Final 1

The EMT understands the primary reason to obtain a medical history using the SAMPLE mnemonic when he states

"After performing the primary assessment, the SAMPLE mnemonic helps guide the EMT in further assessment and care.

A woman calls the station and asks if you transported a patient named Patricia Gardner earlier in the day. She says that she is her friend and wants to know if she is okay. An appropriate response would be:

"Although I do not doubt that you are her friend, I cannot release that information.

Which of these is an open-ended question?

"Can you describe the pain to me?"

You are returning from a call when you pass an apartment building with flames coming from several windows on the top story. You see several occupants trapped and hanging out of the windows, screaming for help. Which radio transmission is most appropriate when advising dispatch of the situation?

"Central communications from Unit 118, how do you copy?"

Which of these statements made by an EMT indicates an accurate understanding of checking a patient's skin temperature

"Checking the skin temperature is not precise, but provides a good estimate of abnormally high or low body temperature

60. Which one of these instructions to a patient with possible stroke indicates proper assessment for an arm drift?

"Close your eyes and hold your arms straight out for 1 O seconds."

Which statement made by an EMT shows that she understands how to suction patients in a field setting

"I activate the suction device only when I am withdrawing the suction catheter."

You have been called to a residence for a 31-year-old patient who is complaining of confusion, nausea, vomiting, and a headache. His symptoms started this morning and have been getting worse all day. Despite lying in bed and resting all day, he is more fatigued than before. Which of these statements made by the patient would the EMT recognize as most important in relation to the patient's present complaint?

"I just turned the furnace on last night."

A patient with terminal lung cancer has called EMS for shortness of breath. At the request of your paramedic partner, you are obtaining the patient's blood pressure. While inflating and then deflating the blood pressure cuff, the patient angrily shouts, "That thing is too tight! What are you trying to do-send me to the funeral home early?" Your best reply would be:

"I know that this is tight and uncomfortable, but I am almost done now."

After a patient who is short of breath signs a refusal of service form which statement would be appropriate prior to leaving the residence?

"If you change your mind at any time and want to be transported to the hospital. call 911 again

Which statement about the flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation device is true?

"It can be used to ventilate spontaneously breathing patients whose breathing is too shallow."

A prospective student is interested in becoming an EMT, but is unsure how it will affect his family. He says that his wife is very worried about the danger associated with EMS and has never had to deal with him being gone for 24 hours at a time. What is the most appropriate response?

"It may help to bring your wife here so she can see what we do and the safety precautions

A 28-year-old male patient was cutting limbs from a tree when he lost his footing and fell approximately 20 feet. He is unresponsive and has shallow breathing, with a rate of 28 breaths/min. His radial pulse is weak and thready, and his skin is cool to the touch. Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) have placed him on a nonrebreather face mask and are holding manual spine motion restriction. His respirations are sonorous. Based on these assessment findings, which of these instructions would you next provide to the EM Rs?

"Let's take off the oxygen mask and try manually opening the airway."

Following a call in which you treated a pediatric patient with croup, a new EMT who is in orientation asks you how you can differentiate croup from epiglottitis. Which of these responses would be most appropriate?

"The child with epiglottitis is typically drooling; the child with croup rarely, if ever, drools."

A TV reporter has been assigned to your ambulance for a ride-along. He is doing a segment on the local EMS system for EMS Week. In your down time, the reporter tells you that his wife was diagnosed with atherosclerosis. He is unsure what this condition is and asks you to explain it to him. Your response would be:

"The coronary arteries become damaged and narrowed by fat deposits."

Regarding women and cardiac compromise, with which of these statements would you agree

"The death rate for women suffering a heart attack is higher than that for men."

Which of these statements made by a patient suggests that he is suffering from a tension headache

"The pain seems to get worse as the day goes on."

There has been a very serious motor vehicle collision involving a high-profile judge seeking reelection. The judge's car was traveling at a high rate of speed and crossed the center line, striking and killing a motorcyclist. Newspaper reporters are on location, asking you to describe what happened. Which statement is most appropriate?

"There has been a serious accident in which a person was killed."

When obtaining a medical history using the SAMPLE mnemonic, which of these statements relates to the "P" component

"There is a history of pancreatitis

Which statement indicates that the EMT has an accurate understanding of the bronchioles

"They are small passages located in the lower airway that have smooth muscle surrounding them

The owner of a day care center for adults with Alzheimer's disease calls you to ask about an AED at her facility. Specifically, she asks if she will need a physician to oversee the AED program. Your reply should be:

"You will need to have a physician medical director since the AED can be used only with his or her permission under his or her license.

The pathophysiology of heart failure that causes the common signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock is:

.Inadequate ejection of blood from the left ventricle

For a patient breathing in room air, the EMT would estimate the FiO2 to be

0.21

The EMT is administering oxygen at 95% through a nonrebreather face mask. He would document this as a FiO2 of

0.95

Which capillary refill time is considered normal for a 5-year-old child

2 seconds

What is the typical resting respiratory rate for an elderly patient?

20 breaths/min

Which of these patients would be categorized as a toddler?

28-month-old male

Which capillary refill time is considered the upper limit of normal for an adult female?

3 seconds

Which of these descriptions on a patient care report best illustrates how the EMT should document the administration of a medication?

325 mg of aspirin administered orally at 1325 hours

The EMT recognizes which heart rate would be considered normal for a 24-year-old male patient who is resting comfortably

62 beats/min

A 42-year-old patient weighs 154 pounds (70 kg). How much activated charcoal would you administer to him

70 grams

How should the EMT document a pulse oximetry reading on the prehospital care report

97% SpO2

Which of these patients is most likely to lose neurologic control and regulation of the respiratory system?

A 31-year-old patient with a severe head injury

Which of these patients would the EMT identify as having the most adequate breathing, free from any respiratory distress

A 34-year-old male with abdominal pain who is alert and oriented with good chest rise and

Which of these patients should the EMT recognize as having a normal skin temperature

A 36-year-old male complaining of nausea with warm skin

For which of these patients would you be most concerned about accidental exposure to cyanide

A firefighter battling a smoky structure fire

Which of these statements about poisonings is correct?

A poison is any substance that impairs a person's health by its chemical action

Which of these patients should be categorized as the highest priority for transport?

A pregnant female with no history of seizures who is seizing

Which individual finding would most lead the EMT to suspect that a patient has hypoglycemia?

A rapid onset of altered mental status

As an EMT, which requirement must be met so that you can provide routine and emergency medical care to the sick and injured, as an extension of the medical director's authority?

A service medical director

Rapid recognition of stroke signs and symptoms by the public is part of which assessment system

AHA's Stroke Chain of Survival

The EMT should request advanced life support (ALS) backup for a patient in cardiac arrest because:

ALS treatment decreases the possibility of the patient going back into cardiac arrest once successful defibrillation has occurred

To receive treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the patient must exhibit:

Ability to breathe on his own adequately

An advantage to asking the patient close-ended questions is that this practice offers a(n):

Ability to get medical information very quickly

You have been called for a patient with a sickle cell crisis. In reviewing the pathophysiology of sickle cell anemia, you understand that the underlying problem is

Abnormal hemoglobin formation that means the blood cannot carry oxygen as efficiently

A patient informs you that he previously had a section of his small intestine removed due to cancer. You recognize that with the removal of small intestine, the patient is less able to:

Absorb nutrients

A 19-year-old female patient with diabetes is unresponsive after drinking a large amount of alcohol and trying some "pills" that her friend provided. She has snoring respirations and an intact radial pulse. Emergency Medical Responders are maintaining her airway with a head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver, which has eliminated the snoring respirations. Vital signs are pulse, 116; respirations, 14 breaths/min; minimal chest wall motion with absent breath sounds in the bases; and SpO2, 92%. Advanced life support has been contacted for assistance. Your next action would be to:

Administer oxygen through positive pressure ventilation

A patient who is responsive only to painful stimuli has a patent airway, inadequate respirations at 28 breaths/min and irregular, and a strong radial pulse with skin that is warm and dry. The patient is not moving his right arm or leg and is incontinent of urine. What is the priority for the EMT at this time?

Administer positive pressure ventilation

An Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) approaches you and states that he is interested in becoming an EMT. Specifically, he asks what he will be able to do as an EMT that he cannot presently do as an EMR. You respond by saying he will be able to:

Administer some medications

An EMT would recognize and categorize a 15-year-old female patient as a(n)

Adolescent

The medication contained within a metered-dose inhaler is in which form?

Aerosolized

When should the EMT transport the patient with cardiac arrest?

After three "no shock advised" messages are received

Which statement best summarizes the underlying benefit of using evidence-based medicine?

Allows the use of research and evidence in determining which care is effective

Which statement is true regarding the maximum life span

Almost all persons die before reaching the maximum life span

The most common complaint of patients with diabetes for which EMS is summoned is

Altered mental status

What is the best description of minute ventilation?

Amount of air moved into and out of the lungs in 1 minute

Which of these patients should the EMT suspect as being mildly hypoxic

An 18-year-old male who is restless, has shallow respirations and is breathing at a rate of 16 times per minute, with no cyanosis

The EMT would recognize which of these patients as having a normal breathing rate?

An 8-year-old male breathing 24 times per minute

Which finding individually would most likely indicate that a patient is breathing inadequately

An SpO2 of less than 94%

Which patient is appropriately positioned for transport?

An alert 67-year-old woman with nausea in a sitting position

A 49-year-old male patient is unable to speak. You would document this finding as

Aphasia

A patient complains of severe and sharp pain to the right lower abdominal quadrant. Based on location, which organ or structure is most likely involved?

Appendix

A patient involved in a motor vehicle collision has critical injuries and must be removed from the car for care and transport to the hospital. Prior to removing the patient from the vehicle, what must be done?

Application of a cervical collar

A severely distressed patient has bright red rectal bleeding and in lethargic. His pulse is 136, respirations are 24 breaths/min, blood pressure is 72/58 mmHg, and SpO2 is 95%. His skin is moist, pale, and clammy, and his mental status is deteriorating. At this time, your priority intervention would be to:

Apply supplemental oxygen

You are assessing a 49-year-old male patient who complains of lower back pain. Which finding would be pertinent medical information related to the back pain that the EMT will obtain using the SAMPLE mnemonic

Arthritis in the spine and pelvis

When using a stroke scale to assess a patient for abnormal speech, the EMT should:

Ask the patient to repeat a specific but common phrase

The EMT would document an FDO2 level when the patient is

Assisting breathing with a bag-valve-mask device

The initial phase of a generalized seizure experienced by some patients, in which they may experience an odd smell or something auditory, is called the:

Aura

When administering oxygen to a hypoxic patient with Alzheimer's disease, which of these findings would seemingly indicate that the patient's hypoxic status is improving

B. The patient has an SpO2 reading of 94%

The MEND exam for a stroke does not include which assessment parameter?

BGL assessment

Which item would the EMT place in the administrative information section of the prehospital care report?

BLS Unit 51-20; Incident # 67-8971-90

Which configuration on the bag-valve mask (BVM) will enable the EMT to deliver the highest concentration of oxygen to the patient

BVM with oxygen reservoir attached, receiving oxygen at 15 lpm

An obstruction of the pulmonary artery will cause:

Backup of blood in the right side of the heart

The most common cause of urinary tract infections is:

Bacterial invasion

A patient with asthma is short of breath because her small airways are constricted. For this patient, the best medication is one that has which sympathetic (adrenergic) properties

Beta-2

A patient has a low platelet count. Based on this finding, which complication is he most at risk for

Bleeding

What is the most common potential hazard an EMT faces on scene?

Blood and body fluids

A glucometer is a tool the EMT can use to measure:

Blood sugar levels

Within the body, the release of histamine causes dilation of the:

Blood vessels

Involuntary or smooth muscles are found in the walls of which types of structures

Blood vessels and intestines

When assessing an adult patient with difficulty breathing, which of these signs or symptoms would be of most immediate concern

Blue coloration to the lips

The safest and most efficient way of using your body to gain mechanical advantage is:

Body mechanics

Which statement accurately describes the concept of body mechanics?

Body mechanics refers to methods that promote using your body in the safest and most efficient way when moving objects or patients

Which of these statements regarding contraction of the heart is true?

Both atria contract together just before both ventricles contract together

Auscultation of breath sounds in a patient complaining of shortness of breath reveals wheezing. Which condition is responsible for this finding

Bronchiole constriction

When assessing a critically injured patient, the EMT should detect which of these injuries or conditions when performing the secondary assessment?

Bruising and tenderness to the abdomen

When performing the secondary assessment, the EMT would likely find which of these injuries first?

Bruising to the abdomen

A patient with chest pain has an SpO2 of 90% on room air. How would you start providing oxygen to this patient?

C. Nasal cannula 2 lpm

Pursed lip breathing is most commonly observed when a patient has

COPD

It is critical that the EMT never apply the AED to a person who is not in cardiac arrest because an accidental shock could:

Cause the beating heart to go into cardiac arrest

Which of following is a disadvantage in using a cell (or mobile) phones as an emergency backup communication system?

Cell (mobile) phones may not be effective in disaster situations

The spinal column is composed of which sections, described in order from most superior to most inferior?

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccyx

The EMT should consider aspirin for a patient with:

Chest discomfort

A patient with a past medical history of angina is now complaining of chest discomfort. When assessing this patient, which sign or symptom should alert the EMT that the patient is probably experiencing an acute myocardial infarction and not an anginal attack?

Chest discomfort is not relieved by nitroglycerin

Which of these conditions would the EMT associate with a hypoxic respiratory drive

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

When differentiating chronic renal failure from acute renal failure, the EMT realizes:

Chronic renal failure often requires long-term dialysis

What blood pressure change as most likely to cause left ventricular failure

Chronically elevated diastolic pressure between 120 and 140 mmHg

The primary function of the heart is to:

Circulate blood

If an individual is bringing a lawsuit against your EMS system for perceived improper care, which type of liability action will it probably be

Civil

As you approach a female patient, she appears unresponsive, with her arms and legs jerking violently. On the prehospital care report, you would document that the patient was found in which phase of a generalized seizure

Clonic

A young male patient has been stabbed in the, right lateral chest. Regarding the respiratory system, which finding presents the greatest danger to his well-being

Collection of air between the pleural and visceral membranes

A 16-year-old male was killed after driving at excessive speeds and then losing control of his car. He was not wearing a seat belt. In an attempt to understand why such a tragedy would occur, you would recognize that

Common to this age group is a perceived sense of strength and invulnerability

What is the primary reason why emergency services communications (phone or radio) are recorded

Communications can become part of a legal record if need be

Your supervisor has assigned you the task of designing a program that provides for stress management and health promotion within the department. Which program would accomplish this task in the best way?

Complementary passes to a local fitness center

A young man wishes to become an EMT and asks you what he will need to do to become certified. You would reply that he must first:

Complete a course that meets the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation

Immediately after giving a prehospital care report to the nurse in the emergency department, dispatch informs you that there are no more ambulances available and you must immediately leave the hospital to cover another portion of the county. Since your service uses a computerized documentation system and there is no time to complete your report, your best course of action should be to:

Complete an abbreviated transfer-of-care report

An alert and oriented patient presents with shortness of breath, crackles in both lungs, jugular venous distention, and edema to the feet and ankles. Her pulse is 132, respirations 26 breaths/min, blood pressure 160/86 mmHg, and SpO2 at 88%. Based on these findings, the EMT should suspect:

Congestive heart failure

When assessing a patient's pulse, you note that it is irregular. To get an accurate heart rate, you would

Count the number of beats that occur in 1 minute

Which term is most closely related to the elbow

Cubital

A patient with a temperature of 105.4 °F is experiencing systemic vasodilation. Which finding would be consistent with this condition

Decreased blood pressure

You suspect that a patient involved in a motor vehicle collision is in shock. Which sign or symptom of shock would you expect to see last?

Decreased blood pressure

Perfusion is best described as

Delivery of essential products and nutrients to the cell for its use

A reaction to death or dying where the patient asserts "Not me!" is recognized as which stage of grieving?

Denial

When assessing an elderly patient with upper back pain, which of these assessment findings would make you very suspicious of a thoracic aortic dissection

Different blood pressure readings in each arm

The EMT has just placed an oropharyngeal airway in a patient. By doing so, what has the EMT accomplished

Displaced the tongue away from the back of the airway

Your ambulance service director has given you permission to replace an old fully automated AED with a new semi-automated AED produced by a different manufacturer. Before making the purchase, you must receive authorization to do so from the

EMS system's medical director

Which statement about emergency medical services in the United States is true?

Each state has governmental control of its own EMS system, independent of the federal government

Which link of the American Heart Association's Chain of Survival must occur first, if a patient is to survive cardiac arrest?

Early activation

Due to the body systems operating at optimal level and because typically individuals in this age bracket are in excellent physical condition, risky behavior and accidents are the leading causes of death in which stage of development?

Early adulthood

Which be an EMS public health initiative?

Educating the public on the benefit of wearing seat belts

Which statement is most appropriate to relay after establishing radio contact with the destination emergency department to which you are transporting a patient

En route to your facility with a 73-year-old male complaining of dizziness.

An EMT has just received a "shock advised" message from the AED. Just before delivering the shock, the EMT must:

Ensure that all rescuers are clear of the patient

You are transporting a depressed patient who states that she is thinking of killing herself by taking a "whole bunch of pills." After providing this information, the patient has refused to speak and has remained silent. Your physical assessment of the patient reveals she is stable. How often should vital signs be reassessed

Every 15 minutes

The purpose of the OPQRST mnemonic is to guide the EMT in

Exploring the patient's chief complaint

Acrocyanosis is best described as a bluish discoloration of the patient's

Extremities

To better fulfill the AHA's Stroke Chain of Survival goals, which assessment mnemonic was developed to better prepare the public and EMS to recognize stroke

F.A.S.T

What best illustrates the EMT's failure to meet the standard of care when treating a patient with chest pain

Failing to give the patient oxygen

During a normal pregnancy process, within which structure does the sperm and egg typically meet during fertilization

Fallopian tube

As compared to an adult, how would you describe the respiratory rate of an infant?

Faster than an adult's rate

Which type of seizure occurs in children and is caused by a high core temperature?

Febrile

Your partner accidentally uses a profane word when talking to dispatch. Which agency has the power to fine him and the ambulance service?

Federal Communications Commission

A paramedic tells you that a patient with a probable spine injury still retains his plantar reflexes. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should understand that the patient has reflex activity in which part of the body

Feet

What is the name of the pulse that is palpated in the groin area?

Femoral

What is the major artery of the thigh called

Femoral artery

The tricuspid valve prevents blood from:

Flowing from the right ventricle into the right atrium

A patient states that about two hours following dinner, she developed right upper quadrant abdominal pain that radiated to her shoulder. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would recognize this characteristic pain pattern as most suggestive of

Gallbladder inflammation

In which form is oral glucose packaged?

Gel

You have been called to a public bus station for a behavioral emergency. On scene, you find a disheveled male in his forties sitting up against a wall. He is confused and incontinent. Bystanders state that he was just sitting on a bench watching people walk by, when suddenly he got up and began to stumble around, shouting obscenities, and then fell to the ground shaking. From this description, the EMT should be suspicious of which condition

Generalized seizure

The hospital staff has just returned the long spine board that you used to immobilize a patient from a minor motor vehicle collision. There is no blood on the board, but your service policy states that all equipment is to be disinfected anytime that it is used. To properly disinfect the long spine board, which type of product should you use?

Germicidal solution

A patient described as dysphagic presents as

Having difficulty swallowing

Which of these assessment findings indicates that the patient has intact motor function in his lower extremities?

He can wiggle his toes when instructed

Which of these actions indicates that the EMT is correctly using a nonrebreather face mask on an adult patient?

He fully inflates the reservoir prior to placing the mask on the patient

A patient informs you that he has had his gallbladder surgically removed. Based on the physiology of the gallbladder, which statement is most true regarding this patient

He may have difficulty digesting large amounts of fats

You have arrived on the scene of an assault in which several people were injured. You are directed to assist another crew with a patient who has been shot once. As you approach, you are told that the patient has slow and irregular breathing that is inadequate. You observe the patient being ventilated with a bag-valve mask while another EMT maintains her airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver. Based on your observation, where might you expect that this patient was shot

Head

The primary control or automaticity of the heart rate originates in the

Heart

A patient with a calcaneal fracture has a broken

Heel

Forming a general impression is essential in the assessment of any patient because it:

Helps to determine the clinical status of a patient

What is the major threat to life for a patient with an unstable abdominal aortic aneurysm

Hemorrhage

A patient in shock with abdominal pain indicates he noticed a lot of blood in the toilet after having a bowel movement this morning. The EMT should suspect which type of shock?

Hemorrhagic hypovolemic

An enlarged liver is best documented as:

Hepalomegaly

A patient with a heavy smoking history and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema) presents in marked respiratory distress with cyanosis noted to her fingertips. When administering oxygen to this patient, the EMT would remember that:

High-concentration oxygen must be provided if the patient's condition warrants such therapy

You determine a patient's blood glucose level to be 289 mg/dl. You would document this result on the prehospital care report as:

Hyperglycemic

When assessing a patient with stroke-like signs and symptoms, it is critical that the EMT also suspect and rule out which condition?

Hypoglycemia

Which of these are some of the major categories of shock that the EMT will likely encounter?

Hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, and distributive

You are using cryotherapy to treat a deformed and painful ankle. This treatment involves the use of:

Ice

Why is defibrillation in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest so critical?

If cardiac arrest is not treated within the first few minutes, ventricular fibrillation will convert to asystole, a nonshockable heart rhythm

When does hypoxia occur

If inadequate amounts of 02 are available to the cells

When a child starts to become hypoxic, the pulse will initially:

Increase

A patient who has lost one liter of blood is conscious with a patent airway, but her extremities are pale and cold to the touch. Vital signs are as follows: pulse --._ is 130, respirations are 22 breaths/min and adequate, blood pressure is 74/56 mmHg, and SpO2 is 95% on room air. What is most needed by this patient to increase perfusion to the cells

Increased number of red blood cells and plasma volume

Which of these correctly identifies the routes by which a poison can enter the human body

Ingestion, inhalation, injection, absorption

Assessment of a patient who was involved in a motor vehicle collision reveals tenderness over ribs 9-12 on the lateral right side. Based on this injury, the EMT should be alert for which additional concern?

Injury to the liver

You have been called to a residence for a cognitively challenged 32-year-old female patient who drank from a bottle of floor cleaner. She is unconscious, exhibits snoring respirations, and is having a difficult time breathing due to swelling from burns in her mouth. Which of these steps should be included in the initial care for this patient?

Insert a nasal airway

You have been called to a kindergarten class for a 5-year-old boy who is allergic to peanuts. He ate some peanuts in the form of a birthday treat brought to school by a classmate who is celebrating a birthday. From the door of the classroom, you note the patient to have swollen lips and hives to his face and arms. The patient also looks unresponsive. As you begin the primary assessment, what should be a priority action?

Inspect the inside of the patient's mouth and assure an open airway

Which of these statements regarding ventilation in a healthy patient is true?

Inspiration is an active process that requires energy; expiration requires little to no energy

While he was changing the battery on a truck, acid from the battery splashed into a 66-year-old man's right eye. The patient now complains of burning pain to his right eye and is having a hard time keeping it open. He is alert and oriented and has no problems with his airway, breathing, or circulation. Your next action would be to:

Irrigate the eye with water for a minimum of 20 minutes

The EMT would most likely see a narrowed pulse pressure in a patient who

Is bleeding internally

An EMT has an accurate understanding of diastolic blood pressure when she tells you that diastolic pressure:

Is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is not contracting

One advantage of using the wheeled stretcher is

It can be adjusted to different positions or heights

Which of these statements about an automatic transport ventilator (ATV) is true

It can help minimize gastric distention associated with positive pressure ventilation

You have been called to a residence for a female patient who awoke with swollen lips and a rash to her arms and abdomen. In addition, she exhibits a mild expiratory wheeze in all lung fields. She called her doctor, who advised her to take some Benadryl and call 911 for emergency care. How will the Benadryl, acting as an antihistamine, benefit this patient?

It inhibits the constriction of the patient's small airways by blocking histamine

What would the EMT recognize as an advantage of the 911 universal number

It is a common number through which to request EMS, law enforcement, and fire services

Which statement regarding the endocrine system is most correct

It is made up of several glands whose secretions cause specific actions in specific organs

You are trying to convince the equipment committee to purchase a hydraulic power cot. When discussing advantages of this device over a more traditional stretcher, which point would you emphasize?

It will be easier to lift and lower when it is loaded with a patient

The EMT should recognize that the oropharyngeal airway has been appropriately inserted when:

Its flange rests on the teeth

A patient with liver cancer exhibits a yellow discoloration to his entire body. The EMT would correctly document this condition as

Jaundice

When carrying equipment in the right hand, the EMT should:

Keep his or her back straight as best possible

You are caring for a 6-month-old male patient who is fussy and crying, and who has a fever. Which action would be most appropriate

Keep the parents calm even though you are actually caring for the baby

Which statement describes an advantage of computerized documentation?

Large amounts of data can be stored and retrieved much more easily than with handwritten PCR'S

The structure containing a person's "voice box• is termed the:

Larynx

Which of these assessment findings would help convince the EMT that a patient with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding is experiencing a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)?

Last menstrual period six weeks ago

As a general rule, a postictal patient should be placed on the stretcher and transported in which position

Lateral recumbent

When administering epinephrine to an infant or child, the EMT would place the injector at which site

Lateral thigh

The EMT is correctly performing routine handwashing when she:

Lathers and scrubs with plain soap for 20 seconds

When reaching forward to perform a logroll, the EMT should:

Lean from the waist

You have been dispatched to a residence for a female patient with unknown injuries. At the patient's side, you quickly become aware that the 43-year-old female was assaulted by her husband. The husband comes into the room and states, "Don't you touch her, or I will take care of you, too!" What should be the EMT's immediate action

Leave the house immediately, taking the patient with you, if possible

After a 911 call hang-up, you are dispatched to the caller's residence. When you enter the room with a police escort, you find an unresponsive female patient with a bag over her head. A person in the neighboring apartment tells you that the patient has depression and warned that "there is going to be a death today." Your immediate action would be to:

Leave the room until it is cleared by the fire department

You have been called to a bar full of intoxicated patrons for a 46-year-old man who fell off his stool, injuring his left arm. As you assess his arm, the patient screams in pain. Several of the patrons get angry and yell for you to give him something for pain. Someone in the back throws a bottle in your direction. What should you do next?

Leave the scene and return only when police have made it safe to do so

A male patient suddenly found himself unable to talk and with profound weakness to his right arm and leg. Currently he is responsive to verbal stimuli and has the following vital signs: pulse, 88; respirations 14 breaths/min and adequate; and blood pressure, 210/80 mmHg. When transporting this patient to the hospital, in which position should you place him?

Left lateral recumbent

A glucometer reads 50 mg/dl. The EMT would recognize this reading as:

Low

In patients with which of these conditions would the EMT most likely get an inaccurate pulse oximeter reading despite proper application of the sensor?

Low blood pressure

Puberty is best described as:

Maturation of the sexual organs

An intoxicated patient is complaining of a severe headache and a large bruise to the left side of his face after accidentally being struck with a baseball bat during a family picnic softball game. In this situation, being struck with the baseball bat is called the:

Mechanism of injury

What is the most common cause of an allergic reaction in which the antigen was ingested?

Medications

A patient with abdominal pain shows you black and loosely formed stool in the toilet. You would advise the hospital that the patient has

Melenic stool

After administering oral glucose to a patient with altered mental status, which of these findings best indicates a positive therapeutic effect or response to the medication?

Mental status that is now alert and oriented

The EMT should suspect that a patient has diabetes when which medication is found on the scene?

Metformin

You are assessing a female patient with a complaint of shortness of breath. When assessing her skin, which finding should be recognized as abnormal?

Moist

You suspect a patient of being infected with pertussis. While performing the primary assessment, you note a deep cough with clear breath sounds. Her vital signs are pulse, 108; respirations, 16 breaths/min; and SpO2, 96% on room air. Given this scenario, which action by the EMT would be most appropriate?

Monitor the patient and transport

What would be a logical project to be undertaken and developed by a quality improvement (QI) committee?

Monthly continuing education programs in which seldom-used skills are practiced

What represents the correct sequence for the passage of air into the lungs, when starting from outside the body

Mouth, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, alveol

When assessing a sick 3-week-old baby, which finding would be most concerning

Mucus occluding both nares

Which of these scene size-up observations would make you suspicious that a patient who complains of shortness of breath has congestive heart failure?

Multiple pillows stacked at the head of the patient's bed

Which of these medications may be administered by a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) by the EMT if the EMT has authorization from medical direction to do so

Naloxone hydrochloride

Which of these is considered an early sign of inadequate breathing in children

Nasal flaring

As you enter the scene of a medical emergency, the Emergency Medical Responder informs you that the patient is not breathing and has pupils that are fixed and dilated. Based on this description, what do you expect to see when you reach the patient's side

Neither pupil will react when light is directed into the eyes

You are transporting a 3-week-old male patient who has a fever and cough to the hospital. When making your radio report, you would advise the emergency department that you are bringing in a(n):

Neonate

To stabilize the cervical spine of a trauma patient while simultaneously opening the airway, how should you position her head?

Neutral and in-line

Which of these pieces of information would heighten the EMT's suspicion that a child with a persistent cough may have whooping cough

Never had childhood immunizations

When an EMT performs the secondary assessment on a postictal patient with a known history of seizures, which of these assessment findings would be of most concern?

New contusion noted to the forehead

Over the next three days, your ambulance service will be getting new and improved mobile radios. As an EMT with knowledge of communication equipment, you realize that:

New radios will be installed in all of the ambulances

A 26-year-old female patient has called 911 because of lower abdominal pain. Your findings are consistent with a urinary tract infection. The patient has a history of urinary tract infections as well as asthma. Her vital signs are pulse, 116; respirations, 14 breaths/min and adequate; blood pressure, 108/56 mmHg; SpO2; 99%; and temperature, 101.6° F. What is the priority of care?

Nonemergent transport

The EMT exhibits an accurate understanding of breathing when he states:

Nonrebreather face mask

When the body is in a shock state, which hormone released from the adrenal glands stimulates primarily alpha-1 and beta-1 receptors, but has no effects on beta-2 receptor sites

Norepinephrine

During your primary assessment, you note the patient's skin to be warm, pink, and dry. This finding would seem to indicate:

Normal circulation

When paramedics administer IV fluids as treatment for hemorrhagic shock, the fluids will:

Not be able to increase the oxygen-carrying capability of the blood

Which components of the nervous system must be functional for a patient to be conscious? X A. Both cerebral hemispheres

One cerebral hemisphere and the reticular activating system

You have arrived on the scene of a 64-year-old patient with diabetes. He is supine in bed and exhibits snoring respirations. Family members state that they just tested his blood sugar and it is 25 mg/dl. What should be your immediate action?

Open the airway with a manual technique

Which of these medications is included in the EMT scope of practice?

Oral glucose

Which of these sequences best describes the path that oxygen must travel to get into the cells of the body

Oropharynx, larynx, trachea, carina, bronchioles

A patient informs you that he has a hard time breathing when he lies in bed. You would best document this report as

Orthopnea

When providing a lengthy radio report, the most important reason to pause every 30 seconds is so that:

Other people can use the radio for emergency transmissions that may arise

Which organ(s) is (are) responsible for production and secretion of the primary female hormone progesterone?

Ovaries

The patient in anaerobic metabolism is deficient in/of

Oxygen

You suspect food poisoning in a 51-year-old male patient with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. He is alert and oriented with no life threats to his airway, breathing, or circulation. His vital signs are pulse, 124; respirations, 20 breaths/min; blood pressure, 198/98 mmHg; and SpO2, 93% on room air. The patient has a history of COPD and hypertension, for which he did not take his medications today. In this situation, what would be the appropriate initial care?

Oxygen at 2 1pm through a nasal cannula

When monitoring a patient receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula, which of these observations warrants immediate intervention

Oxygen flow rate of 15 liters per minute

A patient with an orbital fracture is most likely to complain of

Pain around the eye

A patient with dentalgia is suffering from a(n):

Painful tooth

When assessing a patient with chronic anemia, the EMT would expect which of these findings

Pale skin

You have been called for a 2-year-old female with an arm injury. The child presents with deformity and bruising to her left forearm. When asked, the mother states that the child fell from the bed, but the father states that his daughter fell down the stairs. Given the inconsistent stories, you are suspicious of child abuse. Which narrative would be most appropriate when documenting this situation?

