EMT 1500 Unit 3- Medical
Your patient opens his eyes, moans, and pulls away from you when you pinch his trapezius muscle. You should assign a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of: A. 8 B. 6 C. 9 D. 7
A. 8
The term "behavioral crisis" is MOST accurately defined as: A. A situation in which a patient of any age exhibits agitated, violent, or uncooperative behavior. B. A sudden, violent outburst of an otherwise mentally stable person toward a family member. C. A medical illness with psychological symptoms that may lead to limited motor functioning. D. A period of severe depression that lasts longer than 2 weeks and cannot be controlled with medications.
A. A situation in which a patient of any age exhibits agitated, violent, or uncooperative behavior.
You respond to a movie theater for a 70-year-old male who is confused. His wife tells you he has type 2 diabetes but refuses to take his pills. Your assessment reveals that the patient is diaphoretic, tachycardic, and tachypneic. Initial management for this patient should include: A. Applying a nonrebreathing mask at 15 L/min. B. Administering one to two tubes of oral glucose C. Assisting the patient with his diabetic medication D. Performing a rapid exam and obtaining vital signs.
A. Applying a nonrebreathing mask at 15 L/min.
You respond to the residence of a 55-year-old woman with a possible allergic reaction to peanuts that she ate approximately 30 minutes ago. The patient is conscious and alert, but has diffuse urticaria and the feeling that she has a lump in her throat. As your partner applies oxygen to the patient, you should: A. Ask her if she has prescribed epinephrine B. Obtain a complete set of baseline vital signs C. Ascertain if she has a family history of allergies D. Ask her when her last allergic reaction occurred
A. Ask her if she has prescribed epinephrine
You are assessing a 45-year-old female who is severely depressed. She states that it seems as though her entire world is crashing down around her. She further states that she has had frequent thoughts of suicide, but is not sure if she can actually go through with it. How should you manage this situation? A. Ask the patient if she has developed a suicidal plan. B. Leave the scene and have a neighbor check in on her. C. Have law enforcement place her in protective custody. D. Encourage the patient to remain quiet during transport.
A. Ask the patient if she has developed a suicidal plan.
A 31-year-old male with a history of diabetes had a seizure that stopped prior to EMS arrival. He is unresponsive and has rapid, shallow breathing. His pulse is rapid and weak, and his skin is cyanotic. The EMT should: A. Assist the patient's ventilations with a bag-valve mask B. Place a thin layer of oral glucose between his cheek and gums C. Administer oxygen by nasal cannula and assess his blood glucose level D. Position the patient on his side and give oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.
A. Assist the patient's ventilations with a bag-valve mask.
When assessing a patient with a behavioral crisis, you should: A. Be direct and clearly state your intentions. B. Frisk the patient for the presence of weapons. C. Spend as little time with the patient as possible. D. Ask the police to handcuff the patient for safety.
A. Be direct and clearly state your intentions.
You are dispatched to a residence for a 56-year-old male with an altered mental status. Upon arrival at the scene, the patient's wife tells you that he complained of chest pain the day before, but would not allow her to call EMS. The patient is semiconscious; has rapid, shallow respirations; and has a thready pulse. You should: A. Begin ventilatory assistance B. Attach the AED immediately C. Obtain baseline vital signs D. Apply a nonrebreathing mask
A. Begin ventilatory assistance
The three major parts of the brain are the: A. Cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. B. Midbrain, cerebellum, and spinal cord. C. Cerebellum, medulla, and occiput. D. Brain stem, midbrain, and spinal cord.
A. Cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.
When assessing a patient who is displaying bizarre behavior, the EMT should: A. Consider that an acute medical illness may be causing the patient's behavior. B. Avoid asking questions about suicide because this may give the patient ideas. C. Check his or her blood glucose level only if he or she has a history of diabetes. D. Carefully document his or her perception of what is causing the patient's behavior.
A. Consider that an acute medical illness may be causing the patient's behavior.
A 19-year-old male complains of "not feeling right." His insulin and a syringe are on a nearby table. The patient says he thinks he took his insulin and cannot remember whether he ate. He is also unable to tell you the time or what day it is. The glucometer reads "error" after several attempts to assess his blood glucose level. You should: A. Contact medical control and administer oral glucose B. Assist him with his insulin injection and reassess him C. Request a paramedic ambulance to administer IV glucose D. Transport only with close, continuous monitoring en route.
A. Contact medical control and administer oral glucose
The single most significant factor that contributes to suicide is: A. Depression B. Drug abuse C. Advanced age D. A chronic illness
A. Depression
Signs of excited delirium include: A. Diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hallucinations B. Pallor, hypotension, and constricted pupils C. Subdued behavior, crying, and suicidal thoughts D. Slurred speech, bradycardia, and a high fever
A. Diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hallucinations
A 40-year-old patient without a history of seizures experiences a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure. The LEAST likely cause of this seizure is: A. Epilepsy. B. A serious infection. C. Intracranial bleeding. D. A brain tumor.
