not reveal any life threats and vital signs are stable. In caring for this patient, it is critical that the EMT: A. have the patient remove her wedding ring from her left hand. B. apply ice packs to the area of the snake bite. C. administer the epinephrine auto-injector into the site. D. attempt to locate the snake for identification.
have the patient remove her wedding ring from her left hand.
The EMT recognizes that the primary center for controlling the temperature in the human body is located in the: A. brainstem. B. skin. C. hypothalamus. D. pons.
hypothalamus.
Myxedema coma is a complication of: A. hypothermia. B. late cold injury. C. immersion. D. hypothyroidism.
hypothyroidism
Keeping the immersion hypothermia patient in a supine position can: A. cause a myxedema coma. B. precipitate cardiac arrest. C. increase the chance of ventricular fibrillation. D. increase blood flow to the brain.
increase blood flow to the brain.
You have been called for a 78-year-old female who slipped while getting out of her bathtub. She is confused and cold to the touch. You learn that she slipped 24 hours ago and has been on the tile bathroom floor ever since. Since it is summer, she also had her air conditioner running on high. The EMT would best categorize this emergency as: A. generalized hyperthermia caused by convection. B. localized external hypothermia caused by immobility. C. external urban hypothermia caused by a medical complaint. D. internal urban hypothermia with heat loss caused by conduction.
internal urban hypothermia with heat loss caused by conduction.
A patient has been bitten by what appears to be a black widow spider. The bite to her left hand is dull and achy and she states that the muscles in her shoulders and back are starting to hurt. After ensuring that no life-threatening conditions are present and administering oxygen, the EMT should: A. apply hot packs to the bite. B. pour a vinegar solution over the bite. C. keep the hand below the level of the heart. D. massage the muscles of the back and shoulders.
keep the hand below the level of the heart.
An accurate indicator that a deep local cold injury has begun rewarming is: A. blanching. B. chest pain. C. pain. D. the formation of blisters.
pain.
The EMT is correctly assessing the skin temperature of a patient who has been exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period of time when he: A. feels the patient's forehead with the back of his hand. B. feels the skin temperature on the patient's chest. C. places the back of his hand on the patient's abdomen. D. places the palm of his hand on the patient's neck.
places the back of his hand on the patient's abdomen.
After ensuring that there are no life-threatening conditions to the airway, breathing, and circulation, the priority in caring for the hypothermic patient is: A. assessing for complications. B. starting active rewarming measures. C. preventing additional heat loss. D. providing passive rewarming.
preventing additional heat loss.
A cute mountain sickness typically occurs during: A. rapid descent. B. rapid ascent. C. rapid changes in temperature. D. rapid changes in humidity.
rapid ascent.
A conscious and breathing patient has been pulled from a stream of cold water. To decrease her loss of heat via the mechanism of conduction, the EMT should immediately: A. provide positive pressure ventilation. B. encourage her to stop shivering. C. cover her with a blanket. D. remove her wet clothing.
remove her wet clothing.
A 24-year-old female who was hiking in shorts informs you that she has been bitten by an insect on her leg. She states no other complaints. Assessment reveals a tick embedded in her leg. As an EMT, you should provide care to this patient by: A. removing the tick with tweezers. B. applying a hot pack over the tick. C. wrapping the tick and bite area with roller gauze. D. administering high-concentration oxygen.
removing the tick with tweezers.
The EMT would recognize that a hypothermic patient is deteriorating when he observes: A. slurred speech. B. vigorous shivering. C. red-colored skin. D. painful extremities.
slurred speech.
Rewarming of a deep local cold injury should never occur until: A. slow rewarming techniques can be employed. B. you arrive at the emergency department. C. appropriate warm packs are available. D. there is no danger of refreezing.
there is no danger of refreezing.
In obtaining a history of a 5-year-old boy with generalized hypothermia, which question should be asked first? A. "Are all of his childhood shots up to date?" B. "How long was he out in the cold?" C. "Why was he outside without adult supervision?" D. "When did he eat or drink last?"
"How long was he out in the cold?"
You are transporting a 44-year-old male who was stung multiple times by fire ants. Which patient statement should MOST concern you? A. "I took some Motrin this morning for a headache." B. "My hand seems to be more swollen now." C. "I am beginning to feel itchy all over and have a hive." D. "The bites are really beginning to hurt more."
"I am beginning to feel itchy all over and have a hive."
The EMT should recognize heat cramps as the probable cause of a patient's problem when the patient states: A. "I cannot remember what day it is." B. "I have pain in my belly and legs." C. "I am having a hard time moving my fingers." D. "My neck feels as though it is in spasm."
"I have pain in my belly and legs."