Patient fell off of bed injuring left arm-per mother; patient fell down stairs injuring left arm-per father

A 46-year-old man who is conscious and has the capacity to make a rational decision is refusing treatment despite crushing chest pain and shortness of breath. He states that the hospital will not do anything for him and he does not want you to treat or transport him. The EMT should recognize that the:

Patient has a right to refuse treatment and transport

When arrive on scene, a family member directs you to a bedroom where a 62-year-old male patient is in respiratory distress. During the scene size-up, which finding would most strongly suggest that the patient suffers from a chronic respiratory disease

Patient in a chair in tripod position and has a barrel-shaped chest

You are reviewing a prehospital care report (PCR) and note the following entry: "Pt. took PCN TID PO for 5 days." You would interpret this as the patient took:

Penicillin was taken orally three times a day for five days straight

You are having a difficult time getting air from the bag-valve mask to pass into the lungs of a patient with suspected stroke. What should your first action be

Perform the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver again

The functions of a state EMS agency include:

Planning and coordination of the statewide EMS system

How should an EMT assist a patient in taking his epinephrine auto-injector?

Press the injector onto the lateral thigh, and wait for it to automatically inject

An alert and oriented 69-year-old male patient has slight right-arm weakness but exhibits no deficits to the right leg. The EMT should consider this patient to be a

Priority for transport to a hospital with a stroke center

You are transporting a patient who has a history of simple partial seizures. During transport, she experiences a simple partial seizure involving her right arm. Her pulse is 92, respirations are 14 breaths/min and adequate, blood pressure is 168/88 mmHg, and SpO2 is 98%. Your primary concern would be

Progression to a generalized seizure

What is the result of an opening developing that allows air into the space between the visceral and parietal pleura of the thorax

Progressive collapse of the lung

You have arrived by the side of a cyanotic patient who is responsive only to painful stimuli and exhibiting stridorous respirations. What is the most appropriate action by the EMT

Provide positive pressure ventilation with supplemental oxygen

After blood enters the right ventricle, it next moves into the:

Pulmonary artery

When performing a secondary assessment on an elderly male patient who is confused and combative, which of these assessment findings should be of most concern to the EMT?

Pulse of 164

When performing the primary assessment of a conscious adult, you typically palpate which pulse first?

Radial

Which pulse site is commonly palpated during the process of obtaining a blood pressure by the palpation technique

Radial

You have been called to assess a conscious and alert 5-year-old child whose chief complaint is nausea and vomiting over the last 2 hours. When assessing his pulse, you should first check which pulse?

Radial

When assessing an adult trauma patient's circulation status during the primary assessment, the EMT's assessment should include

Radial and/or carotid pulse, skin characteristics, and presence of external bleeding

While you are placing a 52-year-old female patient, whose complaint is a headache, on the stretcher, she begins to seize. Your immediate action would be to:

Raise the side rails and do not apply the straps very tightly

A tachypneic patient is breathing

Rapidly

A small car and a tanker truck loaded with gasoline have collided. The car is lodged under the tanker, the car engine is smoking, and the threat of fire is significant. After being waved in by the fire department, assessment reveals the patient to be unresponsive with a patent airway, but breathing with difficulty at 8 times per minute. In caring for this patient, your immediate action should be to:

Rapidly extricate the patient and provide care away from the wreckage

When auscultating breath sounds, the EMT should recognize rhonchi when he hears which type of sound

Rattling-like noises that change when the patient coughs

A patient who is chronically hypoxic because of anemia most likely has a problem with which component of the cardiovascular system?

Red blood cells

What is the primary way in which oxygen is transported to the cells

Red blood cells

You are transporting a patient who overdosed on medications from a community emergency department (ED) to a large medical center for continued care. In the ED, the patient received two doses of activated charcoal. When performing your reassessment of the patient, which of the findings would be most concerning?

Red-colored stool

What is the best way to decrease a patient's afterload

Reduce the blood pressure

You are dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on a remote country road. It is night, and your scene size-up reveals a heavily damaged car that rolled several times. The driver has been ejected and is lying prone in the middle of the road. In this situation, which type of protective clothing is it most essential that you don prior to making patient contact?

Reflective vest

ou suspect that an unresponsive female patient may be diabetic. To help confirm this suspicion, where would you send your partner to look for vials of insulin

Refrigerator

A patient with a history of renal failure, among other things, has an impairment in the ability to:

Regulate electrolytes

You are assessing an unresponsive patient who overdosed on a narcotic pain medication. Given the situation, what is the greatest concern regarding potential airway occlusion

Relaxation of the tongue

You have been called to a railroad yard for an unknown emergency. When you arrive on scene, you are directed to a tanker car, where two men are lying on the ground next to the railcar. The men are mechanics for the railroad company and were performing some type of repair work on the valves for the tanker car. The only other person around is a security guard, who saw the men suddenly collapse on a surveillance video camera and called 911 immediately. He has an automated external defibrillator (AED) at his side. Your initial action would be to

Remain at a safe distance and call for fire department assistance

As a patient provides you with her past medical history, which condition should you recognize as directly related to the endocrine system

Removal of the thyroid

Which step should be taken by the EMT to obtain an accurate pulse oximetry measurement?

Remove nail polish from the patient's fingernail if present

When using your portable radio, you must push the "press to talk" button and wait one second before speaking. This is essential to effective communication because your EMS system uses

Repeaters

En route to the hospital, you start the reassessment of a 22-year-old trauma patient. You should begin this assessment by:

Repeating the primary assessment

You have opened an apneic patient's airway using the head-tilt. chin-lift maneuver and are ready to ventilate with a pocket mask. The first ventilation you attempt is unsuccessful. You should immediately

Reposition the patient's head

Which of these statements is most correct regarding the difference between respiration and ventilation?

Respiration describes the exchange of 02 and CO2, while ventilation describes the movement of air that carries them into and out of the body

What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in infants and children?

Respiratory compromise

A 4-year-old female patient is having great difficulty breathing. She is responsive to verbal stimuli and has an open airway. Her respiratory rate is 40 breaths/min, and she has an SpO2 reading of 88%, which has dropped from 90% despite high-concentration oxygen through a pediatric nonrebreather mask. Her pulse is rapid, and her skin cool to the touch. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would recognize these findings as associated with which condition

Respiratory failure

You have been assigned to a football game to provide standby coverage. While taking a break, you decide to walk to a nearby concession stand for a soft drink. On the way, you come across a group of people standing around a male patient who collapsed and is on the ground. Your assessment reveals him to be unresponsive, not breathing, and pulseless. A bystander states that the patient just collapsed moments ago. An AED is located less than 1 minute from your location. The nearest EMT is 5 minutes from your location. What should you do immediately

Retrieve the nearby AED

Which of these is one of the five rights of medication administration?

Right dose

Another EMT informs you that a patient has been stabbed once with a knife in the right midaxillary region. Which description best identifies where is this injury located

Right lateral chest

When should the EMT use the pulse oximeter?

Routinely on all patients with a medical or trauma complaint

Which of these conditions would the EMT recognize as an acute abdominal emergency?

Rupture of the bladder

A patient tells you that he has been feeling "very weak" for the past three days. Using the SOAP charting format, this information would be included under which heading?

S: Subjective

The EMT determines the medications a patient takes during which phase of the patient assessment?

SAMPLE history

The segment of the spinal column that forms the posterior pelvis is the

Sacral vertebrae

You are starting to ventilate a patient with a laryngectomy and stoma. As you provide the first few ventilations, you note that the air passes easily into the patient, but does not cause the chest to rise. Your next action should be to:

Seal the patient's mouth and nose

It has been some time since you were involved in the care of a pediatric patient. You decide to review the assessment and treatment basics that your medical director requires. To review this information, which resource should you consult first?

Service protocols

A patient with a kidney stone would most likely complain of

Severe abdominal pain

6. A patient with sickle cell crisis will most likely complain of:

Severe pain

You have been dispatched to a residence for a patient experiencing an exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis. Which chief complaint do you anticipate the patient having

Severe pain

You are assessing a patient who is in bright sunlight after collapsing in the hot sun at a picnic. If you cannot immediately move the patient out of the sun, assessment of the pupils will be made more accurate by

Shading the patient's eyes

You are transporting a patient who wants help to rid herself of an addiction to pain medications. She says she has not taken any pain medications since yesterday, and needs help. Which of these findings would you recognize as a sign of withdrawal?

She starts to become agitated

Which of these statements about seizures is true?

Simple partial seizures do not cause an alteration in mental status

In the healthy heart, the electrical impulses that cause normal contraction of the cardiac muscle are initiated in the

Sinoatrial node

The primary pacemaker site of the heart is the:

Sinoatrial node

Assessment of a confused and lethargic patient with diabetes and renal failure reveals her to be lying in bed with notable significant edema to the face, torso, and extremities. Her respirations are extremely labored and associated with a "grunting" sound. Her airway is patent, radial pulse weak, and skin cool and diaphoretic with cyanosis noted to the fingers. Oxygen has been applied by Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs). Your next action would be to:

Sit the patient upright

You are called to a long-term care facility to assess and transport a patient with a high fever. You do not have a thermometer on your unit. Which alternative sign should you use to confirm the patient's increased body temperature

Skin on the abdomen that is hot and flushed

Which of these patient descriptions contains only vital signs

Skin, warm and dry; heart rate, 74 beats/min; pupils equal and reactive

A 53-year-old female patient has intentionally ingested a large amount of Valium. This medication is primarily absorbed into the body through which structure?

Small intestine

A female patient has developed bacterial peritonitis after sustaining blunt trauma to the abdomen. Damage to which organ was most likely responsible for this condition?

Small intestine

Currently, there is a debate within your organization regarding the use of codes in your medical communications and radio traffic. As you are in favor of using plain English and doing away with codes, a strong argument to justify this position would be:

Some medical information can be too complex for a simple code system

The EMT practice of protecting oneself from disease transmission through exposure to blood and other body fluids is referred to as:

Standard Precautions

Medical direction has asked that you obtain orthostatic vital signs for a 54-year-old female patient who complains of dizziness and weakness. Her baseline vital signs obtained while she was sitting in a chair were pulse, 84; respirations, 26 breaths/min; blood pressure, 118/62 mmHg; and SpO2, 95%. Which one set of vital signs upon reassessment would indicate that this patient has a positive orthostatic test

Standing blood pressure of 92/54 mm Hg and heart rate of 106 beats/min

Before the EMT contacts medical direction for authorization to assist a patient with shortness of breath in using her metered-dose inhaler, protocols state that the EMT must first attempt to provide relief by administering oxygen if the pulse oximeter reading is less than 94%. You recognize that the administration of oxygen is best described as a(n):

Standing order

A patient has been shot three times in the abdomen and has massive internal hemorrhage and blood loss. Which treatment will give this patient the best chance at survival

Stopping the bleeding

A patient who inhaled superheated steam in an industrial fire is most likely to exhibit which abnormal upper airway noise?

Stridor

A young female patient has been stung by a bee and complains that her "throat is closing up." She states that she is allergic to bee stings; the last time this happened, she had to have a "tube put into my windpipe." She is struggling to breathe and can speak only a few words at a time. Knowing that allergic reactions can cause swelling in the pharynx and the larynx, what airway sound would indicate that the patient indeed has swelling In this area?

Stridor

You determine a patient's radial pulse is readily palpable. but has uneven intervals between beats. This finding would best be documented on the prehospital care report as:

Strong and irregular

A male patient has altered mental status secondary to a brain tumor. The EMT would classify the brain tumor as which type of cause

Structural

A patient states that he has had a headache located in his forehead for three days. The EMT should recognize and document this piece of information as a(n):

Subjective finding

On arrival at a lethargic patient's side, you note her to have gurgling respirations. What is the best treatment for this condition?

Suction

You have arrived next to a patient who reportedly had a seizure. Assessment reveals him to be apneic with vomitus in the airway. He has a radial pulse, and his skin is cool and diaphoretic. What should you do immediately?

Suction the airway

Which position would be most appropriate for an alert and oriented patient complaining of shortness of breath?

Supine with the head elevated

Which of these descriptions best fits a female patient with a problem related to her urinary system

Swelling of the ureter

An awake but confused patient experiencing an allergic reaction begins to exhibit stridorous respirations. The EMT knows that the underlying condition responsible for this presentation is:

Swelling to the upper airway

You are called to a residence for seizure activity. On scene, the patient's daughter tells you that her father, who has diabetes, stated that he suddenly felt dizzy and then fell to the floor. Within a few seconds, he began asking what had happened and why he was on the floor. Based on this description, the EMT should recognize which condition?

Syncopal episode

A female patient in her forties has overdosed and is lying at the bottom of some stairs. Her husband reluctantly informs you that she is addicted to pain medications and was chewing a fentanyl (narcotic pain reliever) patch this evening. She was having difficulty standing up and fell down the stairs. The husband is so frustrated with her that he immediately leaves the scene. The patient has snoring respiration and is incontinent of urine. You first step in caring for this patient would be to:

Take manual spine motion restriction precautions

An alert but confused patient called 911 with the complaint of abdominal pain. Assessment reveals her to be nauseated with pain that she localizes to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. She states that she was not able to take her blood pressure medication this morning and wants to take it now with a small glass of juice. You would

Tell her that she should not take her medication or drink juice

Which sign or symptom should the EMT expect in a patient who has a chronically low white blood cell count?

Temperature of 103.4 °F

Which one of these describes the typical signs and symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

Temporary, with many TIAs lasting less than 15 minutes

When you assess the lower back of an elderly patient who fell, he grimaces and tells you that it hurts when you palpate the injury site. The perception by he patient of increased pain upon palpation of an injured site is known as:

Tenderness

You are treating a pediatric patient in cardiac arrest. The patient has a long congenital cardiac history and had a pacemaker implanted a year ago. How will this information change the EMT's use of the AED during arrest management?

The AED can be used, but the adhesive pad should not be placed directly over the pacemaker

A 62-year-old male is short of breath. The EMT asks the patient if it would be okay to assess him, including taking his vital signs. The patient agrees by nodding the head "yes." As such, which is true?

The EMT has obtained expressed consent

A patient must be removed immediately from a structure that is on the verge of collapse following an explosion. He is lying on the ground and dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. You are by yourself and have no other supplies or equipment. Which type of move would be most appropriate in this situation?

The armpit-forearm drag

When a patient has a narrowed pulse pressure, what is occurring

The blood vessels are constricting

57. When a person is in shock, what is occurring in the body?

The cells are not getting enough oxygen, and waste products are accumulating

The EMT is correct when he identifies baseline vital signs as:

The first set of vital signs obtained

If a clot occludes the blood flow through the coronary artery, what will be the detrimental effect?

The flow of oxygen-rich blood to the muscle of the ventricle will be decreased

The EMT would recognize the profession of urology as applying to:

The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra

A patient has pulmonary hypertension, which has increased the resistance in the pulmonary blood vessels. In response, what will most likely occur over a long period of time?

The right side of the heart will weaken

What is the primary difference between the EMT's scope of practice and the EMT's standard of care?

The scope includes which actions the EMT can legally take, while the standard of care is what a EMT should do in an EMS system with similar training and protocols

When assessing a patient who has been exposed to a poisonous substance, it is essential to understand:

The signs and symptoms of toxic exposure will vary depending on the specific poison

In discussing patients with chlamydia and gonorrhea with a group of EMT students, you would inform them that

These coinfections are treated with antibiotic therapy

When should the EMT evaluate the scene of an emergency for hazards that may threaten or harm him?

Throughout the entire call

Why would a patient with COPD have a higher percentage of red blood cells than a healthy person without COPD?

To carry additional oxygen to the cells

Haptics is the study of

Touching

What actions place the patient at greatest risk for a medical mistake?

Transferring care from one EMT to another

An EMT is correctly assessing a patient's radial pulse when he:

Uses his fingertips to feel for a pulse on the anterior and lateral aspects of the patient's wrist

Which of these identifies the major elements of the pathway that blood takes through the heart in the correct sequence?

Vena cava, right ventricle, pulmonary artery, left ventricle, aorta

A patient has a pulmonary condition known as asthma that results in significant bronchoconstriction. If this patient is found to be hypoxic during an asthma attack, which type of disturbance is most likely causing the hypoxia

Ventilation disturbance

A patient's SpO2 increased from 89% to 95% after he received a bronchodilating drug for his asthma. Where did the patient's problem most likely originate

Ventilation portion of the V/Q ratio

A patient who is hypoxic has a pulmonary disease that involves low lung compliance. With this condition, you realize that:

Ventilation with a bag-valve mask will likely require more effort

A patient has just gone into cardiac arrest. His heart is most likely in which rhythm?

Ventricular fibrillation

Failure to promptly treat ventricular tachycardia can result in myocardial cell hypoxia and ischemia, which then contributes to the rhythm deteriorating to

Ventricular fibrillation

Which cardiac arrest rhythm is the AED designed to shock?

Ventricular fibrillation

Which item is included in the U.S. Department of Transportation minimum data set?

Vital signs and skin condition

What is the greatest risk related to the ingestion of cyanide

Widespread hypoxia

Your portable radio was accidentally dropped at the scene of a car wreck and has become soiled with dirt and mud. How should you clean the portable prior to putting it back into service?

Wipe it down with a damp cloth

How would you transport a patient experiencing a seizure who is strongly suspected of having a cervical spine cord injury?

With spine motion restriction precautions applied and a cervical collar in place

You are dispatched to a residence for an 82-year-old female who is not breathing. On arrival, the husband directs you to a second-floor bedroom. As you make patient contact, you note that she is rigored. What should your next step be?

Withhold CPR and contact medical command

A patient with severe chest pain hands you a bottle of nitroglycerin. After reading the label, you determine that the prescribed dose is two pills when chest pain is present, but the medication expired almost a month ago. You should

Withhold the medication and transport the patient

You are an off-duty EMT and have come across a motor vehicle collision. A car has crashed head-on into a utility pole. There is moderate damage to the vehicle and the driver is walking about the scene. You stop and assess the patient. He has a large bruise on his arm and is complaining of abdominal pain where the seat belt contacted his body. Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are on scene, and a responding ambulance has a 2-minute ETA. At this point, you realize that:

You cannot leave until another EMT or paramedic arrives to assume care

A patient with diabetes is exhibiting rapid and deep respirations. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would expect this patient to have:

elevated blood glucose.

A 21-year-old female patient has overdosed on an unknown drug. She has snoring respirations and an intact gag reflex. She has weak respiratory effort and is slightly cyanotic. Given these assessment findings, your care should include:

insertion of a nasal airway

Degenerative disk disease to the vertebrae is characterized by damage to which structure(s) between the vertebrae

lntervertebral disks

The pancreas would best be described as which type of organ?

solid

The EMT shows she understands "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) orders and living wills when she states:

"A DNR applies to resuscitation issues only, such as when a patient stops breathing or the heart ceases to beat, whereas a living will pertains to long-term life support care and equipment."

The EMT correctly understands a "Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment" document when he states

"A POLST is designed to allow a patient to choose the desired type of care prior to the need for resuscitation."

Your partner is having a difficult time determining normal and abnormal blood pressures for a child. Which of these statements will help him most

"A minimally acceptable systolic pressure can be estimated by doubling the child's age and adding it to 70.

Which of these statements indicates an appropriate understanding of palpating a blood pressure

"A palpated blood pressure is typically a little lower than a blood pressure obtained by auscultation.

Your medical director is providing an in-service program on abdominal pain. He notes that there are several different categories of pain and asks if anyone can describe visceral pain. Which response made by the EMT would be correct?

"A patient with visceral pain typically describes the pain as 'aching' and has a hard time identifying its exact location."

Which of these statements made by your EMT partner indicates that he understands assessment of a patient's breathing

"A rate less than 8 times per minute may allow adequate breathing, but requires further evaluation and assessment

You are caring for a postictal male patient with a known history of seizures. He is confused and cannot remember his 8-year-old son's name. His son tearfully asks you if his father will ever remember him. Your response would be:

"Although he is confused now, he should remember your name in a little bit."

Which of these statements made by an EMT student indicates that he correctly understands the use of capillary refill when assessing a patient

"Capillary refill is a more reliable sign of perfusion quality in children younger than 6 years than in adolescents or adults.

When an EMT inspects the abdomen of a patient with pain to his right upper quadrant, it appears large and possibly distended. To determine if the abdomen is indeed distended, the EMT would ask

"Does your belly normally seem to be this size?"

Which of these questions would the EMT ask when performing the Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Screen?

"Have you ever had a seizure?"

Assessment of a 67-year-old male patient reveals absent lung sounds to the right lung, accompanied by sharp chest pain to the same side. When obtaining a history, which of these statements made by the patient's wife would the EMT recognize as most important

"He has emphysema."

A patient with chest pain informs you that the pain is greater when he takes a deep breath. The EMT is using the active listening technique of "facilitation" and "clarification" when he responds by saying:

"I see. Can you describe what the pain feels like?"

You are interviewing a prospective candidate for an EMT position with your service. During the interview, you ask the applicant to describe the purpose of the primary assessment. Which of these statements best describes that purpose?

"Identify and treat life-threatening conditions."

Which of these statements made by your new EMT partner demonstrates an understanding of assessment findings related to stroke

"If one arm is weak, a stroke should be suspected."

A patient who has just been raped states that she will not go with you to the hospital until she showers and cleans herself up. As an EMT, what is your best response?

"If you shower, you will destroy evidence needed to help identify the rapist.•

Which statement made by an EMT with whom you are working for the first time shows he understands the use of the pocket mask

"In comparison to the bag-valve mask, the pocket mask can deliver just as good, if not better, tidal volume

While reviewing patient care reports as part of a quality assurance program, which trip time documented by an EMT would indicate that the EMT needs refresher education regarding proper military time utilization?

"Intercepted with ALS at 0032 hours"

Which instruction given by an EMT indicates the proper administration of nitroglycerin?

"Let this pill dissolve under your tongue."

Emergency Medical Responders have removed a female patient from her bedroom, where she was found lying on her bed with a suicide bag over her head. The bag is removed and you note the woman to be unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. Given the use of a suicide bag and the presentation of the patient, which of these statements indicates proper initial care

"Let's open the airway manually first."

Which statement shows that the EMT has a good understanding of her role and responsibilities related to being an EMT?

"My safety comes first, and then the patient's safety."

A pertinent negative would be illustrated by:

"Nausea without vomiting."

When interviewing a patient with a medical emergency, the EMT is using the technique of summary when she says:

"So the nausea and vomiting started two days ago, correct?"

After two cardiac arrests occurred on its premises over the last 6 months, a large home improvement center has purchased a fully automated AED. You have been asked to provide education on its use. During an instructional session, a student asks you what will happen when the AED indicates that a shock is indicated. Your response should be:

"The AED will automatically charge and shock the patient."

The EMT shows that she understands the danger posed by status epilepticus when she states:

"The longer the seizure continues, the greater the opportunity for permanent brain damage.·

The EMT understands the major function of most organs in the abdomen when he states

"The major function of the organs in the abdominal cavity is digestion."

Within minutes of administering Proventil (albuterol) to a patient through her metered-dose inhaler (MDI), the patient is breathing easier and states that she feels much better. An Emergency Medical Responder on scene asks you how the medication in the MDI helped the patient. Which of these responses would be most appropriate?

"The medication in the inhaler relaxes and opens up the small airways in the lungs."

The EMT understands diastolic blood pressure when he defines it as

"The pressure in the arteries between cardiac contractions."

Your partner states that he is the "world's worst speller" and has great difficulty using medical terms. How would you respond to this statement?

"Use everyday language if you are unsure of how to apply or spell a medical term."

Which of these statements regarding the use of a nasal cannula is true?

"When the nasal cannula is set to the highest appropriate oxygen flow rate, a large portion of the air inspired by the patient is still ambient air."

You are preparing to administer activated charcoal to a patient who has ingested a poison. The activated charcoal authorized by your medical director also contains a cathartic. Which of these statements would you make to the patient regarding this additive?

"You may experience diarrhea after taking the charcoal.

You are assisting a patient in taking her metered-dose inhaler for the first time. Which of these statements about the side effects of the medication would be most appropriate?

"You may feel anxious and your heart rate may increase."

Which of these patients has a normal fasting glucose level

A 37-year-old female who is weak and dizzy with a glucose level of 81 mg/dl

Which of these patients should the EMT recognize as tachycardic for his or her age bracket

A 37-year-old male with a complaint of fatigue and a heart rate of 104

Which of these patients would the EMT recognize as a drug abuser?

A 39-year-old female who takes pain medications even though she is not in pain

Which of these patients should receive oxygen via an oxygenation adjunct such as an NRB or nasal cannula

A 42-year-old female who is confused, weak, and dizzy, and adequately breathing 14 times per minute

Which of these patients would be classified as unresponsive?

A 46-year-old-male who does not respond when his fingers are pinched

A patient informs you that he smoked marijuana all night and now has great anxiety, hunger, and tremors to both hands. The EMT would recognize marijuana is best described as

A cannabis product

A shooting at a public mall leaves three people dead and nine injured, several critically. As operations wind down, many rescuers are physically and emotionally upset. Which event may be most appropriate at this specific time?

A gathering that allows the rescuers to vent their emotions

Which of these definitions best describes the structure and function of the stomach?

A hollow organ that secretes digestive enzymes and churns food

You have been asked to describe the American Heart Association's Chain of Survival to a group of Emergency Medical Responder students. Which of these is the best description of this concept?

A sequence of events that, if enacted quickly, gives the patient the best chance of surviving cardiac arrest

Why is using a standard format for relaying medical information to the emergency department important?

A standard format reduces the opportunities for forgetting important medical information

Two days after a call, you realize that you forgot to document that you checked a patient's blood glucose prior to him refusing transport and signing the refusal form. At that time, you did contact medical direction and provide this information to the doctor, prior to him authorizing the patient to refuse. What is now your best course of action?

Add an addendum to the report with the correct information, the current date, and the EMT's initials

After performing a Markle test on a 31-year-old female patient with abdominal pain, she locates pain to her left lower quadrant. How would the EMT interpret this result

Additional evidence that the patient has peritonitis

An EMT is assessing a 9-month-old infant who is "not acting right" per his mother. Assessment reveals the child to be extremely irritable, crying weakly, and resistant to being touched by the EMT. Which description best describes this infant's mental status?

Alert

31. A 44-year-old male patient has been shot in the abdomen. Which assessment findings would lead you to believe that the patient is in compensated shock?

Alert and anxious, pulse 102, BP 114/88 mmHg, pale and cool skin

Which of these emergency responders have articles of personal protective equipment in place?

All the responders have personal protective equipment in place.

You must assess a crying 7-month-old baby who is vomiting. To best assess this patient, you should

Allow the mother to hold the baby

Kyphosis is best described as

An exaggerated forward curvature of the thoracic spine

You have just arrived by the side of a male patient who is in cardiac arrest. Emergency Medical Responders have been on scene for 6 minutes performing CPR. Advanced life support (ALS) has been contacted and is 1 minute out. What should you do immediately

Apply and use the automated external defibrillator

An intoxicated 19-year-old female patient has fallen through a large plate glass window. As you approach, you note her to be sitting up and holding her hand over a large laceration on her opposite arm that is still spurting bright red blood. In this situation, you would immediately

Apply direct pressure to the laceration

A 28-year-old female patient has fallen 20 feet from the roof a house. She is lying supine and does not appear to be conscious or breathing. On arrival at her side, what should the EMT do first?

Apply manual in-line spinal motion restriction

For the EMT to administer aspirin in the prehospital setting, which of these criteria must be met

Approval from medical direction

You and a paramedic partner are caring for a patient who overdosed on a drug that has caused her to become apneic. Your EMT student is providing BVM ventilations with supplemental oxygen via an endotracheal tube placed by the paramedic. The patient still has a good pulse and acceptable blood pressure. The pulse oximeter reads 95% and the ETCO2 monitor reads 28 mmHg. Given these findings, the EMT should

Ask the EMT student ventilating the patient to slow the ventilatory rate

Which of lhese medications would the EMT administer PO?

Aspirin

You have been dispatched for a 61-year-old female in cardiac arrest. Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are on scene. In your community, all EMS practitioners are trained according to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model. Given this, which type of care do you expect the EMRs to be providing?

Automated external defibrillation

Which division of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for increasing gastric juice secretions after a person eats a meal?

Autonomic

A patient informs you that she has a dialysis fistula on her left arm. You would:

Avoid performing a blood pressure measurement on the patient's left arm

Which type of joint provides the greatest amount of free motion

Ball-and-socket joint

When a healthy person has a sudden increase in blood pressure, what will occur next

Baroreceptors will signal the brain to decrease the heart rate

You have just been instructed to stop emergency care on an unresponsive and pulseless 61-year-old man found by his wife in the bathroom. When you tell his wife that there is nothing more that can be done, she erupts in an episode of rage and starts screaming that there must be something else that can be done and you are not doing your job well enough. In this situation, which action is best?

Be tolerant of the angry reaction

What would be considered an objective patient assessment finding?

Blood pressure 114/68 mmHg

Which of these descriptions is most characteristic of carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas that can kill a person by causing severe hypoxia

Which statement best describes the difference between cardiac and smooth muscle

Cardiac muscle can generate its own electrical impulse; smooth muscle cannot

A patient with high blood pressure takes a medication to slow his heart rate, thereby lowering his blood pressure. The EMT would recognize this action as impacting

Cardiac output

A patient does not speak English and no family members are available to translate. Which other options are available to you to facilitate communication with the patient

Check with dispatch or use a toll-free interpreter line

Assessment of a patient's neck reveals that the trachea is deviated to the left. Based on this assessment finding, the EMT should suspect an injury located to the patient's

Chest

The EMT is correctly accessing for accessory muscle use when he examines which part of the body

Chest

Which sign or symptom would the EMT typically associate with congestive heart failure?

Crackles in both lungs

You are assessing a patient in heart failure. Which sign or symptom seemingly indicates that the left ventricle is the cause of the heart failure?

Crackles in the bases of both lungs

A patient with chest pain and shortness of breath informs you that the last time he had a heart attack, he went into heart failure. When performing your secondary assessment, which sign or symptom is most indicative that the patient is in heart failure again?

Crackles in the lungs

The terms "occipital," "parietal," and "frontal" can refer collectively to which part of the body

Cranium

You have been called to transport a patient who has an illness that has impaired the involuntary muscles' ability to contract. What condition would you expect with this patient?

Decreased peristaltic movement of the large intestine

Within the human body, what effect does insulin have?

Decreases the level of glucose in the bloodstream

What is the best description of the purpose of the five rights of drug administration

Decreases the risk of a medication error

Atrovent, if prescribed to the patient, is indicated for:

Difficulty breathing

A beta-2 medication benefits a patient by:

Dilating the small airways

The underlying pathophysiology of distributive shock is:

Dilation of the blood vessels

Resuscitation, when started during which phase of cardiac arrest, provides the patient with the best chance of survival?

Electrical

Which of these actions should you and your partner take when you arrive on the scene at a large factory where an unresponsive patient was subjected to a powdered chemical that contacted large portions of his unprotected skin

Ensure that you are properly protected with gloves and protective gear to prevent the powder rom contacting your skin

The highest priority for the EMT working on a patient when approaching the scene of a crime is:

Ensuring personal safety

A 23-year-old male patient has been shot with a rifle by an assailant standing in front of him. The bullet entered the victim's chest just above the left nipple and exited his body laterally left of his fourth lumbar vertebrae. Proper documentation of this injury would include:

Entry wound to the anterior thorax

A patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is complaining of chest pain. In this situation, which personal protective equipment, at a minimum, is required to be donned prior to contact with the patient?

Gloves and eyewear

You have arrived at the emergency department with a patient complaining of nausea. The department is extremely busy and you are waiting to give a verbal report to the nurse or doctor. While waiting, dispatch contacts you over the radio and states that you are needed for a critically injured child that was hit by a car. Your best action would be to:

Go to the nurse's station and provide the registered nurse with a quick oral report

You have been called to transport a patient in septic shock from the emergency department of a local hospital to the critical care unit of another hospital. Two nurses will be accompanying you. As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that this state of shock has been caused by:

Infection

Which condition is recognized as one that will affect the ventilation component of the ventilation/perfusion ratio

Infection and pus in the distal airways and alveoli

You have placed the blood pressure cuff on the arm of a patient who is short of breath. What is your next step?

Inflate to a reading of 70 mm Hg, check for a radial pulse, and continue inflation until the pulse is no longer felt

What is the most common route by which a poison enters the body

Ingestion

A 73-year-old female patient is responsive to painful stimuli and cannot move her arm or leg on one side of her body. You suspect she is having a stroke. What is the best transport position for this patient?

Left lateral recumbent position

A 44-year-old male patient was cutting limbs from high in a tree when he fell. He is found to be unresponsive with snoring respirations. His breathing is inadequate at a rate of 8 breaths/min and his carotid pulse is weak and difficult to locate. Following the primary assessment and initial management of life threats, which of these actions will the EMT complete while performing the secondary assessment?