A. Epilepsy
Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of artifact on an ECG tracing? A. Excessive movement of the patient B. Incorrect placement of the leads C. Irregular patient pulse D. Abnormal cardiac electrical activity
A. Excessive movement of the patient
When performing a secondary assessment on a conscious patient with nontraumatic abdominal pain and stable vital signs, you should: A. Focus on his or her chief complaint. B. Examine him or her from head to toe. C. Only palpate tender areas of the abdomen. D. Prepare the patient for transport first.
A. Focus on his or her chief complaint.
You respond to the residence of a 70-year-old male who complains of weakness and severe shortness of breath. His wife tells you that he is a dialysis patient, but has missed his last two treatments. After applying oxygen, you auscultate his lungs and hear diffuse rhonchi. The patient is conscious, but appears confused. His blood pressure is 98/54 mm Hg, his pulse rate is 120 beats/min and irregular, and his respirations are 24 breaths/min and labored. You should: A. Leave him in a sitting position, keep him warm, and prepare for immediate transport. B. Perform a detailed secondary assessment and then transport him to a dialysis center. C. Place him in a supine position, elevate his lower extremities, and transport at once. D. Treat for shock and request a paramedic unit to respond to the scene and assist you.
A. Leave him in a sitting position, keep him warm, and prepare for immediate transport.
People at risk for suicide include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. Married males older than 30 years B. Those with a recent diagnosis of a serious illness C. Children with parents addicted to alcohol D. Substance abusers
A. Married males older than 30 years
A 22-year-old male with a history of clinical depression called 9-1-1 and stated that he has attempted to kill himself. Your unit and law enforcement officers arrive at the scene simultaneously. You find the patient lying supine on the living room floor. He is unresponsive and cyanotic. An empty bottle of hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is found on an adjacent table. You should: A. Open the patient's airway and assess his respirations B. Ask the police to handcuff the patient for safety purposes C. Provide care after determining what Dilaudid is used for D. Wait for the police to examine him before providing care.
A. Open the patient's airway and assess his respirations
A 30-year-old woman with a history of alcoholism presents with severe upper abdominal pain and is vomiting large amounts of bright red blood. Her skin is cool, pale, and clammy; her heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak; and her blood pressure is 70/50 mm Hg. Your MOST immediate action should be to: A. Protect her airway from aspiration B. Keep her supine and elevate her legs C. Rapidly transport her to the hospital D. Give her high-flow supplemental oxygen.
A. Protect her airway from aspiration
A patient in cardiac arrest is wearing an external defibrillator vest, which is interfering with effective chest compressions. The EMT should: A. Remove the battery from the monitor and then remove the vest B. Leave the battery attached to the monitor and remove the vest C. Remove the battery from the monitor and leave the vest in place D. Perform ventilations only and allow the vest device to defibrillate
A. Remove the battery from the monitor and then remove the vest
When caring for a patient experiencing excited delirium, the EMT should remember that: A. Sudden death can occur if the patient's violence is not controlled B. Most patients will have low blood pressure and hyperglycemia C. Lights and siren are effective in redirecting the patient's behavior D. Excited delirium is worsened by nervous system depressant drugs
A. Sudden death can occur if the patient's violence is not controlled
Which of the following statements regarding the AED and defibrillation is correct? A. The AED will not analyze the rhythm of a moving patient B. Defibrillation is the first link in the American Heart Association chain of survival C. The AED will shock any rhythm not accompanied by a pulse D. CPR should be performed for 5 minutes before using the AED
A. The AED will not analyze the rhythm of a moving patient
You are dispatched to a local nursery for a 39-year-old female who is sick. When you arrive, you find the patient lying on the floor. She is semiconscious, has copious amounts of saliva coming from her mouth, and is incontinent of urine. You quickly feel her pulse and note that it is very slow. Immediate management for this patient should include: A. Thoroughly suctioning her oropharynx B. Requesting a paramedic to give her atropine C. Assisted ventilation with a BVM D. Performing a rapid secondary assessment.
A. Thoroughly suctioning her oropharynx
You receive a call to a residence where a man found his wife unresponsive on the couch. The patient's respiratory rate is 8 breaths/min, her breathing is shallow, her heart rate is 40 beats/min, and her pulse is weak. The husband hands you an empty bottle of hydrocodone (Vicodin), which was refilled the day before. You should: A. Ventilate her with a BVM B. Contact the poison control center C. Perform a rapid head-to-toe exam D. Apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.