When moving a patient with severe generalized hypothermia, which one of the instructions is MOST appropriate? A. "I want everyone to take extra care in moving her very gently to the stretcher. We do not want her to go into cardiac arrest." B. "Let's secure her with her arms and legs extended since this position promotes the retention of heat in the body." C. "Let's place her on her side on the stretcher since her body temperature contraindicates placement of a nasal airway." D. "Be careful when moving her to the stretcher; the cold makes the patient very prone to bone fractures."
"I want everyone to take extra care in moving her very gently to the stretcher. We do not want her to go into cardiac arrest."
While you are teaching an EMT class, you ask a student whether she understands the regulation of temperature in the human body. Which statement indicates that she does? A. "If the air outside the body is cold and the body is too hot, the cold air will move into the body to cool it." B. "For the body's cells to function properly, the human body must always be warmer than the air that surrounds it." C. "Since the cellular activity in the body constantly generates heat, the body must always be cooler than the air that surrounds it." D. "If the body becomes too hot or too cold, the brain will send instructions out to the body to either retain or lose heat."
"If the body becomes too hot or too cold, the brain will send instructions out to the body to either retain or lose heat."
The EMT shows that he understands the danger of heat stroke when he states: A. "Heat stroke is a dire emergency since the body has lost much of its fluid and ability to circulate oxygen." B. "In heat stroke, the body loses its ability to rid itself of excess heat, causing the core temperature to rise." C. "Heat stroke occurs when the patient's blood vessels have overdilated, causing a mild state of shock." D. "The EMT can identify heat stroke because the patient will have skin that is warm and dry instead of hot and moist."
"In heat stroke, the body loses its ability to rid itself of excess heat, causing the core temperature to rise."
A patient has been bitten by an unidentified snake. What statement, made by the patient, would lead the EMT to believe that the snake was poisonous? A. "It had a stripe down its back." B. "Its eyes were round." C. "Its head was triangular." D. "It was about two feet long."
"Its head was triangular."
An Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) quickly checks the breathing and pulse of a patient with Alzheimer's disease who has been sleeping outside in the cold for several hours. The EMR informs you that the patient grimaces to painful stimuli but is not breathing and does not have a pulse. Your best response would be: A. "We need to contact medical direction to see what the doctor wants us to do since she is hypothermic." B. "Someone start CPR, but do not insert an oral airway since this can cause ventricular fibrillation." C. "Let's re-perform the primary assessment, and this time take longer to assess for breathing and a pulse." D. "Let's get the automated external defibrillator ready and apply it to the patient."
"Let's re-perform the primary assessment, and this time take longer to assess for breathing and a pulse."
You have been called to a football practice field on a very hot day for a heat-related emergency. On scene, you find a young male patient panting and lying under a tree. He is panting, his skin is flushed, and teammates are continually wiping the sweat off his face, arms, and chest with towels. Which statement is MOST appropriate? A. "To keep him from sweating, let's put his shirt back on." B. "Please let him sweat. It is helping his body cool down." C. "Keep wiping. You are helping him retain water that his body needs." D. "Good job guys. By wiping him down you are helping him cool down."
"Please let him sweat. It is helping his body cool down."
You are giving a talk on hunting safety. A hunter asks you when one should attempt to rewarm a hand or foot that is frostbitten. Your best response should be: A. "It is best to attempt rewarming in any situation because the benefit of rewarming outweighs the risk of not rewarming." B. "You never want to rewarm a frozen body part since that can cause additional damage." C. "Only attempt to rewarm a frozen body part if the person still has some feeling in it." D. "Rewarming should only take place when there is no chance that the tissue will refreeze."
"Rewarming should only take place when there is no chance that the tissue will refreeze."
You have initiated the rewarming of a local cold injury to a patient's hand and fingers. On scene, the patient had no sensation in his hand or fingers. Which statement is a cause of concern when made by the patient? A. "My fingers are really starting to hurt now!" B. "My hand is feeling funny. It seems to be starting to tingle a little bit." C. "The blisters on my fingers haven't broken yet." D. "There is no pain when I rub my fingers with my other hand."
"There is no pain when I rub my fingers with my other hand."
At an in-service, your medical director asks if anyone can tell her the cause of heat cramps. What response would be most appropriate? A. "They are caused when the patient's electrolytes such as salt and calcium are lost and become too low in the body." B. "They occur when blood vessels constrict and decrease blood flow to the affected muscle." C. "They are thought to occur when the patient does not consume enough water and becomes dehydrated." D. "They occur when the body can no longer compensate and off-load excess heat."
"They are caused when the patient's electrolytes such as salt and calcium are lost and become too low in the body."
A 43-year-old male has removed a tick from his arm, prior to your arrival. He is refusing any and all care at this time. What statement would be most appropriate? A. "All tick bites carry the potential for Rocky Mountain fever and Lyme disease." B. "If the tick has been embedded for more than an hour, you require emergency treatment." C. "Tick bites can result in bacterial infections, which can be very serious." D. "Tick bites are often poisonous, not becoming obvious for several days
"Tick bites can result in bacterial infections, which can be very serious."
