EMT: Chapters 1-9

What is the minute volume of a patient with a tidal volume of 500 mL, a dead space volume of 150 mL, and a respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min?

5,600 mL

Kidney function declines by _______ between the ages of 20 and 90 years.

50%

The average adult has approximately ___________ of blood in his or her body.

6 L

The full-body scan of a patient that occurs following the primary assessment should take no longer than:

60-90 seconds

In the adult, bradycardia is defined as a pulse rate less than _______ beats/min, and tachycardia is defined as a heart rate greater than _______ beats/min.

60/100

Which of the following scenarios does NOT involve the administration of ALS?

64-year-old cardiac arrest pt defibrillated with an AED

The average pulse rate of individuals between 19 and 60 years of age is typically:

70 bpm

The pulse rate of a child from ages 6 to 12 years is approximately:

70-120 bpm

During each heartbeat, ___________ of blood is ejected from the adult heart. This is called stroke volume (SV).

70-80 mL

At present, the average life expectancy is ________ years, while the maximum life expectancy is estimated at ________ years.

78, 120

The anterior fontanelle fuses together between the ages of:

9-18 months

The low normal systolic blood pressure for a 30-year-old is:

90 mm Hg

A normal systolic blood pressure for a 30-year-old is between:

90-140 mm Hg

The pulse rate of a toddler is:

90-150 bpm

The goal of oxygenation for most patients is an oxygen saturation of:

94-99%

You are part of the response to a motor vehicle collision on a busy highway. There are multiple vehicles involved and multiple casualties. The police and local fire department are all part of the same response. In order to facilitate effective communication among response agencies:

an interoperable communications system should be utilized

Which of the following statements regarding an emergency patient move is correct?

an emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment

When providing bag-mask ventilations to an infant, what is most important to remember?

an infant's lungs are fragile

Which of the following statements regarding an infant's vital signs is correct?

an infant's normal BT is typically higher than a preschooler's

Which of the following is an anatomic difference between children and adults?

an infant's tongue is proportionately larger than an adult's

The autonomic nervous system controls all of the following functions, EXCEPT:

breath holding

Which of the following statements about health care in the United States is true?

expensive but does not necessarily provide better outcomes

A(n) ___________ stretcher is a rigid carrying device when secured around a patient but can be folded or rolled when not in use.

flexible

bending of a joint vs. straightening of a joint

flexion vs. extension

The backup system of respiratory control, which is based on low concentrations of oxygen in the blood, is called the:

hypoxic drive

The goal of the primary assessment is to:

identify and rapidly treat all life-threatening conditions

The continuous quality improvement (CQI) process is designed to:

identify areas of improvement and provide remedial training if needed

You should perform an urgent move in all of the following situations EXCEPT:

if the pt is complaining of neck pain

Each pelvic bone is formed by the fusion of the:

ilium, ischium, and pubis

If you cannot palpate a pulse in an unresponsive patient, you should:

immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation

The EMT's scope of practice within his or her local response area is defined by the:

medical director

The person who is responsible for authorizing EMTs to perform emergency medical care in the field is the:

medical director

Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring quality control for all EMTs at an EMS agency?

medical director

the CDC recommends immunizations for HCPs. which of the following immunization is NOT recommended?

meningitis vaccine

According to the terminal drop hypothesis:

mental function is presumed to decline in the 5 years preceding death

Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin?

metabolic coordination

The ___________ plane separates the body into left and right halves.

midsagittal

The diastolic pressure represents the:

minimum amount of pressure that is always present in the arteries

If an average-sized patient's chest barely moves during inhalation, even if his or her respiratory rate is normal, you should suspect that:

minute volume is decreased

Which of the following describes a code of conduct that can be defined by society, religion, or a person, affecting character and conscience?

morality

"Rhino" in the word "rhinorrhea" means:

nose

Maintaining the chain of evidence at the scene of a crime should include:

not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons

Which of the following statements regarding plasma is correct?

plasma transports the blood cells and nutrients

the transmission range of a(n) ________________ _________________ is more limited than that of mobile or base station radios.

portable radio

Tubular framed stretcher with rigid fabric stretched across it

portable stretcher

You are assessing a 72-year-old man with abdominal pain. The patient is sitting in a chair; he is conscious, alert, and calm. As you are talking to the patient, your partner discreetly directs your attention to a handgun, which is located on a nearby table. You should:

position yourself in between the pt and gun and ask your partner to request law enforcement assistance

A full-body scan should be performed on:

pts with significant MOI and unresponsive medical pts

Which of the following is a nationally recognized component of an EMS system?

public education

You can move a patient on his or her back along the floor or ground by using all of the following methods except:

pulling the pt by the legs

Which of the following arteries does NOT carry highly oxygenated blood?

pulmonary

which of the following vessels does NOT carry blood to the heart?

pulmonary artery

The manner in which the EMT must act or behave when caring for a patient is called the:

standard of care

Protective measures that prevent health care workers from coming into contact with germs are referred to as:

standard precautions

Which of the following statements regarding communication with a child is correct?

standing over a child often increases his/her level of anxity

The standards for prehospital emergency care and the individuals who provide it are typically regulated by the:

state office of EMS

Physiological signs of stress include __________.

tensed muscles

In the eyes of the court, an incomplete or untidy patient care form indicates:

that inadequate pt care was administered

In which of the following situations is an emergency patient move indicated?

the EMT is unable to protect the pt from scene hazards

Which of the following is published by the U.S. DOT and provides guidance for hazardous materials incidents?

the Emergency Response Guidebook

Which of the following statements regarding the mechanism of injury (MOI) is correct?

the MOI may allow you to predict the severity of a pt's injuries

Which of the following statements regarding the EMS medical director and an EMT's scope of practice is correct?

the medical director may expand an EMT's scope of practice after proper training and state approval

Which of the following conditions would affect the "Q" portion of the V/Q ratio?

pulmonary embolism

The left side of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the:

pulmonary veins

During the primary assessment, circulation is evaluated by assessing:

pulse quality, external bleeding, skin condition

Observations made when forming a general impression of a patient would include all of the following, EXCEPT:

pulse strength

In most instances, you should move a patient on a wheeled ambulance stretcher by:

pushing the head of the stretcher while your partner guides the foot

A ___________ receives messages and signals on one frequency and then automatically retransmits them on a second frequency.

repeater

If you feel you have been harassed at work, you should first ___________.

report it to a supervisor

While treating a patient with a high fever and cough, you accidentally expose yourself to the illness. What should you do?

report it to the infection control officer

You and your partner respond to the scene of a 49-year-old male with acute abdominal pain. As you enter his residence, you find him lying on the floor in severe pain. He is conscious and alert. The patient appears to weigh in excess of 350 lb. Your FIRST action should be to:

request additional personnel before making any attempts to lift him

Which of the following statements regarding the medulla oblongata is correct?

the medulla is sensitive to pH changes and sends messages via the phrenic nerve to contract the diaphragm

When you assess capillary refill time (CRT) in an infant, normal color to the tested area should return within:

2 seconds

Today's EMS providers are trained according to the __________.

2009 National EMS Standards

The air you breathe is _______ oxygen, and the air you exhale is _______ oxygen.

21%, 16%

With proper technique, you and your partner should be able to safely lift a patient who weighs up to ______ lb.

220

At what weight must 4 EMTs be used?

250 lbs

Normal respiratory rates should not exceed _______ breaths per minute in children and _______ breaths per minute in infants.

30/50

You see an infant capable of reaching out to people and drooling. She is most likely:

4 months old

A patient in unstable condition should be reassessed at least every:

5 minutes

Which of the following describes the Moro reflex?

the neonate opens his/her arms wide, spreads his/her fingers, and seems to grasp at something after being startled

When obtaining patient care orders from a physician via a two-way radio, it is important to remember that:

the physician's instructions are based on the information you provide

EMRs such as fire fighters, law enforcement officers, and park rangers, are an integral part of the EMS system because:

the presence of a person to initiate BLS care cannot be ensured

Credentialing refers to:

the process by which the qualifications to practice are determined

Which of the following is not an indication for use of the rapid extrication technique?

the pt is in severe pain

The "Golden Period" begins when an injury occurs and ends when:

the pt receives definitive care

Reassessment is performed to determine all of the following, EXCEPT:

the reason why the pt called EMS

The term "pericardiocentesis" means:

the removal of fluid around the heart

Typical components of an oral patient report include all of the following, EXCEPT:

the set of baseline vitals taken at the scene (would likely be more recent set of vitals)

which of the following statements regarding the different stages of the grieving process is correct:

the stages of the grieving process may occur simultaneously

Which of the following entities controls licensure of EMTs?

the state in which the EMT practices

Which of the following suffixes mean "pertaining to"?