Obtain vital signs and get a past medical history from the family

As you arrive on scene, an Emergency Medical Responder informs you that the patient has agonal respirations. Based on this description, you would expect the patient's breathing to be

Occasional and gasping

A patient informs you that he must sprinkle artificial digestive enzymes on all his foods before eating them. Based on this information, which endocrine gland should you assume is dysfunctional

Pancreas

The EMT should recognize normal skin color in a healthy patient as:

Pink

The EMT is correctly performing the jaw-thrust airway maneuver when she

Places her hands on the side of the patient's head and lifts the jaw upward

Paramedics have administered a medication to a patient with heart failure. The medication specifically causes the veins (only) to dilate, thereby decreasing the amount of blood that returns to the heart for pumping. The EMT would recognize this action as decreasing

Preload

A patient who is nonverbal from a previous stroke is in severe respiratory distress. A family member states that she has multiple medical problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure. When assessing this patient, which sign or symptom would raise your suspicion that the patient has heart failure?

Pulmonary crackles

A patient with a cardiac history complains of chest pain. He already took four baby aspirins, and medical direction has given you permission to assist the patient with his nitroglycerin dose. After you administer nitroglycerin to the patient, he complains of a headache. What would be your most appropriate next step?

Realize that the headache is an undesirable side effect of the nitroglycerin and continue care

When treating a patient with chest discomfort, the EMT's primary goal is to

Recognize the possibility of cardiac compromise and provide proper emergency care

Which activity related to the use of an AED would a medical director carry out?

Reviewing cases in which an AED was used but no shock was advised

An 86-year-old male patient has experienced a sudden change in mental status and is repeatedly striking a fist against his leg. When you question him, he does not respond. This presentation is most consistent with which condition?

Seizure

A mother has called 911 because her 2-year-old daughter is fussy and not eating. When assessing the toddler, what would be the best indication of her perfusion status

Skin color and temperature

You have moved to another state and wish to work as an EMT. In your previous state of employment, EMTs were allowed to administer a specific set of drugs. To determine whether EMTs can administer drugs in your new state of residence, you should review the:

State Emergency Medical Technicians' Scope of Practice

A postictal patient is awake and can communicate with you, but has trouble answering your questions correctly. Given this presentation, the EMT would recognize that

The airway is open

Which of these statements is true regarding the form or function of the alveoli

The alveoli permit gas exchange between the lungs and bloodstream

When properly using a nonrebreather face mask, which of these statements is true?

The concentration of inhaled oxygen will be approximately 90%

Your partner reports that a patient's blood pressure is 156/78 mmHg. From this reading, you realize

The diastolic blood pressure is 78 mmHg

To best determine the type and extent of injuries sustained by a patient who has fallen, the EMT should consider which of these pieces of information?

The distance fallen and the type of surface landed on

When assessing a 5-month-old baby girl, you note that she cries when her mother holds her, but is quiet and at peace when her father takes her. Assessment reveals no outward problems. Based on your knowledge of psychosocial development, what is a likely explanation

The father is most likely the baby's primary caregiver

You document the following on the prehospital care report: "c/o H/A with associated n/v; pt. denies existing CNS problems or history of the same; states positive history of AAA and ETOH abuse." Regarding this narrative, which interpretation would be most accurate?

The patient has a headache

Which of these is the best explanation of why a patient who experiences a syncopal episode often regains consciousness after falling?

The supine position allows better perfusion to the brain

Which of these conditions places the patient at the greatest risk for an acute neurologic deficit

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

What is the single best technique that the EMT can use to prevent the spread of infection?

Washing hands

You know an EMT is correctly using a glucometer when she performs which procedural step?

Wastes the first drop of blood obtained from the patient's finger

When assessing a patient with a suspected anaphylactic reaction, which of these findings would you expect?

Weak, rapid radial pulse

A state's Good Samaritan law would NOT protect the health care provider(s) in which of these situations?

When an EMT is working for a volunteer EMS system and performs an act of gross negligence

Mechanical external compression devices are recommended:

When high-quality manual compressions are not possible

During which situation is it typically NOT necessary for the EMT to contact dispatch first with a request or question?

When the EMT needs to get medical approval to administer a medication

An example of a pivot joint of the body would be

Where the radius and ulna meet the humerus

A patient suffering a carpal fracture would most likely complain of pain in her

Wrist

You have been called for a 23-year-old male who is completely deaf. To best communicate with this patient, you should:

Write questions on a note pad

You must suction the oropharynx of a male patient who has a decreased ability to swallow secondary to a previous stroke. He also has a history of smoking and lung cancer. What would be the most appropriate suction catheter for use with this patient

Yankauer

You are treating a 17-year-old patient who fell out of a tree from a height of approximately 6-8 feet and landed against a wooden picket fence that was near the tree trunk. The patient landed with his right lateral chest striking the fence. The patient is alert and oriented, complains of respiratory distress, and has absent breath sounds over his right thorax. The vital signs reveal a blood pressure of 112/72 mmHg, a heart rate of 102 beats/min and regular, respirations of 20 breaths/min, pulse oximetry of 90% on ambient air, and intact peripheral perfusion. Your partner asks you if he should call for ALS intercept. You respond "yes" for which reason

You suspect the patient may have a pneumothorax

While taking an EMT class, you come across a test question that asks you to define the pathophysiology of a seizure. Which answer would you select?

"A seizure occurs when there is a massive and uncoordinated electrical discharge in the brain

You are instructing EMT students on how to obtain a blood sample for use in a glucometer. You are providing accurate information when you state:

"A small drop of blood obtained from the patient's fingertip is sufficient

Which of these statements made by the EMT indicates a safe understanding of the administration of nitroglycerin in the prehospital setting?

"A total of three nitroglycerin tablets may be administered in the prehospital setting, and this includes what the patient recently took prior to EMS arrival.

A new employee of your EMS system is about to take a protocol test in front of the EMS supervisor. As he is reviewing the protocol from memory, he gets confused about which amount of oxygen to administer to a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism. How would you respond if he asks you for help

"Administer supplemental oxygen to the patient of sufficient amount to maintain the pulse oximeter reading at or greater than 94%."

You are providing a continuing education session for your EMS department regarding anaphylaxis, as you have just returned from a national conference at which current issues related to this pathology were discussed. During your session, one of your fellow EMS providers asks you how the body can "suddenly" become allergic to something. What is your best response?

"After exposure to a new antigen, the body will create antibodies to fight it; these antibodies can be the root cause of the anaphylactic response later.

You are en route to a home for an 8-year-old child with "noisy" breathing and a cough. As you respond, which piece of advice would you give your partner, a new EMT

"Although most children of this age are trusting of authority, let's approach slowly and make the scene work for us."

The EMT understands the ECG when he makes which of these statements about the waveform

"An ECG represents the electrical activity of the heart."

The EMT shows that she understands the difference between classic angina and an acute myocardial infarction (Ml) when she states

"An acute myocardial infarction results in the death of cardiac tissue; classic angina does not."

The EMT exhibits an understanding of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis when she makes which of these statements?

"Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that will lead to death without emergency care."

Your EMT student has a good understanding of end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring when she states

"Any disturbance to the breathing, circulation, or metabolic state of the patient can alter the reading

You are interviewing a patient whom you suspect has an acute coronary syndrome. Which question is most appropriate initially

"Are you having any chest discomfort?"

Which statement regarding a PCR is accurate?

"Aside from providing a record of the care given, the PCR also may be used for education and research

The EMT accurately understands alcoholism when he states:

"Aside from the excessive amounts of alcohol, much of the health deterioration that accompanies alcoholism comes from malnutrition."

You have been called to a residence of a woman who fell down the stairs. On scene, you find the patient on the couch with a large laceration to her forehead. As you begin assessing and treating her, she states that she did not fall down the stairs, but rather was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend after inviting him into her home. He has since left the residence prior to your arrival. In this situation, which statement would be most appropriate?

"Aside from your head, do you hurt anywhere else?"

Which of these statements made by the EMT indicates a correct understanding of caring for someone with a headache

"Assessment is essential in determining if a patient's headache represents a life-threatening condition

The mother of a 9-month-old baby informs you that her child has yet to make any sounds that resemble words or speech. She asks you if this is normal. What is your best response

"Babies typically begin making words at 6 months. It may be a good idea to call your pediatrician for additional information."

As you drive the ambulance with lights and sirens activated to the hospital, the paramedic asks you to notify the receiving hospital since he is busy caring or the patient, who is critical. The paramedic tells you to specifically let the emergency department know that the patient's blood sugar is 15 mg/dl (very low). There is no history of diabetes. How should you state this information to the hospital?

"Be advised that the blood sugar is 15-that is, one-five mg/dl."

An adult patient with the capacity to make his own decisions has cardiac-type chest pain and is refusing all treatment. What would be the EMT's most appropriate response?

"Before you refuse, I need to tell you that this could be a heart attack and you could die."

After you assist a patient with use of his metered-dose inhaler, the patient's son asks why his father cannot take the medication in the form of a pill. Which of these responses would be most appropriate?

"By giving the medication into the lungs, the medicine goes directly to where it's needed."

You are staffing an information booth at the county fair when a mother and her 15-year-old son approach. The mother informs you that her son is severely allergic to bee stings and had an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed to him when he was 5 years old. She hands you the 0.15 mg auto-injector and notes that it expired several years ago. Which of these statements would be most appropriate for you to make?

"Call your doctor to get a new injector and ask him if he wants to change the dose.•

Over the radio, medical direction has given the following order for an unstable patient you suspect is having a heart attack: "Have the patient chew four baby aspirin, each one at 81 mg, and transport as soon as possible." You would show reception of this order by stating:

"Copy. We will have the patient chew four baby aspirin, each one at 81 mg, and transport ASAP

An EMT student asks you if it matters whether the blood pressure cuff seems too small for a patient, if a reading can still be obtained. You should respond

"Cuffs that are too small provide inaccurately high readings."

Family members have called you for a young female patient with a history of diabetes who took insulin earlier in the day. She is confused and combative. Which of these questions is most important for the EMT to immediately ask the family?

"Did she eat after taking the insulin?"

A patient with diabetes is noncompliant with taking insulin. On scene, your assessment indicates this patient has an open airway, rapid and deep respirations, and a rapid radial pulse. His skin is warm and flushed. Vital signs are pulse, 120; respirations, 40 breaths/min; blood pressure, 108/86 mmHg; and SpO2, 98%. The patient's blood sugar reads "high" on your glucometer. Which of these instructions to other caregivers indicates proper care of this patient

"Do not worry about his breathing rate, it is actually helping him right now."

When using the OPQRST mnemonic, the EMT is getting information as it applies to the "P" category when she asks:

"Do you feel more short of breath when you are lying down?"

A patient who is severely short of breath and covered with hives states that she is allergic to crab. Despite her allergy, she tried some crab dip 10 minutes ago, since it had been "years and years" since she had her last allergic reaction. Which question should the EMT ask first?

"Do you have an epinephrine auto-injector?"

A middle-aged male with behavioral problems states that he drank some "chemicals" to kill the bugs in his body. The patient is alert and oriented and shows no life-threatening conditions to the airway, breathing, or circulation. At this point, which of these questions should the EMT ask

"Do you know exactly what it was you drank?"

You have arrived by the side of an 82-year-old male complaining of generalized weakness. After you introduce yourself, the patient states, "My name is Edward Burns, but everyone calls me Eddy." What would be your most appropriate response back to him?

"Do you want us to call you Eddy as well?"

When obtaining a medical history from the family of a patient experiencing seizure, which of these questions is most important for the EMT to ask first?

"Does he take his seizure medications as prescribed?"

Which of these questions would the EMT ask when using the OPQRST mnemonic

"Does the pain feel dull or sharp?"

A young new mother has called 911 because her baby will not stop crying. On scene, you find a 6-month-old baby who alternates between crying and sleep. Which statement to the mother would be most appropriate given the infant's crying

"Does this cry seem different to you?"

The EMT shows he understands the use of an epinephrine auto-injector for treating a patient with an anaphylactic reaction when he makes which of these statements?

"Epinephrine administered through an auto-injector can be used for all anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions, regardless of the cause."

At a continuing education seminar on shock, the presenter asks if there is a point where someone cannot recover from shock. Which statement made by an EMT is correct

"Even with treatment, if shock has reached the final stage when multiple organs start to fail,death will result.

You notice that your partner routinely takes only one set of vital signs when treating and transporting patients. When asked, he states that he gets just baseline vital signs because they are most important, as they provide information related to the patient's clinical status at the time of the EMS call. How would you respond

"Examining several sets of vital signs can also indicate the effectiveness of your treatment."

Which of these statements made by an EMT student shows he correctly understands capillary refill?

"For a capillary refill test to be normal for a child, it must be assessed at room temperature and be less than 2 seconds."

Your medical director is holding an in-service program focusing on the prehospital management of adult patients with respiratory complaints. He asks the group to explain how they can determine if the patient is breathing adequately. Which response is most appropriate?

"For an adult patient to be breathing adequately, the rate should be within 8 to 24 breaths/min with a full chest rise with each breath."

A man comes into your station and tells you that he was just diagnosed by his physician as having multiple syncopal episodes the previous week. More specifically, he asks you to explain why he keeps fainting. Which of these statements would be your best response?

"For some reason, there was a temporary decrease in the flow of blood to your brain."

Which phrase best illustrates the EMT using the summary technique of therapeutic communication with a patient experiencing depression?

"From your story, it seems that you have been depressed for several weeks now."

On scene, you find a 91-year-old female patient who fell down two steps after suddenly complaining of a severe headache. She is unresponsive with gurgling respirations. Which instruction should you immediately give your partner after manual spinal motion restriction is applied?

"Get the suction out and clear out her airway."

A mother has called 911 for medical assistance. She states that her 3-month-old son has a rectal temperature of 99.7° F and is not feeding. Which statement would be appropriate when talking with the mother about the infant's temperature

"Given his age, a temperature of 99.7° F is normal."

Which statement made by a patient's family member would cause the EMT to suspect that a patient is experiencing hypovolemic shock

"He cannot stop throwing up.

A patient with diabetes who took insulin earlier is found unresponsive with a blood glucose level of 29 mg/dl. Which piece of information provided by family gives the best explanation for the patient's altered mental status?

"He didn't eat breakfast or lunch today because his belly hurt."

The EMT would recognize that a 49-year-old male patient has experienced a primary seizure when his wife states:

"He had seizures in the past, but they are not sure what causes them."

Assessment of a 56-year-old male patient reveals him to be responsive to verbal stimuli with garbled speech. Which of these statements made by the patient's wife suggests that the patient's problem may be toxic-metabolic?

"He has bad kidneys."

You have been called for a 6-year-old male patient with shortness of breath. On scene, you find the patient with a runny nose and mucus coming from the right nare. Breath sounds are clear and his SpO2 is 99% on room air. When asked, the patient states that his throat is very sore. His vital signs are pulse, 124; respirations, 20 breaths/min; and temperature, 98.9° F. There is no medical history, according to the mother. Which statement or instruction would be most appropriate for this situation

"He is stable, but we will take him to the hospital. The danger lies in the infection spreading to the lungs."

A 23-year-old male patient has extreme pain in his lower right groin with a protruding mass noted in the same area. In discussing this patient with your partner, which statement would be most accurate?

"He really needs to be evaluated; he may have a hernia, obstruction, or something worse."

You pull up to the scene of a one-car motor vehicle collision and find an off-duty emergency department physician from a local hospital treating the patient. What is the best way to initially communicate with the doctor?

"Hello, doctor. We are EMTs. How can we help?"

The systolic blood pressure of a 4-year-old female patient is 110 mmHg. Her mother is concerned because last year at the pediatrician's office the systolic blood pressure was 92 mmHg and now it is higher. How would you respond

"Her blood pressure will increase naturally. This is normal and healthy.

You are caring for a 46-year-old male patient who is unresponsive. Which statement made by your partner indicates the need to immediately stop suctioning the patient's airway and resume positive pressure ventilation

"His heart rate is 48 beats per minute."

Which of these statements made by another crew member would cause you to disregard the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for a patient

"His respirations are agonal and slow.

You arrive on scene and find Emergency Medical Responders with a seizing patient. Which of these questions should you ask first

"How long has the patient been seizing?"

Firefighters have pulled a 62-year-old male patient from a bedroom that was on fire. According to the firefighters, the patient was smoking in bed and fell asleep. They found him supine on the floor. Assessment reveals him to be responsive to painful stimuli, with soot in his airway. He is breathing rapidly, but has no evidence of burns to his body. His pulse is 124 beats/min, respirations are 24 breaths/min, blood pressure is 146/90 mmHg, and SpO2 is 95%. After providing the appropriate care, which of these questions would be the most important to ask the firefighters prior to transport?

"How long was the patient trapped in the room?"

After determining that a patient intentionally overdosed on blood pressure medications, which of these questions would be most appropriate?

"How many pills did you take?"

You are interviewing for the position of EMT with a busy urban service. This morning you are to meet with the service's medical director. You have been told that she likes it when applicants ask questions about her role as the medical director. Related to her responsibilities as medical director, which question is most appropriate?

"How often are the emergency care protocols updated?"

The EMT shows that he is performing the Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Screen (LAPSS) correctly when he asks which of these questions?

"How old are you?"

You have arrived at a residence to help another crew with a 62-year-old woman who is complaining of fatigue, chest discomfort, and diaphoresis. The EMTs on scene report that she has a history of hypertension from atherosclerosis, for which she takes a blood pressure pill, and is also prescribed nitroglycerin. She reports an allergy to aspirin. Vital signs are pulse, 64; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 128/86 mmHg; and SpO2, 97% on room air. Which of these statements made by your EMT partner would require immediate correction on your part

"I am going to put the patient on high-concentration oxygen because she has chest discomfort."

A 71-year-old male patient with a cardiac history and lower abdominal and back pain has called 911 for help. On scene, you detect a large pulsatile mass in his abdomen. With the exception of skin that is diaphoretic, the primary assessment indicates no life threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation. The patient has a history of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and is allergic to sulfa-based medications. Vital signs are pulse, 92/min; respirations, 20 breaths/min; blood pressure, 130/66 mmHg; and SpO2, 95% on room air. Which of these statements made by the patient would make you intervene immediately

"I am going to take my daily aspirin since I did not take it this morning."

An obese female patient has called you with a complaint of abdominal pain. The regular adult cuff will not fit around her arm, so you retrieve the large adult cuff from your supplies. Embarrassed, the woman says, "My arm is so fat. Do you really need to roll up my sleeve to get my blood pressure?" Your best response would be

"I am not concerned with the size of your arm. I am interested in your blood pressure.

The wife of a 57-year-old male called 911 because her husband had chest pain. Which piece of information would be included in your SBAR report to the hospital during transport

"I am thinking that the patient would benefit from 324 mg of aspirin."

After providing spinal motion restriction to an elderly female patient who fell in her bathroom, you prepare to carry her down a flight of stairs on a backboard. Which verbal instructions would be most appropriate to give to your partner?

"I can take the head if you want the foot end, and then we will carry her down the stairs feet first

Which statement made by a 49-year-old female patient describes a situation common to those in this life stage

"I do not have time to see the doctor about my blood pressure. I am too busy taking care of my parents"

You are by the side of an 80-year-old male patient whose wife called EMS because he had tearing-type abdominal pain. The patient states that he was just discharged from the hospital this morning after being treated for gastroenteritis. When questioned further, he states that he remains nauseated, but the medications for the vomiting and diarrhea seem to be working, as he is no longer experiencing either of those symptoms. Since he was just in the hospital, the patient states that he would like to refuse transport and continue his recovery at home. What is your best response

"I don't know; your symptoms don't seem to be related to gastroenteritis."

Which statement made by an EMT requires immediate intervention by a superior or the service supervisor?

"I drive as fast as I can to get to the scene of an emergency, especially if a child is sick or injured according to dispatch information

When administering continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient in respiratory distress, which of these statements made by the patient would be most concerning

"I feel nauseated."

A 17-year-old male patient was stung by an unidentified insect. On scene, the sting site to his right forearm showed some redness and mild swelling. During the reassessment, which statement made by the patient would indicate that venom from the sting is being absorbed into the bloodstream?

"I feel sick to my stomach and dizzy."

You have been called for a 33-year-old male patient who complains of weakness and dizziness. When getting the history, which of these statements made by the patient would raise your suspicion that the patient has undiagnosed diabetes?

"I find myself urinating all of the time."

A 71-year-old female patient complains of the sudden onset of shortness of breath and rapid breathing. She also states that she is experiencing some chest pain that seems to worsen when she takes a deep breath. The primary assessment shows her to be alert and oriented with a patent airway and rapid breathing that is adequate. Her pulse rate is 92 and her blood pressure is 116/68 mmHg. When obtaining a history, which of these statements made by the patient should raise your suspicion that the patient may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism?

"I had leg surgery five days ago."

Which of these statements made by a 27-year-old female patient would make the EMT highly suspicious of mittelschmerz?

"I had some sharp belly pain, but it seems to be going away now."

Which of these statements made by the patient should the EMT associate with the condition of congestive heart failure?

"I have a hard time breathing when I am lying down."

A 64-year-old male patient presents with a blood pressure of 210/132 mmHg. Which of these statements made by this patient would you recognize as most concerning and most likely associated with the elevated blood pressure

"I have a history of left-sided heart failure."

Which of these statements made by the patient should cause the EMT to suspect an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

"I have belly pain that I also feel in my back.

Which of these complaints would the EMT expect from a person who has just used crack cocaine for the first time

"I have chest pain."

Which of these remarks made by the patient best reinforces your suspicion that he is in the early stages of hypovolemic shock?

"I have had diarrhea for the past four days."

During transport, a 27-year-old female drug addict with acute abdominal pain tells you that she is scared and starts crying. What would your best response be

"I know that you are in pain. We are 5 minutes from the hospital and I have already called the emergency department and let them know we are coming. They will be prepared for us."

A 7-year-old child has fallen and exhibits deformity of his left wrist. He will not cooperate with you as you attempt a closer examination of the wrist. Which statement would be appropriate given the patient's age and behavior

"I know that you are scared, but I need to see your hand"

You have been called to a home for an alert and oriented female with terminal lung cancer. At the home, the daughter, who has her mother's durable power of attorney, states that she wants her mother transported to the hospital. The patient, who is alert and oriented, does not want to go. Which statement indicates that the EMT is acting both appropriately and legally in this conflict?

"I know that you have the durable power of attorney, but your mother is alert and oriented so

The EMT shows that she understands how to use an oropharyngeal airway when she states:

"I must remain alert for vomiting or spasm of the vocal cords even with proper insertion."

You have been summoned to a residence for a child who ingested a liquid pesticide. On scene, the worried parents inform you that their 4-year-old son and some friends were playing in the garage and apparently found some pesticide, which their son says he tasted. Assessment indicates that he is alert, oriented, and crying and has some white powder around his mouth. After performing the initial assessment and finding no life-threatening conditions, it is imperative that the EMT make which question or statement

"I need to see the other children."

Your partner is performing the Markle test on a patient who complains of abdominal pain. Which instructions should be provided to the patient to ensure that she performs the test correctly?

"I need you to stand on the tips of your toes, then on my command drop onto your heels."

Which description demonstrates the EMT knows how to correctly position the BVM on the patient's face?

"I place the narrow part of the mask over the bridge of the nose, and the bottom part in the cleft above the chin

A 39-year-old female patient, who is allergic to shellfish, thinks that she may have accidentally ingested some that was mixed into her food at a restaurant. When assessing her, which of these statements made by the patient would be suggestive that she is in the early stages of an anaphylactic reaction?

"I suddenly feel like a have a lump in my throat."

When using the SAMPLE mnemonic, which of these statements made by the patient would be categorized under the letter "M"?

"I take Zocor, but I am not sure why.

A coworker is suffering from posttraumatic stress. Which statement made by you would be the most appropriate and beneficial to the coworker

"I think that it would be best if you saw a mental health professional."

You are transporting a depressed patient who states that she is thinking of killing herself by taking a "whole bunch of pills." After providing you this information, the patient has refused to speak and has remained silent. Your physical assessment of the patient reveals she is stable. Which of these statements would be most appropriate for you to make at this time

"I understand if you do not want to talk. I will be sitting here if you need anything."

You have transported a confused 46-year-old male who overdosed on an unknown drug to a busy emergency department. After giving an oral report to the ED nurse, your partner informs you that he wants to hurry back to the station so that he can watch the end of the football game; therefore, he is going to complete the patient care report (PCR) at a later time. How should you respond?

"If you do not complete and leave the PCR, the ED staff may not otherwise have access to information contained in the PCR."

57. You are by the side of a female patient who has overdosed on a drug. She is conscious but very combative and noncompllant with your requests. Which statement made by the EMT best suggests the EMT is committing assault?

"If you do not let me get your blood pressure, I will take off the oxygen and you will suffocate."

A young girl with end-stage cancer is unresponsive, not breathing, and pulseless. Her mother and father are by her side, both crying as you start resuscitation. Which statement indicates the most appropriate thing you could say to the parents as you begin?

"If you feel comfortable, it's okay to stay and watch how we care for your daughter."

When presenting information on cardiac arrest and automated external defibrillation to a community group, a man asks why people should perform CPR prior to the arrival of EMS if the EMS responders will provide a shock after they arrive. Your response would be:

"Immediate CPR can prolong the period in which the heart can be successfully shocked into a perfusing rhythm following cardiac arrest."

Which of these statements shows that the EMT has an accurate understanding of altered mental status?

"It describes any change away from a normal state of mental function."

You are transporting a patient who had an episode of chest pain. On scene, you assisted him in taking his nitroglycerin medication, which completely alleviated the chest pain. En route to the hospital. the patient asks you why the nitroglycerin took the chest pain away. Beyond telling the patient that nitroglycerin can increase coronary artery blood flow, you would add:

"It dilates the blood vessels, which decreases the workload of the heart."

You are approached by an EMR who informs you that last week, he was on a call in which a patient with chest pain and a known history of coronary artery disease was not given oxygen by the EMTs. You would reply:

"It has been shown that oxygen given to a patient with an acceptable pulse oximetry reading can be harmful

The EMT is using the OPQRST mnemonic to gather information from a patient with abdominal pain. Which of these patient statements is a response to the "P" component of this memory aid?

"It hurts worse when I take a deep breath."

Your medical director is providing a review of diabetic emergencies and asks you to describe glucose. Which of these statements would be your most appropriate response

"It is a sugar that is the body's main source of energy."

You have been called for a 56-year-old female patient who complains of chest pain. She informs you that she takes nitroglycerin and asks you to get it from the top of her refrigerator. You find it is a clear glass jar hand-labeled "nitroglycerin." What of these statements; based on this observation, would be the most appropriate one to make to the patient?

"It is best to keep the nitroglycerin in a dark container since light will inactivate it."

Which tip should you give a new EMT about artificially ventilating a patient with the bag-valve mask

"It is important to maintain the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver or the jaw-thrust maneuver while ventilating the patient

At a health fair, a patient informs you that she has just been prescribed a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for her asthma. She is confused about how to take the medication when needed. Which of these statements about the MDI would be most appropriate for you to make?

"It is important to shake the inhaler vigorously before taking the medication."

Which of these statements indicates that the EMT correctly understands the goal of assessing a geriatric patient with abdominal pain

"It is more important to recognize a possible abdominal emergency, as opposed to determining the exact cause, because pain perception may be distorted."

When instructing a patient on how to use a small-volume nebulizer, which of these statements would be correct?

"It is really important to occasionally cough during the treatment.

At a continuing education seminar being taught by your medical director, the instructor asks the group for one reason why the secondary assessment is beneficial to perform on the trauma patient. Which of these responses is most appropriate

"It is useful in finding additional injuries and guiding additional care:·

When you are applying the pulse oximeter sensor to a patient's finger, he asks you what this device is for. Your response would be:

"It measures the amount of oxygen being carried by your blood cells."

The EMT demonstrates she understands hemorrhagic stroke when she states

"It occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds within the brain."

You are an assistant instructor for an Emergency Medical Responder course. One of the students asks you how the head-tilt, chin-lift airway maneuver works to open the airway. Your response is:

"It opens the airway by lifting the tongue from the back of the throat."

Which of these statements made by the patient would most likely be associated with parietal or somatic pain?

"It really hurts right here, beside my belly-button.•

A patient informs you that he found out he is allergic to certain molds and was prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector. He asks you how the epinephrine will help him the next time he is exposed to mold. Your response would be:

"It will cause the blood vessels to constrict and your airway structures to relax so that they reopen."

After 20 minutes of performing CPR on a 65-year-old female with end-stage multiple sclerosis, your medical director orders you to stop resuscitation and inform the family that the patient has died. The family members are upset and crying. You notice the patient's daughter holding her hand. Your immediate response would be:

"It's okay to hold her hand."

What statement would you expect to hear from a patient who has accepted the fact that he is terminally ill and will die sooner than later?

"It's okay. I am not afraid."

You are transporting an unresponsive 31-year-old female patient who suffered cardiac arrest. On scene, Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) shocked the patient once with the AED and she regained a pulse. She remains unresponsive and has shallow respirations. Ventilation is being provided with a bag-valve mask. An EMR has agreed to ride to the hospital with you to provide assistance in caring for the patient. Which set of instructions given to the EMR next is most appropriate?

"Leave the AED on the patient, even though she is breathing and has a pulse

You are by the side of a 64-year-old male patient who collapsed at home. After assessing his level of consciousness, airway, and breathing, you determine that he is unresponsive with an open airway, but not breathing. The patient still has a weak carotid pulse. Which instruction should you immediately give to your partner

"Let's attempt placement of an OPA or NPA and start ventilations."

Which set of instructions given to another EMT would be most appropriate when managing a patient who ingested numerous household cleaners in an attempt to kill himself

"Let's gather up all of the containers of the chemicals he may have taken and take them with us

You have applied the pulse oximeter to a 73-year-old male patient who complains of weakness and heart palpitations. Your partner reports that the patient's breath sounds are clear and equal, with a respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min and skin that is warm but pale in color. He then states the following vital signs: pulse, 92; blood pressure, 168ll0 mm Hg; and SpO2, 92% on room air. Given this information, which of these instructions would be most appropriate

"Let's initiate oxygen at 2 liters per minute via a nasal cannula.

You are preparing to transport a patient with an indwelling urinary catheter. The bag is full and your partner starts to empty it. Which of these statements would be appropriate to make to your partner?

"Let's make sure that we measure the amount prior to disposing of it."

You are treating a male patient with a sickle cell crisis. Vital signs are pulse, 124; respirations, 22 breaths/min; blood pressure, 156/92 mmHg; breathing, unlabored; and SpO2, 91 %. Which instruction would you provide to other EMTs in the care of this patient

"Let's place the patient on a nasal cannula with 2 lpm of oxygen."

While a 61-year-old female patient in cardiac arrest receives emergency care, you note that her abdomen grows larger with each ventilation provided from a bag-valve mask. Which instructions should you provide to your partner

"Let's slow the ventilation rate to 10 per minute, providing each breath over 1 second."

You have arrived at the residence of a 66-year-old female patient who is in cardiac arrest. In the living room, you find Emergency Medical Responders performing CPR on the patient. They quickly report that they found the patient in cardiac arrest and have been doing CPR for 5 minutes. Which of these statements should you make at this time?

"Let's stop CPR so I can check the airway, breathing, and circulation."

You are treating a patient who states that he has been short of breath for the past month. Tonight, his breathing just "got too bad" and he decided to call 911. The 67-year-old male patient is alert and oriented and has a patent airway. He appears to have an adequate tidal volume. His pulse is strong and regular, and his skin is warm. Vital signs are pulse, 92; respirations, 22 breaths/min; blood pressure, 128/66 mmHg; and SpO2, 93% while on home oxygen at 2 1pm. Which instruction would you give to your partner regarding this patient's care?

"Let's try 4 1pm through a nasal cannula."

A 19-year-old patient with hemophilia and behavioral problems has intentionally cut his right wrist. Assessment indicates an open airway, adequate breathing, and profound bleeding from the self-inflicted laceration. Which instructions would you provide to other EMTs taking care of this patient?

"Let's use normal bleeding-control procedures and see how that works."

Which set of instructions would you give to a new EMT who is preparing to use a squat lift to raise a patient secured to a stretcher

"Make sure that you push yourself up with your stronger leg."

After you transfer care of a 77-year-old female patient to the ED nurse, the patient informs the nurse that she has a history of heart problems and is having chest pain. On scene and throughout transport, the patient denied any complaint, despite your repeated inquiry. This has greatly upset your partner since he feels the patient made him look foolish in front of the emergency department staff. Based on your knowledge of the patient's age group, which explanation would you give your partner

"Many times persons in this age group will not be forthcoming with all that is going on because they fear losing their independence."

