EMT Lifting and Moving Patients Practice Questions

Prior to applying medical restraints to a combative patient, you should: A) have at least 3 rescuers present: one for the upper extremities, one for the lower extremities, and one for the head B) place the patient in a prone position to avoid airway and breathing compromise once restrained and placed onto the stretcher C) advise the patient that medical restraint is necessary, but can be removed if they cooperate with you during transport D) evaluate the patient for potentially correctible causes of combativeness, such as head injury, hypoxia, or hypoglycemia

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

You should not attempt to lift a patient who weighs more than 250 lbs with fewer than ________ rescuers, regardless of individual strength. A) three B) five C) six D) four

D) four

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

direct ground lift

When carrying a patient on a backboard up or down stairs: A) keep your palms facing down B) keep the head end elevated C) carry the patient headfirst D) keep the foot end elevated

B) keep the head end elevated

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? A) quickly exit the residence and request the FD to move the patients B) rapidly remove the patients from their residence using a blanket or clothes drag C) request another ambulance to assist with lifting and moving the patients D) perform a rapid assessment and then move the patients from their residence

B) rapidly remove the patients from their residence using a blanket or clothes drag

Which of the following is the MOST appropriate device to use when immobilizing a patient with a suspected spinal injury? A) wheeled stretcher B) long backboard C) scoop stretcher D) portable stretcher

B) long backboard

To protect a restrained patient and prevent them from using leverage to break free, the EMT should secure: A) only the patient's torso B) one arm above the head C) both arms at the patient's side D) both arms above the head

B) one arm above the head

Which of the following statements regarding the power lift is correct? A) it involves using your lower back instead of your legs to lift B) the leg muscles should remain relaxed during the power lift C) it is the safest and most powerful method of lifting a patient D) it is not recommended for people with weak knees or thighs

C) it is the safest and most powerful method of lifting a patient

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; A) maintain manual stabilization of his head and grasp him by the clothes B) slide a scoop stretcher under his buttocks and rotate him laterally C) perform a detailed head-to-toe assessment and apply a c-collar D) apply a c-collar and immobilize him with a vest-style device

D) apply a c-collar and immobilize him with a vest-style device

To avoid injury when pushing a patient or other object, you should: A) push the patient from an overhead position if possible B) push from the area of your body between the knees and hips C) kneel if you are pushing an object that is above waist level D) avoid pushing the patient with your elbows fully extended

D) avoid pushing the patient with your elbows fully extended

You are attending to a 26 y/o female who is 34 weeks pregnant with her first child. Your patient has been having lower abdominal pains and cramping for the past 2 hours. In placing your patient on the stretcher and preparing for transport, you should place her: A) in the Fowler position B) in a position of comfort C) supine with her legs elevated D) on her left side

D) on her left side

Be careful that you do not push or pull from a(n) _______ position.

overhead

When pulling a patient, you should extend your arms no more than _______ in front of your torso. A) 20-30 inches B) 15-20 inches C) 10-15 inches D) 5-10 inches

B) 15-20 inches

In which of the following situations is an emergency patient move indicated? A) a patient has AMS or is in shock B) the EMT is unable to protect the patient from scene hazards C) the EMT has to gain access to less-injured patients in a vehicle D) a significant MOI has occurred

B) the EMT is unable to protect the patient from scene hazards

Which of the following statements regarding patient weight distribution is correct? A) a semi-sitting patient's weight is equally distributed on both ends B) the majority of a horizontal patient's weight is in the torso C) the EMT at the patient's head will bear the least amount of weight D) most of the patient's weight rests on the foot end of the stretcher

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

When pulling a patient, you should do all of the following EXCEPT: A) extend your arms no more than about 15-20 inches B) when you can pull no farther, lean forward another 15-20 inches C) pull the patient by slowly flexing your arms D) reposition your feet so that the force of pull will be balanced equally