the suffixes "-al" and "-ic"

What is 'vital capacity'?

the volume of air moved during the deepest points of respiration (i.e. deepest you can breathe)

Infants often fall head first because ___________.

their head is large and heavy in proportion to their body

Infants are often referred to as "belly breathers" because:

their rib cage is less rigid and the ribs sit horizontally

A low ETCO2 reading, as measured by capnography, would MOST likely be observed if:

there is an absence or decrease in the level of CO2 in the lungs

Why do middle adults commonly experience financial concerns?

they are preparing for retirement but must still manage everyday financial demands

EMRs such as firefighters, law enforcement officers, and park rangers are an integral part of the EMS system because:

they often arrive at the scene before an ambulance and EMTs

Which of the following statements regarding agonal respirations is correct?

they're ineffective and need to be asissted

Twelve pairs of ribs attach to what section of the spinal column?

thoracic

Your best protection against legal liability when a competent patient refuses EMS care and transport is to:

thoroughly document

Abnormalities in metabolism are MOST likely to be caused by dysfunction of the:

thyroid gland

When a patient's respirations are shallow:

tidal volume is markedly reduced

You have been tasked by your medical director with assisting in the development of your EMS agency's institutional standards. When developing these standards, it is important to:

to be reasonable and realistic to avoid overburdening EMS personnel

What is the purpose for providing Mobile Integrated Healthcare?

to facilitate improved access to health care at an affordable price

Which of the following statements regarding toddlers and preschoolers is correct?

toddlers and preschoolers commonly experience upper respiratory infections due to loss of passive immunity

you are examining a pt who experienced a TIA. what does this mean?

transient ischemic attack

What is the function of the fallopian tubes?

transport a mature egg to the uterus

When assessing a 62-year-old female with crushing chest pain, you note that her pulse is rapid and irregular. In addition to administering oxygen, you should:

transport at once and consider requesting a ALS intercept

You arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle versus pedestrian accident. The patient, a 13-year-old male, is unconscious and had multiple injuries. As you are treating the child, a law enforcement officer advises you that the child's parents will be at the scene is approximately 15 minutes. What should you do?

transport the child immediately and have the parents meet you at the hospital

You suspect that a 6-year-old girl has broken her leg after falling from a swing at a playground. Shortly after you arrive, the child's mother appears and refuses to allow you to continue treatment. You should:

try to persuade the mother that treatment is needed

Capillary sphincter closure during internal or external bleeding is detrimental because:

waste products are not removed and nutrients are not delivered to the cells

All necessary life functions are coordinated in what part of the brain?

brain stem

Together, the right and left lungs contain how many lobes?

five

The respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute in an infant is ___________.

normal

At what age can an infant normally start tracking objects with his or her eyes and recognizing familiar faces?

2 months

Which of the following patient responses would establish the "E" in the SAMPLE history?

"I was mowing the lawn when the pain began"

Which of the following statements would be appropriate for an EMT to make when responding to a grieving patient?

"It's okay to be angry" "I'm sorry for your loss"

Which of the following questions is used to determine a patient's chief complaint?

"What seems to be the matter?"

Which of the following roots can mean "white"?

"alb" and "leuk/o" (NOT: "eryth" -- red)

A 60-year-old man complains of chest pain. He is conscious and alert and denies shortness of breath. Which of the following questions would be the MOST appropriate to ask him?

"do you have any heart problems or take any medications?"

_______________ in the word "erythrocyte" means red.

"erythro"

Which of the following statements is NOT appropriate to document in the narrative section of a PCR?

"general impression revealed that the pt was intoxicated"

The prefixes meaning "half" include:

"hemi-" and "semi-"

Which of the following questions would you ask a patient to ascertain the "M" in the SAMPLE history?

"how much Tylenol do you take each day?"

You are interviewing a 52-year-old man who complains of chest discomfort. The patient is a retired paramedic and is very anxious because he thinks he is having a heart attack. Which of the following statements would be appropriate to say?

"it is possible that you are experiencing a heart attack..."

The meaning "under" can be represented by the prefixes "____" and "infra-."

"sub"

When to use rapid extrication:

- condition requires immediate transport - pt needs immediate care that requires supine position - pt blocks access to seriously inured pt

Your patient has had laryngitis for almost a week. It has progressed to the point that she has difficulty swallowing. What is the suffix pertaining to eating or swallowing?

-phagia

Children of which age group are considered toddlers?

1-3 y.a.

What are the 7 situations where the rapid extrication technique is used?

1. vehicle/scene unsafe 2. explosives/HazMat 3. fire 4. pt can't be assessed 5. pt needs immediate intervention 6. pt blocks access to injured pt

How far apart should your hands be when doing the power grip?

10"

At what age does separation anxiety typically peak in infants and small children?

10-18 months

At rest, the normal adult heart rate should not exceed:

100 bpm

What is the normal pulse rate for an infant?

100-160 bpm

An adolescent is a person between the ages of:

12-18 y.a.

The normal respiratory rate for an adult should range from:

12-20 breaths/min

A 29-year-old male with a head injury opens his eyes when you speak to him, is confused as to the time and date, and is able to move all of his extremities on command. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is:

13

How far apart should your legs be when lifting?

15"

You are dispatched to a public park in the middle of a sprawling for an arm injury. You arrive to find a crying 8-year-old boy cradling his swollen deformed left forearm. His friends tell you that he was holding onto the bars of the play structure and that his arm 'snapped' when he jumped into the sand below. You would expect to find a respiratory rate of between _______ and _______ breaths/min with this patient.

15-20 breaths/min (same as an adult)

When pulling a patient you should extend your arms no more than:

15-20" in front of your torso

During a 30-minute transport of a stable patient, you should reassess him or her at least ________ times.

2

One of the most important recent advances in prehospital emergency care is the _____________.

AED

Treatment and transport priorities at the scene of a mass-casualty incident should be determined after:

all the pts have been triaged

An infant's blood pressure typically increases with age because:

BP corresponds with body weight

The waste products of aerobic metabolism include:

CO2, H2O

You are responding to an accident scene involving an overturned semi truck carrying diesel fuel. Which reference source will be most helpful in this case?

DOT's "Emergency Response Guidebook"

What organization is EMS administered through on the federal level?

Department of Transportation

Which organization developed and published the first curriculum that served as the guideline for EMT training?

Department of Transportation

At what level is an individual who has training in basic life support, including automated external defibrillation, use of a definitive airway adjunct, and assisting patients with certain medications?

EMT

The determination that prompt surgical care in the hospital is more important than performing time-consuming procedures in the field on a major trauma patient is based MOSTLY on:

EMT research

The decline in cardiac function that commonly occurs in late adulthood is MOST often related to:

atherosclerosis

All radio communications in the United States are regulated by the _________.

FCC

A patient in a semi-reclined position with the head elevated to facilitate breathing is in the ___________ position.

Fowler

Which of the following is the most common type of high-risk call EMS providers respond to?

MVAs

Which of the following is the EMT required to wear when treating patients with suspected tuberculosis?

N95 mask

EMT training in nearly every state meets or exceeds the guidelines recommended by the:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Which of the following agencies is the source of the "EMS Agenda for the Future," the multidisciplinary national review of all aspects of EMS delivery?

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

What agency is responsible for enforcement of safety guidelines in the workplace?

OSHA

Which of the following statements regarding tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) immunizations is correct?

Tdap boosters are recommended every 10 years

What program, often available for EMS personnel, involves contracted agencies that provide a wide array of mental health, substance abuse, crisis management, and counseling services?

a critical incident stress management program

EMS, as we know it today, has its origins in the 1966 __________.