A. Ventilate her with a BVM
Which of the following MOST accurately describes a focal-onset aware seizure? A. A seizure that causes the patient to stare blankly B. A seizure that begins in one extremity C. A generalized seizure without incontinence D. A seizure that is not preceded by an aura
B. A seizure that begins in one extremity
Which of the following MOST accurately describes a simple partial seizure? A. A seizure that causes the patient to stare blankly B. A seizure that begins in one extremity C. A generalized seizure without incontinence D. A seizure that is not preceded by an aura
B. A seizure that begins in one extremity
A 37-year-old female with a history of diabetes presents with excessive urination and weakness of 2 days' duration. Her blood glucose level reads 320 mg/dL. If this patient's condition is not promptly treated, she will MOST likely develop: A. Severe insulin shock B. Acidosis and dehydration C. Irreversible renal failure. D. Hypoxia and overhydration
B. Acidosis and dehydration
A 59-year-old male presents with sudden-onset severe lower back pain. He is conscious and alert, but very restless and diaphoretic. Your assessment reveals a pulsating mass to the left of his umbilicus. You should: A. Vigorously palpate the abdomen to establish pain severity B. Administer oxygen and prepare for immediate transport C. Place the patient in a sitting position and transport at once D. Request a paramedic unit to give the patient pain medication.
B. Administer oxygen and prepare for immediate transport
A 73-year-old man presents with a generalized rash, which he thinks may have been caused by an antibiotic that he recently began taking. He has a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and emphysema. He is conscious and alert, his blood pressure is 144/94 mm Hg, and his pulse is 64 beats/min and regular. You auscultate his breath sounds and hear scattered wheezing, although he is not experiencing respiratory distress. You should: A. Ask him if he has epinephrine and request approval from medical control to administer it to the patient. B. Administer oxygen if needed, transport the patient, and monitor him for signs of deterioration. C. Avoid the use of epinephrine because of his cardiac history, even if his symptoms become severe. D. Begin transport and request to administer epinephrine if his systolic blood pressure falls below 110 mm Hg.
B. Administer oxygen if needed, transport the patient, and monitor him for signs of deterioration.
A 37-year-old male is having a severe allergic reaction to penicillin. He does not have an epinephrine auto-injector, and your protocols do not allow you to carry epinephrine on the ambulance. How should you proceed with the treatment of this patient? A. Ask the patient if he has any diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets that you can administer B. Administer oxygen, transport at once, and request a paramedic intercept C. Remain at the scene with the patient and request a paramedic ambulance D. Quickly determine if there are any bystanders who may carry epinephrine
B. Administer oxygen, transport at once, and request a paramedic intercept
Which of the following is a major difference between angina pectoris and AMI? A. AMI is caused by myocardial ischemia B. Anginal pain typically subsides with rest C. Nitroglycerin has no effect on angina pectoris D. Pain from an AMI subsides within 30 minutes.
B. Anginal pain typically subsides with rest
A 66-year-old male presents with bizarre behavior. His daughter states that he did not seem to recognize her and was very rude to her. The patient is conscious and has a patent airway and adequate breathing. You should: A. Conclude that the patient has Alzheimer's disease B. Ask the daughter how her father normally behaves C. Carefully restrain the patient and transport at once D. Advise the patient that his behavior is unacceptable
B. Ask the daughter how her father normally behaves
A 49-year-old male presents with an acute onset of crushing chest pain and diaphoresis. You should: A. Administer up to 324 mg of baby aspirin. B. Assess the adequacy of his respirations. C. Administer up to three doses of nitroglycerin. D. Obtain vita signs and a SAMPLE history.
B. Assess the adequacy of his respirations.
Your priority in caring for a patient with a surface contact poisoning is to: A. Move the patient to a safe area B. Avoid contaminating yourself C. Decontaminate the patient's skin D. Obtain and maintain a patent airway.
B. Avoid contaminating yourself
A 47-year-old male presents with severe abdominal pain of 3 hours' duration. His abdomen is distended and guarded. Your MOST important consideration for this patient should be to: A. Transport him in a supine position B. Be alert for signs and symptoms of shock C. Assess his blood pressure to determine perfusion adequacy D. Determine the exact location and cause of his pain
B. Be alert for signs and symptoms of shock
____________ is what you can see of a person's response to the environment. A. Affect B. Behavior C. Neurosis D. Psychosis
B. Behavior
Which of the following MOST accurately describes the cause of an ischemic stroke? A. Rupture of a cerebral artery B. Blockage of a cerebral artery C. Narrowing of a carotid artery D. Acute atherosclerotic disease
B. Blockage of a cerebral artery
Proper procedure for administering oral glucose to a patient includes all of the following, EXCEPT: A. Assessing the patient's mental status B. Ensuring the absence of a gag reflex C. Checking the medication's expiration date D. Requesting permission from medical control
B. Ensuring the absence of a gag reflex
A 25-year-old man overdosed on heroin and is unresponsive. His breathing is slow and shallow and he is bradycardic. He has track marks on both arms. The EMT should: A. Administer naloxone via the intranasal route B. Insert a nasal airway and ventilate with a BVM C. Position the patient on his side and transport D. Administer naloxone via the intramuscular route
B. Insert a nasal airway and ventilate with a BVM
Which of the following statements regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is correct? A. Most cases of MRSA transmission occur following an accidental needlestick. B. MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections and is resistant to most antibiotics. C. The communicable period for MRSA is 10 days to 2 weeks after being infected. D. Studies have shown that less than 1% of health care providers are MRSA carriers.
B. MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections and is resistant to most antibiotics.
A 29-year-old pregnant woman has had severe vomiting for the last 2 days. Today, she is vomiting large amounts of blood. Her skin is cool and pale, and she is tachycardic. The EMT should suspect: A. Acute pancreatitis B. Mallory-Weiss tear C. Esophageal varices D. Esophagitis.
B. Mallory-Weiss tear
Which of the following findings should concern the EMT the MOST when assessing a patient who complains of a headache? A. Slow onset of symptoms B. Neck stiffness or pain C. Sinus congestion D. History of migraines
B. Neck stiffness or pain
A man finds his 59-year-old wife unconscious on the couch. He states that she takes medications for type 2 diabetes. He further tells you that his wife has been ill recently and has not eaten for the past 24 hours. Your assessment reveals that the patient is unresponsive. You should: A. Administer oral glucose between her cheek and gum B. Open and maintain her airway and assess breathing C. Administer 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask D. Assess for the presence of a medical identification tag.
B. Open and maintain her airway and assess breathing
Your EMS team is performing CPR on a 60-year-old male in cardiac arrest. You connect the AED, push the analyze button, and receive a "no shock advised" message. You should: A. Re-analyze the patient's cardiac rhythm. B. Perform CPR for 2 minutes and reassess. C. Determine if a palpable pulse is present. D. Immediately assess the patient's airway.
B. Perform CPR for 2 minutes and reassess.
You respond to a call for an unknown emergency. When you arrive at the scene, the patient's husband meets you at the door and states that his wife has been depressed and has locked herself in an upstairs bedroom. He further tells you that he keeps his handgun in the bedroom. You should: A. Ask the husband to attempt to reason with his wife B. Remain in a safe place and request law enforcement C. Get in your ambulance and leave the scene immediately D. Go upstairs with caution and attempt to talk to the patient.
B. Remain in a safe place and request law enforcement
You are assessing a 49-year-old man who complains of chest pressure that began the night before. He is conscious, but anxious, and tells you he has a history of angina and hypertension. You expose his chest to auscultate his lungs and note that he has a nitroglycerin patch on his right upper chest. His skin is cool and pale, his blood pressure is 78/50 mm Hg, and his pulse is 110 beats/min and irregular. You should: A. Complete your secondary assessment and reassess his blood pressure in 5 minutes. B. Remove the nitroglycerin patch, administer oxygen, and place him in a supine position. C. Remove the nitroglycerin patch and apply the AED in case he develops cardiac arrest. D. Move the nitroglycerin patch to the other side of his chest and administer oxygen.
B. Remove the nitroglycerin patch, administer oxygen, and place him in a supine position.
A patient with a history of schizophrenia called EMS because he was experiencing abdominal pain. When law enforcement arrived, the patient became violent, necessitating the placement of handcuffs. When you assess the patient, he tells you that killing someone will make his abdominal pain go away. His vital signs are stable. How should you manage this situation? A. Refuse to transport the patient because of his homicidal threat. B. Request a police officer to accompany you in the ambulance. C. Request that a police officer transport him to the hospital. D. Transport the patient in a prone position on the stretcher.
B. Request a police officer to accompany in the ambulance
You respond to a residence for a patient who is "not acting right." As you approach the door, the patient, a 35-year-old male, begins shouting profanities at you and your partner while holding a baseball bat. The man is confused and diaphoretic, and is wearing a medical identification bracelet. You should: A. Be assertive and talk the patient down B. Retreat at once and call law enforcement C. Calm him down so you can assess him D. Contact medical control for instructions.
B. Retreat at once and call law enforcement
A 67-year-old female with severe chest pain becomes unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic during transport. You should: A. Defibrillate with the AED while continuing transport to the hospital. B. Stop the ambulance, begin CPR, and attach the AED as soon as possible. C. Perform CPR for 1 to 2 minutes and then analyze her rhythm with an AED. D. Alert the receiving hospital and perform CPR for the duration of the transport.