B) when you can pull no farther, lean forward another 15-20 inches

Situations in which you should use the rapid extrication technique include all of the following EXCEPT: A) a patient who needs immediate care that requires a supine position B) a patient whose condition requires immediate transport to the hospital C) a patient who can be properly assessed while still in the vehicle D) a patient who blocks access to another seriously injured patient

C) a patient who can be properly assessed while still in the vehicle

In most instances, you should move a patient on a wheeled ambulance stretcher by: A) slightly lifting the stretcher to prevent unnecessary patient movement B) pushing the foot of the stretcher while your partner guides the head C) pushing the head of the stretcher while your partner guides the foot D) retracting the undercarriage and carrying the stretcher to the ambulance

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

The ______ is both the mechanical weight-bearing base of the spinal column and the fused central posterior section of the pelvic girdle. A) thorax B) ischium C) sacrum D) coccyx

C) sacrum

Which of the following situations would require an urgent patient move? A) conscious patient with abrasions and a possible humerus fracture B) imminent risk of a fire or explosion in or near the patient's vehicle C) semiconscious patient with shallow respirations and signs of shock D) stable patient who is blocking access to a critically injured patient

C) semiconscious patient with shallow respirations and signs of shock

With proper technique, you and your partner should be able to safely lift a patient who weighs up to: A) 150 lbs B) 175 lbs C) 190 lbs D) 220 lbs

D) 220 lbs

The extremity lift would NOT be appropriate to use on a patient: A) who complains of nausea B) without a spinal injury C) with forearm lacerations D) with a deformed humerus

D) with a deformed humerus

The ________ may 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

In which of the following situations would a direct ground lift be the MOST appropriate method of moving a patient? A) a pedestrian with back pain after being struck by a car B) a conscious patient complaining of abdominal pain C) a patient who complains of hip pain following a fall D) an unconscious patient with a possible ischemic stroke

B) a conscious patient complaining of abdominal pain

Upon arriving at the scene of an MVC, 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: A) apply a vest-style extrication device before attempting to move the patient B) direct your partner to apply manual in-line stabilization of the patient's head C) slide a long backboard under his buttocks and lay him sideways on the board D) apply a c-collar and quickly remove the patient with a clothes drag

B) direct your partner to apply manual in-line stabilization of the patient's head

A 56 y/o 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? A) direct carry B) extremity lift C) scoop stretcher D) emergency move

B) extremity lift

The MOST serious consequence of a poorly planned or rushed patient move is: A) unnecessarily wasting time B) injury to you or your patient C) confusion among team members D) causing patient anxiety or fear

B) injury to you or your patient

The direct carry is used to transfer a patient: A) with a possible c-spine injury B) who cannot be placed on a backboard C) from a bed to the ambulance stretcher D) with multiple long bone injuries

C) from a bed to the ambulance stretcher

The MOST appropriate carrying device to use when moving a patient across rough or uneven terrain is the: A) stair chair B) wheeled stretcher C) scoop stretcher D) basket stretcher

D) basket stretcher

The FIRST rule of safe lifting is to: A) always lift with your palms facing down B) spread your legs approximately 20 inches apart C) keep your back in a slightly curved position D) keep your back in a straight, vertical position

D) keep your back in a straight, vertical position

An 81 y/o 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? A) immobilize her in a supine position on a long backboard and secure her with straps B) move her to a supine position and immobilize her with a scoop stretcher and padding C) apply a c-collar and place her in a sitting position on the wheeled stretcher D) leave her on her side and use blanket rolls to immobilize her to the long backboard

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

You and your partner respond to the scene of a 49 y/o 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 lbs. Your FIRST action should be to: A) request FD if one attempt to move him fails B) encourage the patient to walk himself to the awaiting ambulance C) assess him and then move him to the stretcher with a direct carry D) request additional personnel before making any attempts to lift him

D) request additional personnel before making any attempts to lift him

You are attending to a 22 y/o female patient who has overdosed. The patient is unresponsive in an upstairs bedroom. The most appropriate way to bring the patient downstairs is: A) secured to a stair chair with the strongest provider at the foot end B) secured to a fracture board with the strongest provider at the foot end C) secured to a stair chair with the strongest provider at the head end D) secured to a fracture board with the strongest provider at the head end