White Paper ("Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society") by Department of Transportation

In which of the following situations is a pertinent negative identified?

a 59-year-old complains of crushing chest pain but denies SOB

Which of the following scenarios does NOT involve the presence of any symptoms?

a 61-year-old female, unconscious, w facial cyanosis

which of the following would provide the EMT with the BEST cover in a situation involving active gunfire:

a concrete barricade

In which of the following situations would a direct ground lift be the MOST appropriate method of moving a patient?

a conscious pt complaining of abdominal pain

Which of the following statements regarding a "dedicated line" is MOST correct?

a constantly open line of communication that cannot be accessed by outside users

Which of the following is required to work as an EMT?

a current BLS/CPR credential

Negative pressure breathing involves:

a drop in pressure within the chest cavity

You are assessing a 75-year-old woman with mild shortness of breath. As you are asking her questions about her chief complaint and medical history, you progressively move closer and closer to her. In doing this, it is important to remember that:

a greater sense of trust must be established as you move closer to a pt

If the weight you are pushing is lower than your waist, you should push from:

a kneeling position

A decrease in the blood pressure may indicate:

a loss of vascular tone

Shortly after loading your patient, a 50-year-old man with abdominal pain, into the ambulance, he tells you that he changed his mind and does not want to go to the hospital. He is conscious and alert and has no signs of mental incapacitation. You are suspicious that the man has a significant underlying condition and feel strongly that he should go to the hospital. Which of the following statements regarding this situation is correct?

a mentally competent adult can withdraw his/her consent at any time

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts abandonment?

a paramedic transfers pt care to an EMT

What did the EMS Agenda for the Future create?

a plan to standardize the levels of EMS education and EMS providers in an effort to ensure more seamless EMS care across the country

Information included in a radio report to the receiving hospital should include all of the following, EXCEPT:

a preliminary diagnosis of the pt's problem

Which of the following general statements regarding consent is MOST correct?

a pt can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated

Which of the following statements regarding smooth muscle is correct?

a pt has no voluntary control over smooth muscle

Situations in which you should use the rapid extrication technique include all of the following, EXCEPT:

a pt who can be properly assessed while still in the vehicle

Which of the following patients does NOT have signs of an altered mental status?

a pt with an acute allergic reaction and dizziness

Signs of adequate breathing in the adult include all of the following, EXCEPT:

a reduction in tidal volume

In which of the following situations does the EMT not have a legal duty to act?

a response to a MVC while off-duty

Which of the following statements regarding the scoop stretcher is NOT correct?

a scoop stretcher will provide adequate immobilization of the pt's spinal column

A folding or portable stretcher is MOST beneficial when:

a second pt must be transported on the squad bench of an ambulance

Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system would result in:

a slow HR

The standards for prehospital emergency care and the providers who deliver it are governed by the law in each state and are typically regulated by__________.

a state office of EMS

You are providing a patient report via radio to medical direction. Your report should include _________.

a summary of care

A patient presents with severe erythema to his left lateral chest wall and a ruptured spleen. Upon arrival at the hospital, the surgeon performs a splenectomy. The suffix "-ectomy" means:

a surgical removal of

Which of the following descriptions MOST accurately portrays emergency medical services (EMS)?

a team of HCPs responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured

Gross negligence requires ___________.

a willful or reckless disregard for the standard of care

While evaluating a noncritical patient in the field, you receive a call from dispatch regarding a serious four-car accident. You inform the patient you are treating to have someone take him to his doctor to get checked out before leaving to attend to the more seriously injured people. This is an example of what?

abandonment

You are transporting a 67-year-old female patient to the hospital for investigation of abdominal pain. The patient care record indicates that the patient has a history of AAA. Based on this information, the patient care record includes an abbreviation for:

abdominal aortic aneurysm

Movement or motion away from the body's midline is called:

abduction

movement away from midline of body vs. towards midline of body

abduction vs. adduction

Which of the following conditions or situations presents the MOST unique challenge to the EMT when immobilizing an elderly patient on a long backboard?

abnormal spinal curvature

What do middle adults tend to focus their time and energy on?

achieving life goals

you are transporting an elderly woman who has possibly experienced a stroke. She is obviously scared but it unable to talk and cannot mover the entire right side of her body. In addition to providing the medical care that she needs, you should:

acknowledge that she is scared and tell her you'll take good care of her

In preconventional reasoning, children:

act almost purely to avoid punishment and to get what they want

Which of the following conditions would be LEAST likely to cause an altered level of consciousness?

acute anxiety

what does AMI stand for?

acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)

Why are prehospital emergency care guidelines updated on a regular basis?

additional information and evidence indicate the effectiveness of certain interventions has changed

High-risk behaviors usually peak during ________.

adolescence

Secondary sexual development occurs during _________________.

adolescence

Why should you be concerned about a 16-year-old patient who seems depressed?

adolescents are at a higher risk for suicide

Which of the following has training in limited advanced life support skills, such as IV therapy?

advanced EMT

When communicating with an older patient, it is important to remember that:

age-related changes diminish the effectiveness of the eyes and ears

During your assessment of a 20-year-old man with a severe headache and nausea, you ask him when his headache began, but he does not answer your question immediately. You should:

allow him time to think and responsd

when decontaminating the back of your ambulance after a call, you should:

allow surfaces to air dry unless indicated in the product directions

When dealing with the family of a child that has just died, you should __________.

allow the loved ones to be with the child if possible

As the bronchus divides into smaller bronchioles, the terminal ends of these smaller passages form the:

alveoli

Which of the following errors is an example of a knowledge-based failure?

an EMT administers the wrong drug to the pt because she did not know pertinent information about the drug

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts informed consent?

an EMT advises a pt of the risks of receiving treatment

which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reaction:

an EMT becomes distracted at the scene of a MVC involving the same type of car in which a child was previously killed

What are the three stages of general adaptation syndrome?

an alarm response, reaction and resistance, recovery/exhaustion

Which stage of grieving commonly results in blame?

anger/hostility

As an EMT, the performance of your duties will be compared to that of:

another EMT

chest side (2 words) vs. back side (2 words)

anterior/ventral vs. posterior/dorsal

Which of the following statements regarding psychosocial development in the adolescent age group is correct?

antisocial behavior and peer pressure peak around 14-16 y.a.

When using the pulse oximeter as part of your assessment of a patient, it is important to remember that:

any situation that causes vasoconstriction or loss of RBCs (ex. anemia, bleeding) may result in an inaccurate value

The major artery that supplies all other arteries with blood is the:

aorta

An unrestrained patient is sitting in his car after an automobile crash. He is conscious and alert, has no visible trauma, and is complaining of neck and back pain. Before removing him from his car, you should:

apply a cervical collar and immobilize him with a vest-style device

When performing the rapid extrication technique to remove a patient from their vehicle, you should:

apply a cervical collar and remove the pt on a long backboard

You arrive at a scene and you see a diamond-shaped placard on a transportation vehicle, what should you NOT do?

approach the driver side of the vehicle and offer help

During your monthly internal quality improvement (QI) meeting, you review several patient care reports (PCRs) with the staff of your EMS system. You identify the patient's name, age, and sex, and then discuss the treatment that was provided by the EMTs in the field. By taking this approach to the QI process, you:

are in violation of HIPAA because you did not remove PHI beforehand

The kidneys and pancreas are called retroperitoneal organs because they:

are located behind the abdominal cavity

"Arterio" in the word "arteriosclerosis" means:

artery

Poor peripheral circulation will cause the skin to appear:

ashen

Despite your numerous, sincere efforts to convince a 40-year-old man to consent to EMS treatment and transport, he refuses. After explaining the potential consequences of his refusal and determining that the patient has decision-making capacity, you ask him to sign an EMS refusal form, but he refuses to do that as well. You should:

ask a family member, law enforcement officer, or bystander to sign the form verifying that the pt refused to sign

Medical control gives you an order that seems inappropriate for the patient's condition. After confirming that you heard the physician correctly, you should:

ask for clarification

You are caring for a very sick patient who is complaining of chest pain. You have him on your cardiac monitor which is showing AF. Suddenly, the patient goes into VF, so you attach your AED and shock him. What do the abbreviations AF, VF and AED stand for?

atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, automated external defibrillator

When faced with a situation in which a patient is in cardiac arrest, and a valid living will or DNR order cannot be located you should:

begin resuscitation at once

Acting in such a way as to make another person fear immediate bodily harm is called:

assault

You receive a call to a local daycare center for an unresponsive 8-month-old infant. Upon arrival, you perform an assessment and determine that the infant is not breathing. After delivering two rescue breaths, you should:

assess for the presence of a brachial pulse

A patient regains consciousness en route from his office to the emergency department. The patient tells you that he feels fine and does not want to go to the hospital. Under these circumstances, you should:

assess whether or not the pt's mental condition is impaired

common factors that influence how a patient reacts to the stress of an illness or injury include all of the following, EXCEPT:

assessment by the EMT

According to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, an EMT should be able to:

assist a pt with certain prescribed medications

Age-related shrinkage of the brain increases the risk of ___________.

brain injury

Which of the following situations requires you to notify the appropriate authorities?

attempted suicide

Which of the following is the MOST effective method of assessing the quality of air movement in the lungs?

auscultating breath sounds with a stethoscope

When palpating the carotid pulse of a responsive older patient, you should:

avoid compressing both carotid arteries simultaneously

To avoid injury when pushing a patient or other object, you should:

avoid pushing the pt with your elbows fully extended

An EMT may injure his or her back, even if it is straight, if the:

back is bent forward at the hips

the stage of the grieving process where an attempt is made to secure a prize for good behavior or promise to change one's lifestyle is known as:

bargaining

The branch of medicine concerned with the management of obesity and allied diseases is:

bariatrics

Which of the following statements regarding nervous system control of the cardiovascular system is correct?

baroreceptors located throughout the body provide information to the brain regarding BP

Radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that are located in a fixed place is known as what?

base station

The MOST appropriate carrying device to use when moving a patient across rough or uneven terrain is the:

basket stretcher

When you and your partner arrive at the residence of a man in cardiac arrest, you immediately recognize the patient as the drunk driver who killed your brother several years earlier. A backup ambulance is en route to the scene. You should:

begin CPR/apply AED immediately

Which of the follow statements is false regarding proper lifting?

bend at the waist

Which of the following should you do when lifting something heavy?

bend your legs, not your waist

An increase in heart rate and contractility occurs due to stimulation of:

beta-1 receptors

Which of the following factors would MOST likely cause a patient's pulse rate to be slower than normal?

beta-blocker medications

A patient has fractured both femurs. Anatomically, these injuries would be described as being:

bilateral

a pt was involved in a MVC. he has abrasions to both arms. what word is used to describe this?

bilateral

The root "melan/o" means:

black

Contraction of the right ventricle causes:

blood to flow into the pulmonary circuit

To avoid injury to you, the patient, or your partners, you will have to learn how to lift and carry the patient properly, using proper __________ _________ and a power grip.

body mechanics

Which of the following pupillary changes would indicate depressed brain function?

both pupils dilate with introduction of a bright light

When auscultating the blood pressure in a patient's upper extremity, you should place the diaphragm (head) of the stethoscope over the _________ artery.

brachial

while assessing a pt, you note a slow pulse, which is:

bradycardia

"Encephalo" in the word "encephalitis" means:

brain

The central nervous system is composed of the:

brain and spinal cord

When performing a full-body scan on a trauma patient, you note the presence of Battle's sign. This is defined as:

bruising behind the ear

Placards are used on:

buildings

A person's bones will become brittle if he or she is deficient in:

calcium

In which manner should you act and speak with a patient?

calm and confident

what is carcinoma of the liver?

cancerous tumor of the liver

The exchange of oxygen and nutrients for waste products of metabolism occurs at the cellular level in the:

capillaries

the safest, most reliable sources for long-term energy production are:

carbohydrates

What prevents hemoglobin from transporting oxygen to tissues?

carbon monoxide

Which of the following incidents does NOT require a report to be filed with local authorities?

cardiac arrest

Which of the following statements regarding middle adults is correct?

cardiovascular health becomes an issue in this age group, as does cancer incidence

Which part of the central nervous system is responsible for coordinating bodily movements such as writing or sewing?

cerebellum

The largest portion of the brain, which is commonly referred to as the "gray matter," is called the:

cerebrum

Which of the following is the process in which a person, institution, or program is evaluated and recognized as meeting predetermined standards to provide safe and ethical care?

certification

the process by which an individual, an institution, or a program is evaluated and recognized as meeting certain standards is called:

certification

Which of the following is an example of secondary prevention?

cervical spinal immobilization (attempts to limit the effects of an injury/illness that cannot be prevented)

Select the areas of the spinal column in descending order:

cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccyx

One consequence of the loss of neurons among elderly persons is a(n):

changes in sleep patterns

When you begin an oral report, you should state the patient's age, sex, and:

chief complaint

With regard to the assessment of a patient's cardiovascular status, capillary refill time is MOST reliable in:

children who are younger than 6 years of age

Which three bones make up the shoulder girdle?

clavicle, scapula, humerus

For a do not resuscitate (DNR) order to be valid, it must:

clearly state the pt's medical problem

The most distal four spinal vertebrae, which are fused together, form the:

coccyx

The descending aorta branches into the:

common iliac arteries

EMTs should have a strong working knowledge of medical terminology in order to:

communicate effectively with other members of the health care team

Which of the following is an example of a primary prevention strategy?

community awareness programs that emphasize the dangers of drinking and driving (before injury happens)

Your EMS system uses a computerized PCR in which you fill in the information electronically and then send it to the emergency department via a secure Internet server. When completing your PCR after a call, you should:

complete a thorough and accurate narrative because drop-down boxes cannot provide all of the information that needs to be documented

While en route to the scene of a shooting, the dispatcher advises you that the caller states that the perpetrator has fled the scene. You should:

confirm this information with law enforcement personnel at the scene

Immediately after being dispatched to a residence for an elderly patient with diabetic complications, you should:

confirm with dispatch that you received the call information

The connecting nerve, a nerve of the peripheral nervous system, functions by:

connecting the sensory and motor nerves and bypassing the brain (reason for reflexes)

A 4-year-old boy had an apparent seizure. He is conscious and calm and is sitting on his mother's lap. His father is sitting in a nearby chair. The child's mother suddenly begins crying uncontrollably, which causes the child to start crying. You should:

consider asking the father to hold the child so your partner can calm the mother

Empathy requires the EMT to ___________.

consider the needs of others

All information recorded on the PCR must be:

considered confidential

General guidelines for carrying a patient on a stretcher include:

constant communication with your partners

When you shine a light into one pupil, the normal reaction of the other pupil should be to:

constrict

Stimulation of a-adrenergic receptors results in:

constriction of blood vessels (via epi)

What should you do if a patient refuses treatment or transport?

contact medical control

While transporting a woman with diabetes, you inadvertently give her oral glucose even though her blood glucose level was high. You reassess the patient and note that her condition did not change; she remained stable. You should:

contact medical control and notify him/her of the error

You are caring for a patient with pancreatic cancer. The patient is emaciated and only responds to loud verbal stimulus with the occasional moan. He offers no other response. The family tells you that there is no DNR but they do provide you with a Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST), which provides medical orders and is signed by the patient's physician. As you review the documentation, your partner reports that the patient has stopped breathing and has no carotid pulse. You should:

contact medical control for guidance

If an EMT candidate has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, he or she should:

contact the state EMS office and provide them with required documentation

Dead space is the portion of the respiratory system that:

contains no alveoli and does not participate in gas exchange

An appropriate demonstration of professionalism when your patient is frightened, demanding, or unpleasant is to:

continue to be nonjudgmental, compassionate and respectful

While transporting a stable patient with chest pain to the hospital, you come across a major motor vehicle crash involving several critically injured patients. Your MOST appropriate action should be to:

continue transporting your pt and notify the dispatcher of the crash

The patient care report (PCR) ensures:

continuity of care

You belong to a small volunteer EMS company and are treating a patient with chest pain, and you feel that the administration of aspirin is indicated. You ask the patient if he is allergic to aspirin and he says no. Shortly after you administer the aspirin, the patient develops signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Later in the hospital, the doctor advises you that the patient's medical history indicates that the patient has an allergy to aspirin. The patient later sues you. Which of the following is your best defense strategy?

contributory negligence

You are dispatched to a public park in the middle of a sprawling for an arm injury. You arrive to find a crying 8-year-old boy cradling his swollen deformed left forearm. His friends tell you that he was holding onto the bars of the play structure and that his arm 'snapped' when he jumped into the sand below. An adult bystander tells you that the boy kept trying to impress his friends with more and more dangerous stunts on the play structure prior to the injury. This is an indication of ________ reasoning.

conventional

A school-age child looking for approval from his peers and society is demonstrating what kind of reasoning?

conventional reasoning

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) provide ________.

counseling services

The tactical use of an impenetrable barrier for protection that law enforcement agents use is called what?

cover

The firm cartilaginous ring that forms the inferior portion of the larynx is called the:

cricoid cartilage

Recently you started noticing that a coworker is disinterested in his work. He has started coming in late and has taken to sitting alone and not socializing with other members of the team. The job has been stressful lately. Call volume has increased and you rarely have any downtime between calls. What is your coworker most likely experiencing?

cumulative stress reaction

When assessing the skin of an unconscious patient, you note that it has a bluish tint to it. This finding is called:

cyanosis

Putrefaction is defined as:

decomposition of the body's tissues

It is essential that you ____________ your equipment to prevent the spread of disease.

decontaminate

Diastolic blood pressure tends to _______ with age.

decrease

Age-related changes in the renal system result in:

decreased ability to eliminate wastes and conserve fluids

Why does the incidence of diabetes mellitus increase with age?

decreased physical activity, increased weight gain, decreased insulin production

When encountering a patient with depressed fontanelles, you should suspect:

dehydration

An obvious sign of death caused by discoloration of the body from pooling of the blood to the lower parts of the body is called what?

dependent lividity

You arrive at the scene of an apparent death. When evaluating the patient, which of the following is a definitive sign of death?

dependent lividity

Which of the following is not a part of the life cycle of sperm?

deposited by the seminal vesicles

Which of the following skin layers contains sweat and oil glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, and nerve endings?