You have been dispatched to a residence for an 82-year-old female with unknown medical problems. En route to the scene, your partner states, "At 82 years old, she probably has a ton of medical problems." Your response would be

"Maybe not, since in late adulthood there is such a wide variety of health status."

While you are providing free blood pressure readings at a community health fair, you are taking the blood pressure of a mother of two young twin boys. One of the boys tells you that his twin brother suffers from seizures and asks what he can do if he sees his brother convulsing. Your response would be:

"Move any movable objects and furniture away from him."

Which statement is most appropriate to start with when transferring a patient to the emergency department and giving the oral report?

"Mr. Hedger called us today because he was having chest pain."

After you assist a patient with his epinephrine auto-injector, which of these statements made by the patient best indicates that the epinephrine is working and the patient is improving?

"My breathing feels a lot easier."

After administering a bronchodilator to a patient through a small-volume nebulizer, which of these statements made by the patient should be of most concern to an EMT

"My chest feels heavy."

Which of these statements made by a patient who experienced a syncopal episode should concern the EMT most

"My chest felt really funny right before I passed out."

When asked, an alert and oriented 44-year-old male tells you that he called 911 because "my chest is hurting." The man is also sweating and feels as if he is going to vomit. He has a history of high blood pressure and states that this pain "feels just like my heart attack two years ago." His pulse is 88 beats per minute, respirations are 18 breaths per minute, and blood pressure is 156/92 mmHg. On room air, he has an oxygen saturation level of 95 percent. Based on this information, how would you document his chief complaint on the patient care report?

"My chest is hurting."

You believe that a patient experienced a simple partial (focal motor) seizure. Which of these statements made by the patient would reinforce this suspicion

"My left arm would not stop shaking. I did not know what was happening."

How should the EMT respond when first making contact with an alert and oriented patient who complains of chest pain?

"My name is Charles Smith, and I am an EMT. Can I help you?"

Which of these statements made by a patient would the EMT regard as a symptom

"My pain is sharp, the worst I've ever felt."

A 66-year-old male patient is complaining of chest pain. The EMT is considering assisting with the patient's prescribed nitroglycerin. Which of these statements made by the patient is most relevant to the EMT at this time?

"My urologist just started treating me for problems I am having with sex

If a cardiac arrest patient were in asystole, which message would the AED provide

"No shock advised"

While you are teaching a public awareness class about stroke, a participant asks you if all patients with stroke are paralyzed on one side of their bodies. Your reply would be

"No. Some stroke patients may have only slight weakness to one side of their bodies."

The EMT understands adequate breathing when he states:

"Normal and adequate breathing is specific to the patient and is determined by assessment."

Which of these statements made by a patient would reinforce your suspicion of syncope?

"Once I hit the floor, I was out for only a few seconds."

You and your partner have just been dispatched to the local children's hospital to pick up the neonatal transport team and the neonatal isolette so that you can transport them to a small community hospital 2 hours away and retrieve a neonate who is in distress. While driving to the children's hospital, which statement from your partner demonstrates he understands how to transport a patient with in an isolette?

"Once we get to the children's hospital, I will remove the wheeled cot so we can load the neonatal isolette."

You are responding to a call for an allergic reaction. Your partner is a new EMT and this is his first call. When prepping him on how the scene and the patient may present, which instruction regarding the assessment and treatment of an allergic reaction and/or anaphylaxis would be correct?

"Our first priority will not be to determine what caused the allergic reaction, but to treat the patient according to his or her symptoms."

Which of these statements, when made by the EMT, reflects correct knowledge regarding the use of oxygen in a patient with a suspected acute coronary syndrome who denies dyspnea, has a pulse oximeter reading of 96%, and has acceptable vital signs

"Oxygen administration is no longer considered standard therapy for this patient."

Which of these statements indicates that the EMT understands the appropriate use of supplemental oxygen when caring for a patient with stroke?

"Oxygen should be administered at a minimal amount, just enough to get the SpO2 at or greater than 94%

Which of these statements indicates that the EMT has a correct understanding of the use of oxygen in the prehospital setting?

"Oxygen should never, ever be withheld from a patient whom you think may need it."

An EMT has accurately checked the skin color of a dark-skinned patient. How would this finding be best documented on a patient care report

"Pale color noted to the conjunctiva."

The primary assessment of a 27-year-old female patient who has been raped reveals no life threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation. The patient complains of pain in the vaginal area, but a focused assessment of her genitalia indicates no remarkable findings. When caring for this patient, which of these statements would be most therapeutic?

"Please be assured that you are safe from harm here in the ambulance.•

The EMT indicates that he is properly assessing the patient's breath sounds when he gives which of these instructions to the patient?

"Please breathe deeply through your mouth as I listen to your lungs."

Medical direction has ordered you to assist a patient in taking his metered-dose inhaler (MDI). After placing the patient's lips on the mouthpiece, which instruction would be most appropriate?

"Please inhale slowly and I will administer the medication, then hold your breath.

You and your partner are preparing to move a trauma patient down a flight of stairs using a portable stretcher. As you begin the move, a third EMT shows up and asks to help. Which instructions would be most appropriate to ensure a safe move for both the patient and crew?

"Please stand behind the EMT at the foot end and count steps for her."

You are transporting a visibly upset female patient who was raped after she let a male stranger into her house. Which of these questions would be appropriate for the EMT to ask?

"Please tell me where you are hurting."

Medical direction has ordered you to administer 162 mg of aspirin to a patient with chest pain. Your best response to this order would be:

"Received. I will administer 162 mg of aspirin orally."

You have been called to a public pool for an unresponsive patient. On arrival, you find lifeguards performing CPR with a pocket mask and oxygen on a 67 year-old male swimmer. They report that the patient was in the water and was seen clutching his chest seconds before going unresponsive. He was immediately pulled from the water and CPR was initiated. The lifeguards estimate that CPR has been performed for 5 minutes. Assessment shows the man to be unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. What should be your first response?

"Resume CPR and let's take a towel and dry off his chest so we can apply the AED electrodes

You are doing CPR on a male patient who is unresponsive, not breathing, and pulseless. Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) were on scene first and applied the AED, which did not deliver a shock to the patient. The patient's wife is crying and asks how her husband is doing. Your response would be:

"Right now he is not breathing and his heart is not beating, but we are doing everything we possibly can for him."

A patient who is unresponsive has a blood glucose level of 28 mg/dL. Her family states that she took her insulin in the morning 3 hours ago. Which of these statements made by the family would make sense in regard to the patient's current blood sugar level?

"She did not eat after taking her insulin."

You are obtaining the past medical history from the family of an elderly patient with an altered mental status who suffered sudden onset of right-side weakness. Which of these statements made by the patient's family member should you recognize as increasing the patient's risk of stroke

"She has an irregular heartbeat."

You are sitting next to a 24-year-old female patient with diabetes who has altered mental status and a blood sugar reading of 31 mg/dl. Family members state that she took her normal amount of insulin this morning and ate her breakfast as usual. Which additional statement would the EMT recognize as contributing to her current condition?

"She likes to stay in shape and ran 4 miles after breakfast."

You arrive on scene for a 9-year-old female patient with a severe cough. Her mother states that she has spoken to her pediatrician, who believes that the child may have whooping cough and should be taken to the hospital for evaluation. Her mother is unsure if her daughter has had all her immunizations. Which of these statements would be most appropriate in regard to the care of this patient

"She may be contagious, so let's put a surgical mask on her."

Which of these statements made by your EMT partner best indicates an understanding of the prehospital role in caring for the patient in shock?

"Since shock is best treated in the hospital, the EMT should provide care to maintain perfusion to the vital organs and transport the patient."

The EMT has an accurate understanding of the solid organs contained within the abdomen when she states:

"Solid organs may receive a lot of blood flow and may bleed excessively if injured."

Which of these statements made by another EMT, regarding chest pain and acute coronary syndrome, is correct?

"Some patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome do not have actual chest pain; rather, they experience a sensation of discomfort or pressure."

The EMT is correct when he makes which of these statements about assessment of the pupils

"Some people naturally have unequal pupils, but both should react to light."

Upon your arrival at the scene of a patient with severe abdominal pain, an Emergency Medical Responder tells you that he is concerned because the patient's blood pressure is 146/88 mmHg and the patient has no history of high blood pressure. He states that ii may be a good idea to treat the patient for hypertension as well as the abdominal pain. Your best response would be

"Sometimes pain can naturally increase the blood pressure. I will take another reading so we can compare it with the baseline reading."

Of these statements, which best demonstrates that the EMT has an accurate understanding of acute abdominal pain

"Sometimes the cause of abdominal pain will be obvious, but often the cause will not be that apparent

You and two other EMTs are preparing to move a patient down several flights of stairs using a stair chair. After assigning one rescuer to hold the chair at the head and another to hold the chair at the foot facing the patient, you should:

"Spot" by standing behind the EMT at the feet

You are caring for an 18-day-old boy with inadequate respirations. Which instruction would you provide to your new partner as she is ventilating him with the bag-valve mask

"Squeeze the bag just enough so that you get a nice rise and fall of his chest."

Which statement reflects the most appropriate way to alert a receiving hospital that you are en route with a patient?

"St. Elizabeth Hospital, this is BLS ambulance 104. How do you copy?"

You have just applied the AED to a female patient in cardiac arrest and the machine is ready to analyze the heart rhythm. Which of these instructions is appropriate to give at this time?

"Stop CPR and clear the patient."

A patient who experienced an apparent syncopal episode refuses transport to the hospital. Prior to the patient signing a refusal, which of these statements should you make to the patient

"Syncope may indicate a serious underlying condition, so please follow up with a doctor."

A patient informs you that he was recently diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The surgeon did not want to operate on the aneurysm immediately because he felt it was stable and not worth the risks that surgery posed. Tonight, the patient states that he suddenly developed abdominal pain and wants to be evaluated in the hospital to see if the AAA has increased in size. Given this history, which of these assessment findings would cause the EMT to suspect that the AAA is the cause of the abdominal pain?

"Tearing" pain located to the lower back

Because of a shortage of paramedics at your ambulance service, it has been announced that there will be AEDs placed on every ambulance for use by EMT crews. Which of these statements indicates an understanding of how this policy will affect the EMTs?

"The AED will let us know whether to shock the patient."

The EMT shows she understands the difference between a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and a small-volume nebulizer (SVN) when she states:

"The MDI provides medication during one or two of the patient's breaths; the SVN provides a continuous flow of medication until gone."

Which statement shows an accurate understanding of the legal aspects of the prehospital care report (PCR)?

"The PCR may be subpoenaed even if the lawsuit centers on alleged negligence that occurred in the emergency department."

While assisting with the review of airway skills with new EMT hires, which of these statements from a new EMT demonstrates he knows how to properly size an oral airway prior to placement

"The airway should approximate the distance from the front teeth to the angle of the jaw."

You are instructing a first-aid class at a local chemical plant. The course includes instruction regarding an AED that is to be placed in the plant. Which point would you emphasize to the employees to help them avoid the most common cause of AED failure?

"The batteries must be checked regularly."

Which of these statements would the EMT expect from a patient with unstable angina

"The chest pain awakens me from my nighttime sleep."

A patient has chest pain, and you have just assisted him in taking his nitroglycerin tablet. Which of these statements made by the patient is the cause for greatest concern?

"The chest pain does not feel any different.

You are treating a patient for mild chest pain but notice that his blood pressure is elevated. Which of these statements made by the patient would make you suspect he has acute hypertension?

"The doctor checks my blood pressure regularly and it's not normally that high."

Five minutes after you assist a patient with her epinephrine auto-injector, the patient states that she feels much better and would like to refuse additional care and transport to the hospital. Which of these statements by the EMT would be most appropriate given this situation?

"The epinephrine will start to wear off in 10 or so minutes. Let's see how you are doing then before thinking about refusing transport."

Which of these statements made by an EMT indicates an accurate understanding of inhalation poisonings?

"The onset of signs and symptoms associated with an inhalation poisoning are often rapid.

You have been called to a residence for an obese 52-year-old male patient who complains of chest pain. When obtaining a history from the patient, which of these statements made by the patient would you find most concerning?

"The pain came on suddenly when I was reading the paper."

Which of these statements made by the patient regarding abdominal pain would lead the EMT to suspect appendicitis?

"The pain started around my belly button and slowly spread down to the right side of my belly

You are reading a patient care report written by your partner. Which sentence would cause you to tell your partner that you have found an error?

"The patient was placed in a face-up prone position.

Which of these statements, made by the EMT, shows an understanding of medication administration and drug dosages?

"The proper dose of a medicine should be administered unless medical direction orders otherwise."

A patient's glucometer measurement reads 39 mg/dl. The patient is alert, but confused. The patient's son states that he has a friend who becomes unresponsive when his sugar is less than 50 mg/dl; therefore, the reading for his father cannot be correct. Which of these statements would be your best response

"The response to a low blood sugar can vary from patient to patient."

Which of these statements made by the EMT indicates that he has appropriately initiated the first phase of patient assessment?

"The scene appears to be free of hazards."

Your coworkers would like to purchase a scoop (orthopedic) stretcher with some grant money. Before the purchase can be authorized, you have been asked to inform the purchasing committee of how this piece of equipment will benefit the service as well as enhance patient care. Your response would be

"The scoop stretcher is good for moving patients from confined areas."

The EMT shows that he recognizes the benefit of using the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale or Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Screen when he makes which of these statements?

"The screening helps to identify stroke, even when it is not the patient's chief complaint.

The EMT shows understanding of the standard of care when he states:

"The standard of care is a measure of whether the right assessment and care have been provided to the patient."

A patient presents with skin that is cool to the touch. The EMT shows he understands this condition when he states

"This may indicate a problem with the patient's blood circulation."

A coworker is constantly tired and asks you for advice on how to better sleep after a busy night shift. Which response would best address this situation?

"Try to make your bedroom dark and keep the temperature cool."

Which of these statements from a patient should the EMT recognize as an absolute contraindication to the use of fibrinolytic medications in the emergency department?

"Two months ago, I had a stroke on the left side of my brain."

64. You are delivering positive pressure ventilations to a patient who is breathing poorly and has absent breath sounds in the right lung. Which of these instructions would you provide to those responders who are ventilating the patient?

"Use the minimal tidal volume possible, just enough to make the chest rise and fall."

A confused and cyanotic patient is breathing 8 times per minute with poor chest rise and fall. Which instruction would you give your partner about the respiratory care of this patient

"Ventilate him at 10 times per minute."

An EMT has an understanding of the different types of pathogens when she states:

"Viruses are resistant to antibiotics because they live within the body's cells."

A patient with a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is complaining of weakness and abdominal pain. He informs you that he vomited 5 minutes before you arrived. Which of these questions is most important that the EMT ask first regarding the vomit?

"Was the vomit red or did ii look like coffee grounds?"

An obese patient cannot ambulate and must be carried down several flights of stairs. Carrying the patient alone exceeds your physical capabilities; however, your partner is very strong and physically fit. Which statement, made by you, indicates the best means to safely lift and move the patient as well as minimize the likelihood of either of you suffering an injury?

"We must call for assistance to get the patient from this location."

You are treating an unresponsive patient. Which piece of information given to you by the patient's family is most important in relation to a possible stroke?

"We noticed him acting oddly about 7 p.m."

Which statement made by an EMT demonstrates that he has an accurate understanding of hepatitis C?

"Wearing gloves and washing hands are the best means by which to prevent the transmission of hepatitis C to health care workers."

Which question would it be critical that the EMT ask the family of a patient who cannot speak and is suspected of having a stroke?

"What time did the weakness and dizziness start?"

An 82-year-old male patient presents with right-hand weakness and garbled speech. Which question should the EMT ask first to the patient or a reliable family member who is present?

"What time did these signs start?"

Which of these questions would be asked when obtaining a medical history, using the SAMPLE mnemonic, for a female patient who is crying and complaining of dizziness

"What were you doing when the dizziness started?"

When obtaining a medical history, which of these statements made by the patient seemingly indicates that he is suffering from classic angina

"When I stopped cutting the grass, the pain went away."

A 20-year-old male has been stabbed in the abdomen. Assessment reveals him to be unresponsive with shallow breathing and a low blood pressure. Which instructions will you provide to your new EMT partner given that the patient has been involved in a crime?

"When cutting his shirt off, make sure not to cut through the area where the knife penetrated."

The EMT is appropriately using the SAMPLE mnemonic when he asks which question

"When did you eat last?"

You are responding to a drug-related emergency. While you are en route to the scene, the dispatcher informs you that the patient has overdosed on an unspecified narcotic. Which of these statements made by your partner indicates an understanding of overdoses with narcotic drugs

"When performing the primary assessment, we need to be alert for respiratory depression nd have the naloxone ready."

Which of these statements indicates that the EMT understands airway management in a patient suffering from anaphylaxis?

"When providing positive pressure ventilation, it may be difficult to pass air through the swollen tissues."

While talking to your partner one day in between emergency calls, he tells you he has recently read a CE article on pulmonary embolisms. Which of these statements indicates that your partner understands the underlying pathophysiology of how a pulmonary emboli can cause hypoxia?

"When the pulmonary vasculature becomes blocked by an emboli, then blood cannot reach the alveoli for gas exchange, and hypoxia can result

Which of these statements made by your EMT partner regarding care for the adult patient in cardiac arrest is accurate?

"When using an AED, the machine should be turned on before applying the electrodes.

A 21-year-old female patient has called EMS for severe right-sided abdominal pain. Which of these questions should be asked before the others?

"When was your last normal period?"

You are caring for a young male patient who has overdosed on an unknown medication and has a decreased level of consciousness. When positioning the patient on the stretcher, which instructions will you give to the Emergency Medical Responders assisting you?

"When you move him to the stretcher, put him on his left side."

A female patient, who has been sexually assaulted, has called 911 for assistance. She states that she does not know the assailant and showered immediately after the assault. The police have not yet been notified. Which of these statements would be appropriate in the care of this patient?

"Where are the clothes that you were wearing?"

Which of these is an example of an open-ended question?

"Why did you call 911 ?"

You are moving a critically injured patient to a helicopter for rapid transport to a trauma center. The rotors are spinning so that the aircraft can immediately take off. As team leader, which instruction would you provide?

"Will someone please securely cover the patient's eyes so that they are not struck with flying dirt

Which of these statements indicates that the EMT understands the condition of withdrawal?

"Withdrawal from drugs or alcohol can be just as serious a medical emergency as an overdose

You are on the scene of a patient who just experienced a seizure. The patient is still in the postictal phase and is not fully oriented. Family members state that he has a history of diverticulitis, gastric ulcers, and diabetes. Your partner asks you if you think he should obtain a blood glucose level. Your response should be

"Yes, that is a good idea since he has a history of diabetes."

14. A 42-year-old female complains of shortness of breath. Which question would best assist you in getting additional information about the patient's chief complaint?

"You appear to be short of breath. Are you also having other problems?"

A 31-year-old female with a history of depression took some pills in a suicide attempt. Her husband is visibly upset and her three young children are crying as you place her into the ambulance. The patient is conscious and stable as you transport her to the hospital. During the transport, she tearfully states she did not mean to take the pills and asks if she is going to die. In regard to therapeutic communication, what would be your best response?

"You are stable right now and we are transporting you for continued care so you can get better

You have just assisted a patient with his epinephrine auto-injector. The patient states that he has never taken epinephrine before. What would be the appropriate EMT response about how the drug may make him feel?

"You may feel a little shaky, but that is normal and will pass."

You have been called for a 63-year-old woman with slurred speech and right-arm weakness. On arrival, the patient informs you that the slurred speech and weakness have resolved. Since your assessment reveals no deficits, the patient insists on signing a refusal of treatment form. Which of these statements should you make prior to having her sign the form

"You really need to be evaluated in the hospital. You are at significant risk for a future stroke, which may be debilitating or even fatal."

You and your partner were among several rescuers on a call involving a house fire in which a 4-year-old girl died. That night, your partner states that he did not sleep well and is extremely bothered by the little girl's death. The next day he calls you and states that he is so upset that he is now having chest pain. What is the most appropriate response?

"You really need to get yourself to the emergency department to get checked out."

Assessment of a 21-year-old female patient reveals her to have severe abdominal pain localized to the right upper quadrant. She is alert and oriented, and her vital signs are stable. After you place her supine on the stretcher, the patient quickly assumes a lateral recumbent position with her knees drawn up to her chest. Which response from the EMT would be appropriate

"You seem more comfortable in that position. If you are, you should stay on your side."

Following a large wedding that occurred the previous night, health authorities announce that some of the food was contaminated with Salmonella. Consequently, your EMS service receives notice that it may receive a significant number of calls involving food poisoning. A new EMT asks you how to treat patients with food poisoning. What is your best response

"You should treat the patient based on his signs and symptoms, just like a patient who ingested any other poison

You suspect a patient with right lower quadrant pain may have appendicitis. The patient states that he has no health insurance and wants to refuse care and transport. He asks you what can happen if his condition is appendicitis and he does not go to the hospital. What is your best response?

"Your appendix could rupture, causing a major infection and shock."

You have been called to a residence for a patient with altered mental status and shortness of breath. On scene, an Emergency Medical Responder meets you and states that he believes the patient had a stroke and is unresponsive. As you enter the room, you see the patient lying in bed with snoring respirations. Oxygen at 15 liters per minute has been applied. Your immediate action when you reach the patient's side would be to

.Perform the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver

You have assisted an adult patient with his epinephrine auto-injector. When giving a report to the emergency department nurse, you should inform her that which dose of epinephrine was administered?

0.3 mg

For a patient who relies on the hypoxic drive to breathe, the respiratory rate will increase when

02 levels decrease

Medical direction has ordered the administration of activated charcoal to a 3-year-old boy. Which of these doses would be most appropriate?

1 gram/kg

What is the typical dosage for intranasal administration of naloxone?

1 mg in each nostril

You are a field supervisor for your EMS system and are working with a new EMT during his probationary period. Both of you are currently on the scene of a 10 month-old pediatric patient for what dispatch describes as "an unknown medical emergency." Upon arrival, the parents state the infant is "just not acting right." Currently the infant opens his eyes when you shout his name suddenly, he can localize painful stimuli when applied, and he is grunting with each respiration. He was born 3 weeks premature. His capillary refill is 2 seconds. You ask your new EMT to calculate the pediatric GCS score. The EMT should respond with which numeric value

10

You are assessing a medical patient whom you suspect has experienced a stroke. Currently he can open his eyes to verbal commands, his verbal responses are incomprehensible sounds, and he is able to localize painful stimuli when applied. What is this patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score?

10

Typically, the highest continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) pressure used by the EMT without special permission from medical direction is:

10 cmH2O

Which blood pressure reading best indicates a narrowed pulse pressure

108/88 mmHg

A trauma patient currently has a blood pressure of 82/60 mmHg, a heart rate of 112 beats/min, respirations of 24 breaths/min and unlabored, and a pulse oximeter reading of 94% on 4 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula. His computed GCS score is 12 points. When computing his revised trauma score, which value would you assign?

11

Which of these blood pressure readings is normal for a 7-year-old male

114/62 mmHg

Which of these blood pressures represents diastolic hypertension in an adult patient

136/92 mmHg

You have been charged with writing a policy regarding reaching for equipment. In that policy, you indicate that the maximum distance an EMT should reach is no more than:

15 to 20 inches in front of her body

Prior to the administration of oral glucose, a patient's blood glucose level was 49 mg/dL. After administering the oral glucose, the patient is alert and oriented. Which repeat blood glucose levels would the EMT expect with this clinical presentation?

155 mg/dL

While reviewing a patient care report for a quality assurance process, the EMT should recognize that a blood pressure has been palpated when she sees

178 / P

For the patient with stroke to be eligible for a fibrinolytic agent, the patient must be brought to the hospital emergency department within how many hours of the onset of stroke symptoms

2

When assessing the breath sounds (during a rapid secondary exam) of a critical trauma patient, it is best to auscultate each lung in at least how many places

2

A patient complaining of shortness of breath and a history of asthma has the following vital signs: pulse, 96; respirations, 20 breaths/min; blood pressure, 132/86 mmHg; and SpO2, 92% on room air. Mild wheezing is noted bilaterally, and the patient states that she has run out of her rescue inhaler (albuterol). Regarding the patient's respiratory status, how should you initially administer oxygen

2 lpm 02 through a nasal cannula

A patient requires several doses of medication from her metered-dose inhaler. At a minimum, how long should the EMT wait between administrations?

2 minutes

For the patient with stroke to be eligible for a fibrinolytic agent, the therapy must be given within

3 hours of the onset of stroke symptoms

You are called for a 2-year-old female child who is sick. When testing her capillary refill, what would be the greatest cause for concern

3-second capillary refill time

An elderly male patient who is short of breath is on home oxygen. He is wearing a nasal cannula connected to an oxygen tank with the flow regulator set to 3 liters per minute. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should recognize that the patient is getting approximately what percentage of oxygen with each breath?

32%

The EMT shows she is correctly administering aspirin to a patient with chest pain when she provides:

325 mg of baby aspirin and instructs the patient to chew it

A patient exhibits signs and symptoms of diabetes, but he informs you that he has not been diagnosed with the disease. You decide to check his blood sugar. If the patient truly has diabetes, which of these readings would you expect?

465 mg/dl

On room air, which of these patients requires supplemental oxygen?

47-year-old female; temperature 100.3° F; denies dyspnea; SpO2, 91%

You are assessing a trauma patient who was ejected from a car when it overturned. Currently he opens his eyes to painful stimuli, demonstrates no verbal response to questioning, and exhibits decerebrate rigidity in response to pain. What is this patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score

5

Immediately following the onset of cardiac arrest, brain cells begin to die after:

5 minutes

A 100-kilogram patient with a 500-milliliter tidal volume, breathing 16 times each minute, would have a minute ventilation of how many milliliters

8000 ml

Which statement about the bag-valve mask (BVM) is true

A 15/22 mm adapter allows the BVM to be attached to an advanced airway such as the endotracheal tube

Which of these patients is most at risk for problems to the airway and breathing

A 23-year-old female with a history of seizures who has been seizing for 24 minutes

Involuntary consent would most likely apply to:

A 23-year-old prisoner with a laceration to the right cheek and refusing care

For which of these patients should the EMT perform a rapid head-to-toe secondary assessment, as opposed to a focused secondary assessment?

A 24-year-old male with stable vitals who is alert and oriented and is complaining of chest pain secondary to a motor vehicle collision in which the passenger was killed

For which of these patients is a "talk down" technique indicated?

A 26-year-old who took LSD and is panicked because spiders are after him

For which of these patients would activated charcoal be indicated given the type of poisoning

A 27-year-old who intentionally took a large amount of Tylenol 45 minutes ago

Which patient who refuses treatment should still be transported to the hospital?

A 29-year-old female who attempted to cut her wrists earlier during a failed suicide attempt, but now changes her story and states it was an accident

Which of these patients should the EMT recognize as having a potential occlusion of the upper airway

A 3-year-old male with a fever and swelling of the larynx

Which of these patients would benefit from the head-tilt, chin-lift manual airway maneuver as opposed to any other initial airway management technique

A 39-year-old male who just had a seizure and has snoring respirations

For which of these patients would a capillary refill time of 3 seconds be most indicative of poor perfusion

A 4-year-old male

Which of these patients would be most eligible to receive a fibrinolytic medication for stroke if no other contraindications are found?

A 48-year-old male whose symptoms started while watching the 6 p.m. news, at which time he dialed 911

Which of these patients is most likely to suffer a silent Ml?

A 55-year-old female with diabetes

Which of these patients would be classified as having status epilepticus?

A 57-year-old female at a group home who seized during the entire evening movie that was shown in the common living room, according to other group home residents

The EMT would identify which of these patients as having an acute abdomen

A 62-year-old male with no medical history with sudden pain to the lower abdomen

Which of these patients is considered the lowest priority for a rapid secondary exam and immediate transport?

A 72-year-old man complaining of leg pain for a week

Preincident stress education, one-on-one support, and disaster support services are all part of

A comprehensive CISM program

To which of these patients would the EMT elect to administer oral glucose?

A confused 44-year-old male with a history of diabetes who is able to swallow

With which of these patients would the EMT have the strongest suspicion of a diabetic emergency?

A confused patient with a blood glucose of 58 mgldl

A patient with generalized weakness informs you that she has a history of iron-deficient anemia. You recognize that this patient has a history of:

A decreased amount of hemoglobin available to carry oxygen

An EMT is correct when he describes a communicable disease as:

A disease that can be spread from one person to another

As a supervisor with an emergency ambulance service, which situation regarding a potential employee would you recognize as falling under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and as case in which you would make reasonable accommodations?

A dispatcher with a prosthetic leg who requires parking next to the building entrance

Which of these unresponsive patients would the EMT recognize as in cardiac arrest?

A female who has an occasional gasp for a breath but no palpable carotid pulse

A patient has a medical problem characterized by an increase of interstitial fluid in and around his alveoli. This condition would disrupt normal oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange by creating which type of disturbance?

A gas exchange disturbance

Accurately communicating patient injury information to other health care professionals is most reliant upon

A good knowledge of proper anatomic terminology

Your EMS station has been designated a Baby Safe-Haven. As such, you know that:

A mother or father can drop a baby off and leave with no questions asked

For the EMT to achieve the best results when assisting a patient with epinephrine treatment, the medication should be properly injected into

A muscle

An 86-year-old female patient has called 911 for rectal bleeding. There is a large amount of dark red blood and clots in the toilet and on the patient's clothing. The Emergency Medical Responder reports a blood pressure of 84/68 mmHg with a heart rate of 124 beats/min. Given this information, the EMT should expect findings of

A narrowed pulse pressure and possible shock

A 23-year-old male patient has called EMS for swollen lips and hives. Upon entering the scene, which of these observations would make the EMT suspicious that the patient is having an allergic reaction?

A new container of penicillin on a table with two pills missing

Friends of a male patient who experienced a generalized seizure while at a picnic are worried because he cannot remember the seizure. You should inform them that this is:

A normal finding that is common among those who suffer this type of seizure

When assessing and treating a 15-year-old female patient for abdominal pain, the EMT must remember that

A parent's or guardian's consent should be obtained prior to assessment and treatment

The EMT would recognize a hematologic condition in which of these patients?

A patient with an elevated white blood cell count due to leukemia

A patient with difficulty breathing has a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which of these would be a likely type of medication contained in the MDI

A patient with difficulty breathing has a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which of these would be a likely type of medication contained in the MDI

In preparing the schedule, you have been instructed to pair EMTs in a way that decreases the chance of injury when lifting and moving patients. Given this directive, who would make the best partner for a tall and very strong EMT?

A tall and very strong EMT

A patient has experienced a stroke that has permanently injured his brainstem. Which sign or symptom might the EMT expect to find as a result of this condition

Abnormal respirations

You are called to a residence to assess a child. The panicked parents state that their 3-year-old son was playing with his brother when he suddenly "blanked out" and would not respond to them for several seconds. When asked, they deny any convulsing-type movement as well as a history of medical problems. Based on this description, you would be suspicious that the patient experienced which type of seizure?

Absence

You have been called for a 96-year-old female with altered mental status. At the scene, you find that the patient is unresponsive, not breathing, and pulseless. The family provides you with a valid DNR order. What could you document as a presumptive sign of her death?

Absent blood pressure

A 44-year-old male patient had a pesticide splashed into his eyes. Aside from local irritation and damage to the eyes, he developed systemic complications when the pesticide entered and circulated throughout his body. When completing the prehospital care report, the EMT would note the route of exposure as:

Absorption

When auscultating the lungs of an elderly patient, you note rhonchi-like noises in the upper regions of both lungs. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would recognize that this finding is caused by:

Accumulation of mucus in the bronchi

Medical direction has ordered you to administer activated charcoal to a patient who ingested a large amount of poison. When looking in your medical kit, which medication would you prepare and administer?

Actidose

After a particularly disturbing call the previous day, your partner is unusually angry and having a difficult lime concentrating on his work. Which type of stress reaction would you suspect?

Acute stress reaction

What is required for normal perfusion to occur

Adequate breathing, sufficient numbers of red blood cells, and sufficient heart function

You are artificially ventilating an adult male patient who is in respiratory arrest with a bag-valve mask. Which finding would demonstrate that you are ventilating this patient properly?

Adequate chest rise and fall

The fire department has requested your assistance at a residence where the family's carbon monoxide (CO) detector has been going off. There are three patients. You first assess a 28-year-old female patient who states she has a sinus headache but otherwise feels fine. Her vital signs are pulse, 90; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 118/60 mmHg; and SpO2, 100%. Given these assessment findings, you should immediately

Administer high-concentration oxygen

A patient with diabetes presents as alert but irritable and confused. His airway is patent with an intact gag reflex and breathing is adequate. You do not have a glucometer available and are not sure if his blood sugar is high or low. In this situation, what would be your next best action?