B. Stop the ambulance, begin CPR, and attach the AED as soon as possible.
Symptomatic hypoglycemia will MOST likely develop if a patient: A. Markedly overeats and misses an insulin dose B. Takes too much of his or her prescribed insulin C. Eats a regular meal followed by mild exertion D. Misses one or two prescribed insulin injections.
B. Takes too much of his or her prescribed insulin
You respond to a residence for a child who is having a seizure. Upon arrival at the scene, you enter the residence and find the mother holding her child, a 2-year-old male. The child is conscious and crying. According to the mother, the child had been running a high fever and then experienced a seizure that lasted approximately 3 minutes. You should: A. Advise the mother to take her child to the doctor the following day. B. Transport the child to the hospital and reassure the mother en route. C. Call medical control and request permission to give the child aspirin. D. Cover the child with wet towels and give oxygen via nasal cannula.
B. Transport the child to the hospital and reassure the mother en route.
The MOST important treatment for a patient with severe abdominal pain and signs of shock is: A. Administering high-flow oxygen. B. Transporting the patient without delay. C. Giving oral fluids to maintain perfusion. D. Positioning the patient on his or her side.
B. Transporting the patient without delay.
You respond to a local motel for a young female who was sexually assaulted. The patient is conscious but confused. She tells you that the last thing she remembers was drinking beer at a club with her friends the night before. When she awoke, she was in the bed of the motel room. You should suspect that this patient: A. Is a frequent and heavy heroin user. B. Was given flunitrazepam (Rohypnol). C. Has a hangover from the night before. D. Is addicted to a benzodiazepine drug.
B. Was given flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).
Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom associated with malfunction of an implanted cardiac pacemaker? A. Heart rate less than 60 beats/min B. Syncope or dizziness C. Rapid heart rate D. Generalized weakness
C. Rapid heart rate
An infectious disease is MOST accurately defined as: A. Any disease that enters the body via the bloodstream and renders the immune system nonfunctional. B. The invasion of the human body by a bacterium that cannot be destroyed by antibiotics or other drugs. C. A medical condition caused by the growth and spread of small, harmful organisms within the body. D. A disease that can be spread from one person or species to another through a number of mechanisms.
C. A medical condition caused by the growth and spread of small, harmful organisms within the body.
A 19-year-old female was stung multiple times on the legs by fire ants. She states that she is allergic to fire ants, but does not carry her own epinephrine. The patient is conscious and alert and complains of pain to the area of the bites. Her blood pressure is 122/70 mm Hg, her pulse is 100 beats/min and strong, and her respirations are 18 breaths/min and unlabored. You should: A. Advise her to see her physician as soon as possible B. Position her legs well above the level of her heart C. Administer oxygen and transport her to the hospital D. Request a paramedic unit to administer epinephrine.
C. Administer oxygen and transport her to the hospital
A 66-year-old female with a history of hypertension and diabetes presents with substernal chest pressure of 2 hours' duration. Her blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, her pulse is 100 beats/min and irregular, her respirations are 22 breaths/min, and her oxygen saturation is 92%. The patient does not have prescribed nitroglycerin, but her husband does. You should:] A. Give her high-flow oxygen, attach the AED, and transport at once. B. Obtain a SAMPLE history and contact medical control for advice. C. Administer oxygen, give her 324 mg of aspirin, and assess her further. D. Give her one nitroglycerin and reassess her systolic blood pressure.
C. Administer oxygen, give her 324 mg of aspirin, and assess her further.
Which of the following conditions or situations would MOST likely make excited delirium worse? A. Dimly lit environment B. Limited physical contact C. Alcohol withdrawal D. Elevated blood glucose
C. Alcohol withdrawal
Which of the following is the MOST reliable method of estimating a patient's cardiac output? A. Connect the patient to an electrocardiogram. B. Determine the average diastolic blood pressure. C. Assess the heart rate and strength of the pulse. D. Listen to heart sounds with a stethoscope.
C. Assess the heart rate and strength of the pulse.
After ensuring his or her own safety, the EMT's next priority when caring for a patient with a behavioral emergency is to: A. Transport the patient directly to a specialized psychiatric facility. B. Diagnose the patient's problem and provide definitive treatment. C. Assess the patient's response to his or her environment. D. Determine the underlying cause of the problem and offer advice.
C. Assess the patient's response to his or her environment
A 38-year-old woman was bitten by fire ants while at the park. Your primary assessment reveals that she is semiconscious; has labored breathing; and has a rapid, thready pulse. She has a red rash on her entire body, and her face is swollen. You should: A. Place her supine with her legs elevated. B. Perform a rapid secondary assessment. C. Assist her ventilations with 100% oxygen. D. Locate the area where the fire ants bit her.