dermis

A 50-year-old male is found unconscious in his car. There were no witnesses to the event. When gathering medical history information for this patient, the EMT should:

determine if the pt has a medical alert bracelet or wallet card

When communicating with a visually impaired patient, you should:

determine the degree of the pt's impairment

When evaluating a patient with multiple complaints, the EMT's responsibility is to:

determine which complaint poses the greatest threat to the pt's life

which of the following is an effective stress management strategy:

developing a social network outside of EMS

Which of the following MOST accurately defines negligence?

deviation from the standard of care that may result in further injury

A patient with profuse sweating is referred to as being:

diaphoretic

The ____________ is a muscular dome that forms the inferior boundary of the thorax, separating the thorax from the abdomen.

diaphragm

The phase of the cardiac cycle in which the ventricles fill with blood is called:

diastole

An EMT would MOST likely be held liable for abandonment if he or she:

did not make provisions for continued care of an injured pt

The ________ ________ _________ is used for patients with no suspected spinal injury who are found lying supine on the ground.

direct ground lift

External bleeding from an extremity can usually be controlled by a combination of:

direct pressure and elivation

Upon arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you find a single patient still seated in his car. There are no scene hazards. As you approach the vehicle, you note that the patient is semiconscious and has a large laceration to his forehead. You should:

direct your partner to apply manual in-line stabilization of the pt's head

During the alert and dispatch phase of EMS communications, the dispatcher's responsibilities include all of the following, EXCEPT:

discouraging the caller from providing care until the EMS unit arrives

The suffix "-pathy" means:

disease

A fracture of the humerus just above the elbow would be described as a:

distal humerus fracture

further from body vs. closer to body

distal vs. proximal

Common sources of stress for EMTs include _________.

disturbing sights, smells and sounds

The artery that can be palpated on the anterior surface of the foot is the:

dorsalis pedis

a 72-year-old female underwent a pleurocentesis. what does this mean?

draining fluid from the chest

If you discover an error as you are writing your PCR, what should you do?

draw a single horizontal line through the error, initial it, and write the correct information next to it

What is the MOST appropriate method to use when moving a patient from his or her bed to the wheeled stretcher?

draw sheet method

You have been called to the scene of a high-speed motor vehicle collision involving two compact cars. The first vehicle was a roll-over, ejecting the driver. The second vehicle contained both a driver and a front-seat passenger who cannot be reached because the door is up against a building. You'll likely use the ________ to transfer the patient from your stretcher to the hospital bed.

draw sheet method

Where would you MOST likely find information regarding a patient's wishes to be an organ donor?

driver's license

Which of the following gives surrogates the right to make decisions for patients regarding their health care in the event that the patient is incapacitated and unable to make such decisions?

durable power of attorney for health care

When does acute stress occur?

during a stressful situation

Once your ambulance is dispatched to an emergency, you have an obligation to respond. What is this called?

duty to act

Which of the following components are needed to prove negligence?

duty to act, breach of duty, injury/damages, causation

you are reviewing a pt care report and note the abbreviation DOE. what does this mean?

dyspnea on exertion

The pulse oximeter is an assessment tool used to evaluate the:

effectiveness of oxygenation

Breathing is often more difficult in older adults because the:

elasticity of the lungs decreases

Communicating with hearing-impaired patients can be facilitated by doing all of the following, EXCEPT:

elevating the tone of your voice and exaggerating word pronunciations

What is the best way to care for your patient once he tells you he does not want to go to the hospital?

encourage them to call 911 if the condition worsens

Which of the following systems is responsible for releasing hormones that regulate body activities?

endocrine

You are dispatched to an office building for a 49-year-old male with chest pain. When you arrive at the scene, you find the patient to be conscious and alert, but in obvious pain. He tells you that he did not call 911; a coworker did. He further states that he does not want to be treated or transported to the hospital. You should:

ensure he is aware of the risks of refusal

When approaching a 32-year-old male who is complaining of traumatic neck pain, you should:

ensure that the pt can see you approaching him

Upon arriving at a potentially unsafe scene, you should:

ensure that you are safe

which of the following is NOT an FCC principal EMS-related responsibility?

ensuring that all radios contain lithium batteries

The leaf-shaped flap of tissue that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing is called the:

epiglottis

Key hormones of the sympathetic nervous system include:

epinephrine, norepinephrine

Hemoglobin is a molecule that attaches to ___________ and carries oxygen.

erythrocytes

When a person considers his or her own cultural values as more important when interacting with people of a different culture, what is this referred to?

ethnocentrism

Prior to applying medical restraints to a combative patient, you should:

evaluate the pt for potentially correctible causes of combativeness, such as head injury, hypoxia, or hypoglycemia

Which of the following can help reduce stress levels?

exercise

When performing his or her duties, the EMT is generally expected to:

exercise reasonable care and act prudently

You suspect that a pregnant 16-year-old girl has a broken leg after she was hit by a car. You explain that you plan to splint her leg, and she agrees to treatment. What type of consent is her agreement considered?

expressed

You arrive at the scene of a call to find an elderly man complaining of chest pain. You introduce yourself and ask permission to examine him. He nods and extends his arm. Which type of consent is this?

expressed consent

A 56-year-old female is found supine in a narrow hallway of her mobile home. She complains of severe weakness and dizziness, and states that she is unable to walk. There is no evidence of trauma and the patient states that she did not fall. How should you and your partner move this patient to a more spacious area?

extremity lift

The _________ ________ ma be especially helpful when the patient is in a very narrow space or when there is not enough room for the patient and a team of EMTs to stand side by side.

extremity lift

Encouraging this patient to provide more information about his injury is an example of which therapeutic communication technique?

facilitation

in the female, what structure carries the ovum to the uterus?

fallopian tubes

You have responded to a vehicle accident call. Initially, the male patient allows you to splint his broken arm and complete a primary assessment. However, he rescinds consent during transport and demands to be let out of the ambulance. If you refuse, which of the following might you be charged with?

false imprisonment

A blood pressure cuff that is too small for a patient's arm will give a:

falsely high systolic and diastolic reading

Which of the following are central pulses?

femoral, carotid

In lifting with the palm down, the weight is supported by the _________ rather than the palm.

fingers

The atlas is the:

first cervical vertebra, which is easily palpable

The mattress on a stretcher must be _________ ________ so that it does not absorb any type of potentially infectious material, including water, blood, or other body fluid.

fluid resistant

You and your partner are attempting to resuscitate a middle-aged female in cardiac arrest. Because of the remote location you are in, you are unable to contact medical control. What should you do?

follow standing orders

After you submit the electronic PCR for a call, you realize that you accidentally documented the wrong vital signs. What should you do?

follow your agency's directions for making an amendment

The areas of the infant's skull that have not yet fused together are called ________.

fontanelles

The brain connects to the spinal cord through a large opening at the base of the skull called the:

foramen magnum

Which of the following findings indicates that your patient has a patent airway?

forceful coughing

You should not attempt to lift a patient who weighs more than 250 lb with fewer than _______ rescuers, regardless of individual strength.

four

The direct carry is used to transfer a patient:

from a bed to the ambulance stretcher

Bile is produced by the liver and concentrated and stored in the:

gallbladder

Among the safety precautions you can take at the scene are all of the following EXCEPT:

gently rocking a vehicle to ensure that it will not move before attempting to extricate the pt

Before any lifting is initiated, the team leader should do all of the following EXCEPT:

give a command of execution

The official transfer of patient care does not occur until the EMT:

gives an oral report in the ER

You are transporting a 54-year-old male in cardiac arrest. An EMR is driving the ambulance as you and your partner attempt to resuscitate the patient. What is the MOST logical way of notifying the hospital?

have the driver contact dispatch and relay pt information to the hospital

"Adeno" in the word "adenectomy" means:

gland

What are the minimum infection control precautions for all patient contact situations?

gloves and eye protection

the quickest source of energy is ________________; however, this supply will last less than a day.

glucose

The bony prominence on the lateral/superior aspect of the thigh is called the:

greater trochanter

A patient successfully sued your EMS employer and was awarded compensatory and punitive damages. This means the agency was likely found guilty of ___________.

gross negligence

Which of the following has the weakest transmission signal and, as a result, is LEAST likely to be heard by the party being called?

hand-held portable radio

medical control guides the treatment of patients in the system through all of the following EXCEPT:

hands-on care

Which of the following precautions can always be taken by an EMT to reduce the risk of becoming ill?

handwashing, with or without water

You should suspect that a patient is experiencing respiratory failure if he or she:

has bradycardia and diminished muscle tone

You and your partner arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle crash. The driver, a young male, is severely entrapped in his car. He has an open head injury and massive facial trauma. He is unresponsive, is not breathing, and does not have a palpable carotid pulse. You should:

have your partner check for a pulse to confirm that the pt is deceased

Because of the weight distribution on backboards and stretchers, the stronger the EMTs should be at the:

head

Which of the following is an example of a symptom?