Administer oral glucose

You are by the side of a patient who fell 5 feet from a ladder, landing on a concrete porch and hitting his lower back and buttocks. Assessment reveals an intact airway, adequate respirations, rapid radial pulse, and skin that is pale, cool, and diaphoretic. The patient complains of lower back and left leg pain. No deformity to the extremity is noted; however, the lower back is tender on palpation. The following vital signs are obtained: pulse, 132; respirations, 20 breaths/min; blood pressure, 102/88 mmHg; and SpO2, 97% on room air. Regarding oxygen therapy, you would:

Administer oxygen at 15 lpm through a nonrebreather mask

You are on scene in a remote part of a local park, where an unresponsive female patient was found by a passing security guard. The female patient, who looks to be in her 20s, has needle tracks on her arms; an empty syringe was found nearby. You have initiated spine motion restriction precautions, inserted a nasal airway, and alerted dispatch for ALS backup. The patient is currently breathing adequately and has a blood pressure of 102/78 mmHg, a heart rate of 68 beats/min, and respirations of 12 breaths/min. While awaiting arrival of the ALS unit, which of these steps is most appropriate?

Administer oxygen so as to maintain a pulse oximeter reading of 94% or greater

A 44-year-old male patient was using an industrial drain cleaning solvent to clean the drains in his house. The solvent corroded through the pipes on the second floor, spilling into the walls and filling the house with fumes. The patient was in the house for several minutes prior to getting himself out. The primary assessment reveals him to be alert and oriented with a patent airway. He is complaining of dizziness and has rapid respirations. His radial pulse is fast and strong, and his skin is warm and pink. Which action should the EMT take first?

Administer supplemental oxygen

An alert and oriented 45-year-old female patient complains of shortness of breath. Although her respiratory volume and rate are satisfactory, you note cyanosis in her fingertips and you cannot get the pulse oximeter to show a reading. What should be your next action

Administer supplemental oxygen

The wife of a 43-year-old male patient has called 911 because her husband was difficult to wake up and now is lethargic with garbled speech. She reports a history of diabetes, stroke, renal failure, and high blood pressure. The patient's airway is patent, respirations are tachypneic but adequate, and radial pulse is rapid. Your partner reports the following vital signs: pulse, 136; respirations, 22 breaths/min; blood pressure, 106/62 mmHg; SpO2, 92%; and blood glucose, 642 mg/dl. What would be the most appropriate action in the care of this patient?

Administer supplemental oxygen

You have been called to an industrial warehouse for a young adult male patient who was exposed to an unknown chemical gas. The patient was immediately removed from the environment and presents to you with a patent airway, burning to the throat with inspiration, and complaint of shortness of breath. His vital signs are pulse, 120; respirations, 28 breaths/min; blood pressure, 164/60 mmHg; and SpO2, 90%. In addition, you note bilateral wheezing to the lungs. What should be your first action in caring for this patient?

Administer supplemental oxygen

You have been dispatched to a residence for an 88-year-old female who is in and out of consciousness. The family provides you with a valid "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order. Assessment of the patient shows her to be very confused with a low blood pressure and low oxygen level. Which action would be appropriate given the situation?

Administer supplemental oxygen

A football player in full uniform has been stung by a bee. Your assessment reveals him to be confused with stridorous respirations and weak radial pulses. His skin is warm and flushed and covered with hives. Vital signs are pulse, 164; respirations, 28 breaths/min; blood pressure, 74/58 mmHg; and SpO2, 87%. The coach notifies you that the patient is allergic to bees and hands you the patient's epinephrine pen. Your next action would be to:

Administer the epinephrine through a pad-less area of the patient's pants over the side of his thigh

You are administering a medication through a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) using a spacer. Which of these actions would be most appropriate?

Administer the medication into the spacer and then have the patient inhale

The mother of a 5-year-old female patient states that her daughter has been "sick" with a sore throat and fever for several days. The mother became concerned tonight and called 911 because the child was "making funny noises" and could not breathe well. Your assessment reveals a lethargic, welldeveloped child sitting upright and with high-pitched tracheal noises when she breathes in. What should be the priority action for the EMT

Administering supplemental oxygen if indicated

A patient who has ingested a toxic substance is to receive activated charcoal. The EMT knows that the charcoal will benefit the patient by:

Adsorbing the poisonous substance in the stomach

While you are returning from lunch, a frantic woman flags you down and states that she just found a young child on the roadside who appears to have been hit by a car. She is not sure if the child is breathing. You should immediately:

Advise dispatch that you have been flagged down for a possible emergency, and identify your location

You are summoned to a grocery store for a female patient found having a "fit" by store employees. Upon arrival, you are escorted to the side of an alert but mildly confused 41-year-old woman who is diaphoretic and appears exhausted. After 2-3 more minutes, she becomes more alert and informs you that she has a history of seizures and just had a generalized seizure. Despite your urging, she refuses transport to the hospital. Your safest action would be to:

Advise medical direction of the situation

Normal cellular metabolism can be defined as

Aerobic

What is the pathophysiology underlying a TIA and its typically rapid resolution

Agents in the bloodstream bust apart the cerebral clot that is causing the signs and symptoms

When a person's diaphragm contracts and the intercostal muscles pull the ribs upward, what will occur relative to the exchange of air and/or gases?

Air will flow into the lungs

At the side of a distressed patient with active and severe esophageal varices, you realize that the priority of care will be

Airway management

When administering oral glucose to a patient with diabetes, the EMT must take precautions to prevent which adverse effect?

Airway obstruction

A complex partial (psychomotor) seizure can easily be mistaken for

Alcohol intoxication

The EMT is transporting a patient with the diagnosis of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The EMT recognizes that this patient has a past medical history of:

Alcoholism

You have been called for an adult patient who suffered a seizure. He is sitting on the floor, and looks at you as you enter the room. When questioned, he knows his name but cannot remember the date, what happened, or where he is. This patient's mental status can best be described as:

Alert but confused

You arrive on the scene at an extended care facility where you see the facility employees removing the residents via wheelchairs and hospital beds. As you exit the ambulance, an employee walks up to you and identifies herself as the night-shift charge nurse. She states that the facility had a furnace malfunction and the carbon monoxide alarms are sounding. There are probably 30 residents already in the parking lot a safe distance away, and there are reportedly 15 more inside who are unresponsive. Given the number of patient overall, the EMT should

Alert dispatch of the need for additional resources

When transferring a patient from a bed to a wheeled stretcher, an EMT uses proper body mechanics when he or she

Aligns his shoulder, hips, and feet when moving the patient

Which of these descriptions would be obtained when asking about the "A" component of the SAMPLE history?

Allergy to penicillin

The medical director for your service has put you in charge of designing a new prehospital care report form. He states that it must contain the "minimum data set" as set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. In completing this task, you realize that incorporating these data into your report form will:

Allow easier comparison of specific EMS data between various types of emergency systems

A tornado ripped through a small town, killing 5 people and seriously injuring 21, including several young children. At a defusing session, which action is most appropriate?

Allow the rescuers to vent their emotions

Which of these patients is a candidate for oral glucose?

An alert but confused patient with diabetes and cool skin

A patient has just taken her first dose of Zocor for high cholesterol. Within minutes, she begins to develop hives, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. In this case, the EMT would recognize that the patient is experiencing

An anaphylactoid reaction

What is the primary difference between an anaphylactic reaction and an anaphylactoid reaction

An anaphylactoid reaction may occur without prior sensitization to the antigen; anaphylaxis

You are providing care to a patient with altered mental status amid a large crowd gathered for a concert. Which characteristic of the crowd should concern you the most in relation to personal safety?

An angry mood developing within the crowd

Which of these statements regarding antidotes is correct?

An antidote will neutralize or counteract the effects of a poison or toxic substance

A patient develops an allergic reaction after taking penicillin. In this case, the penicillin would be recognized by the body as:

An antigen

A female patient with a history of seizures has experienced a seizure in a public area and is now refusing further assessment and transport. As you leave, a witness to the entire event tells you that he thinks the patient is "crazy in the head" because immediately before she seized, she looked up toward the ceiling and kept repeating, "Do you see the birds?" As a knowledgeable EMT, you should recognize that the bystander is describing which condition?

An aura

Your medical director's written protocol instructs you to obtain on-line medical direction prior to assisting a patient with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Given this protocol, you must contact:

An emergency physician before assisting with the MDI

A 44-year-old female patient states that she has a history of endometritis. The EMT would recognize that this patient has:

An infection of the endometrial lining

Pelvic inflammatory disease is best described as

An infection of the female reproductive structures

15. In which situation would the Good Samaritan law protect the EMT?

An off-duty EMT stops at the scene of an auto collision and provides proper care, but the patient dies anyway

Which patient may be treated under the guideline of implied consent?

An unresponsive 33-year-old female who is suspected of taking recreational drugs

For which of these patient is placement of an oropharyngeal airway indicated?

An unresponsive patient who has no gag or cough reflex

A patient is covered with hives. He is responsive to painful stimuli but has labored respirations with an inspiratory stridor sound, bilateral wheezing, and a weak and rapid pulse. His vital signs are pulse, 128; respirations, 24 breaths/min; and blood pressure, 80/50 mmHg. Given this presentation, the EMT should suspect that the patient has:

Anaphylaxis

What is the most severe form of an allergic reaction called?

Anaphylaxis

What is the term that refers to the structure of the body?

Anatomy

As your ninth emergency call during a 12-hour shift, you are summoned to a dance club at 0215 hours for a "drunk person.' While on scene, your partner stands with arms crossed, looking down at the floor, and shaking her head negatively as you try to gather the SAMPLE history. Her nonverbal behavior may be interpreted by the patient or bystanders as:

Anger

You are transporting a 58-year-old female with terminal breast cancer. While in the ambulance, she becomes tearful yet agitated, and repeatedly asks, "Why me?" As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that she is in which stage of grieving?

Anger

Which of these therapies is the best option for definitively treating a known myocardial infarction (AMI)

Angioplasty

After being dispatched for a male patient experiencing dyspnea, you arrive to find the confused 67-year-old man sitting upright at his kitchen table in severe respiratory distress. You also note remarkable swelling to his lower legs and feet. He has an open airway, but cannot speak more than two to three words without attempting to breathe. His breathing is extremely labored, with inspiratory crackles heard upon auscultation. His skin is cool, diaphoretic, and dusky in color. A family member at the scene reports a history of hypertension, congestive heart failure, and angina, for which the patient takes nitroglycerin. The baseline vital signs are acceptable and the room-air pulse oximeter reading is 45%. What is your immediate action in caring for this patient?

Apply continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

You are caring for a 69-year-old male patient who is short of breath and in acute congestive heart failure. He is alert, anxious, and panicked, with an open airway and rapid shallow respirations. His heart rate is tachycardic, and his skin is cool and diaphoretic, with cyanosis noted to the lips and fingers. There are crackles noted in both lungs, as well as pedal edema in both feet. The patient denies chest pain or discomfort, but is having a difficult time speaking due to the shortness of breath. When caring for this patient, you should

Apply continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

On scene, a 57-year-old female patient has profuse hemorrhage coming from the dialysis graft located on her left arm. To control the bleeding, you would immediately

Apply direct pressure to the graft

You have been called for a 4-year-old female patient who told her mother that her chest hurts. On scene, the child is crying and points to her chest when asked if she has pain. Her airway is patent, respirations slightly labored, pulse rapid and regular, and skin warm and pale. Vital signs are pulse, 132; respirations, 28 breaths/min; blood pressure, 108/74 mmHg; and SpO2, 89%. The mother denies any medical history, medications, or allergies for her daughter. Your first action would be to:

Apply oxygen

A 4-year-old boy in respiratory distress is sitting upright in bed and drooling. His mother states that he complained of a sore throat throughout the day, and tonight became severely short of breath and started drooling. He is alert with adequate breathing. His skin is very warm to the touch. Vital signs are pulse, 132; respirations, 28 breaths/min; and SpO2, 90% on room air. Which is your first action in caring for this child?

Apply supplemental oxygen

At the scene of an industrial accident, you are presented with a male patient who was exposed to a powerful pesticide in powder form. The patient states that he was moving sacks of the pesticide when one broke open, creating a cloud of powder that surrounded him, and which he then inhaled. During the incident, his face and arms became covered with the powder. At the present time, he complains of difficulty breathing and burning of his skin on his face and arms. You note that some of the pesticide remains on these areas of the body. Your first action in caring for this patient would be to

Apply supplemental oxygen

You are assessing a 73-year-old male patient who complains of altered mental status and shortness of breath. The patient is conscious, but confused. His pulse is rapid and weak, and his skin cool and diaphoretic. An Emergency Medical Responder provides you with the following vital signs: pulse, 136; respirations, 20 breaths/min; blood pressure, 168/88 mmHg; and SpO2, 89%. A family member states that the patient has diabetes and takes insulin. He also has a history of hypertension, colon cancer, irregular heartbeat, and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Which action should the EMT take next?

Apply supplemental oxygen

You have completed the initial assessment on a 62-year-old male patient who complains of the sudden onset of epigastric pain. His airway is patent, his breathing is fast but still adequate, and his radial pulse is weak and barely palpable with a delayed capillary refill. His pulse is 124 beats/min and his skin is cool and moist to the touch. Your next action would be to

Apply supplemental oxygen

You are called to a motor vehicle collision. A 26-year-old female states that she was unrestrained and struck the steering column with her chest after the car she was driving hit another car from behind. She is somewhat confused, and complains of chest pain and difficult and painful breathing when she inhales. Her airway is patent and her breathing is adequate. Assessment of the radial pulse reveals it to be rapid and very irregular and weak. The patient has cyanosis in her nose and fingertips. Her breath sounds are clear and equal, and her skin is moist and pale. The patient informs you that she has asthma and has a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). What is your best initial action in treating this patient?

Apply supplemental oxygen if indicated

You are preparing to attach an AED when you notice that the patient has an implanted pacemaker. What should you do?

Apply the AED, but avoid placing the electrodes over the pacemaker

A 38-year-old female patient was violently raped at a party where drugs were being abused. The patient is conscious, upset, and actively bleeding from the vaginal canal. As an EMT, your best care would involve:

Applying a bulky dressing and gentle pressure to the external genitalia

On scene, you are treating a 62-year-old female patient with chest pain, diaphoresis, and nausea. She has a history of heart problems as well as diabetes, for which she takes medications. She is allergic to penicillin and iodine. She is alert, oriented, and calm, and there are no threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation. The patient took 81 mg of aspirin this morning, as she always does. Her vital signs are pulse, 100; respirations. 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 118/90 mm Hg; and SpO2, 97% on room air. In overseeing the care of this patient, which of these actions would demand immediate and corrective intervention

Applying oxygen through a nasal cannula

A patient"s brain cells are undergoing anaerobic metabolism. As a result, those cells

Are becoming dysfunctional in an environment that is increasingly acidic

During assessment of a responsive medical patient, you gather a medical history using the memory aid SAMPLE. To obtain information related to the "M" component, which question should you ask?

Are you currently taking any medications?"

A nauseated patient with fever and abdominal pain states that he has not vomited. Which description best represents how that fact should be documented?

As a pertinent negative

You have been dispatched to an apartment for an elderly male complaining of shortness of breath. When do you start the process of forming a general impression about this patient?

As you and your partner approach him

A 59-year-old male patient has summoned EMS for crushing chest pain. He states that he needs his nitroglycerin, but it is in his car in a nearby parking lot. A friend of the patient explains that he also takes nitroglycerin and hands you his bottle of nitroglycerin. The patient appears very ill, and he says that this chest pain is the worst he's ever experienced. Given the patient's condition, your best action would be to:

Ask the friend to get the patient's nitroglycerin from his car quickly

When assessing a patient for a facial droop, the EMT should

Ask the patient to show you his teeth or smile

When assessing a patient with abdominal pain, you note that his abdomen feels rigid. What should you do next as part of the abdominal assessment

Ask the patient to take a deep breath and then relax, while you repalpate the rigid area

You have been called for a 71-year-old male patient with seizure activity. When you reach the patient's side, you find him lying motionless on the floor of his bedroom with a family member performing chest compression-only CPR. In this situation, your immediate action would be to

Ask the provider to stop CPR and feel for a carotid pulse

A female jogger has collapsed on a trail at a public park. A crowd of curious onlookers have collected and are watching as the EMT examines the patient for any life-threatening conditions. After determining that there are none and the patient is stable, the EMT acts as a patient advocate by:

Asking curious onlookers to leave the scene

Which of these is a generic drug name?

Aspirin

You have been dispatched for a 15-year-old female with a headache. On scene, you find the patient holding her 6-month-old son in her arms. This young mother states that she has had a migraine headache for two days and would like to be transported to the hospital for further evaluation. As an EMT, you should:

Assess and transport the patient as she desires

A 67-year-old male patient with a history of coronary artery disease and COPD called 911 for chest discomfort and mild dyspnea. When you are at the patient's side, he states that the pain started when he was cleaning out his garage, but after a period of rest, the pain has resolved. His airway is patent, breathing adequate, radial pulse irregular, and skin warm and dry. He has a past medical history of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), coronary artery disease, and diabetes, for which he takes insulin. Vital signs are pulse. 68; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 148/88 mmHg; and SpO2, 97% on room air. The patient took 81 mg of aspirin as prescribed this morning on awakening. What should you do first

Assess breath sounds

When treating a patient who has had a seizure, the most important aspect of providing care is to:

Assess for and manage any life-threatening condition found

As you enter the living room of an adult patient who called 911 for shortness of breath, you observe the patient sitting upright in a chair with a panicked look on her face, struggling to breathe, with obvious suprasternal retractions. Her breathing rate appears to be fast and her tidal volume poor. You can hear rhonchi from her lungs without the aid of a stethoscope. Once at her side, your initial care should be to

Assess her airway

A responsive patient complains of a migraine headache; she has a known medical history of this condition. Which assessment parameter would be most appropriate to address while conducting her secondary exam?

Assess her visual acuity

As you approach a seemingly unresponsive patient, you observe a 1- to 2-inch circle of dark blood on his shirt. He also appears pale and diaphoretic. What should you do first?

Assess his airway

A patient informs you that he has a history of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. To best assess the status of this condition, you should

Assess the abdomen

You have been summoned to a retail store, where you are directed to a middle-aged woman who was found in the bathroom on the toilet. Your assessment shows her to be responsive to painful stimuli with an open airway and labored breathing. Her pulse is fast and regular, and her skin is warm to the touch. The primary assessment has been completed and the appropriate care given. As the stretcher is prepared, you perform the secondary assessment. When assessing her chest, you note the presence of crackles to both lungs. What should you do next

Assess the abdomen

When assessing a patient who complains of shortness of breath but has an open airway, which action should the EMT perform next?

Assess the adequacy of the patient's breathing

A 17-year-old patient is unresponsive. A medical identification bracelet states that he has diabetes. Which action should you perform first

Assess the airway

After a lengthy response time in a rural community, you arrive at the home of a 62-year-old female patient who is still seizing. Your immediate action would be to:

Assess the patient's airway and breathing

While using the AED to treat a patient in cardiac arrest, your partner informs you that he can feel a carotid pulse. What should you do immediately?

Assess the patient's airway and breathing adequacy

You have been directed to a car that struck another vehicle at a moderate rate of speed. You note deformity and starring of the windshield on the driver's side. What should you do to determine whether the deformity to the windshield was caused by the driver hitting his head or by the air bags?

Assess the patient's head

A 36-year-old patient who has overdosed on an unknown drug presents in a seemingly unresponsive state as you walk into the room. Given this, what should you do first?

Assess the patient's mental status

An 18-year-old female patient with a history of diabetes twisted her right ankle while playing volleyball. She is alert and oriented and states that the pain is excruciating. The primary assessment is complete and yields no life-threatening conditions. What should you do next?

Assess the right ankle and foot

You have been called to transfer a trauma patient from a rural hospital emergency department to the emergency department of a large urban medical center. Which action will best decrease your chance of becoming involved in an EMTALA violation?

Assessing the patient for stability prior to transfer

When deciding whether to transport a patient to the hospital using lights and sirens to the hospital, which information carries the most weight in your decision

Assessment findings

A driver was ejected from his vehicle in a rollover-type collision. Assessment findings reveal the patient to be unresponsive, with bruising to the abdominal and pelvic areas as well as an open femur fracture. The patient has an open airway and is breathing 32 times per minute. When you listen to breath sounds, you find them to be absent over the alveolar areas of the lungs. The patient's skin is cool and clammy and the radial pulses weak. Manual spine motion restriction is being maintained. What should your next intervention be?

Assist respirations

A confused, lethargic, and nonverbal 50-year-old female patient has altered mental status. You are told she has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The primary assessment reveals a respiration rate of 6 breaths/min and cool, clammy skin with cyanosis around the lips. What should be your priority management

Assist respirations with positive pressure ventilation

Which of these is most appropriate when two EMTs are performing CPR on an adult patient?

At least 100 compressions per minute

When assessing breath sounds during the secondary assessment, the EMT shows he is employing a correct technique when he listens:

At the left second intercostal space, followed by the right second intercostal space

A patient with a stoma and tracheostomy tube is responsive to painful stimuli. He has shallow respirations and is breathing at a rate of 6 times per minute. He has cyanosis of the fingertips and a weak, rapid radial pulse. Which strategy should be used in providing respiratory care to this patient

Attach the bag-valve device directly to the tracheostomy tube

The EMT is properly using a small-volume nebulizer when she

Attaches the nebulizer to oxygen at 8 to 10 lpm

A patient has been actively seizing for 17 minutes. He is cyanotic with shallow and ineffective respirations. Which immediate care should you provide to this patient?

Attempt to open the airway and begin positive pressure ventilation

A 26-year-old male patient has summoned EMS after lifting a heavy box and suddenly experiencing shortness of breath and sharp pain to the left side of his chest that worsens with deep inspiration. Given this description, you immediately become suspicious of a pneumothorax. Which action should you perform ext to help confirm this suspicion?

Auscultate breath sounds

You are unable to auscultate a blood pressure in a patient's right arm. What should you do next to obtain the most accurate baseline assessment of this patient's vital signs

Auscultate the blood pressure in the left arm

The EMT is correctly using a noninvasive blood pressure monitor when she:

Auscultates a blood pressure before applying and activating the device

Emergency Medical Responders inform you that a 73-year-old female patient has fallen and has a hematoma to the occipital area of her head. Based on this description, you should expect to find the injury in which area of the head

Back

Which medical emergency would most likely be treated with the use of epinephrine by the EMT?

Bee sting

Dispatch has sent you to the scene of a fight at a local sporting event. Since the EMS system is busy and there are very few ambulances available, dispatch has instructed you to call for additional units after arrival on scene. On scene, you find that the police are present and what appear to be 10 to 12 people are seated or lying on the ground, many with blood on their faces and clothing. When would you call for additional ambulances?

Before getting out of the ambulance

It is nighttime and you have been dispatched for a vehicle on the shoulder of the interstate with a driver slumped over the steering wheel. When pulling up onto the scene, how should you best position the ambulance

Behind the car with your high-beams on

Where would the EMT palpate for a popliteal pulse

Behind the knee

When lifting the stretcher with a patient secured to it, the EMT must avoid which action?

Bending over at the waist

The EMT knows that the abdomen is located:

Between the diaphragm and the top of the pelvis

A patient is experiencing the backup of blood and fluid in her lung tissue. Failure of which of the heart's valves is likely responsible for this condition?

Bicuspid

Assessment of a patient who is unresponsive reveals pupils that are both large at 6 millimeters and do not change size in response to light. The EMT would best document this finding as:

Bilateral dilation of the pupils, unresponsive to light

Which of these assessment findings would increase the EMT's suspicion of a gastrointestinal bleed that is likely occurring slowly?

Black semi-formed stool

When performing the secondary assessment on a confused patient who was reportedly unresponsive just prior to your arrival, which of these findings would be most suggestive of a seizure?

Bleeding tongue

Which of these conditions could be responsible for causing obstructive shock

Blood clots in the lungs

During your reassessment of the respiratory system and oxygenation status of a patient with a chronic pulmonary condition, which of these would most likely not be part of this reassessment process?

Blood glucose level

Hemophilia is a blood disorder in which the:

Blood is unable to form clots properly

With normal metabolism, what happens after a healthy patient ingests food?

Blood levels of insulin rise

The spleen of a patient has ruptured following a traumatic injury. Because it is a solid organ, the EMT recognizes that the primary threat to life is:

Blood loss

You are assessing a patient with an obvious left midshaft femur fracture. The most immediate threat to this patient's survival is

Blood loss

Your partner states that he wants to palpate the blood pressure. Which equipment would you hand him

Blood pressure cuff

A patient states that he is short of breath, is light-headed, and has chest pain that worsens when he takes a deep breath. Assessment reveals an open airway, adequate breathing, and a rapid pulse of 120 beats/min. The patient's skin is hot to the touch, and he has a blood pressure of 116/84 mmHg. The patient informs you that he was diagnosed with pneumonia 3 days ago and has not been taking the prescribed antibiotics. Which of these assessment findings would the EMT best recognize as a sign related to the patient's chief complaint?

Blood pressure of 116/84 mmHg

A patient with a severe infection is very sick. Circulating toxins from bacteria in his blood have decreased his systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Which blood pressure change would the EMT correlate to this condition

Blood pressure of 64/26 mmHg

A patient with chest pain tells you that he feels the same now as when he had a heart attack 2 years ago. He is diaphoretic, nauseated, and vomiting; he has a pulse of 84, respirations of 16 breaths/min, and a blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg. The patient is allergic to aspirin. He asks you to assist him in taking one of his nitroglycerin pills because his arthritis makes it too hard for him to open the medication bottle. Which of the assessment findings represents a contraindication to the nitroglycerin?

Blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg

You are reassessing a young female who sustained blunt trauma to the chest in a motor vehicle collision. Which of these assessment findings best indicates that she is deteriorating and in the decompensatory phase of shock?

Blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg

Which of these assessment findings is of most concern with a 46-year-old male patient who complains of severe abdominal pain

Blood pressure of 90/64 mm Hg

A patient with a severe gastrointestinal bleeding is in shock. Which ALS or hospital interventions would best correct the patient's underlying problem

Blood replacement

Which of these statements is true regarding both anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions?

Both anaphylactoid and anaphylactic reactions are treated in the same way

A psychologically disturbed patient decided to kill himself by shooting himself in the head. The bullet entered the right temporal lobe and exited the skull onthe opposite side. If this patient is unresponsive, what is the most likely cause?

Both cerebral hemispheres are damaged

A large patient has been placed on the stretcher, and you and your partner are preparing to raise the stretcher using the power lift. Which observation of your partner would cause you to pause the lift to correct his technique?

Both feet are positioned closely together

Which of these would indicate a normal pupillary exam has occurred?

Both pupils constrict when light is directed into one eye

A 66-year-old female patient was involved in a vehicle rollover. While evaluating her abdomen, which of these abdominal assessment parameters should you be least concerned about

Bowel sounds

You are assessing an 8-month-old child whose mother states that he has been vomiting for two days and not eating or drinking normally. When assessing the pulse, you should check which site?

Brachial

When obtaining a blood pressure, the EMT listens for a pulse over which blood vessel

Brachial artery

You determine a patient's heart rate to be 48 beats/min. That heart rate would be categorized as:

Bradycardic

A patient's blood glucose (sugar) level begins to drop. Which organ would be affected first due to its heavy reliance on circulating glucose

Brain

Which body system or structure is responsible for the control and regulation of a person's breathing

Brain

An unresponsive patient presents with a blood sugar of 30 mg/dl. What is the major threat to this patient's well-being

Brain damage

You are reviewing prehospital care reports and notice that a patient with low blood sugar and no contraindications to oral glucose did not receive the medication. You recognize that this inaction placed the patient at risk for which condition?

Brain damage

What situation could impair a patient's respiratory status by directly damaging the central chemoreceptors of the body

Brainstem stroke or injury

You have been called to a home for an 18-year-old male patient, who informs you that he experienced a sudden onset of shortness of breath and back pain while watching television. He has a history of spontaneous pneumothorax, and the current symptoms he is experiencing are identical to those he felt with a previous pneumothorax. Assessment reveals the patient to be slightly dyspneic with breath sounds clear and intact bilaterally. During transport, what is most critical to continually monitor on this patient

Breath sounds

Pain that is described as ·caustic" by the patient is:

Burning

A 56-year-old male patient informs you that he has gastric ulcers. He has had them for several months, but recently the pain has been steadily increasing. If the cause of the abdominal pain is the gastric ulcers, how would you expect the patient to describe the pain

Burning pain located to the left upper quadrant

Which of these complaints would raise the EMT's suspicion that a female patient has a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Burning sensation every time she urinates

Regarding "burnout" and the emergency medical services, what statement is most accurate?

Burnout can diminish an EMT's ability to provide competent care

A frantic mother called 911 because she found her 18-month-old daughter playing with a bottle of drain cleaner. When assessing this patient, what would provide the strongest evidence that the child ingested some of the liquid?

Burns to her mouth

During a lecture you are attending that covers the pharmacology information often used by EMS providers, the lecturer references a drug source you know

CDC Guide to Pharmacology

For which of these disease processes would continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) be most beneficial?

CHF with moderate to severe dyspnea

An alert and distressed 72-year-old male patient with a history of pulmonary edema from heart failure is in severe respiratory distress, breathing 28 to 32 times per minute. His airway is patent, respirations are labored, crackles are heard in the bases of the lungs, and skin is found to be diaphoretic with a rapid radial pulse. Other vital signs are pulse, 136; blood pressure, 202/110 mmHg; and SpO2, 83%. Cyanosis is evident in the fingertips. The best treatment for this patient's breathing difficulty would be

CPAP

A patient goes into cardiac arrest at 11 :40 a.m. Which of these treatments gives the patient the best chance for recovery?

CPR at 11 :41 a.m. and defibrillation at 11 :43 a.m.

A 67-year-old male patient complains of shortness of breath. The patient cannot remember how many times he used his inhaler prior to your arrival, but he knows it has been multiple times. He is tachypneic and tachycardic. After administering oxygen, what should be your next action

Call medical direction for advice

A patient who was complaining of a headache is being transported to the hospital. After you provide a report to the emergency department. the patient begins to unexpectedly seize. The seizure lasts for 1-2 minutes and then stops, but now you notice the patient's eyes have become unequal in size. You are still 5 minutes from the hospital. After providing care for the seizure, your next action should be to:

Call the hospital and inform its staff of the seizure

Which of these guidelines would the EMT follow when talking down a patient with a drug-related emergency?

Calmly explain to the patient that this is a consequence of abusing drug

You are a new EMT in a very busy urban EMS system. Before joining this agency, you worked as a volunteer in a rural EMS system, where you did not experience many EMS calls. You are working with a seasoned EMT when you are requested to respond to a residential home for an unresponsive 13-year-old male patient. Upon your arrival, the family escorts you into the garage, where the boy is being cradled by his crying mother. The boy is unresponsive. As you draw nearer to the boy, your partner says to you, "Hey, you smell that moth ball smell? I know what might be going on." Given your partner's statement, how might the odor be related to the patient's condition?

Camphor overdose

A common concern about the well-being of a female patient in the 41- to 60-year-old age group is

Cancer

Your patient is 82 years old and has diabetes. Which assessment parameter is the least reliable sign indicating this patient's peripheral circulatory status?

Capillary refill

In a healthy person, the primary stimulus to breathe is:

Carbon dioxide levels in the bloodstream

Which of these statements regarding cardiac compromise or acute coronary syndrome should the EMT recognize as true?

Cardiac compromise should be suspected for any patient with chest discomfort

You are assessing an elderly patient with a decreased level of consciousness. Your assessment reveals the patient to have a patent airway, labored respirations, and weak, rapid pulses. The skin is pale, cool, and cyanotic in the extremities. You also observe diaphoresis and a delayed capillary refill. Vital signs for this patient are heart rate, 136 beats/min; blood pressure, 66/40 mmHg; and respirations, 40 and shallow. Auscultation of the lungs reveals profound rales located throughout each lung. The patient's temperature is 99°F and there is obvious jugular vein distention and pedal edema. Additionally, family states that the patient has an extensive cardiac and diabetic history. Based on this information, you should suspect which kind of shock?

Cardiogenic

Medical direction has ordered you to administer one dose of oral glucose to a patient with diabetes who is exhibiting confusion. Which of these best describes what you should do

Carefully administer the entire tube of glucose

The structure that lies between the trachea and bronchi is the

Carina

As an EMT, you would recognize what situation as having the greatest potential for causing emotional stress?