C. Assist her ventilations with 100% oxygen
Which of the following sets of vital signs would the EMT most likely encounter in a patient with acute cocaine overdose? A. BP, 60/40 mm Hg; pulse, 140 beats/min B. BP, 190/90 mm Hg; pulse, 40 beats/min C. BP, 200/100 mm Hg; pulse, 150 beats/min D. BP, 180/100 mm Hg; pulse, 50 beats/min
C. BP, 200/100 mm Hg; pulse, 150 beats/min
It is MOST important for the EMT to remember that suicidal patients may: A. Inject illicit drugs B. Be self-destructive C. Be homicidal as well D. Have a definitive plan
C. Be homicidal as well
Patients with tuberculosis pose the greatest risk for transmitting the disease when they: A. Vomit. B. Have a fever. C. Cough. D. Are bleeding.
C. Cough.
A 40-year-old man is in cardiac arrest. Your partner is performing CPR. You are attaching the AED when the patient's wife tells you that he has an automatic implantable cardiac defibrillator (AICD). The AED advises that a shock is indicated. What should you do? A. Continue CPR and transport the patient to the closest appropriate hospital. B. Contact medical control and request permission to defibrillate. C. Deliver the shock followed by immediate resumption of CPR. D. Avoid defibrillation as this will damage the patient's AICD.
C. Deliver the shock followed by immediate resumption of CPR.
Posttraumatic stress disorder can happen after: A. Alcohol withdrawal. B. Extended periods of hyperthermia or hypothermia. C. Exposure to or injury from a traumatic occurrence. D. A bout with depression.
C. Exposure to or injury from a traumatic occurrence
The spinal cord exits the cranium through the: A. Vertebral foramen. B. Cauda equina. C. Foramen magnum. D. Foramen lamina.
C. Foramen magnum
The BEST way to prevent infection from whooping cough is to: A. Wear a HEPA mask when treating any respiratory patient. B. Routinely place a surgical mask on all respiratory patients. C. Get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. D. Ask all patients if they have recently traveled abroad.
C. Get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
You are dispatched to a residence for a 66-year-old male who, according to family members, has suffered a massive stroke. Your primary assessment reveals that the patient is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. You should: A. Obtain a blood glucose sample to rule out hypoglycemia. B. Assess the patient for a facial droop and hemiparesis. C. Initiate CPR and attach an AED as soon as possible. D. Perform CPR for 5 minutes before applying the AED.
C. Initiate CPR and attach an AED as soon as possible.
The poison control center will provide you with the most information regarding the appropriate treatment for a patient with a drug overdose if the center: A. Knows the location of the closest hospital B. Is aware of the patient's age and gender C. Is aware of the substance that is involved D. Knows why the patient overdosed on the drug
C. Is aware of the substance that is involved
A 28-year-old female patient is found to be responsive to verbal stimuli only. Her roommate states that she was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and has had difficulty controlling her blood sugar level. She further tells you that the patient has been urinating excessively and has progressively worsened over the last 24 to 36 hours. On the basis of this patient's clinical presentation, you should suspect that she: A. Has a low blood glucose level. B. Has overdosed on her insulin. C. Is significantly hyperglycemic. D. Has a urinary tract infection.
C. Is significantly hyperglycemic.
Substance abuse is most accurately defined as: A. Knowingly selling illicit drugs to buy more drugs. B. Unwillingly and unknowingly consuming drugs or alcohol. C. Misusing a substance to produce a desired effect. D. Willfully using a therapeutic drug to treat a medical illness.
C. Misusing a substance to produce a desired effect.
You arrive at a local grocery store approximately 5 minutes after a 21-year-old female stopped seizing. She is confused and disoriented; she keeps asking you what happened and tells you that she is thirsty. Her brother, who witnessed the seizure, tells you that she takes valproate (Depakote) for her seizures, but has not taken it in a few days. He also tells you that she has diabetes. In addition to administering oxygen, you should: A. Administer one tube of oral glucose and prepare for immediate transport. B. Place her in the recovery position and transport her with lights and siren. C. Monitor her airway and breathing status and assess her blood glucose level. D. Give her small cups of water to drink and observe for further seizure activity.
C. Monitor her airway and breathing status and assess her blood glucose level.
You arrive at a grocery store shortly after a 35-year-old male stopped seizing. Your assessment reveals that he is confused and incontinent of urine. The patient's girlfriend tells you that he has a history of seizures and takes topiramate (Topamax). When obtaining further medical history from the girlfriend, it is MOST important to: A. Determine when he was last seen by his physician. B. Determine if the patient is a known alcohol abuser. C. Obtain a description of how the seizure developed. D. Ask her how long the patient has been taking his medication.