headache

A by-product of involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation is:

heat

The elbow is an example of a ____________ joint.

hinge

You suspect that a 75-year-old man has internal injuries after he fell and struck his ribs and abdomen on the corner of a table. When assessing and treating an injured patient of this age, you must recall that:

his ability to physiologically compensate for his injury may be impaired due to an inability to increase cardiac output

which of the following is NOT a function of the urinary system?

hormone regulation

The ____________ deals with the well-being of the EMT, career progression, and EMT compensation.

human resources department

The supporting bone of the arm is the:

humerus

___________ pressure is the pressure exerted by a liquid and occurs when blood is moved through the artery at relatively high pressures.

hydrostatic

You respond to a call for a female pedestrian who has been struck by a car. As your partner maintains manual stabilization of her head, you perform a primary assessment. She is unconscious, has ineffective breathing, and has bloody secretions in her mouth. You should:

immediately suction her oropharynx

You have two patients who were involved in a motor vehicle crash when their SUV struck a tree—one with neck and back pain, and the other with a deformed left femur. The patient with the deformed femur states that he does not want to be placed on a hard board, nor does he want a collar around his neck. What is the MOST appropriate and practical method of securing these patients and placing them into the ambulance?

immobilize the pt with neck and back pain on a long backboard and place him on the wheeled stretcher; place the pt with the deformed femur on a folding stretcher secured to the squad bench

Which of the following types of consent allows treatment of a patient who is unconscious or mentally incapacitated?

implied

Patients with chest pain or dyspnea should normally be transported __________.

in a position of comfort

Breathing occurs as the result of a(n):

increase in CO2 which decreases the pH of CSF and stimulates chemoreceptors to initiate breathing

Physical changes that typically occur in early adults include an:

increase in fatty tissue, which leads to weight gain

In contrast to typical wheeled ambulance stretchers, features of a bariatric stretcher include?

increased stability due to a wider wheelbase

Factors that contribute to a decline in the vital capacity of an elderly patient include all of the following, EXCEPT:

increased surface area available for air exchange

Which of the following is NOT a common factor that would affect a 75-year-old patient's vital signs?

increased weight

In late adults, the amount of air left in the lungs after expiration of the maximum amount of air:

increases, which hampers diffusion of gases due to stagnant (residual) air remaining in the alveoli

while providing care to a patient, blood got onto the ambulance stretcher. Because the stretcher was not properly cleaned afterward, a virus was transmitted to another EMT several days later. Which route of transmission does this scenario describe:

indirect contact (not with the pt him/herself)

Obtaining continuing medical education is the responsibility of the:

individual EMT

Children from 1 month to 1 year of age are called ________.

infants

The topographic term used to describe the parts of the body that are nearer to the feet is:

inferior

Deoxygenated blood from the abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities is returned to the right atrium via the:

inferior vena cava

you are caring for a 6-year-old with pharyngitis. what does this mean?

inflammation of the throat

A patient's refusal for EMS treatment and/or transport must be:

informed

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract during:

inhalation

Confined-space fires present a high risk of __________.

inhalation injury

What is the function of platelets?

initial blood clot formation

The MOST serious consequence of a poorly planned or rushed patient move is:

injury to you or your pt

A 16-year-old female complains of vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping that began several hours ago. During your assessment interview, you should:

inquire about the possibility of pregnancy in private

Laypeople are often trained to perform all of the following skills, EXCEPT:

insertion of the oropharyngeal airway

Which of the following statements regarding age-related changes in the nervous system is correct?

interconnections between brain cells often prevent a loss of knowledge or skill, despite neuron loss

Upon arriving at the scene of a patient with difficulty breathing, you determine that the scene is safe. You enter the residence and find the patient sitting in a chair in obvious distress. Your first action should be to:

introduce yourself to the pt

The diaphragm is a unique muscle because it:

is both a voluntary and involuntary muscle

A diabetic patient has polydipsia. This means that she:

is excessively thirsty

In many states, a minor may be treated as an adult for the purpose of consenting to or refusing medical treatment if the minor:

is self-supporting and lives by him/herself

What was the focus of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's On Death and Dying?

it introduced the stages of grief

Which of the following statements regarding the power lift is correct?

it is the safest and most powerful method of lifting a pt

What is the primary feature of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?

it limits the availability of a pt's health care information

What purpose did The White Paper Serve?

it revealed the inadequacy of prehospital emergency care and transportation

You have been called to the scene of a high-speed motor vehicle collision involving two compact cars. The first vehicle was a roll-over, ejecting the driver. The second vehicle contained both a driver and a front-seat passenger who cannot be reached because the door is up against a building. Which of the following is an advantage of the diamond carry?

it uses an even number of people (less likely to drop)

Which of the following is NOT a facial bone?

mastoid

If an action or procedure that was performed on a patient is not recorded on the written report:

it was not performed in the eyes of the law

Which of the following statements regarding stridor is MOST correct?

it's a high-pitched, crowing upper airway sound

Which of the following statements regarding the heart is correct?

it's under control of the ANS

When carrying a patient on a backboard up or down stairs:

keep the head end elevated

To minimize the risk of injuring yourself when lifting or moving a patient, you should:

keep the weight as close to your body as possible

The FIRST rule of safe lifting is to:

keep your back in a straight, vertical position

Which of the following organs is NOT part of the digestive system?

kidney

When using a body drag to pull a patient who is on the ground, you should:

kneel to minimize the distance that you'll have to lean over

Which of the following is a common characteristic of mental health problems?

lack of impulse control

The vocal cords are located in the:

larynx

When pulling a patient, you should do all of the following EXCEPT:

lean forward another 15-20" when you can pull no further

An 81-year-old female fell and struck her head. You find the patient lying on her left side. She is conscious and complains of neck and upper back pain. As you are assessing her, you note that she has a severely kyphotic spine. What is the MOST appropriate method of immobilizing this patient?

leave her on her side and use blanket rolls to immobilize her to the long backboard

Two EMTs witnessed a call in which a coworker gave adequate medical care but ignored the patient's emotional needs. The coworker was deliberately rude solely because the patient was thought to be infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The EMTs ignored the coworker's treatment of this patient and took no steps to prevent this behavior from happening again. This lack of action on the part of the two EMTs is considered:

legal but unethical

If you are alone and must remove an unconscious patient from a car, you should first move the patient's:

legs

Your patient is refusing care. Which of the following should you do first?

let him know what your concerns are

The proper technique for using the power grip is to:

lift with your palms up

Which of the following steps is NOT proper procedure when performing an emergency move?

lifting the pt by the belt to move him/her

Which of the following can help improve the quality of sleep?

limiting caffeine intake

In patients with deeply pigmented skin, changes in color may be apparent only in certain areas, such as the:

lips or oral mucosa

"Hepato" in the word "hepatitis" means:

liver

The __________ fills the entire anteroposterior depth of the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen.

liver

the _______________ is connected to the intestine by the bile ducts

liver

The goal of the full-body scan that is performed during the secondary assessment is to:

locate injuries not found in the primary assessment

All of the following are considered to be protected health information (PHI), EXCEPT:

location of the call

At the scene of a mass-casualty incident, you identify a patient as an organ donor. When triaging the other patients, you:

may have to assign the donor a lower triage priority

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate device to use when immobilizing a patient with a suspected spinal injury?

long backboard

which of the following would be considered an underlying cause of shock?

loss of blood vessel control

if a pt is lying prone on the ground, they are:

lying face down

A critical aspect of the rapid extrication technique is to:

maintain stabilization of the spine at all times

Continuing education in EMS serves to:

maintain, update, and expand your knowledge and skills

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)?

maintaining communications equipment on the ambulance

Calming and reassuring an anxious patient can be facilitated by:

maintaining eye contact

For which of the following patients is spinal immobilization clearly indicated?

man who was struck in the head and is now confused and has slurred speech

The most superior portion of the sternum is called the:

manubrium

The prefix "multi-" means:

many

at the scene of an automobile crash, a utility pole has been broken and power lines are lying across the car. The patients inside the car are conscious. You should:

mark off a danger zone around the downed lines

You are dispatched to a public park in the middle of a sprawling for an arm injury. You arrive to find a crying 8-year-old boy cradling his swollen deformed left forearm. His friends tell you that he was holding onto the bars of the play structure and that his arm 'snapped' when he jumped into the sand below. You would expect this boy's pulse to be:

most likely above 90 bpm

When communicating with an older patient, it is important to remember that:

most older people think clearly and are capable of answering questions

Which of the following is false regarding the lifting and moving of geriatric patients?

most pts will be able to lie supine on a backboard without problems

Your patient has been involved in an MVA. The term MVA stands for:

motor vehicle accident

"Myo" in the word myocarditis means:

muscle

The heart muscle is called the:

myocardium

Which of the following statements regarding the NREMT is correct?