Caring for a child whose parents have appeared to have neglected him

All arteries:

Carry blood away from the heart

A patient who is weak informs you that she has a history of her "iron being too low." This should concern the EMT because iron is needed to:

Carry oxygen throughout the body

You have been dispatched for an 89 year-old female patient who fell in her kitchen and was found by family members several hours later. Should something go awry on scene, which of these serves to give you the most safety and security

Carrying a portable radio with you into the house

Failure of the sodium-potassium pump can result in

Cellular damage, swelling, and rupture

The fundamental problem associated with anemia is:

Cellular hypoxia

A drop in blood pressure below a critical threshold is a threat to the body because it directly impairs

Cellular perfusion

The nervous system is structurally subdivided into the

Central and peripheral nervous systems

For altered mental status to occur, which body system must be affected?

Central nervous

Assessment of an elderly male patients reveals that he is confused. His family states that this status is normal for him because he has a disease of his brain that has affected his ability to remember things. Based on this information, in which area of the brain is this disease located

Cerebrum

Which gas law is disrupted when a patient sustains a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles

Charles' law

You are assessing a 61-year-old male patient who is confused. During the primary assessment, you cannot locate a radial pulse. Your immediate action should be to

Check for a carotid pulse

You have been called for an elderly male patient who suddenly collapsed. On scene, you find an 82-year-old man lying on the garage floor. Assessment reveals him to be unresponsive and not breathing. What should you do immediately

Check for a carotid pulse

You cannot locate a radial pulse on a 54-year-old male patient who is alert, confused, and breathing adequately. What should you do immediately?

Check for the carotid pulse

You have been called for a 6-month-old male patient with a high fever who has seized. Currently, the patient is not seizing and appears to be sleeping. When performing the primary assessment on this patient, which of these actions would be most appropriate

Check for the presence of a pulse in the brachial artery

Immediately after assisting a patient with diabetes to take her nitroglycerin, she states that she feels weak, dizzy, and nauseated. What should the EMT do next

Check her blood pressure

You have just arrived by the side of a 68-year-old male patient who complains of chest pain. After determining his airway is patent and breathing adequate, it is imperative that you perform which action next?

Check his radial pulse

The EMT realizes that the best means of preventing failure of the AED is to:

Check the AED battery and its supplies at the beginning of each shift

A patient has fallen down a flight of stairs, and is now restless and confused. His airway is open, and he is adequately breathing, 22 times per minute, with a pulse oximetry reading of 90%. He has a radial pulse of 92 beats/min, which is moderate in strength. Emergency Medical Responders are maintaining manual spine motion restriction. What should your next action be?

Check the blood pressure and assess for injuries causing blood loss

You have determined that an alert elderly male patient has garbled speech and weakness to the right arm and leg. His vital signs and SpO2 level are within normal limits. The family informs you that he has a history of heart problems and diabetes. Given this scenario, what should you do immediately?

Check the patient's blood glucose level (if local protocol allows)

A 36-year-old male patient with diabetes and hypertension has experienced a secondary seizure. The patient responds to verbal stimuli with garbled speech, and his airway, breathing, and circulation are intact. Vital signs are pulse, 128; respirations, 20 breaths/min and adequate; blood pressure, 158/96 mmHg; and SpO2, 97% on room air. At this time, it is important that the EMT:

Check the patient's blood sugar with a glucometer

You have been dispatched for a patient with abdominal pain. On scene, you find the patient lying supine and complaining of severe pain to his lower abdomen. He is pale and has a look of distress on his face as he answers your questions. Which action should the EMT take after assuring the airway and breathing are adequate?

Check the patient's pulse

You have been called for a patient with angina. On scene, the 67-year-old man reports that he has a history of angina and the pain started when he was moving firewood from the garage into his house. Unfortunately, the pain has yet to go away, despite three nitroglycerin tablets and 20 minutes of rest. Your next action should be to:

Check the patient's vital signs

Just before the end of their shift, EMTs transported a young male who bystanders state "passed out" and then had a seizure. Now, an hour later, the patient has been stabilized and the physician asks the nurse if she knows what the seizure looked like. To easily answer this question. she would:

Check the prehospital care report

You are performing a secondary assessment on an unrestrained adult passenger who was involved in a motor vehicle collision in which the car rolled end over end several times at a high rate of speed. The patient is responsive to painful stimuli and in a state of shock. When assessing the patient's head, which of these would be appropriate for you to do?

Check the pupils with a penlight

You have been called to a residence for a 14-year-old male patient, who states that he intentionally took some medication to kill himself. Assessment indicates that he is alert and oriented, and has an open airway and adequate breathing. Given the situation, the EMT's next action should be to:

Check the radial pulse and skin characteristics

A patient complains of chest pain that radiates into his neck and arms. The primary assessment reveals a patent airway, adequate breathing, and a strong, regular radial pulse. The patient's skin is warm and dry, and reveals no signs of inadequate perfusion. What should you do next?

Check vital signs

When assessing a patient in the prehospital setting, which of these does the EMT recognize as an indication for aspirin

Chest discomfort that is suggestive of a heart attack

You have arrived on the scene of a motor vehicle collision. A car has gone off the road and into a utility pole. The pole is broken and wires are hanging just above the car. You do not see any sparking or arcing of the wires. The driver of the car is slumped over the steering wheel and not moving. Several bystanders around the car are yelling for you to help. Which steps represent the correct order of your response?

Clear the bystanders, allow the fire department to secure the wires, access the patient, extricate the patient, transport

You have assisted the patient in taking one of his nitroglycerin tablets due to cardiac-type chest pain. Five minutes later, you note the patient's blood pressure is 108/74 mmHg. To determine if the nitroglycerin has affected the blood pressure, the EMT should

Compare this finding to the baseline blood pressure

You have been called for a 41-year-old female patient who is confused. According to her husband, she is an alcoholic who has been in and out of rehabilitation programs for the past five years. Assessment reveals her airway to be open and her breathing adequate. Her pulse is regular and strong. Which finding would cause the EMT to classify and treat this patient as a high priority?

Complaint of nausea and a temperature of 103.6°F

You have been called for a 57-year-old female patient who has "passed out." As you enter the patient's apartment, you find her supine on the living room floor with a cool washcloth on her forehead. She states that she was standing and talking on the telephone when every1hing went dark. When she came to, she was on the floor. What should you do next

Complete the primary assessment, and then obtain vital signs while the patient is supine

You must transport a patient with carbon monoxide poisoning to a specialized facility for treatment. Transport time is estimated at 1.5 hours. The patient is on a nonrebreather face mask with a continuous oxygen flow of 15 1pm. In the ambulance, you have a G tank with 1100 psi inside. Knowing that the cylinder constant is 2.41, which action should the EMT take in relation to the amount of available oxygen and transport time

Complete the transport, and replace the G cylinder when back at the station

Your best protection when an alert and oriented patient with the capacity to make rational decisions refuses EMS care or transport is to:

Completely and thoroughly document the incident

You have been dispatched to a home for a 16-year-old female patient with shortness of breath. On scene, you find the patient in bed with her mother at her side. Her mother states that her daughter has a fever with a past medical history of cystic fibrosis; she would like to have her daughter transported to the hospital for evaluation of possible pneumonia. As a knowledgeable EMT, you know that the underlying pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis is a:

Condition in which excessive and thick mucus often plugs the airways

You have completed the primary assessment on a patient who was thrown from a motorcycle and landed on his head and back on the nearby sidewalk. After initiating spine motion restriction and finding no life threats during the primary assessment, which action should you take first when starting a secondary assessment

Conduct a physical exam

A 20-year-old female patient is found unresponsive. The first step of the secondary assessment for this patient is to:

Conduct a rapid medical assessment

Which of these tasks has not been identified as one that could be provided by a mobile integrated health care system?

Conduct health screening and provide minor outpatient surgical services

A patient denies difficulty breathing, but displays signs of respiratory distress. You state, "I know that you said you are breathing fine, but you cannot speak more than two to three words at a lime without gasping for air." Your response is an example of:

Confrontation

A patient with a history of diabetes is confused and irritable. According to family members, he accidentally took too much insulin this morning and did not eat breakfast. Since he is conscious with an intact gag reflex, medical direction orders you to administer oral glucose. Which component of this situation best represents the indication for the medication

Confusion and irritability

An 11-year-old boy with a history of mild developmental delays has possibly ingested parts of a household plant; his mother states that she found him eating the plant, then immediately called 911. You note that the plant has been overturned and is missing a considerable number of leaves. Assessment reveals the boy to be lethargic and confused; he complains of abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. His airway is patent and his respirations are adequate. Which of these assessment findings would be most suggestive that the poison from the plant leaves has been absorbed into the patient's body

Confusion and lethargy

A patient informs you that he injured a tendon in his knee three years ago and has had a difficult time walking since then. You recognize that this injury involves a structure that:

Connects muscles to the knee

Your protocol reads: "02 via NC pm if symptomatic for GP / SOB and SpO2 < 94%." To follow this order, you should do perform which action?

Consider oxygen for a patient complaining of chest pain if the SpO2 is 92%

After assisting a patient with the use of an epinephrine auto-injector, you note that the patient's blood pressure has improved. As a knowledgeable EMT, you realize that this effect occurred due to epinephrine's ability to:

Constrict blood vessels

A 41-year-old male patient reacts to painful stimuli by moaning. You shine a light at his right pupil only, while looking at both pupils. What would be a normal finding

Constriction of the right and left pupils

You have been dispatched for a patient with severe abdominal pain. On scene, the 57-year-old male patient informs you that he has a past medical history of chronic pancreatitis, which has "flared up again." Which precipitating factor would you identify as the most likely cause of the exacerbation

Consumption of six beers this afternoon at a picnic

Dispatch has sent you to a residence for a female patient with a possible broken arm. On scene, you find the patient seated in a chair holding her left arm. Her arm appears deformed and she has blood and bruises on her face. She tells you that an intruder, whom she believes lives in her neighborhood, broke into her home and robbed her. Prior to fleeing, he beat her, leaving her as you find her. With this information, you would immediately

Contact law enforcement, assess the patient, and initiate care

A mother has called 911 because her 6-year-old son told her he had chest pain. On scene, the mother informs you that her son suffers from a congenital heart defect called aortic coarctation. The boy admits to chest pain and appears distressed. His airway is patent, breathing adequate, and radial pulse present and regular. Vital signs are pulse, 108; respirations, 24 breaths/min; blood pressure, 148/92 mmHg; and SpO2, 98%. Your next action would be to

Contact medical command for advice

The Poison Control Center has advised you to administer milk to a patient who has overdosed on a medication. Given this information, you would:

Contact medical command to confirm this treatment

An intoxicated 72-year-old male with an alcoholic history has fallen at home and has a laceration on the back of his head. He states that he does not want treatment and becomes combative when you try to talk to or assess him. What is your next best course of action?

Contact medical direction

In any situation in which a question arises regarding the scope or direction of care the EMT should provide to a patient, the EMT should

Contact medical direction at the receiving facility to which the patient is being transported

A patient who is short of breath and has a history of right arm paralysis from a stroke has asked you to help him use his metered-dose inhaler containing albuterol. Since your medical director requires on-line authorization for albuterol, you would:

Contact medical direction for authorization

Five minutes after assisting a patient with his epinephrine auto-injector, you determine that the patient is getting progressively worse. The patient has a second auto-injector available; however, written protocols do not address the administration of a second dose. What is the priority action the EMT should take at this time

Contact medical direction for further orders

The label on a patient's prescribed metered-dose inhaler reads as follows: "Administer three puffs as needed for shortness of breath." Your protocols state hat you can assist with only two puffs without medical direction consultation. The patient is extremely short of breath. What should you do?

Contact medical direction for orders to administer three puffs

As EMTs leave a house where the patient refused care, a panicked boy approaches them and states that some men just shot his friend in a house two doors up the street. The EMTs' immediate action should be to:

Contact the police and move the ambulance from the immediate area

You have been called to a dilapidated residence for a 26-year-old female patient complaining of generalized weakness. After applying gloves, you enter the home and find the patient on a couch in minimal distress. Your assessment reveals no life threats, but you do note track marks to both hands and arms. When asked about the marks, she states that she is an IV drug user and has hepatitis C. Given this information, you would:

Continue care with gloves

Five minutes after administering oral glucose to a confused patient with diabetes, you do not see any improvement in her mental status. Which action should you take

Continue to monitor the patient

You are by the side of an alert and oriented 56-year-old male patient who complains of generalized weakness and a pounding headache. His pulse is 104, respirations are 18 breaths/min, and blood pressure is 218/110 mmHg. He has a history of high blood pressure, for which he takes lisinopril. He states that he has not taken the Lisinopril for 2 weeks and hands you a container with the medication inside. You would

Continue treatment and transport the patient to the hospital

A 44-year-old male patient who works at a petroleum-refining plant inhaled a significant amount of hydrocarbon fumes and now complains of a headache with associated dizziness and nausea, as well as mild shortness of breath. He is alert and oriented, and there are no life threats to his airway, breathing, or circulation. Which of these steps should be included in his assessment and care?

Continuous high-concentration oxygen

On an ECG, the QRS represents:

Contraction of the ventricles

A patient who was transported by EMS for a laceration on her arm is suing the service and the hospital because her laceration became infected, resulting in loss of the extremity. However, it becomes known that the patient was appropriately treated by EMS and the emergency department, but failed to seek follow-up medical care at a health clinic and did not take the antibiotics that were prescribed to her. Which element would most likely be used by the medical community as a defense in this case?

Contributory negligence

When performing the primary assessment, which sign or symptom best indicates that the patient is in hypovolemic shock

Cool and diaphoretic skin

When performing the primary assessment of a 45-year-old patient, which of these skin findings should concern the EMT

Cool and moist skin

The EMT is correctly calculating a patient's respiratory rate when he or she

Counts the number of breaths for 30 seconds and multiplies by 2

When assessing the chest of a patient who was shot multiple times, you find a gunshot wound to the third intercostal space on the left lateral chest. What should you do immediately

Cover the opening with a gloved hand

A patient who is agitated and hyperactive with dilated pupils and tachypnea has most likely ingested:

Crack cocaine

The left side of a patient's heart is in severe failure, causing blood to back up behind it. Which sign or symptom are you most likely to observe first

Crackles in the lungs

What action taken by an EMT illustrates an effort toward maintaining well-being in the field of EMS?

Creating a healthy balance between work and family life

A 40-year-old male patient has crashed his motorcycle. He complains of pain to his right leg. When palpating his leg, you are assessing for:

Crepitation

You have been called for a 13-year-old boy who was caught sniffing glue by his parents. The boy is lethargic and confused, complains of "burning" in his mouth and nose, and has nausea and vomiting. Based on the clinical presentation and mechanism of illness, how has this poison affected the patient's brain

Crossing from the lungs into the bloodstream and then circulating to the brain

Assessment of a patient's skin color reveals a bluish discoloration. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should identify:

Cyanosis caused by inadequate oxygenation of the tissues

The EMT recognizes a late sign of hypoxia in a patient in a coma when he observes:

Cyanosis in the fingers

What should be an expected reason why a portable radio suddenly fails to operate normally while on the scene of an emergency?

Dead battery

What is a primary purpose of the modern-day EMS system?

Decrease the incidence of death and disability related to injury and illness

You are treating a 67-year-old male patient with chest pain and a history of prior heart attacks as well as diabetes and hypertension. The patient has taken three nitroglycerin tablets, which have decreased his pain from 7/10 to 4/10; however, the pain persists. Initially, his SpO2 was 91% on room air. Oxygen was applied by nasal cannula and now, on 3 lpm 02, his SpO2 is 97%. How would you address the oxygen administration, given that the patient still has chest pain

Decrease the oxygen flow to 2 lpm

The alveoli of a patient's lungs are filled with fluid and pus secondary to pneumonia. How does this disturbance place the patient at risk

Decreased absorption of oxygen into the body

During an asthma attack, three main pathological changes lead to hypoxia in the patient. Which of these changes is not one of these three?

Decreased alveolar perfusion

Which of these conditions would result in the greatest decrease in oxygen delivery to the cells?

Decreased amount of circulating hemoglobin

A patient is hemorrhaging internally within his colon, which in turn is impairing perfusion to the cells of his body. Aside from the bleeding, the patient has no other problems. In this scenario, the problem impairing adequate perfusion would be:

Decreased blood volume

A confused and lethargic 24-year-old male patient has intentionally overdosed on a narcotic medication. His vital signs are as follows: pulse, 36; respirations, 1 o breaths/min; blood pressure, 50/20 mm Hg; and SpO2, 88% with 15 liters per minute of oxygen applied by Emergency Medical Responders. What is the greatest danger to this patient's well-being

Decreased cellular perfusion

Assessment findings on an elderly patient with congestive heart failure indicate that her failing heart is causing fluid to collect and fill her alveoli. Based on this pathophysiology, for which pulmonary complication should the EMT treat the patient

Decreased gas exchange

When administering aspirin to a patient with chest discomfort that is suggestive of a heart attack, the EMT recognizes that this medication will benefit the patient by

Decreasing the ability of the platelets in the blood to form clots

On scene, you assisted a patient with his epinephrine auto-injector after he was stung multiple times by bees. You are now transporting the patient to the hospital. As you reassess the patient, which of these findings would best indicate that the epinephrine is benefiting the patient?

Decreasing wheezing

You are providing continuing education for a group of EMTs. The topic is acute abdominal pain. Which of these points would you stress when discussing the EMT's treatment of the patient with acute abdominal pain

Definitive care for patients with abdominal pain is hospital evaluation and possible surgical intervention

You observe your partner correctly obtaining a patient's blood pressure when he

Deflates the cuff 2 mmHg per second while listening with a stethoscope

You have been called to a local nursing home for a restless patient with a four-day history of diarrhea. The primary assessment reveals an open airway, rapid breathing, and a weak and rapid radial pulse. Vital signs are pulse, 124; respirations, 24 breaths/min; blood pressure, 100/86 mmHg; and SpO2, 95%. The patient is confused with a history of Alzheimer's dementia. For this patient, it is most important to evaluate for

Dehydration

A 52-year-old male patient with a brain tumor has gone into respiratory arrest, but still has a pulse and obtainable blood pressure. You assign the task of artificially ventilating the patient with the bag-valve mask to a new Emergency Medical Responder. How will you instruct him to ventilate the patient

Deliver 10 breaths per minute

Which of these medications is most closely associated with a history of seizures

Depakote

Which condition is most likely to cause acidosis?

Depressed respirations

A conscious and alert 64-year-old female patient complains of chest pain and mild shortness of breath. She appears to have no difficulty speaking and states that the pain suddenly started about 2 hours ago. Her daughter on scene advises you there is a history of blood clots in the lungs of her family, and she is scared and would like her mother to be evaluated. Which of these steps should you take first?

Determine the adequacy of the patient's breathing

You and your partner are first on the scene of a bleacher collapse at a local raceway. As you exit the ambulance, you note several patients seated throughout the debris from the collapsed structure. In this situation, which action would you perform first?

Determine the number of patients

What would be the priority action to take prior to administering oral glucose to a young female patient?

Determine the patient's blood glucose level

During the primary assessment of a geriatric patient complaining of shortness of breath and fever, you quickly locate the radial pulse. What should you do next

Determine the rate and quality of the pulse

When assessing a patient's pupils, the EMT should

Determine the size of the pupil and then look for a change in pupillary size while shining a light in the eye

You have been dispatched to a residence for an 89-year-old female patient with a nonspecific complaint. When assessing this patient, what should you do irst to develop an initial impression regarding emergency?

Determine whether the complaint is medical or trauma related

It has been reported that two people have been shot in an alleyway. As you pull up to the scene, you see a police officer standing over a person with blood on his shirt and pants. In this situation, what is your first priority?

Determining the overall safety of the scene

You have been asked to sit on your service's quality improvement {QI) committee. As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that in this role you will be involved in projects that are primarily designed to:

Develop ways in which the delivery of emergency care can be improved

A patient has taken a medication that increases the activity of his sympathetic nervous system. Given this treatment, which sign or symptom would the EMT expect to find

Dilated pupils

A patient has been diagnosed with high blood pressure. A medication that can effectively serve to lower this patient's blood pressure is one that:

Dilates the arteries

When administering albuterol to a patient with shortness of breath, the EMT realizes that the therapeutic effect of this medication is achieved by:

Dilating the small airways

Why would the patient experiencing an allergic reaction tell you that it is easier to breathe following administration of epinephrine?

Dilation of the bronchioles

Despite coaching and explaining the benefits of a nonrebreather face mask, a hypoxic patient with moderate shortness of breath in conjunction with lung cancer states that she cannot tolerate the mask over her face. The more she panics, the worse the shortness of breath becomes. What is your best course of action

Disconnect the nonrebreather mask and replace it with a nasal cannula

Your paramedic partner has applied continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient in respiratory distress from congestive heart failure (CHF). As an EMT, you realize that this treatment should benefit the patient by

Displacing fluid in the alveoli back into the bloodstream

The EMT is appropriately sizing the nasal airway when she measures the

Distance from the tip of the nose to earlobe

An ambulance with two EMTs arrives in front of a house for an unknown medical emergency. On scene, bystanders report that a female patient was beaten by her husband in the driveway and then dragged back into the house. They state that the patient appeared unconscious and was bleeding from the head. Which action would the EMTs perform next?

Do not enter the scene until it has been controlled by law enforcement

The EMT gains the greatest protection from consent-related legal issues by:

Documenting the patient's consent for treatment on the prehospital care report

When palpating a pulse on top of the foot, the EMT is assessing blood flow in which vessel

Dorsalis pedis artery

A patient arrests at 1313 hours. E-911 is activated and dispatches an ambulance at 1315 hours. The ambulance arrives on scene at 1319 hours, and the EMTs reach the patient's side and start care at 1321 hours. After transporting the patient, the patient is transferred to the ED staff at 1346 hours. Based on that information, which of these statements would be considered correct?

Down time is 8 minutes

When completing a paper-based prehospital care report, you accidentally write that a laceration was on the left side of a patient's face when it was actually on the right side of the face. Correcting this mistake would include which step?

Draw a single line through the term "left" and write the word "right" next to it

An elderly patient is being cared for at home by family members and lies in a hospital-type bed in the living room. After providing necessary care, you prepare to move her from the bed to the stretcher. There is no mechanism that suggests a head, neck, or spinal injury. Which method would be most appropriate in this situation?

Draw sheet method

You would be concerned about cumulative stress when an EMS provider informs you that she:

Drinks a small amount of alcohol every night to help her sleep

Status epilepticus is best differentiated from a generalized seizure by the

Duration of the seizure

For negligence to be proven, what must be present?

Duty to act, breach of duty, injury, proximate cause

A patient with a history of COPD is breathing 32 times a minute. Her vital signs are pulse, 140; blood pressure, 168/102 mmHg; and SpO2, 98% on room air. You would classify this patient's condition as:

Dyspnea

A 43-year-old male patient has called 911 with the complaint of difficulty breathing. Once on scene, you note he is breathing at a rate of 18 breaths/min. He also exhibits intercostal retractions and nasal flaring. The pulse oximeter reads 93% on room air. The EMT should document this patient's breathing as:

Dyspneic

After oxygen therapy, the patient's SpO2 improves from 90% to 99%. Using the CHEATED method of documentation, this information would be placed in which category?

E: Evaluation

Why is EMS in a unique position to contribute significantly to mobile integrated health care?

EMS providers are familiar with and capable of functioning in the out-of-hospital environment

A pregnant woman is choking inside a local restaurant. Who has the most compelling legal duty to act?

EMTs from another county eating lunch after dropping off a patient at a local hospital

At the scene of a minor motor vehicle collision, you are attending to a female patient who complains of head and neck pain. A crowd has gathered to watch the action. What will the observing public most likely remember about the role EMS portrayed?

EMTs who were yelling and cursing loudly at the fire department to hurry up and get the patient out of the car

Which important piece of information has been omitted from the following report: "Salem Community Hospital, we are en route with a 61-year-old male complaining of generalized weakness. He states that he was cutting the grass when he suddenly became hot and weak, forcing him to sit down. He has a history of diabetes and prostate cancer, but takes no medications. Right now he is alert and oriented and has the following vital signs: pulse 96, respirations 18, and blood pressure 156/82 mmHg, and room-air pulse ox was 92%. We have placed him on 2 liters of oxygen by nasal cannula and are transporting in semi-Fowler position. He states that the weakness is starting to resolve. Do you have questions or orders?"

ETA to the hospital

You believe a patient for whom you are caring is starting to experience respiratory failure. Which of these findings is supportive of this suspicion

ETCO2 of 56 mmHg

You have been asked to present a continuing education session on body mechanics and posture. In your presentation, you would advise the participants that proper posture is achieved when your

Ears, shoulders, and hips are vertically aligned when standing

You suspect that a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is has right ventricular failure. In your assessment, which finding would reinforce this suspicion

Edema to the feet

The insulin level in a patient with undiagnosed diabetes is elevated, and the cellular receptors for the insulin are not sensitive (to the insulin). You would anticipate which finding when caring for this patient?

Elevated blood sugar levels

A 35-year-old male patient is lethargic and dehydrated after working at a construction site for 12 hours on a very hot day. You obtain the following vital signs: pulse, 136; respirations, 22 breaths/min; blood pressure, 102/88 mmHg; and SpO2, 100% with supplemental oxygen. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would recognize:

Elevated heart rate to increase cardiac output

You are assessing a patient who informs you that her body abnormally forms blood clots, even when they are not needed to stop bleeding. Which condition could you expect the patient to have that contributes to the blood clotting

Elevated number of platelets

In which body system are the thyroid glands, adrenal glands, pituitary glands, and gonads located?

Endocrine

When you are obtaining a medical history from a female patient with abdominal pain, she tells you that she has endometriosis. As an EMT, you know that this condition describes

Endometrial tissue located outside of the uterus

A 78-year-old male patient was found lying on his bathroom floor. Emergency Medical Responders report that the patient is unresponsive, with unequal pupils, and vital signs are as follows: pulse, 78; respirations, 20 breaths/min and snoring; blood pressure, 210/106 mmHg; SpO2, 99%. The EMRs have applied oxygen by nonrebreather mask, and also report that the patient has a hematoma on the back of his head. What should you do first

Ensure an open airway with a jaw-thrust maneuver

You are transporting a patient in cardiac arrest. The AED is being used and a shock has been advised. Prior to administering the shock, what should you do?

Ensure that no rescuer is touching the stretcher

Which of these actions would be most important when administering aspirin to a patient with chest pain

Ensuring that the patient can follow directions and has an intact gag reflex

An abrasion affects which part of the skin

Epidermal and dermal layers

What is the name of the male reproductive structure that stores sperm

Epididymis

An EMR tells you that a patient has pain just above the umbilicus, but just below the rib cage. You would document this condition as pain in the

Epigastric area

A patient has severe swelling of the leaf-shaped flap that helps to prevent food from entering the lower respiratory system while swallowing. Knowing that the suffix "itis" refers to inflammation, what is this patient's condition?

Epiglottitis

What is the primary difference between ethics and morals?

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies morality, whereas morals are concepts of "right and wrong"

To ensure your own safety and the safety of your crew, you should:

Evaluate every scene for danger before entering

You are assessing a confused dark-skinned patient who complains of a headache. When checking his skin color, you should

Evaluate the palms of his hands or conjunctiva

Which assessment finding is the best means by which to delineate hypoglycemia from hyperglycemia

Evaluate the patient's blood sugar

Which action is it essential that the EMT take prior to assisting the patient in taking his nitroglycerin tablet

Evaluate the patient's systolic blood pressure and heart rate

While completing the secondary assessment of an unresponsive patient with a history of diabetes and hypotension, how often should you repeat the patient's vital signs?

Every 5 minutes

You and a paramedic partner are caring for a patient who overdosed on a drug that has caused her to become apneic. Your EMT student is providing BVM ventilations with supplemental oxygen via an endotracheal tube placed by the paramedic. How often should vital signs be reassessed on this patient

Every 5 minutes

You have been called to the house of a young adult male patient who is unresponsive. The man lives by himself, so no family is present. In trying to determine the origin of the patient's altered mental status, which of these would most likely provide the best information, assuming it is available to you

Examination of patient medications (prescribed and recreational)

At a nursing home, you find an elderly patient extremely short of breath. To best determine whether this patient is cyanotic, you should:

Examine the lining of the lips and mouth

During the primary assessment, how should you best determine the adequacy of a patient's breathing?

Examine the rise and fall of the chest

Based on the anatomic and physiological differences between an infant and an adult, which finding would suggest respiratory distress in an infant, but would be less likely to be observed in an adult?

Excessive abdominal wall motion

You have worked with the same partner for several years and know him well. Over the past three months, the two of you have had four horrific pediatric calls with death as the outcome of each. Which observation would make you the most suspicious that your partner is experiencing a possible stress reaction that might encumber his ability to work as an EMT?

Excessive and uncharacteristic irritability

A patient with liver disease has a low platelet count. Which additional finding would the EMT directly correlate to this condition

Excessive bruising to arms

A slightly confused but conscious 61-year-old female patient with generalized weakness has a heart rate of 190 beats/min. She has a history of high blood pressure and diabetes. Her blood pressure is 78/56 mmHg, and she has a pulse oximetry reading of 93%. Which disturbance would best explain this patient's presentation

Excessive tachycardia

The EMT would recognize dehydration as a concern in a patient with diabetes owing to

Excessive urine production and elimination

What is the basic function of the respiratory system

Exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the environment

When the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, which phase of the respiratory cycle happens next

Exhalation

You are attempting to get a history from a 56-year-old female patient who is short of breath. When you ask questions, the daughter continually answers for the patient. To best handle this situation, you should:

Explain to the daughter it is important for the patient to answer whenever possible

When performing a secondary assessment on an alert and oriented female patient with a deformed left leg, the EMT should

Explain to the patient what you are doing before and during the assessment

Medical direction has advised you to place a patient who is obese and extremely short of breath in a supine position. Knowing that doing so may cause the patient to become even more short of breath, your best action would be to:

Explain your concern to the physician and ask for clarification

With the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, which of these patient parameters is assessed?

Facial droop

A homeless patient is sick and is refusing transport. The patient is alert and clearly has the capacity to understand her situation and make a rational decision, but the temperature tonight will be near zero. The EMT picks up the patient and puts her on the cot. The patient continues to refuse to allow treatment and transport, despite the EMT's explanation that it will be warm in the hospital and she will be fed. The patient is transported. What could the EMT be charged with?

False imprisonment

The EMT is correctly palpating a central pulse when he palpates the

Femoral pulse

A patient has fractured bones in his left leg. Which bones could be involved in this injury

Femur, tibia, or fibula

What are the protein strands that strengthen a clot called?

Fibrin

A patient with kidney failure has lost his ability to:

Filter and excrete wastes

You are assisting a patient with her metered-dose inhaler (MDI). In an effort to determine the exact name of the medication, it would be best for the EMT to:

Find the medication name on the label of the MDI

When using a pulse oximeter on an adult patient, the EMT knows that the sensor is most often attached to the patient's:

Finger

To test a pediatric patient's capillary refill, the EMT will:

Firmly compress and then release pressure on the nail bed

While completing some clinical time in the hospital for his EMT class, an EMT student observed a patient being administered an IV fluid with a high oncotic pressure. Once this fluid is in the patient's body, the EMT student would expect which action to occur

Fluid from the tissues will move into the bloodstream

A patient has been shot once in the left hand. After performing the primary assessment, the EMT quickly focuses his attention on the patient's left hand and begins a specific assessment of the injury. Which type of exam is the EMT performing?

Focused

Your legal right to function as an EMT is contingent upon:

Following standing orders and protocols, as approved by medical direction

A 911 call was placed for a 3-year-old child with difficulty breathing. On scene, you note that the child is upright with slight strider upon inspiration. He is alert and breathing at a rate of 30 breaths/min. His skin is warm and dry, and his radial pulse strong and regular. His breath sounds are clear and equal. His mother states that he was fine all day until 15 minutes ago, when he was playing with friends in the playroom and suddenly started having difficulty breathing. As an EMT, you should suspect which condition?

Foreign body airway obstruction

The EMT shows she understands the importance and reason for forming a general impression when she states:

Forming a general impression provides me with a rough idea of the patient's overall status."

When you are obtaining information for the medical history, which of these findings would be significant for a patient with suspected cholecystitis

Fried chicken and potato salad for dinner

You are called to an outpatient clinic to transfer a 39-year-old male patient in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to an acute-care hospital. When assessing this patient, which sign or symptom would you expect to find?