D) secured to a fracture board with the strongest provider at the head end

When a person is standing upright, the weight of anything being lifted and carried in the hands is FIRST reflected onto the: A) pelvic girdle B) spinal column C) thigh muscles D) shoulder girdle

D) shoulder girdle

As you and your partner are carrying a stable patient down a flight of stairs in a stair chair, you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back. You should: A) guide your partner while moving the chair backwards B) stop the move and have the patient walk down the stairs C) reposition your hands and continue to move the patient D) stop the move and request additional lifting assistance

D) stop the move and request additional lifting assistance

A folding or portable stretcher is MOST beneficial when: A) a second patient must be transported on the squad bench of the ambulance B) an injured patient cannot be placed on a long backboard due to severe back pain C) a conscious, alert patient must be carried down several flights of steep stairs D) a patient requires full spinal immobilization when spinal injury is suspected

A) a second patient must be transported on the squad bench of the ambulance

Which is the MOST appropriate method to use when moving a patient from their bed to a wheeled stretcher? A) draw sheet method B) extremity carry C) direct carry D) log roll

A) draw sheet method

In contrast to a typical wheeled ambulance stretcher, features of a bariatric stretcher include: A) increased stability from a wider wheelbase B) a collapsible undercarriage C) two safety rails on both sides of the stretcher D) weight capacity of up to 650 lbs

A) increased stability from a wider wheelbase

To minimize risk of injuring yourself when lifting or moving a patient, you should: A) keep the weight as close to your body as possible B) use a direct carry whenever possible C) avoid the use of log rolls or body drags D) flex at the waist instead of the hips

A) keep the weight as close to your body as possible

When using a body drag to pull a patient who is on the ground, you should: A) kneel to minimize the distance that you will have to lean over B) extend your elbows as far beyond your anterior torso as possible C) bend your back laterally to maximize your amount of pulling power D) avoid situations involving strenuous effort lasting more than 5 mins

A) kneel to minimize the distance that you will have to lean over

The proper technique for using the power grip is to: A) lift with your palms up B) rotate your palms down C) hold the handle with your fingers D) position your hands about 6^2 inches apart

A) lift with your palms up

A critical aspect of the rapid extrication technique is to: A) maintain stabilization of the spine at all times B) move the patient as quickly as you possibly can C) extricate the patient with one coordinated move D) apply a vest-style device before moving the patient

A) maintain stabilization of the spine at all times

Which of the following regarding the neonatal isolette is correct? A) the isolette serves to keep the neonate warm and protects them from excess handling B) a freestanding isolette should be used, not one that is secured to the stretcher C) the safest type of isolette is one that takes the place of the ambulance stretcher D) if an isolette is not available, the neonate can safely be transported on the stretcher

A) the isolette serves to keep the neonate warm and protects them from excess handling

When carrying a patient up or down stairs, you should avoid: A) using a wheeled stretcher whenever possible B) the use of more than 2 EMTs C) flexing your body at the knees D) the use of a long backboard or scoop stretcher

A) using a wheeled stretcher whenever possible

In lifting with the palm down, the weight is supported by the ______ rather than the palm. A) lower back B) fingers C) forearm D) wrist

B) fingers

Patients with chest pain or dyspnea should normally be transported: A) supine B) in a position of comfort C) in the Trendelenburg position D) semi-Fowler

B) in a position of comfort

When performing the rapid extrication technique to remove a patient from their vehicle, you should: A) apply a c-collar and immobilize the patient on a short backboard B) apply a vest-style extrication device prior to moving the patient C) apply a c-collar and remove the patient on a long backboard D) grasp the patient by the clothing and drag them from the car