national standard for EMT testing

When caring for a 65-year-old male with respiratory distress, you place him in a comfortable position but do not apply oxygen. The patient's condition continues to deteriorate and he develops cardiac arrest and dies at the hospital. This scenario is an example of:

negligence

From birth to 1 month old, a person is called a(n):

neonate

what does NPO mean?

nothing by mouth

You receive a subpoena to testify in court regarding a case that occurred two years ago in which you and your partner did not attempt resuscitation of a cardiac arrest patient. Upon receiving the subpoena, you should:

notify the director of your EMS system and obtain legal counsel

Typical methods of assessing a patient's breathing include all of the following, EXCEPT:

observing for nasal flaring during inhalation

Trauma to the __________ lobe of the brain would likely result in visual disturbances.

occipital

What type of medical direction do standing orders and protocols describe?

offline

Which of the following MOST accurately describes the correct position of the EMTs who are executing the diamond carry technique?

one at the head, one at the feet, one on each side of pt's torso

Which of the following MOST accurately describes paradoxical movement of the chest wall?

only one section of the chest rises on inspiration while another area falls

A patient with a pneumothorax has unilateral chest expansion. This means that:

only one side of his chest rises when he inhales

The ___________ is made up of the maxilla and zygoma, as well as the frontal bone of the cranium.

orbit

You are transporting a 30-year-old female patient with a decreased level of consciousness. The patient care record includes the abbreviation OBS in the patient's past medical history. Based on this information, you may conclude that the patient has a history of:

organic brain syndrome

When dealing with a confused patient, you should __________.

orient the pt often

Which of the following conditions would MOST likely cause the pupils to remain significantly constricted?

overdose of an opiate drug

In infants and small children, skin color should be assessed on the:

palms and soles

what organ secretes enzymes that are used to digest fats, starches, and protein?

pancreas

The exocrine gland of the pancreas secretes:

pancreatic juice

An EMS provider who has extensive training in various aspects of advanced life support (ALS) is called a(n):

paramedic

Cardiac monitoring, pharmacological interventions, and other advanced treatment skills are functions of the:

paramedic

Anterior to the knee is a specialized bone called the:

patella

The suffix "_________" means disease.

pathy

Doing what is best for the patient is known as ________.

patient advocacy

The right of a patient to make decisions concerning his or her health is called what?

patient autonomy

The MOST effective way to determine whether your patient's problem is medical or traumatic in origin is to:

perform a careful and thorough assessment

According to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, an EMT would require special permission from the medical director and the state EMS office in order to:

perform blood glucose monitoring

The circulation of blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the cells' current needs is called:

perfusion

During your assessment of a 6-month-old male with vomiting and diarrhea, you note that his capillary refill time is approximately 4 seconds. From this information, you should conclude that the infant's:

peripheral circulation is decreased

the EMT's first priority is:

personal safety

You are attending to a patient who was involved in a car crash. He was not wearing his seat belt when he ran off the highway and hit a tree. You correctly assume that he has cardiac tamponade. On arrival at the hospital the doctor performs pericardiocentesis. The suffix "-centesis" means:

pertaining to puncturing an organ or body cavity

The bones that comprise the fingers and toes are called:

phalanges

Relative to the adult's airway, the child's:

pharynx is smaller and less deeply curved

Which of the following glands regulates the function of all other endocrine glands in the body?

pituitary

what should you do if you suspect your patient has TB?

place a particulate air respirator on yourself and a surgical mask on the pt

Which of the following is the MOST accurate guide to palpating a pulse?

place the tips of your index and long fingers over the pulse point

When moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, you should:

place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs and carry the pt down with a stair chair

Which of the following are noticeable characteristics of a 9-month-old infant?

places objects in the mouth, pulls himself/herself up

A young male jumped from a tree and landed feet first. Which aspect of his body has sustained the initial injury?

plantar

When performing a full-body scan on a supine patient, what part of the body is typically assessed last?

posterior

Which of the following anatomic terms is synonymous with the word "dorsal"?

posterior

Which of the following is an advantage of enhanced 9-1-1 systems over regular 9-1-1 systems?

potential use of GPS technology

Stealing from a parent's wallet and denying it when caught is an example of _______ reasoning.

preconventional

You are transporting a 26-year-old female patient who is 7 months pregnant. The patient care record indicates that the patient is primigravida. The prefix in this term indicates that the patient is:

pregnant for the first time

A palpable pulse is created by:

pressure waves through the arteries caused by cardiac contraction

Public health examines the health needs of entire populations. In the United States, public health focuses on education and what else?

prevention

A proactive approach to public health focuses on _________.

prevention of injury and illness

You are treating a man with a closed head injury following an assault by a burglar. The patient, who has slurred speech, becomes verbally abusive and tells you to leave him alone. You should:

proceed with treatment and utilize law enforcement if necessary

Which of the following statements regarding anaerobic metabolism is correct?

produces lactic acid and occurs when cellular O2 is limited

Dressing and acting properly while on duty are examples of ___________.

professional attributes

definitive or conclusive signs of death that are obvious and clear to even nonmedical people include all of the following EXCEPT:

profound cyanosis

The criteria to be licensed and employed as an EMT include:

proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases

What section of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act(HIPAA) most affects EMS personnel?

protecting pt privacy

White blood cells are also called leukocytes and function by:

protecting the body from infection

White blood cells, which are also called leukocytes, function by:

protecting the body from infection

In order to treat a patient, what will you need to follow?

protocols

To minimize the risk of litigation, the EMT should always:

provide competent care that meets current standards

You and your partner are the first to arrive at a potential crime scene with a critically injured patient involved. The scene is safe. Your first priority is to:

provide immediate pt care

You are dispatched to a middle school for a 16-year-old female experiencing an asthma attack. She is conscious and alert, but in severe respiratory distress. The school nurse informs you that she has tried several times to contact the patient's parents but has not been successful. You should:

provide treatment up to your level of training and transport the child at once

An infant or small toddler would MOST likely gain trust in a person who:

provides an organized, routine environment

Which of the following is a unique function of the emergency medical dispatcher (EMD)?

providing callers with life-saving instructions

Roles and responsibilities of the EMT include __________.

providing on-scene leadership

In which of the following circumstances can the EMT legally release confidential patient information?

pt is competent and signs a release form

upon arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you note that two small cars collided head-on; the occupants are still in thier vehicles. The fire dept is in the process of stablizing the vechicles and law enforcement personnel are directing traffic. after parking the ambulance at a safe distance, you and your partner should:

put on high-visibility safety vests

The responsibility of the medical director to ensure the appropriate medical care standards are met by EMTs on each call is called what?

quality control

You are dispatched to an apartment complex for a shooting. Law enforcement personnel are present and have the suspect in custody. You find the patient lying in a narrow space between the couch and coffee table of his small apartment. He is semiconscious and has a large gunshot wound to his chest. You should:

quickly move the coffee table to access and treat the pt

In responsive patients that are older than 1 year of age, you should palpate the pulse at the ________ artery.

radial

Pain that moves from its point of origin to another body location is said to be:

radiating

The bones of the forearm are called the:

radius and ulna

When palpating a patient's pulse, you note that there is a short interval between pulsations. This indicates that the pulse is:

rapid

You and your partner enter the residence of an elderly couple, both of whom are found unconscious in their bed. There is no evidence of trauma. As you begin your assessment, you and your partner notice the smell of natural gas in the residence. Which of the following should be your MOST appropriate action?

rapidly remove the pts from their residence using a blanket or clothes drag

When log rolling a patient, you should do all of the following except:

reach as far as possible to maintain stability

What is the second stage of response in the stress response known as the general adaptation syndrome?

reaction and resistance

The primary function of the right atrium is to:

receive blood from the vena cava

If a defibrillator manufacturer claims that its device terminates ventricular fibrillation on the first shock 95% of the time, you should:

recognize that this does not mean the device will save more lives

If a patient develops difficulty breathing after your primary assessment, you should immediately:

reevaluate his/her airway status

Which of the following is included in the narrative section in a PCR?

refusal of care

Many effects of aging can be diminished by ___________.

regular exercise

As you radio the hospital to give a report on your patient, which of the following should you do?

remain objective and impartial

After receiving online orders from medical control to perform a patient care intervention, you should:

repeat the order to medical control word for word

When performing a reassessment of your patient, you should first:

repeat the primary assessment

quid pro quo, a type of sexual harassment, occurs when the harasser:

requests sexual favors in exchange for something else

The amount of air that remains in the lungs simply to keep them open is called:

residual volume

How does respiration differ from ventilation?

respiration is the process of gas exchange; ventilation is the simple movement of air between the lungs and environment