Fruity or acetone odor on his breath

As you arrive at a metal scrap yard for an unknown medical emergency, you observe a male supine on the ground with AED electrodes on his chest. The AED operator has just ordered coworkers to clear the patient because the AED is going to shock. Within seconds, the AED delivers a shock without the operator pressing a "shock" button. The EMT should recognize that which type of AED is being used

Fully automated

Which of these statements about different sizes of oxygen cylinders is true

G and E tanks have the same psi when full

Along with immunocompromised patients, which other age group(s) may have a vague presentation of an abdominal pathology due specifically to a depressed inflammatory response?

Geriatric patients

You have arrived at the scene of a medical emergency. As you enter the room where the patient is located, you note that he is sitting up and talking without difficulty. Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are on scene and providing basic care for the patient. What should you do first?

Get a report from the EM Rs

Which numeric evaluation tool is scored and added to the Trauma Scale to determine the Revised Trauma Score?

Glasgow Coma Scale

A patient with a history of hepatitis C has called 911 because he has a headache. Given the complaint and medical history, which personal protective equipment, at a minimum, is most appropriate?

Gloves

At a bare minimum, which type of personal protective equipment should be worn by EMS providers at any emergency scene involving a shooting?

Gloves

Which personal protective equipment must the EMT take on every call?

Gloves

A patient informs you that he was recently diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, but has yet to develop AIDS. Given this information, which statement is true?

Gloves and eye protection will be enough protection under most conditions unless body fluids are present

You have been called for a "drunk" male patient at a halfway house known to provide living quarters to persons with drug and alcohol problems. Residents tell you that the patient is a heavy drinker and must have had too much last night. This morning he was found "passed out" with alcohol on his breath. Quick assessment of the scene reveals the patient to be prone on a dirty bed in a room littered with liquor containers. Aside from the alcohol, which of these observations would be most significant to the EMT?

Glucometer on the table

What is a glucometer used to evaluate

Glucose levels

A pulse oximetry reading obtained on room air is considered normal when it is:

Greater than 97 percent

You have been called for a 2-year-old male patient who is sick and having a difficult time breathing. On scene, you find the patient in his mother's arms. He appears to have labored breathing and skin that is warm to the touch. Which of these additional assessment findings would you recognize as the most serious

Grunting noise heard as the child exhales

13. A prehospital care report reads: "GSW to LLQ." Based on this, you should recognize that the patient sustained a(n):

Gunshot to the lower left abdomen

After you administer oral glucose to a confused and combative patient, she gradually becomes calmer and fully oriented. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would recognize that this patient:

Had a low blood sugar level

You have applied the AED's electrodes to an obese male patient in cardiac arrest. When you press the analyze button, the AED gives you a "check electrode" message. In looking at the patient, which of these factors would most likely be responsible for this message?

Hairy chest

You are checking the D oxygen tank in the ambulance and note that the reading on the pressure regulator is 1000 psi. You should recognize that the tank is:

Half full

Which type of portable suction unit has the lowest potential for problems during its use

Hand powered

Altered mental status resulting from a hypoglycemic episode in a patient with diabetes typically

Has a sudden onset

If an injured patient has lost all use of his diaphragm, the EMT should recognize that the patient:

Has lost a major portion of his ability to breathe

An alert and oriented male patient with chest discomfort refuses treatment and transport to the hospital. He is angry with his family for calling 911 and refuses to sign the refusal of care form despite several requests. Which of these is your next best action?

Have a family member sign as a witness to the father's refusal

A patient who has the capacity to make rational decisions, although he is dizzy, complains of a headache, and then vomits, declines your care and will not sign the refusal of care form. What is your best action?

Have a family member sign as a witness to the refusal

A 3-year-old child is very fearful when you listen to his breathing and lungs with the stethoscope. Your best course of action would be to

Have the boy watch as you listen to his father's lungs

You are treating a 2-year-old girl who fell off her bike. She is scared, continues to cry, and will not answer any of your questions. What would be a good strategy to help find out where the girl hurts?

Have the girl's mother ask your questions for you

A 6-year-old female patient is in acute respiratory distress and is still breathing adequately but will not keep the nonrebreather face mask on her face. In this situation, the EMT should

Have the mother hold the mask near her daughter's face

You are assessing a 4-year-old child with a fever and cough. The child is very calm and receptive to your presence. Given this, which action would be most appropriate during your ongoing assessment

Have the mother remain with the child for the assessment

When getting a refusal from a patient who does not want the services of EMS providers, it is critical for the EMT to complete which step

Have the patient sign and date the refusal form

When relying on a cell (mobile) phone for medical communications, the EMT realizes that:

He should use the same format of communication as used for radio transmissions

An Emergency Medical Responder comes to you and states that he would like to work for your emergency ambulance service on a full-time basis. Knowing the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, you inform him of which element?

He will first have to become an Emergency Medical Technician

You have been called for a 46-year-old male patient who just smoked crack cocaine. In reviewing his past medical history, which of these conditions would be most of most concern

Heart disease

A chronically elevated aftertoad increases the patient's chance for developing which pathological condition

Heart failure

A patient with hemophilia fell backward onto his right hip and now complains of pain to that area. The primary assessment reveals no life-threatening conditions. Vital signs are pulse, 112; respirations, 18 mmHg; blood pressure, 102/84 mmHg; and SpO2, 99%. During transport, which of these findings would be of greatest concern

Heart rate increases to and is sustained at more than 130 beats/min

A patient fell 20 feet from a ladder, and is now confused and anxious. Which of these signs/symptoms suggests that the patient is in shock?

Heart rate of 110 beats/min

You have been called for a patient who suddenly became confused. Which of these assessment findings should concern you most?

Heart rate of 180 beats/min but regular

Which condition would directly compromise the average patient's cardiac output

Heart rate of 190 beats/min

When assessing a neonate, which finding would deserve closer investigation

Heart rate of 82 beats per minute

Five minutes have passed since you assisted in the delivery of a full-term baby boy. Based on your knowledge of physiological changes in the neonate, which finding would be most concerning

Heart rate of 88 beats/min

The three primary components of the cardiovascular system are best described as

Heart, blood vessels, and blood

A 62-year-old female patient who has been working in her garden has hot, dry skin. You should recognize this finding as a possible sign of:

Heat exposure

When cells undergo normal metabolism in the body, which byproduct(s) is (are) produced

Heat, carbon dioxide, and water

A 38-year-old male is complaining of generalized weakness and fatigue. Assessment findings include abdominal pain, fever, and yellowing of the eyes. Given these signs and symptoms, you would be suspicious of:

Hepatitis

You are having a hard time getting the past medical history of a patient who is short of breath. Which piece of information would lead the EMT to believe that the patient has a history of chronic lung disease, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis

Her chest is barrel shaped

An Emergency Medical Responder informs you that a 59-year-old female patient is responsive to verbal stimuli. What would be the most accurate representation of this status?

Her eyes are closed, but she will open them if asked

A patient informs you that she takes Januvia pills for her diabetes. Which of these statements about this patient and her diabetes is true

Her pancreas still produces some insulin

You have been called for a 31-year-old male patient who experienced sudden left lower quadrant pain while lifting and moving a friend's couch to an upstairs bedroom. The EMT would recognize this history as suggestive of which type of abdominal pathology

Hernia

You are treating a patient with active tuberculosis. What will afford you the best protection from the disease while you care for the patient?

High-efficiency particulate aspirator mask

Assessment of a 63-year-old female patient reveals a patent airway, adequate breathing, and strong radial pulse. She has no difficulty speaking and no facial droop, but exhibits a slight left arm drift and has a headache. The EMT should interpret these specific findings as:

Highly suggestive that a stroke may be occurring

You have been called for a patient with abdominal pain. The patient states that he recently had his gallbladder removed. As an EMT, you realize that:

His ability to digest fats properly is impaired

Regarding the pathophysiology underlying anaphylaxis, which of these statements is true

Histamine causes the capillaries to become leaky and bronchioles to constrict

What is the best explanation of why patients experiencing an anaphylactic reaction have difficulty breathing?

Histamine constricts the bronchioles

A panicked and anxious patient tells you that he is allergic to peanuts and thinks he may have accidentally eaten some. He states that the last time he ate peanuts he almost died and needed to have a "tube put in his throat." When assessing this patient, which of these signs or symptoms would provide the best evidence that the patient is having an allergic, and possibly an early anaphylactic, reaction?

Hives on his chest

During the primary assessment, which of these findings would most lead the EMT to suspect an allergic reaction?

Hives to the face and neck

After you administer a medication through a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and the patient has inhaled the medication, it is important that the patient

Hold her breath for several seconds

A patient is alert and oriented, with a blood pressure of 228/110 mmHg, a heart rate of 82 beats/min, respirations of 20 breaths/min and adequate, and a pulse oximeter reading of 96% on room air. The patient complains of a bad headache that started suddenly. The patient has equal grips and good lower leg function. The blood glucose is 68 mg/dl, and pupils are reactive, although the patient has trouble maintaining a horizontal gaze when asked to do so. He has a history of seizures, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Given these assessment findings, which one meets a criterion for the MEND stroke screening tool that suggests the patient may be experiencing a stroke

Horizontal gaze abnormality

Which of these most accurately describes insulin?

Hormone that enables glucose to move into the cells

The bones of the upper extremities include the

Humerus and radius

You have been called to a residence for an 18-year-old female patient with shortness of breath and a history of cystic fibrosis. On scene, you find the patient to be very thin and sick looking. Her airway is patent and breathing adequate, although slightly labored. Her radial pulse is strong, and she has a constant cough, which occasionally produces green- and yellow-colored mucus. Auscultation of the lungs reveals rhonchi to the upper portion of both lungs. Vital signs are pulse, 108; respirations, 20 breaths/min; blood pressure, 98/56 mmHg; and SpO2, 92%. Based on these findings, appropriate care should include

Humidified oxygen via nasal cannula starting at 2 liters per minute

How would an EMT best describe a confused and combative patient with labored respirations and a blood glucose level of 33 mg/dL

Hypoglycemic

A patient has been stung by a bee. Which of these findings would be present in anaphylaxis, but not in a local allergic reaction?

Hypotension

A patient has been involved in a very serious motor vehicle collision and is in shock. Assessment findings indicate that he sustained blunt trauma to the abdominal and pelvic areas. Which type of shock is the patient most likely suffering?

Hypovolemic

A 36-year-old patient has overdosed on an unknown drug and is unresponsive. His breathing is shallow, with a rate of 6 breaths/min. He has cyanosis around his lips and to his fingertips. His skin is cool to the touch, and his radial pulse is rapid. His breath sounds are diminished but clear. The EMT should recognize which respiratory condition from this assessment?

Hypoxia

A 48-year-old male patient is short of breath and confused. His airway is open, and his breathing is fast. A radial pulse is easily palpated. His skin is warm to cool and dry. Your partner reports the following vital signs: pulse, 124; respirations, 24 breaths/min; blood pressure, 158/86 mmHg; and SpO2, 89% on room air. The patient's lung sounds indicate slight wheezing. Based on this information, which of these conditions poses the most immediate threat to this patient's well-being?

Hypoxia

An EMT with your service states that she desires to become a paramedic because she wants to provide advanced care. Under the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, which one of these types of care will she be able to provide as a paramedic that she cannot provide as an EMT?

IV therapy

You have been called for a young female patient who overdosed on several drugs. What is the most essential step for the EMT to perform while caring for this patient

Identify and correct the loss of vital function(s)

In the public health continuum, what is the first responsibility that public health officials must satisfy to improve the health of a community?

Identify problems that affect the health of the population in question

You have been summoned to an apartment for a 58-year-old female who complains of hives on her chest and abdomen. When asked, she states that she has had several episodes of the hives over the past six months, but allergy testing has not been able to pinpoint a cause. Based on this information. how would you best classify the cause of the patient's reaction

Idiopathic

A 2-year-old boy who just seized must have his airway opened. When performing the head-tilt, chin-lift airway maneuver, the EMT must remember

If necessary, the head should be only slightly extended

In discussing an EMS response that involved potential negligence, your medical director asks you to determine whether the statute of limitations is active. As a knowledgeable EMT, you understand that you will need to determine which of these?

If the allowed time for the patient to file a lawsuit has passed

In which situation should the EMT honor the wishes of the patient's family rather than the patient's wishes regarding treatment and transport decisions?

If the patient is an adopted family member from another culture who has not yet become accustomed to normal practices in the United States

A plaintiff is suing an EMT in civil court for alleged improper care and resultant injury. In this situation, which is true

If the suit is successful, the plaintiff will most likely be awarded money

When providing information about diabetes to a group of Emergency Medical Responders, you would tell them that it is a disease:

In which the pancreas fails to produce the proper amount of insulin

Which attribute of a person would not likely work out well in the EMS profession?

Inability or no desire to "take charge"

Knowing that muscular dystrophy affects the voluntary muscles, which additional problem should you expect to be a direct effect of the disease

Inability to walk

A patient with asthma is extremely short of breath and hypoxic. Related to the ventilation/perfusion ratio (V/Q), the EMT would recognize the problem as related to

Inadequate oxygen in the alveoli

You have been called for a patient who has overdosed on drugs and alcohol. The patient is responsive to painful stimuli, has shallow respirations and is breathing at a rate of 8 times per minute, but exhibits no cyanosis. What is the priority treatment

Inadequate respirations; start positive pressure ventilation with supplemental oxygen

A paramedic administers a medication to decrease the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart. In response to this treatment, the EMT would expect which vital sign change?

Increase in heart rate

What is the primary reason to administer oral glucose to a patient?

Increase the amount of circulating glucose in the bloodstream

After 2 minutes of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at 4 cmH2O, you see no improvement in the patient's respirations or SpO2 level. What is your next step

Increase the continuous positive airway pressure by 2 cmH2O and reassess the patient

Sympathetic nervous system stimulation will cause the heart to

Increase the heart rate

You are administering oxygen at 2 lpm through a nasal cannula to a confused patient. During transport, you note the SpO2 to be 91%, up from 90% on scene. The patient remains confused. What would your next action be

Increase the oxygen flow to 4 lpm

On the scene of a drug-related emergency, the 22-year-old patient tells you that he has been taking amphetamines because he likes the way that they make him feel. Over the past two days, he has been taking more and more, and today he feels as though his heart is racing. He also tells you that he recognizes he has a problem and wants to get help. When you are assessing the patient, which sign or symptom would provide further evidence that the patient has been abusing amphetamines

Increased blood pressure

Which assessment finding should the EMT expect after administering epinephrine to a patient

Increased blood pressure

What would be a direct result of increasing a patient's preload

Increased cardiac output

Which finding is a beta-1 sympathetic (adrenergic) effect

Increased heart rate

You are treating a patient who complains of altered mental status, shortness of breath, and chest pain. A paramedic has just administered a medication that causes the sympathetic nervous system to increase its influence in the body. Which finding should you anticipate after this treatment?

Increased heart rate

A patient has failure of the left side of his heart. Consequently, his blood is backing up into the pulmonary artery and seeping into the lung tissue, causing the patient to be short of breath and moderately hypoxic. The EMT should recognize this condition as a product of

Increased hydrostatic pressure

You have been called for a patient who is confused and slightly combative. Which of these assessment findings would make you suspicious that the patient has hyperglycemia?

Increased respirations with a sweet smell to the patient's breath

A patient with a high fever has an accelerated metabolism and is producing abnormally large amounts of carbon dioxide at the cellular level. To compensate for this effect, what will occur

Increased respiratory rate

The body will initially compensate for a decrease in cardiac output by

Increasing systemic vascular resistance

A patient has experienced a burn to the skin. Based on the function of the skin, he is now more susceptible to

Infection

An elderly male patient with a history of COPD, hypertension, and diabetes presents as lethargic and confused. His airway is patent, and breathing is adequate. His skin is hot and his radial pulse is strong, regular, and bounding. Vital signs are pulse, 112; respirations, 20 breaths/min; blood pressure, 108/64 mmHg; SpO2, 94%; and temperature, 102.8° F. Also noted is swelling to his right lower leg. Given these assessment findings, the EMT should suspect which condition is responsible for the patient's altered presentation

Infection

Following radiation therapy for breast cancer, a female patient has a low white blood cell count. Which condition does this factor place her at risk to acquire?

Infection

The primary personal threat to a person with AIDS is:

Infection

A patient with bronchitis is experiencing

Inflammation of the bronchi

Which immunization should the EMT receive annually?

Influenza vaccine

A female patient called 911 when she noticed blood in her stool, and became scared and anxious. Her pulse rate is 124 and her blood pressure is 88/60 mmHg. After you get her vital signs, she nervously asks you how they are. Given her anxiety, you should:

Inform her of the vital signs

A 44-year-old patient was found unresponsive at home. Based on his mental status and the fact that he was burning a kerosene heater in an enclosed room, you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Based on this information, which route of exposure would you recognize as responsible for the poisoning

Inhalation

As an EMT, you may assist patients in taking which kind of prescribed medication?

Inhalers used for difficulty breathing

You have been called for an adult male patient who is hypoglycemic and responsive to painful stimuli. The family has oral glucose and wants you to administer it. However, at this time, your medical director has not authorized this agent's use and there are no protocols regarding its use. Given the patient's condition and the family's request, which action should you take?

Initiate transport of the patient to the emergency department

A 31-year-old female patient was stung by a hornet while golfing. Your assessment reveals her to be confused with stridorous respirations. Her skin is warm and flushed and covered with hives. A stinger is located on the back of her neck. Based on this information, you would recognize that the route of poisoning for this patient is:

Injection

You are called to an outpatient surgery center for a patient who developed an allergic reaction while receiving an intravenous (IV) antibiotic. How would you would document the route of exposure?

Injection

A young child with multiple physical and developmental abnormalities has a severe nosebleed. You must suction his nasopharynx to decrease the amount of blood he is swallowing. Which action should be part of this care?

Insert a soft catheter into the nose the same length as the distance from the patient's nose to the tip of the ear

You have been called for a seizure emergency. On scene, you find an adult female patient actively seizing with bystanders attempting to restrain her. You would:

Instruct the bystanders to release the patient while you protect her head with your hands

You have arrived on scene to find a 32-year-old male patient who complains of rapid breathing, light-headedness, tachycardia, and numbness and tingling to his lips and hands. Family on scene report that he had just received bad advice from his attorney about a pending divorce when the symptoms started. The patient denies chest pain as well as any other past medical history. His pulse is 124, respirations are 52 breaths/min, and his blood pressure is 158/68 mmHg. What is your first course of action in treating this patient

Instruct the patient to close his mouth and breathe through his nose

A 14-year-old boy has fallen through a plate glass window and is bleeding heavily from a laceration to his arm. His panicked mother has called 911 for help. Since the 911 operators are also emergency medical dispatchers, what sort of assistance will they be able to provide?

Instructions on how to control bleeding

What does the first "I" in the AEIOU-TIPPSS mnemonic stand for?

Insulin

You have been called for a 32-year-old female patient with altered mental status. On scene, you find the patient lethargic and confused. Although information is sketchy, it appears that she has a history of diabetes as well as renal failure for which she receives dialysis. You note no deficits in the primary assessment and the vital signs are pulse, 124; respirations, 28 breaths/min; blood pressure, 106/68 mmHg; and SpO2, 97%. Your partner reports a blood sugar reading of 774 mg/dl. Based on this information, the EMT would understand that definitive care of this patient would involve the administration of which medication at the hospital

Insulin

You are assisting a paramedic in the transport of a patient from a community hospital emergency department to a large medical center. The patient was diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction and received fibrinolytic therapy in the ED. Currently, you are transporting the patient with the fibrinolytic medication infusing through an IV. In regard to the fibrinolytic therapy, you know that during this transport, you will need to closely monitor the patient for which complication

Internal bleeding

A patient with lower abdominal pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, and elevated temperature has summoned EMS. In getting a medical history from this patient, which of these findings is the most important piece of information to relay to the receiving emergency department

Internal procedure on her uterus yesterday by the gynecologist

At a public 911 center meeting, a concerned woman asks whether voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) can be used to access the community emergency operations center. You would inform her that:

Internet providers must provide a callback number and physical location of the phone from which the 911 call was placed

The route by which the EMT would administer epinephrine is

Intramuscular

You have been dispatched to a residence for a 14-year-old female patient complaining of abdominal pain. As you enter the living room, you see the conscious patient lying on a couch with her father and an Emergency Medical Responder at her side. Which action should the EMT perform first?

Introduce yourself and your partner

What is the actual site of attachment of oxygen in the red blood cell

Iron sites on hemoglobin within the red blood cell

Dysfunction of the heart's electrical conduction cells from ischemia or infarction may cause:

Irregular heartbeats

You are at the residence of an alert and oriented 87-year-old female patient who is very short of breath but is refusing to go to the hospital. Instead, she wants you to treat her at home and then leave when she feels better. As an EMT knowledgeable of the characteristics and behaviors of this age group, you would become suspicious that her request is based on the fact that she

Is concerned that she may be giving up the independence of living in her home

Assessment of a hypoxic patient who is showing signs of fatigue and has a history of lung disease reveals him to be using well-developed accessory muscles to exhale. As an EMT, you should recognize that the patient

Is using energy to exhale and is in danger of respiratory failure if hypoxia continues

An effective and reliable communication system is essential to the EMT and the EMS system because

It allows hospitals to better prepare for the arrival of a patient

You are caring for a 66-year-old male patient who is severely dehydrated. How does severe dehydration affect the cardiovascular system

It decreases the blood volume available for circulation

You have been called to the side of a 37-year-old female patient whose chief complaint is confusion, anxiety, and chest tightness. Assessment shows her airway to be patent, respirations are 46 breaths/min, heart rate is 134 beaVmin, blood pressure is 128/54 mmHg, and SpO2 is 93%. In regard to the respiratory rate, you would recognize

It does not allow the lungs enough time to adequately fill

One of the benefits of utilizing an automated chest compression device is that

It frees up EMS providers to tend to other patient care tasks

Which of these statements best describes the EMT's understanding of oxygen

It is a gas classified as a drug

Which statement accurately describes the hospital emergency department?

It is a health care destination staffed by physicians, nurses, and others designed to evaluate and stabilize patients, preparing them for further care

Why is the jaw-thrust maneuver indicated for a patient with a possible spinal injury

It manipulates the head and cervical spine less than the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver

What is the primary function of the left atrium

It receives blood from the pulmonary veins

The EMT would recognize a simple partial seizure when she observes:

Jerky muscular activity of a single extremity

You have been called for an 83-year-old female patient who is having difficulty breathing. She informs you that she has congestive heart failure and feels as though she is filling up with fluid. The primary assessment shows her to be alert and oriented with inadequate breathing. Her pulse is rapid and weak, and her skin is cool and dry. When performing a secondary assessment, which sign related to heart failure would you specifically look for when examining this patient's neck

Jugular vein distention

A patient in respiratory distress is exhibiting pursed lip breathing. You realize that he is doing this to

Keep the small airways open

Nephritis indicates which kind of infection?

Kidney

Long-term complications of diabetes commonly include:

Kidney disease

Which past medical condition identified during the SAMPLE history could be a metabolic cause of an altered mental status in an elderly male patient

Kidney failure

A patellar fracture affects which part of the body

Knee

What happens after a cell in anaerobic metabolism breaks down glucose and creates energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

Lactic acid is formed

During a continuing education program, the lecturer is talking about the RACE scale as a newer tool the EMT can use to help determine whether a neurologic problem is present. Which neurologic problem does the RACE scale address

Large-vessel occlusion stroke

You are starting to assess a patient's breath sounds and have just listened to the upper right back. You would next listen to the:

Left upper back

Chronic and untreated hypertension will affect which part of the heart first

Left ventricle

Which portion of the heart, when weakened by a heart attack, is responsible for causing fluid to back up into the alveoli?

Left ventricle

When a patient smiles, the left side of the face shows significantly less movement than the right side of the face. The EMT would describe this finding as

Left-side facial droop

When lifting or moving any patient, the EMT must remember to primarily use the muscles of his or her:

Legs

You arrive at a residence to assist another crew with a patient in cardiac arrest. As you enter the room, a brand-new EMT informs you that he is having difficulty maintaining the mask seal to the patient's face while ventilating with the BVM. Which response shows that you understand and can help with the problem

Let me maintain the face-to-mask seal while you squeeze the bag.

A patient who appears to be intoxicated has fallen and is complaining of pain to his right arm. He is loud and using profane language. What should be your initial approach to the patient

Let me put an ice pack on your wrist. It will help it feel better.

Your friend and coworker got married a little more than a year ago, and then shortly thereafter she became an EMT and started working with you. On your shifts, she complains that her new husband doesn't like the fact she is an EMT, saying that the job is "too risky." Which bit of advice could you provide to your partner to help her calm the nerves of her new husband?

Let the husband know about all the training EMTs have to complete and which types of safety precautions they take on each call

What is the primary stimulus to breathe in human beings without pulmonary diseases

Level of CO2 in the body

A 44-year-old male patient is experiencing chest pain. He has a history of angina and is prescribed nitroglycerin, which he has not taken yet. He is also taking another medication. Which of these medications is a contraindication to the administration of nitroglycerin?

Levitra

To be a medical director of an ambulance service, which requirement must the interested individual satisfy?

Licensed physician

The average years of life remaining based on an individual's date of birth is called

Life expectancy

When using a therapy regulator, what can be readily observed by the EMT

Liter flow (flow rate) of oxygen leaving the cylinder

A patient has called 911 for abdominal pain and generalized weakness. On arrival, you note that the patient's skin is a yellow-orange color. Which disease revealed to you during the history would best correlate to this patient's skin?

Liver disease

A 77-year-old female is unresponsive, but breathing and with a pulse. On scene, a family member hands you an official document stating that the patient does not want feeding tubes, ventilators, or other long-term life support equipment to keep her alive. There is no mention of whether to administer lifesaving drugs or withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The EMT would recognize this document as a(n):

Living will document

You are at an extended care facility for the elderly to assess and transport a patient suspected of having pneumonia to the hospital for evaluation. During your pulmonary assessment, which breath sound would you expect to hear that would be most specific to pneumonia versus other pulmonary conditions

Localized wheezing to one side of the chest

A 26-year-old male patient has been ejected from a car after it rolled several times in the median of the interstate. As you perform the primary assessment, you find him prone and unresponsive. Your immediate action is to:

Log roll him into supine position

When providing an in-service program on ventilating the geriatric patient, you should emphasize which point in regard to a patient who has dentures?

Loose appliances should be removed if they interfere with the airway or the seal between the mask and face

You are called to an alcoholic crisis center to transport a patient experiencing delirium tremens. When assessing the patient, which signs or symptoms would you associate with this condition

Loss of memory, hallucinations, fever, dilated pupils

35. A patient in early shock informs the EMT that he has had severe diarrhea and vomiting over the past four days. Given this history, the EMT should recognize the pathophysiology of the shock as:

Loss of plasma volume

You are reviewing a prehospital care report for a patient with altered mental status that occurred after he took too much insulin. Based on this information, you should assume that at the time of EMS contact, the patient's blood sugar level was probably:

Low

What is the most likely indication for the administration of oral glucose to a patient with diabetes

Low blood sugar

You have responded to a "man down" call one winter morning. Upon arrival, you find an elderly male patient lying parallel to the sidewalk, in a bank of shoveled snow. It appears as if the man was walking and either tripped or fell into the snowbank. The patient is in cardiac arrest. In this scenario, which finding would NOT be considered a presumptive sign of death?

Low body temperature

The most common complaint(s) associated with a gynecologic emergency is (are)

Lower abdominal pain

The EMT would recognize that administering continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at a pressure that is too high can cause

Lung collapse

Which condition would most likely account for an elevated CO2 level in a patient's body

Lung disease

Under normal circumstances, carbon dioxide is excreted from the body through the

Lungs

What is the protective mechanism underlying a narrowed pulse pressure

Maintain an adequate blood pressure for perfusion

What is an effective way to improve communication with patients from most cultures?

Maintain eye contact

You have been called to a bar for a patient who was involved in an altercation and is complaining of abdominal pain. Law enforcement is present. The patient has been handcuffed and is sitting on the sidewalk. He has an odor of alcohol on his breath, his speech is slurred, and he is angrily yelling at the police officers. Which action would be most appropriate for the EMT to take when talking to the patient?

Maintain eye contact to help establish a rapport

When using a pocket mask to ventilate an unresponsive adult patient, the EMT must always

Maintain the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver or jaw-thrust maneuver

You are teaching a group of firefighters who are taking classes to become Emergency Medical Responders. The topic is artificial ventilation with the bag-valve mask (BVM). Which point related to use of the BVM is it important to emphasize

Maintaining a good mask-to-face seal is difficult

While teaching a continuing education class on the lifting and moving of patients, which points would you constantly emphasize

Maintaining a normal inward curve in the lower back while moving patients or equipment

A patient who has had both her thyroid and parathyroid glands removed would most likely have difficulty with

Maintaining strong and healthy bones

When transporting an alert but nonverbal patient with stroke and a blood pressure of 210/11 O mmHg, the EMT should:

Make an effort to explain every1hing that is happening or being done while trying to help the patient feel at ease

To decrease the possibility of a faulty glucometer reading, you would:

Make sure test strips are not expired

You have been called to assist a pediatric physician, a pediatric nurse, and a respiratory therapist in the transfer of a 2-week-old baby who is very sick. The baby is to be transferred in an isolette to a large metropolitan teaching hospital in a nearby city, where specialized care can be provided. The isolette is secured to the stretcher, and the stretcher is loaded into the ambulance. The physician, nurse, and respiratory therapist will provide all patient care. Prior to departing the hospital, it is essential that you

Make sure the stretcher is secured in the ambulance

When treating a patient for an overdose, the highest priority of care is placed on:

Managing the airway and breathing

After you administer oral glucose to a patient with diabetes, his level of conscious deteriorates and he becomes unresponsive with snoring respirations. Which action should you take immediately?

Manually open the airway

You have just arrived by the side of a 46-year-old male patient who receives dialysis for end-stage renal failure. He is positioned in his living room recliner, unresponsive with snoring respirations. and appears to have ineffective ventilations. What is your priority intervention at this time

Manually open the airway

You have been called for an unresponsive patient. When you arrive at the scene, hysterical family members direct you to an unresponsive 32-year-old woman who is lying on the bedroom floor. Her husband says that she left a note saying that she wanted to kill herself and took an unspecified poison. Assessment reveals a green-colored liquid in her mouth and respirations that are rapid, shallow, and gurgling. The patient's pulse is weak, and her skin is cool and dry with cyanosis to her fingertips. Your immediate action would be to

Manually open the patient's airway and perform suction

For a patient with a history of an unstable abdominal aortic aneurysm, the EMT should recognize and prepare for

Massive internal bleeding

A patient complains of pain to the upper jaw. This would be documented as pain in the

Maxilla

While you are obtaining a medical history for a patient with generalized weakness and fatigue, she hands you a list of all the medications she is currently taking. Which of these medications should the EMT recognize as a bronchodilator for which the EMT could assist in its administration?

Metaproterenol

Which organism is classified as multi-drug resistant?

Methicillin/oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

During which stage of life do most chronic illnesses typically become evident

Middle adulthood

Which line divides the body into right and left halves when viewing it from the front?

Midline

A 32-year-old female patient calls 911 to say that she injected herself with some heroin 15 minutes ago, which she just bought from "some guy" on the street. She has never tried heroin and is now scared about what she has done. Assessment reveals her to be conscious and well oriented. Her airway is open and she is breathing 14 times a minute. Her pulse is moderate in strength and her skin is warm and dry. What would be the appropriate care for this patient

Monitor her and initiate transport

What is baroreceptors' role in the body

Monitor the blood pressure

When assessing a 3-year-old male patient in respiratory distress, the EMT should recognize "see-saw" breathing when he observes:

Movement of the chest and abdomen in opposite directions

Which body system protects internal organs of the chest and provides for movement of the extremities

Musculoskeletal

Which of these condition(s) is (are) as the most probable cause of cardiogenic shock?

Myocardial infarction

You are assessing a young male patient who was found in an alley by sanitation workers. Assessment reveals the patient responds to painful stimuli by opening his eyes, but then closes them once you stop pinching the muscles on his neck. His airway is open and his breathing is shallow. His skin is cool and diaphoretic, and his pupils are constricted and do not react to light. Based on these assessment findings, the EMT would be suspicious of:

Narcotic overdose

Assessment findings for an alert and oriented patient complaining of shortness of breath reveal an open airway and strong radial pulse, accompanied by skin that is cool and diaphoretic. The depth of respirations is adequate, and breath sounds include wheezing throughout the lungs. Vital signs are a pulse of 124, respiratory rate of 24 breaths/min, blood pressure of 146/82 mm Hg, and SpO2 of 93%. The patient has a history of asthma, for which he takes medications. How should you initiate oxygen therapy on this patient?