C. Obtain a description of how the seizure developed.
In addition to obtaining a SAMPLE history and asking questions related to the chief complaint, what else should you specifically inquire about when assessing a patient with a potentially infectious disease? A. Sexual practices B. HIV status C. Recent travel D. Drug allergies
C. Recent travel
Which of the following veins is located inferior to the trunk? A. Cephalic B. Axillary C. Saphenous D. Subclavian
C. Saphenous
Which of the following is an example of a functional behavioral disorder? A. Head trauma B. Drug addiction C. Schizophrenia D. Alzheimer's disease
C. Schizophrenia
Patients with acute abdominal pain should not be given anything to eat or drink because: A. It will create referred pain and obscure the diagnosis B. Food will rapidly travel through the digestive system C. Substances in the stomach increase the risk of aspiration D. Digestion prevents accurate auscultation of bowel sounds.
C. Substances in the stomach increase the risk of aspiration
Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for complications caused by the influenza virus? A. 12-year-old child with a fractured arm B. 39-year-old man with mild hypertension C. 50-year-old woman with moderate obesity D. 68-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes
D. 68-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes
A 35-year-old obese woman is complaining of localized pain in the right upper quadrant with referred pain to the right shoulder. The MOST likely cause of her pain is: A. Pancreatitis. B. Appendicitis. C. Acute cystitis. D. Acute cholecystitis.
D. Acute cholecystitis.
In contrast to the assessment of a trauma patient, assessment of a medical patient: A. Is not as complex for the EMT because most patients typically present with classic symptoms. B. Requires a thorough head-to-toe exam that involves a detailed assessment of all body systems. C. Almost exclusively focuses on physical signs that indicate the patient is experiencing a problem. D. Is focused on the nature of illness, the patient's chief complaint, and his or her symptoms.
D. Is focused on the nature of illness, the patient's chief complaint, and his or her symptoms.
A 58-year-old man complains of chest discomfort and nausea. He is conscious and alert; his blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, his pulse is 104 beats/min, and his respirations are 16 breaths/min. Your partner has applied supplemental oxygen. Prior to assisting the patient with one of his prescribed nitroglycerin tablets, you ask him if he takes medication to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), and he tells you that he does. You should: A. Administer his nitroglycerin and then reassess his blood pressure. B. Avoid giving him nitroglycerin and transport him at once. C. Recall that erectile dysfunction drugs can cause hypertension if given with nitroglycerin. D. Ask him what he takes, how much, and when he last took it.
D. Ask him what he takes, how much, and when he last took it.
General guidelines for managing a patient with a behavioral emergency include: A. Firmly identifying yourself as an EMS provider B. Placing the patient between yourself and an exit. C. Allowing the patient to be alone if he or she wishes D. Being prepared to spend extra time with the patient.
D. Being prepared to spend extra time with the patient.
When an electrical impulse reaches the AV node, it is slowed for a brief period of time so that: A. Blood can pass from the artria to the ventricles B. The SA node can reset and generate another impulse C. The impulse can spread through the Purkinje fibers D. Blood returning from the body can fill the atria
D. Blood returning from the body can fill the atria
It would be MOST appropriate for a patient to take his or her prescribed nitroglycerin when experiencing: A. An acute onset of dizziness during a period of exertion. B. Difficulty breathing that awakens the patient from sleep. C. Sharp chest pain that lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes. D. Chest pain that does not immediately subside with rest.
D. Chest pain that does not immediately subside with rest.
A 3-year-old female ingested several leaves from a plant in the living room. The child's mother is not sure what type of plant it is, stating that she bought it simply because it was pretty. After completing your primary assessment of the child, you should: A. Immediately transport the child to the hospital. B. Induce vomiting with syrup of ipecac. C. Administer 25 g of activated charcoal. D. Contact the regional poison control center.
D. Contact the regional poison control center.
A 66-year-old woman presents with a stabbing pain in the middle of her chest that radiates to her back. She tells you that the pain suddenly began about 30 minutes ago and has been severe since the onset. She has a history of hypertension, but admits to being noncompliant with her antihypertensive medications. When you assess her, you find that her blood pressure is significantly higher in her left arm than it is in her right arm. What do these signs and symptoms MOST likely indicate? A. Unstable angina B. Acute myocardial infarction C. Hypertensive emergency D. Dissecting aortic aneurysm
D. Dissecting aortic aneurysm
You are dispatched to a convenience store for a patient who passed out. Upon arriving at the scene, you find two off-duty EMTs performing CPR on the patient, a 58-year-old male. Your initial action should be to: A. Request a paramedic unit and quickly attach the AED. B. Have the EMTs stop CPR and assess for a pulse. C. Quickly attach the AED and push the analyze button. D. Feel for a pulse while compressions are ongoing.
D. Feel for a pulse while compressions are ongoing.
Hepatitis B is more virulent than hepatitis C, which means that it: A. Is less resistant to treatment. B. Is a more contagious type of disease. C. Leads to chronic infection after exposure. D. Has a greater ability to produce disease.