Which of the following is MOST characteristic of adequate breathing in an adult?

respirations of 20 breaths/min w bilateral chest rise

As you are wheeling your patient through the emergency department doors, you receive another call for a major motor vehicle crash. You should:

respond only after giving a verbal pt report to a nurse or physician

You are dispatched to the residence of a person who frequently calls 9-1-1 for nonemergency care. You should:

respond under the assumption that an acute emergency exists

You are assessing a 13-month-old female who is running a fever and has been vomiting. While you are performing your physical examination on this child, you will MOST likely find that she:

responds to her name but is fearful of your presence

in regard to therapeutic communication patient techniques, what does the term reflection mean?

restating a pt's statement made to you to confirm your understanding

Your ability to remain awake is a function of the:

reticular activating system

The _________ is both the mechanical weight-bearing base of the spinal column and the fused central posterior section of the pelvic girdle.

sacrum

The ___________ portion of the spinal column is joined to the iliac bones of the pelvis.

sacrum

The large, flat, triangular bone that overlies the posterior thoracic wall is called the:

scapula

_________ is a critical stage in the development of conscience-based decision making.

school age

A(n) ________ ________ may be used for patients who have been struck by a motor vehicle.

scoop stretcher

Which of the following situations would require an urgent patient move?

semiconscious pt with shallow respirations and signs of shock

What set of nerves is responsible for carrying information from the body to the central nervous system?

sensory

The cervical spine is composed of ___________ vertebrae.

seven

Which of the following situations or conditions warrants immediate transport?

severe chest pain; cool, pale skin

Clinical signs of labored breathing include all of the following, EXCEPT:

shallow chest movement

A pregnant patient is diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum. This means that:

she has excessive vomiting

Which of the following statements regarding standing orders is correct?

should be followed when physician contact not possible

You are transporting a 34-year-old male who is unresponsive, and his patient care record includes the abbreviation BS. Based on this information, the patient care record:

should define the abbreviation to ensure clarity

When a person is standing upright, the weight of anything being lifted and carried in the hands is FIRST reflected onto the:

shoulder girdle

In contrast to secure attachment, anxious-avoidant attachment occurs when a child:

shows little emotional response to a parent or caregiver following repeated rejection

Two-way communication that requires the EMT to "push to talk" and "release to listen" describes which mode of communication?

simplex

The electrical impulse of the heart normally begins at the:

sinoatrial (SA) node

Jugular venous distention suggests a problem with blood returning to the heart if the patient is:

sitting up at a 45 degree angle

Which of the following structures does NOT contain smooth muscle?

skeletal system

The axial skeleton is composed of the:

skull, face, thorax, and vertebral column

You are dispatched to a call for a 4-month-old infant with respiratory distress. While you prepare to take care of this child, you must remember that:

small infants are nose breathers and require clear nasal passages at all times

The primary organ responsible for absorption of products of digestion is the:

small intestine

Activities such as walking, talking, and writing are regulated exclusively by the:

somatic NS

Which organ lies in the lateral and posterior portion of the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the abdomen?

spleen

Worn out blood cells, foreign substances, and bacteria are filtered from the blood by the:

spleen

By definition, pandemic illnesses have ___________.

spread throughout the world

"Gastro" in the word "gastroenteritis" means:

stomach

Which of the following abnormal breath sounds indicates obstruction of the upper airway?

stridor

Cardiac output (CO) is affected by:

stroke volume and heart rate

What layer of the skin is composed of fatty tissue and serves as an insulator for the body?

subcutaneous

A crackling sound produced by air bubbles under the skin is called:

subcutaneous emphysema

When assessing a patient's abdomen, you will typically evaluate for all of the following, EXCEPT:

subcutaneous emphysema

the MOST serious consequence of drug or alcohol abuse among EMS personnel is:

substandard or inappropriate pt care

Which of the following statements regarding Good Samaritan laws is correct?

such laws will not protect the EMT in cases of gross negligence

After performing a head tilt-chin lift maneuver to open the airway of an unresponsive patient, you should:

suction as needed and insert an airway adjunct

top vs. bottom

superior vs. inferior

The suffix "-ectomy" means:

surgical removal of

Which of the following would the EMT most likely not perform on a responsive patient with a headache and no apparent life-threatening conditions?

systemic head-to-toe exam

When you use the palpation method to obtain a blood pressure, the measurement you obtain is the:

systolic BP

Older adults frequently ___________.

take multiple medications

What happens when blood volume is lost from the body?

the arteries contract to increase BP

Atherosclerosis is defined as ________.

the blockage of a coronary artery

With increasing age, the heart must work harder to move the blood effectively because:

the blood vessels become stiff

Large amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is generated when:

the cells function with adequate O2

To avoid the strain of unnecessary lifting and carrying, you should use _________ or assist an able patient to the stretcher whenever possible.

the extremity lift

After being dispatched on an emergency call, you should expect the dispatcher to provide you with all of the following information, EXCEPT:

the general geographic location of the incident

Denial, anger, and bargaining are stages of __________.

the grieving process

Which of the following statements regarding the neonatal isolette is correct?

the isolette serves to keep the neonate warm and protects him/her from excess handling

Which of the following statements regarding the kidneys is correct?

the kidneys eliminate toxic waste from the body and control the body's fluid balance

information given to the responding unit(s) should include all of the following EXCEPT:

the list of all pt medications

Which of the following statements regarding patient weight distribution is correct?

the majority of a horizontal patient's weight is in the torso

Which of the following authorizes you, as an EMT, to provide emergency care to a patient?

the medical director

what is the first thing you should do if exposed to a patient's blood or body fluids?

turn over pt care to another EMS provider

Relative to the kidneys, the liver is:

unilateral

Urine is transported from the kidneys to the urinary bladder via the:

ureters

In order to facilitate a safe and coordinated move, the team leader should:

use preparatory commands to initiate any moves

You and your partner are dispatched to a residence for an "ill person." When you arrive, you find that the patient, a 44-year-old man, does not speak English. There are no relatives or bystanders present who can act as an interpreter. You should:

use short simple questions and point to specific body parts to determine the source of the pt's complaint

While at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you determine that there are two critically injured patients and that another ambulance is needed. You attempt to contact the dispatcher with your portable radio but are unsuccessful. You should:

use the mobile radio in the ambulance to contact dispatch

When communicating information over the radio, you should:

use the words "affirmative" and "negative" instead of "yes" or "no"

Which of the following is a function of the upper airway?

warms and humidifies air

General guidelines for effective radio communications include all of the following, EXCEPT:

using 10 codes

When carrying a patient up or down stairs, you should avoid:

using a wheeled stretcher whenever possible

Which of the following statements regarding the blood pressure is correct?

usually not measured in children < 3 y.a.

You are attending to a 3-year-old female who fell off her bicycle and struck her head on the curb. The patient is alert and crying. When you attempt to immobilize her on a backboard, she becomes very upset and agitated. The most suitable alternative to the backboard is to:

utilize a vacuum mattress

Which of the following involves the spread of infection by animals or insects that carry an organism from one person or place to another?

vector-borne transmission

While evaluating a patient with chest pain, your partner tells you that the patient's blood pressure is 140/94 mm Hg. The lower number represents the pressure from the:

ventricles relaxing

A patient has a blood pressure of 130/70 mm Hg. The "130" represents:

ventricular contraction (systolic BP)

What is therapeutic communication?

verbal and nonverbal communication techniques that encourage pts to express their feelings and to achieve a positive relationship

What type of mode does an interoperable communications system use?

voice-over-internet protocol

Skeletal muscle is also called:

voluntary muscle

Emesis" in the word "hyperemesis" means:

vomit

When does care end:

when the physician declares it

Situations in which you should use an emergency move include all of the following except:

when the pt feels like he/she may pass out

When should you start protecting yourself so that you can remain safe on the scene?

when you are dispatched

When is it MOST appropriate to consider requesting additional ambulances at an accident scene?

when you determine there are multiple pts

When assessing motor function in a conscious patient's lower extremities, you should expect the patient to:

wiggle his/her toes on command

The extremity lift would NOT be appropriate to use on a patient:

with a deformed humerus

Supplemental oxygen via nonrebreathing mask should be administered to patients:

with difficulty breathing and adequate tidal volume

The carpal bones form the:

wrist

The inferior cartilaginous tip of the sternum is called the:

xiphoid process

Palpating the carotid pulse is not recommended in infants because:

you may inadvertently compress the trachea

Which of the following statements regarding the secondary assessment is correct?

you may not have time to perform a secondary assessment if you must continually manage life threats that were identified during the primary assessment

When you use a body drag to move a patient:

your back should always be locked and straight

As an EMT, you may be authorized to administer aspirin to a patient with chest pain based on:

your local EMS protocols