C) apply a c-collar and remove the patient on a long backboard

You are attending to a 34 y/o male patient who requires transport to the hospital for assessment of his chronic back pain. The patient weighs over 750 lbs. Your bariatric stretcher has a wider surface area to allow for: A) increased stability and leverage when lifting with more than two providers B) better stability when moving the patient on uneven ground C) increased patient comfort and dignity D) increased lifting capacity and patient weight load

C) increased patient comfort and dignity

Which of the following MOST accurately describes the correct position of the EMTs who are executing the diamond carry technique? A) two at the head, two at the feet, and a fifth EMT balancing the torso B) one at the head, two at the feet, and a fourth EMT balancing the torso C) one at the head, one at the feet, and one on each side of the patient's torso D) two at the head, one at the feet, and one on the left side of the patient's torso

C) one at the head, one at the feet, and one on each side of the patient's torso

When moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, you should: A) collapse the undercarriage of the wheeled stretcher and carefully carry the patient down the stairs on the stretcher B) assist the patient in walking down the stairs and place them on the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs C) place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs and carry the patient down the stairs with a stair chair D) secure the patient to a scoop stretcher and carry them headfirst down the stairs to the awaiting stretcher

C) place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs and carry the patient down the stairs with a stair chair

To facilitate a safe and coordinated move, the team leader should: A) never become involved in the move, only direct the move B) be positioned at the feet so the team can hear C) use preparatory commands to initiate any moves D) speak softly, but clearly, to avoid startling the patient

C) use preparatory commands to initiate any moves

You are attending to a 3 y/o 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: A) utilize a short backboard B) utilize a basket stretcher C) utilize a vacuum mattress D) utilize a flexible stretcher

C) utilize a vacuum mattress

Which of the following regarding the scoop stretcher is NOT correct? A) you must fully secure the patient to the scoop stretcher before moving them B) both sides of the patient must be accessible for a scoop stretcher to be used C) the construction of the scoop stretcher prohibits X-rays while the patient is on it D) a scoop stretcher will provide adequate immobilization of a patient's spinal column

D) a scoop stretcher will provide adequate immobilization of a patient's spinal column

Which of the following conditions or situations presents with the MOST unique challenge to the EMT when immobilizing an elderly patient on a long backboard? A) naturally deformed bones B) joint flexibility C) patient disorientation D) abnormal spinal curvature

D) abnormal spinal curvature

You may injure your back if you lift: A) with your back curved B) with your back straight, but bent significantly forward at the hips C) with the shoulder girdle anterior to the pelvis D) all of these answers are correct

D) all of these answers are correct

Which of the following statements regarding an emergency patient move is correct? A) it is not possible to perform an emergency move without injuring the patient B) the patient is dragged against the body's long axis during an emergency move C) the spine must be fully immobilized prior to performing an emergency move D) an emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment

D) an emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment

An EMT may injure their back, even if it is straight, if the: A) hands are held close to the legs B) shoulder is aligned over the pelvis C) force is exerted straight down the spine D) back is bent forward at the hips

D) back is bent forward at the hips

You should use a rigid _______, often called a Stokes litter, to carry a patient across uneven terrain from a remote location that is inaccessible by ambulance or other vehicle. A) molded backboard B) scoop stretcher C) flotation device D) basket stretcher

D) basket stretcher

General guidelines for carrying a patient on a stretcher include: A) maintaining slight flexion of your back B) leaning back from your waist when lifting C) slightly twisting your body when carrying D) constant communication with your partners

D) constant communication with your partners

You have been called to the scene of a high-speed MVC involving two compact cars. The first vehicle was a rollover, ejecting the driver. The second vehicle contained both a driver and front-seat passenger who cannot be reached because the door is up against a building. For the passenger in the second vehicle, you may need to perform a(n) on the driver in order to reach the patient. A) short backboard B) you should do nothing different C) extremity lift D) emergency move

D) emergency move

You should perform an urgent move in all of the following situations EXCEPT: A) if a patient has inadequate ventilation or shock B) in extreme weather conditions C) if a patient has an altered level of consciousness D) if the patient is complaining of neck pain

D) if the patient is complaining of neck pain