D. Has a greater ability to produce disease.
A 30-year-old male experienced a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure, which stopped before you arrived at the scene. The patient is conscious, is answering your questions appropriately, and refuses EMS transport. Which of the following would be the MOST compelling reason to disagree with his refusal of transport? A. He has experienced seizures since he was 20 B. His wife states that this was his "usual" seizure C. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 15 D. He is currently not prescribed any medications
D. He is currently not prescribed any medications
Which of the following statements regarding hepatitis A is correct? A. Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted via contact with blood or other body fluids. B. Although there is no vaccine against hepatitis A, treatment is usually successful. C. Infection with hepatitis A causes chronic illness with a high mortality rate. D. Hepatitis A can only be transmitted by a patient who has an acute infection.
D. Hepatitis A can only be transmitted by a patient who has an acute infection.
You receive a call for a domestic dispute. When you arrive at the scene, you find a young male standing on the front porch of his house. You notice that an adjacent window is broken. The patient has a large body, is clenching his fists, and is yelling obscenities at you. Which of the following findings is LEAST predictive of this patient's potential for violence? A. His clenched fists B. The broken window C. His shouting of obscenities D. His large body size
D. His large body size
Which of the following questions would be the MOST pertinent to ask a patient who recently returned from Europe and is now ill? A. What was the purpose of your travel? B. How much time did you spend in Europe? C. Will you be traveling again in the future? D. Is anyone else in your travel party sick?
D. Is anyone else in your travel party sick?
When caring for a patient with an altered mental status and signs of circulatory compromise, you should: A. Transport immediately and begin all emergency treatment en route to the hospital. B. Perform a detailed secondary assessment prior to transporting the patient. C. Have a paramedic unit respond to the scene if it is less than 15 minutes away. D. Limit your time at the scene to 10 minutes or less, if possible.
D. Limit your time at the scene to 10 minutes or less, if possible.
A 48-year-old male is found unconscious in the garden by his wife. When you arrive at the scene and assess the man, you find that he is unresponsive, has labored breathing, and has hives over his entire trunk. You should: A. Perform a detailed secondary assessment. B. Ask his wife if he has any known allergies. C. Administer oxygen and position him on his side. D. Maintain his airway and assist his ventilations.
D. Maintain his airway and assist his ventilations.
A 50-year-old male was stung by a honeybee approximately 15 minutes ago. He presents with respiratory distress, facial swelling, and hypotension. After placing him on oxygen and administering his epinephrine via auto-injector, you note that his breathing has improved. Additionally, his facial swelling is resolving and his blood pressure is stable. Your next action should be to: A. Reassess his breathing and blood pressure in 15 minutes. B. Visualize his airway to assess for oropharyngeal swelling. C. Notify medical control of the patient's response to your treatment. D. Record the time and dose of the injection, and transport promptly.
D. Record the time and dose of the injection, and transport promptly.
A technique used to gain insight into a patient's thinking, which involves repeating in question form what the patient has said, is called: A. Active listening B. Passive listening C. Intuitive listening D. Reflective listening
D. Reflective listening
In an apparent suicide attempt, a 19-year-old female ingested a full bottle of amitriptyline (Elavil). At present, she is conscious and alert and states that she swallowed the pills approximately 30 minutes earlier. Her blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, her pulse is 140 beats/min and irregular, and her respirations are 22 breaths/min with adequate depth. When transporting this patient, you should be most alert for: A. Acute respiratory depression B. A sudden outburst of violence C. An increase in her blood pressure D. Seizures and cardiac arrhythmias
D. Seizures and cardiac arrhythmias
When forming your general impression of a patient with a medical complaint, it is important to remember that: A. The majority of medical patients you encounter are also injured. B. It is during the general impression that assessment of the ABCs occurs. C. Most serious medical conditions do not present with obvious symptoms. D. The conditions of many medical patients may not appear serious at first.
D. The conditions of many medical patients may not appear serious at first.
Ventricular tachycardia causes hypotension because: A. The volume of blood returning to the atria increases. B. The right ventricle does not adequately pump blood. C. Blood backs up into the lungs and causes congestion. D. The left ventricle does not adequately fill with blood.
D. The left ventricle does not adequately fill with blood.
If you are uncertain how to treat a patient who has been poisoned or exposed to a specific substance, you should: A. Encourage the patient to drink milk or water. B. Administer naloxone via the intranasal route. C. Keep the patient supine and elevate his legs. D. Try to find the container the substance was in.
D. Try to find the container the substance was in.
When documenting a patient's description of his or her chest pain or discomfort, the EMT should: A. Underline the patient's quotes B. Document his or her own perception C. Use medical terminology D. Use the patient's own words
D. Use the patient's own words