Which statement made by an EMT shows that he understands the care of a patient with a localized cold injury to the foot? A. "If the patient has blisters on his foot, it is beneficial to break them so the fluid inside will not freeze and cause additional injury." B. "Gentle massage of the foot has been shown to help the patient since this enhances the circulation of warm blood to the cold area." C. "The EMT should avoid immobilizing the foot since this will further decrease circulation of blood into the cold area." D. "While it is best to remove wet clothing from the patient, it is best to leave clothing that is frozen to the skin in place."
"While it is best to remove wet clothing from the patient, it is best to leave clothing that is frozen to the skin in place."
A 44-year-old female was hiking in a state park when she was bitten by a snake in her left calf. To get help, she had to hike 4 miles to the first-aid station where you are located. The hike took her an hour and a half. Your assessment reveals a red and swollen area on her leg, and she complains of discomfort to that area. Closer inspection reveals two puncture wounds in the center of the affected area. She asks you whether she is going to die from the snake bite. What reply is most appropriate? A. "We need to get you to the hospital immediately. Anytime that a snake bites it injects venom from its fangs." B. "You need to get checked out, but if venom was injected, the signs and symptoms of a generalized reaction typically appear very quickly." C. "Walking all of that distance probably saved you since your body metabolized the poison faster." D. "Based on the way the bite looks, I think that you were bitten by a nonpoisonous snake."
"You need to get checked out, but if venom was injected, the signs and symptoms of a generalized reaction typically appear very quickly."
You have been called to a residence for a spider bite. On scene the homeowner states that he was moving some boxes in his garage when he accidentally grabbed a spider and it bit him. He killed the spider and shows you a brown-colored spider with a "violin shape" on its back. He then states that the bite does not hurt and he sees no need to go to the hospital. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should state: A. "You should be okay by refusing transport, but make sure to wash the bite site daily with soap and water." B. "Since the bite of that spider generally causes immediate pain and swelling, you probably can go without additional medical attention." C. "You really need to go because the bite of that spider does not heal very well and will put you at risk for infection." D. "Let us take you to the hospital. They have an antivenom that will allow this to heal and make you resistant to future bites."
"You really need to go because the bite of that spider does not heal very well and will put you at risk for infection."
Which patient would be the highest priority for transport? A. 19-year-old responsive to verbal stimuli with hot dry skin and tachycardia B. 34-year-old with confusion and cool diaphoretic skin along with tachycardia C. 24-year-old who is intoxicated and is complaining of pain and spasms to his legs D. 28-year-old responsive to verbal stimuli with tachycardia and cool, moist skin
19-year-old responsive to verbal stimuli with hot dry skin and tachycardia
Which patient is suffering from generalized hypothermia? A. 87-year-old alcoholic with hand pain and numbness after sweeping snow without gloves B. 19-year-old male who is intoxicated and fell asleep under a fan for three hours C. 21-year-old female who was trapped in cold water for 10 minutes before being rescued D. 34-year-old male whose fingers and toes are blue from exposure to the cold
21-year-old female who was trapped in cold water for 10 minutes before being rescued
Which patient is losing body heat by the mechanism of convection? A. 41-year-old female who is intoxicated and passed out in the snow B. 30-year-old male in cool temperature and exposed to a light breeze C. 56-year-old male who is confused and perspiring heavily D. 63-year-old female who took a drug that depressed her brain function
30-year-old male in cool temperature and exposed to a light breeze
A core temperature is most accurately assessed on a patient who has been exposed to cold temperatures by placing a: A. medical-grade thermometer in the patient's rectum. B. thermometer into the patient's mouth. C. tympanic thermometer in the patient's ear. D. household rectal thermometer in the patient's rectum.
medical-grade thermometer in the patient's rectum.
You have been called to a residence for a patient who is sick. On scene the family tells you that the patient is being treated for the "stomach flu" and has had a fever of 102°F for the past two days. She has been taking all of the medications prescribed by her doctor but this evening became very "sweaty." Assessment shows her to be stable with a pulse of 88, respirations 18, adequate blood pressure of 128/68 mmHg, and an oral temperature of 100.2°F. Based on this, the EMT should recognize the A. sweat is causing the loss of body heat since the sweat is warmer than the body, causing heat to move from inside to outside the body. B. patient's body is cooling itself by transferring heat into the sweat, which is then evaporated into the air. C. sweat is causing the body to retain heat since sweat is warmer than the temperature of the body, causing the heat in the body to exit and cool the patient. D. patient's body is attempting to retain heat by covering itself with sweat, which acts as a barrier to heat loss.
patient's body is cooling itself by transferring heat into the sweat, which is then evaporated into the air.