Nasal cannula

Which structure of the neck would the EMT examine on a patient she believes to be in congestive heart failure?

Neck veins

You have been told that you must get your purified protein derivative (PPD) test for tuberculosis (TB). As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that the PPD test will:

Need to be repeated annually

An elderly patient has an altered mental status. On scene, the patient's son informs you that his father has type 1 diabetes. Based on this information, you would understand that the patient

Needs to take insulin

The EMT should most suspect a patient has angina when he takes which medication?

Nitroglycerin

Which of these medications can be administered by the EMT only if the patient has a prescription for it?

Nitroglycerin

An alert and oriented 69-year-old female patient complains of low, right-sided abdominal pain. She describes the pain as "knife-like" and states that it started suddenly 1 hour ago. Her only medical history is hypertension, for which she takes the medication Lisinopril. Which of these assessment findings shows that the EMT is appropriately assessing this patient given the chief complaint?

No abdominal guarding noted

Which of these would be an indication to palpate the blood pressure

Noisy environment

A patient has fallen in his upstairs bathroom and is lying on the floor. Assessment indicates no life threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation; however, the patient does have pain, deformity, and bruising to his right hip. In this situation, the EMT should recognize the need for which type of move?

Non-urgent

A 17-year-old female patient was at a party where she tried a Percocet pill (narcotic pain reliever). After taking the pill, she became scared that she was going to die and is now crying. At the present time, she feels slightly nauseated, but has no other complaints. There are no life threats and her vital signs are pulse, 88; respirations, 14 breaths/min; blood pressure, 108/68 mmHg; and SpO2, 98% on room air. The patient has no medical history but is allergic to peanuts, for which she has a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector. Appropriate care for this patient would include:

Nonemergent transport

What is the preferred method of providing high-concentration oxygen to a breathing patient in the prehospital setting

Nonrebreather face mask

Which oxygen administration systems will provide the patient with the greatest amount of oxygen?

Nonrebreather face mask at 15 liters per minute of oxygen

An elderly patient with diabetes who experiences a silent Ml will most likely:

Not be awakened by a heart attack as he sleeps

A patient has a GCS of 14, is oriented, and converses and opens his eyes when asked. When asked, he will squeeze your fingers and wiggle his toes. How would you describe this patient's motor response?

Obeys verbal commands

To best evaluate the adequacy of breathing in an unresponsive adult, the EMT should:

Observe the chest rise

When evaluating a patient's skin color, the EMT should

Observe the nail beds and/or mucous membranes inside the eyelids

Which of these is a good description of an ischemic stroke?

Obstructive blood clot inside a blood vessel within the brain

A patient states that he is allergic to poison ivy and was burning it yesterday while clearing brush off his farm when he accidentally inhaled some of the smoke. Today, he awoke and found a red rash to the back of his left hand and called 911. Assessment reveals him to be alert and oriented, with easy respirations and a blood pressure of 128/70 mmHg. Your next action would be to:

Obtain a full SAMPLE and OPQRST history

You have been called to an office building for a 47-year-old male patient complaining of chest pain. He is alert, oriented, and complaining of mild pain in his chest that came on suddenly about 15 minutes ago. Airway, breathing, and circulation are intact, and his skin is diaphoretic and cool. What should you do first?

Obtain a heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and SpO2 reading

A 31 -year-old male is complaining of left-side flank pain that radiates into his groin. He is alert and oriented, and the primary assessment reveals no life-threatening conditions. Given the patient's status. your next step should be to

Obtain a medical history from the patient

A female patient with a history of asthma called 911 with a complaint of shortness of breath. On scene, you assisted her with the administration of her metered-dose inhaler containing albuterol. What can the EMT do to best determine if this patient's condition is improving?

Obtain a pulse oximetry reading and breath sounds every 5 minutes

You are caring for a 62-year-old female patient with chest discomfort and shortness of breath. She is alert and oriented with an open airway. Her breathing is adequate and radial pulse strong. Her skin is warm and dry. What should you do next?

Obtain the patient's heart rate and blood pressure

You have been dispatched to a residence for a male patient with a cardiac history who is complaining of chest pain. On scene, you find a 52-year-old man sitting in a chair. He is alert and oriented. He states that his chest pain feels like the last time he had a heart attack. He reports that in the hospital his heart stopped and the health care personnel had to shock him twice before it restarted. He is breathing adequately and has a strong radial pulse. Which of these actions would be appropriate in the assessment and/or management of this patient

Obtain the patient's heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure

Which of these actions constitutes a breach of the EMT's duty, placing him or her at risk for the charge of negligence?

Obtaining a refusal of care from a patient without obtaining vital signs

You are providing bag-valve-mask ventilations to a patient in anaphylactic shock. There is increasing resistance to ventilation, despite your use of proper ventilation technique. What is the best way to address this situation?

Occlude the pop-off valve on the bag-valve mask and continue ventilations

A patient complains of extreme dizziness, headache, and other "stroke-like" symptoms. Which condition is most likely to be responsible for these symptoms

Occlusion of the carotid arteries

You have administered Xopenex to a patient, using a small-volume nebulizer. You then notify medical direction that you have administered the drug. This is an example of which type of medical control?

Off-line

You have been asked to speak to a local EMT class about caring for patients older than age 60 years. When presenting your material, which point would you emphasize

Older adults often do not want to give up their independent lifestyle even if medical conditions necessitate it

After you apply and use the automated external defibrillator, a patient regains his pulse and has adequate respirations. The paramedic asks you to place he patient in a lateral recumbent position. How should you position this patient?

On his left side

If a patient with chest pain takes a daily aspirin, your medical director wants the EMT to contact an emergency department physician first before administering additional aspirin. The act of contacting the emergency department physician by phone or radio for permission to administer additional aspirin is an example of:

On-line medical direction

You are by the side of a confused patient who has diabetes and a low blood sugar level. You know that the patient needs orally administered sugar, so following your service's guidelines, you call the physician on duty at the hospital emergency department and request permission to administer it. This request is an example of:

On-line medical direction

Prior to assisting a patient with his epinephrine auto-injector, the EMT must ensure that

On-line or off-line medical direction for epinephrine administration exists

Regarding an EMT's duty to act, the relationship between an EMT and a patient starts:

Once the EMT makes physical contact with the patient

A large female patient has fallen in a parking lot between two cars. She must be moved on the backboard to the waiting stretcher, which is located approximately 200 feet from your location. Four rescuers are present. How would they best be used to promote the safest movement of the patient

One at the head, one at the feet, and the other two on opposite sides on the backboard

A 6-year-old boy has gotten into his mother's prescribed medications and ingested a large number of her opioid tablets. The patient is now found unresponsive and apneic, but he still has a weak palpable carotid pulse. You would instruct your partner to ventilate this patient in which manner

One ventilation every 4 seconds

You have just determined that a 92-year-old female patient found in bed is unresponsive, but still has a carotid pulse. Your next action would be to:

Open the airway manually

On arrival at a tailgate party in a parking lot near a college, you observe a crowd around a young man who is seizing. As you get equipment from the ambulance and make your way to the patient, his friends tell you that the patient has been up all night "partying" by drinking alcohol and smoking crack cocaine. At the patient's side, you note that he is no longer seizing, but is unresponsive and has snoring respirations. His respirations are labored at 16 breaths/min and his radial pulse is strong. His skin is cool and diaphoretic. Friends also inform you that he has diabetes; about an hour ago, they heard him say that he thought his blood sugar was becoming low. Which of these interventions would most likely be included in your care

Open the airway, provide oxygen, and give rapid transport to the hospital

Which action should you perform when attaching a therapy regulator to a new oxygen tank

Open the cylinder valve for 1 second prior to attaching the regulator

A patient with cancer is receiving chemotherapy. As a side effect of the treatment, her white blood cell count is critically low. Given this situation, which sign or symptom should the EMT find particularly concerning

Oral temperature of 102.7° F

Which of these medications is included in the EMT scope of practice?

Oxygen

For cells to undergo the process of aerobic metabolism, the cells require

Oxygen and glucose

A male patient is confused and combative for no apparent reason. There are no life threats to his airway, breathing, or circulation, and his vital signs are pulse, 88; respirations, 16 breaths/min and adequate; blood pressure, 144/68 mmHg; and SpO2, 93% on room air. When addressing the patient's oxygenation status, which of these treatments would be appropriate?

Oxygen at 2 lpm via nasal cannula

You believe that a young male patient, who has been shot in the lower abdomen, is bleeding internally and is in the early stage of shock. Which of these descriptions includes appropriate prehospital care of this patient?

Oxygen therapy and rapid transport to the hospital

What is a benefit of using a humidification system when administering oxygen

Oxygen therapy is less drying to the upper respiratory tract

A 20-year-old female patient has called 911 for chest pain. On scene, you find that she has shallow breathing with an SpO2 reading of 91% on room air. She states she was in a car crash yesterday and diagnosed in the hospital with broken ribs. Her pain is right where the ribs are broken, and she rates the pain as a 10/10. Breath sounds are present bilaterally. In this situation, the EMT should attribute the hypoxia to which cause

Pain from rib injury prevents full expansion of the chest cage

A patient has a total occlusion of the left femoral artery. With this condition, which assessment finding would the EMT expect

Pale skin to the left foo

You must check the circulation of an 8-year-old child with a high fever who has been vomiting for the past 2 hours. The child is very frightened and crying. Given the situation, you should:

Palpate the radial artery

While performing the secondary assessment on a patient's abdomen, you note a pulsating mass just above the umbilicus. Your next action would be to

Palpate the remainder of the abdomen gently

The EMT is correctly assessing a patient for subcutaneous emphysema when he:

Palpates the anterior and posterior chest

A 41-year-old male patient has fallen from a second-story roof. He complains of right leg pain and pain to his pelvic region. When performing the secondary assessment on this patient, which of these should the EMT intentionally not perform?

Palpation of the pelvic region

Which of these conditions involves an infection in the retroperitoneal portion of the abdomen

Pancreatitis

You are performing a secondary assessment and are assessing the patient's chest. Which of these findings would you associate most with fracture of the ribs?

Paradoxical chest wall motion

Which of these conditions would the EMT recognize as most likely signaling a neurologic deficit?

Paralysis

Patients with an altered mental status due to a stroke may not be able to control their own airways because of

Paralysis or weakness of the throat muscles

As defined by the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, the four levels of EMS practitioners include:

Paramedics

A 56-year-old male patient has been exposed to fumes containing cyanide. Why should the EMT call for advanced life support assistance?

Paramedics may be able to administer a cyanide antidote

Which situation would most likely cause a patient to have a simple episode of syncope (fainting)

Parasympathetic stimulation

A young patient is experiencing epiglottitis. He is working hard to breathe, has stridorous respirations, and is extremely hypoxic. His skin is cyanotic and his pulse is rapid but strong. What is the most likely cause (not result) of the poor delivery of oxygen to the cells?

Partial occlusion of the airway

The EMT would recognize that the pain associated with a kidney stone is caused by:

Passage of the stone through the ureter

In the human body, the urethra:

Passes urine from the bladder to the outside of the body

When assessing a stable patient with a medical complaint, which piece of information will typically be obtained first

Past medical history

Organisms that cause diseases are called:

Pathogens

Once a scene is free of safety hazards, the EMT must recognize and focus on the needs of the:

Patient

When administering continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to a patient, you would recognize that the patient is benefiting from the treatment when the

Patient states he is breathing easier

Which patient would most benefit from calling an enhanced 911 system from the home phone?

Patient with sudden onset of confusion

A 26-year-old female patient complains of abdominal pain. The pain is generalized to her abdomen and worsens when walking. She also tells you that she is having a foul-smelling, yellow-colored vaginal discharge. The primary assessment reveals no threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation. Her vital signs are pulse, 104; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 108/60 mmHg; and oral temperature of 102.1°F. She finished her last menstrual period three days ago. Which condition do you suspect

Pelvic inflammatory disease

You have been called to the house of a patient with altered mental status. You encounter a 41-year-old male who exhibits slurred speech, an unsteady gait, and an odor resembling that of alcohol on his breath. His wife states that he is an alcoholic and needs help to get better. When documenting this information, which statement would be best?

Per wife-patient has alcoholic history

An unrestrained 37-year-old female patient is in cardiac arrest after her vehicle struck a tree head-on at a high rate of speed. Assessment reveals that the patient suffered massive blunt trauma to the chest and abdomen. The patient is quickly extricated from the vehicle and placed in a supine position on the ground. It is estimated that the patient has been in cardiac arrest for approximately 10 minutes, during which time CPR was not performed. At this time, the EMT would

Perform CPR and contact medical command for permission to use the AED

A 47-year-old patient has been in cardiac arrest for 6 minutes. While you set up the AED, you would direct your partner to

Perform CPR until the AED is ready

While you are transporting a patient with altered mental status, he suddenly vomits partially digested food along with large blood clots. The vomitus is too big for the rigid suction catheter. The EMT should immediately place the patient on his side and:

Perform a finger sweep

A patient with a low blood sugar is unresponsive with snoring respirations. His breathing is labored and his pulse is rapid and weak. Examination of the skin reveals it to be cool and diaphoretic. Your partner informs you of the following vital signs: pulse, 120; respirations, 18 breaths/min; blood pressure, 132/60 mmHg; and SpO2 at 84% on room air. Which action would you perform first

Perform a head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver

As you enter a room for an unknown medical emergency, you find an unresponsive male with snoring respirations lying supine in bed. Which action should you take immediately

Perform a head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver

You are transporting a 31-year-old male patient who was severely injured in a motor vehicle collision. He is unresponsive and being ventilated by your partner with a bag-valve mask. How will you conduct the rapid secondary assessment on this patient?

Perform a head-to-toe exam

The family of a 31-year-old female patient reports that she has taken an overdose of her father's diabetes medication. Assessment reveals her to be unresponsive, lying on the floor, with snoring respirations. Her pulse is rapid and her skin is cool to the touch. The patient has no history of diabetes but is allergic to penicillin. It is believed that she took the medication within the past hour. Your initial intervention in caring for this patient would be to:

Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver

You find a patient, who seized for approximately 2 minutes, supine on the kitchen floor. He responds to painful stimuli and has snoring respirations. Emergency Medical Responders are holding manual in-line spinal stabilization, and they report the patient's heart rate is 124 beats/min and his pulse oximetry is 89% on room air. The patient has cool and clammy skin. What should you do first?

Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver

You are by the side of a young female college student who is unresponsive. Friends say that she is normally not a heavy drinker, but tonight she drank an excessive amount of alcohol because her boyfriend broke up with her at the party. She responds to painful stimuli and has snoring respirations. Her respiratory rate is 8 breaths/min and her radial pulse is weak. Your immediate action would be to:

Perform a manual airway maneuver

As you arrive by the side of a 64-year-old unresponsive female patient, you hear snoring respirations. Your immediate action would be to

Perform a manual jaw-thrust maneuver

A 69-year-old male patient called 911 because of a sudden onset of pain and then numbness in his left leg. He states that he has a history of blood clots that form in the leg and the pain feels exactly as it did the last time that this occurred. He denies any trauma to the extremity. You perform the primary assessment and find the patient to be alert and oriented with no life-threatening deficits to the airway, breathing, or circulation. When initiating the secondary assessment on this patient, what would be appropriate to do?

Perform a physical exam of the leg

A 43-year-old female has accidentally taken too much of her antidepressant medication and is now confused. Emergency Medical Responders are on scene and providing the patient with high-concentration oxygen. As you arrive at the patient's side, your first action should be to

Perform a primary assessment

Which of these is the EMT's highest priority when presented with a patient who has been exposed to a poisonous substance?

Perform a primary assessment

A 62-year-old female patient was struck by a car traveling approximately 45 miles per hour. After being struck, she was thrown 15 feet onto the sidewalk, impacting the pavement with her head and chest. The primary assessment has been completed, spine motion restriction precautions have been provided, and life threats addressed. The patient's husband is by her side. When performing the secondary exam on this patient, what should the EMT do first?

Perform a rapid head-to-toe physical assessment

A middle-aged male patient collapsed while shopping and now responds to verbal stimuli with confused speech. The primary assessment indicates no immediate life-threatening conditions. His pulse is 96, respirations 16 breaths/min, blood pressure 158/88 mmHg, SpO2 98% on room air, and blood glucose level 79 mg/dL. The patient is carrying a vial of nitroglycerin in his jacket pocket. What should you do next after determining the patient priority status?

Perform a secondary assessment

A patient with an allergy to bees and a prescribed EpiPen was working in the garden when she noted swelling to the right side of her face. Assessment reveals swelling that is red and hot to the right cheek area. Her airway is patent, respirations easy and adequate, and radial pulse strong. Her vital signs are pulse, 76; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 156/62 mmHg; and SpO2, 99%. What should be the EMT's action at this time?

Perform a secondary assessment

A patient was eating dinner when a piece of food became caught in his throat. Although coughing has failed to remove the food, he remains able to move an adequate amount of air into and out of his lungs. A nasal cannula has been applied and vital signs are stable. During transport, the patient suddenly begins to exhibit stridorous respirations. Your immediate action should be to

Perform abdominal thrusts

You are assessing a young male patient who was ejected from an automobile at a high rate of speed. He responds to painful stimuli by posturing and displays agonal breathing. His pulse is weak and thready, and his skin is cool and diaphoretic. When addressing this patient's airway and breathing, the EMT must immediately

Perform the jaw-thrust maneuver and begin artificial ventilations with the bag-valve mask

While cleaning a gun, a 44-year-old patient accidentally shot himself in the abdomen. On arrival, you observe the patient on the floor lying on his side, with his legs drawn to his chest. His blood pressure and pulse oximetry reading are low, and his heart rate and respirations are high. Blood is evident on his shirt and pants. Which of these indicates the correct sequence of events when caring for this patient

Perform the primary assessment, administer supplemental oxygen, perform a rapid secondary assessment, transfer the patient to the stretcher, provide rapid transport

Which statement regarding airway management in the trauma patient is correct

Performing the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver on a patient with a possible spinal injury could further injure or paralyze the patient

You have arrived at the scene of a medical emergency and find a woman lying on the floor of a grocery store. As you approach her, you know that your first priority as an EMT is:

Personal safety

EMS providers must report which of these suspected events to law enforcement?

Physical and mental abuse

You have been called to an alcoholism rehabilitation center. On scene, one of the counselors tells you that the patient is a 44-year-old woman who just came to the center this morning. She has not had any alcohol for 24 hours and is now sweating profusely and has an elevated heart rate and blood pressure. Based on this information, the EMT would recognize that the patient is:

Physically dependent on alcohol

What is the most reliable source of information about a medication

Physician's Desk Reference (PDR)

6. For the lungs to oxygenate blood, there must be blood flow provided by the right ventricle to the alveoli. This is an example of which principle?

Physiology

Which term refers to how the parts of the body function and interact

Physiology

On scene, frantic family members direct you into the basement where their 67-year-old mother has shot herself in the chest with a small handgun. She is unresponsive and breathing 6 times per minute. The gun remains in her hand by her side. Which action should you take immediately?

Pick up the gun by the edge of the grip and carefully remove it, and advise the police of your action

You are by the side of a patient whom you suspect has severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). What is an effective way to prevent transmission of the disease from the patient to you?

Place a surgical mask on the patient

At the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving two vehicles on a narrow two-lane road, which actions would be most appropriate to ensure rescuer and patient safety

Place flares in each direction from the collision scene

A young male patient was playing hockey on an ice-covered pond and became injured; he remains on the ice. As you arrive on scene, a park ranger informs you that the ice is 12 inches thick and poses no danger of collapse. In this situation, which action would be most appropriate to help keep you safe while accessing and extricating the patient?

Place tarps on the ice to walk over to the injured player

You have arrived at a residence where a 4-month-old baby was found in his crib in cardiac arrest. Emergency Medical Responders have been on scene for 5 minutes prior to arrival. They began CPR immediately on reaching the patient's side. You have an AED with adult pads with you, but not pediatric pads .After rechecking and confirming that the patient is in cardiac arrest, you would

Place the AED on the patient and follow all prompts

A 7-year-old boy choked on a grape at school. By the time the obstruction was removed, assessment revealed him to be in cardiac arrest. When you arrive, teachers are performing CPR. The school nurse informs you that CPR has been in progress for 6 minutes. You have an AED, but do not have a pediatric conversion device that reduces the energy of defibrillation from that of an adult to that of a child. What should you do immediately?

Place the adult AED electrodes on the boy's chest and follow the AED's prompts

A patient with diabetes is alert but confused. You have decided to administer oral glucose. Which of these descriptions indicates the proper way to administer the glucose?

Place the glucose between the patient's cheek and gum

When you are obtaining the blood pressure of a patient in a standing position, the patient states that he suddenly feels weak and is going to pass out. Your immediate action should be to

Place the patient back into bed

A young male patient with a seizure history is postictal in his bed. His airway is patent, breathing labored, and radial pulse strong and fast. Vital signs are pulse, 140; respirations, 20 breaths/min; blood pressure, 158/92 mmHg; and SpO2, 96% on room air. At this time, which action would be most appropriate

Place the patient in a lateral recumbent position

While you are transporting a 44-year-old female patient with abdominal pain in low Fowler's position, she starts to vomit. Your immediate action would be to

Place the patient in a left lateral recumbent position

A patient with a headache informs you that his physician has diagnosed him with cluster headaches. He states that his current pain feels just like the last cluster headache that he suffered. The primary assessment reveals no life threats. His vital signs are pulse, 104; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 124/68 mm Hg; and SpO2, 98%. You note no neurologic deficits. Based on this information, what is indicated in the treatment of this patient?

Place the patient on the cot and allow him to assume a position of comfort

You are trying to get a pulse oximeter reading on an 18-month-old child with difficulty breathing. Every time you place the sensor on the child's finger, he becomes upset and removes it. What is your best course of action

Place the sensor on the child's toe

Proper care of cardiac arrest for a 6-year-old pediatric patient when there are no available pediatric AED pads would include

Placement and use of the adult pads with adult energy levels

The EMT is properly applying continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) when he

Places the mask over the patient's mouth and nose and tightens it to the face

Which of these methods most accurately assesses a patient's skin temperature

Placing the back of the hand on the patient's abdomen

What is the name of the fluid that carries blood cells and nutrients

Plasma

In the blood, which component is largely responsible for the formation of blood clots?

Platelets

An acute infectious disease caused by bacterium or a virus that affects the lower respiratory tract and causes lung inflammation resulting in dyspnea is:

Pneumonia

A 5-year-old boy has been vomiting profusely for two days. Your assessment indicates that his airway is open, respirations adequate, and radial pulse fast and weak. His skin is cool and moist, and the capillary refill time is 5 seconds. This patient is most likely:

Poorly perfused

When transporting a patient whom you suspect has a kidney stone to the hospital, in which position should the patient be placed if no contraindications exist

Position of comfort

You are caring for an alert and oriented patient with chest pain. Emergency First Responders have initiated supplemental oxygen, and your EMT partner assisted in the administration of aspirin and two nitroglycerin tablets. Currently, the patient's vital signs are pulse, 76; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 110/56 mm Hg; and SpO2, 95%. When transporting this patient on the stretcher, which position is best?

Position of comfort

When transporting a patient with an indwelling catheter and bag, which of these actions is appropriate?

Position the bag below the level of the patient's bladder

A 71-year-old female patient is lying in bed and complaining of respiratory distress. She exhibits moderate dyspnea, crackles in both lungs, and edema to the abdomen and lower extremities. Supplemental oxygen is being provided to the patient by Emergency Medical Responders. Her vital signs are as follows: pulse, 132; respirations, 18 breaths/min; blood pressure, 138/86 mmHg; and SpO2, 95%. Which of these actions would be of the most immediate benefit to the patient

Position the patient in a sitting upright position

You are respond to an "unknown/unresponsive" emergency called in by a bystander. On scene, you find the female patient to be conscious but confused and extremely nauseated; she has vomited twice. Examination of the vomitus reveals fragments of different pills. Her past medical history includes diabetes and alcoholism. En route to the hospital, the patient vomits again and suddenly becomes unresponsive. Your first action would be to

Position the patient on her side

A listless and lethargic 84-year-old male patient responds to physical stimuli with garbled speech. His respirations show poor effort and are rapid and labored, with a room-air SpO2 of 84%. Additionally, you cannot appreciate breath sounds in his right lung. The best form of oxygen therapy for this patient would be:

Positive pressure ventilation

A patient with an unknown medical problem is responsive to painful stimuli and breathing poorly at a rate of 8 breaths/min. The airway is patent and the skin warm and moist. The patient's radial pulse is strong and irregular. Breath sounds are absent over the bases of the lungs. Vital signs are pulse, 84; blood pressure, 256/120 mmHg; and SpO2, 81%. The best treatment for this patient's breathing difficulty would be:

Positive pressure ventilation

An unresponsive patient with a pulse is breathing with very shallow respirations at a rate of 6 breaths per minute. Which intervention would be most beneficial for this patient?

Positive pressure ventilation with a rate of 12 breaths/min and a tidal volume of 500 ml

A patient's lungs are full of fluid and cannot transfer oxygen to the blood. As a result, she is undergoing anaerobic metabolism. She has a decreased level of consciousness with a patent upper airway and inadequate respirations. Her pulse is rapid and weak. Which prehospital treatment would best address this situation

Positive pressure ventilation with supplemental oxygen

A 49-year-old patient with alcoholism has fallen down a flight of stairs after consuming two-fifths of whiskey. He presents with confused and slurred speech and the smell of alcohol on his breath. Family states that he is "hopeless" and has been drinking more and more every night. They also say that he must be more drunk than usual because he usually does not slur his speech. Assessment reveals his airway to be open, breathing adequate, and circulation intact. He has a hematoma from the fall to the left side of his head and complains of pain to his left wrist. Given these assessment findings, the EMT would be most concerned about the:

Possible brain injury

You are entering the scene where a 32-year-old intoxicated male has fallen down 13 stairs leading to the basement. He is seated on the floor of the basement, holding a bloody towel over his face. During the initial scene size-up, what is it essential that the EMT quickly identify?

Possible need for additional personnel

A 50-year-old female states that she has gone through menopause and no longer experiences menstrual periods. Using appropriate medical terms for documentation, the EMT would describe this status as

Post menarche

When an EMT places his palm and all fingers in contact with the object being lifted, he is using the:

Power grip

Changes in your lifestyle that may help you manage stress include:

Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation

Which of these statements best describes the purpose of a Venturi mask

Precise concentrations of oxygen can be delivered with this device

An alert but confused patient with diabetes is complaining of weakness. Your service carries oral glucose, which has been authorized through off-line medical direction. In this case, you should

Prepare and administer the oral glucose

After analyzing the heart rhythm of a patient in cardiac arrest, the AED provides a "deliver shock" message. After clearing the patient, the EMT's next step should be to:

Press the shock button, and then perform CPR for 2 minutes

What definition best describes the concept of afterload

Pressure that the left ventricle must pump blood against to open the aortic valve

When comparing the pediatric Chain of Survival to the adult Chain of Survival, the EMT would note that the pediatric version differs in which way?

Prevention of cardiac arrest

Forming the general impression starts during which phase of patient assessment?

Primary assessment

When assessing a patient with a suspected stroke, the order of the exam would be:

Primary assessment, then secondary assessment including a stroke scale

Last week, on a computer-generated report, you accidentally documented that a patient suffered from hypertension when, in fact, he did not. Unfortunately, the report has been locked by the computer and cannot be changed; however, it can be printed. Your first action would be to:

Print the report and draw a line through the error

A 16-year-old female patient has a history of bulimia. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would realize that bulimia is

Probably rooted in a concern related to her body image

A 72-year-old male patient with a history of elevated thyroid function and a brain tumor is experiencing a psychomotor seizure. When you enter the room, he is standing up and walking in a circle. He is awake but does not respond to your questions. Family members state that he has had three similar episodes over the past six months, which his physician diagnosed as complex partial seizures. Vital signs are pulse, 112; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 166/68 mmHg; and SpO2, 98%. Which action would be most appropriate in the care of this patient

Proceed with a nonemergency transport

An EMT has an accurate understanding of systolic blood pressure when he tells you that systolic blood pressure is

Produced when the heart contracts

What is a function of the skeletal system

Producing blood cells

You have been called for a 3-year-old male patient who is "not breathing right." Aside from a notable expiratory wheeze, which of these findings would be a cause of great concern

Prolonged and forced expiration

On scene, a 45-year-old female patient tells you that her current abdominal pain felt similar to a previous small bowel obstruction, so she called for EMS much earlier than the first episode. During your assessment, which signs or symptoms would agree with her assessment?

Prominent and high-pitched bowl sounds

What would be the best reason for a policy that requires all crew members to synchronize their watches with dispatch at the beginning of each shift?

Promotes accurate system-wide time record keeping throughout the shift

To improve your physical fitness and decrease the risk of injury when lifting and moving patients, you should combine proper body mechanics with:

Proper nutrition

After you applied the AED to a patient in cardiac arrest, it delivered a shock. Immediately after the shock, what should you do next?

Provide 2 minutes of CPR, and then check the patient for a pulse

An alert and oriented patient complaining of a severe headache is refusing all treatment as well as transport by the EMTs. After having signed the refusal, the patient suddenly seizes and becomes unresponsive prior to EMS providers leaving the home. The EMT should:

Provide care under the guideline of implied consent

The county dispatch center where you work employs emergency medical dispatchers (EMDs) as call takers. Using EMDs as opposed to a person who is just a "call taker" enables the dispatch center to:

Provide medical instructions to the caller prior to the arrival of EMS personnel

You have been called for a male patient experiencing a severe allergic reaction. The patient is very confused and having great difficulty breathing. He has an epinephrine auto-injector, but your service does not have protocols related to its use. Fortunately, in your EMT class, you learned about and passed a test on the use of an epinephrine auto-injector for allergic reactions. In this case, you should

Provide oxygen and respiratory support as needed, followed by immediate transport

You arrive on the scene of a motor vehicle collision and are presented with a patient who complains of chest pain after striking his chest on the steering wheel. On-scene Emergency Medical Responders are maintaining cervical spine motion restriction manually. The patient is alert and oriented and has a patent airway. His respirations are 24 breaths/min with good chest rise and fall, and his skin is warm and dry. He describes some shortness of breath, his heart rate is 96 beats/min, and his SpO2 is 92% on room air. At this time you should:

Provide oxygen via nasal cannula at 2-4 liters per minute

A young female patient, who is allergic to peanuts, was just exposed to peanut butter in a sandwich at a church picnic. Assessment reveals her to be alert and oriented, with swollen lips and hives on her face. She is breathing adequately at a rate of 18 breaths/min and has a heart rate of 82 beats/min. Your partner advises you that her blood pressure is 118/72 mm Hg and room-air SpO2 is 92%. The patient states that she also has asthma. for which she uses an inhaler. What should you do first?

Provide supplemental oxygen

A young male patient has suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Realizing that there is little chance for survival, the EMT notes that the patient is a potential organ donor. The patient is unresponsive and breathing 4 times per minute on scene. The EMT initiates positive-pressure ventilation. En route to the hospital, the patient stops breathing and loses a pulse. Since the patient is a potential organ donor, the EMT should:

Provide the same resuscitation as for a person who is not an organ donor

After you apply the pulse oximeter to a patient who complains of chest discomfort, she asks you what you are assessing. You would respond by telling her that the pulse oximeter

Provides information about the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood

A 30-year-old patient with a history of migraine headaches has called 911 for a suspected migraine headache. She says the headache follows her usual pattern of headaches, the pain is a 10/10, and she is nauseated. Her vital signs are pulse, 108; respirations, 18 breaths/min; and blood pressure, 154/90 mm Hg. Which of these treatments is indicated in the care of this patient?

Providing a darkened environment during transport

A distraught husband awoke to find his 26-year-old wife not breathing and cold to the touch. Since your assessment indicates that the woman has been dead for some lime, you contact medical direction for authorization to withhold emergency care. The medical director agrees and the coroner is notified. At this time, your immediate responsibility is:

Providing supportive care to the husband

While transferring a patient from her house to the ambulance on the wheeled cot, one of the EMTs slips on a patch of ice and falls. The stretcher overturns, and the patient suffers a broken wrist as a result. She files a lawsuit in civil court alleging negligence. For the patient, what will be the most difficult component of negligence to prove?

Proximate cause

Which of these assessment findings for a patient complaining of abdominal and back pain would raise the most concern in the EMT?

Pulsating mass above the umbilicus

A patient complaining of shortness of breath and dizziness has called 911. Her history includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When assessing the patient, which of these findings would cause you to immediately prepare the patient for transport

Pulsating mass in the abdomen

You have been called to a long-term nursing care facility for a 77-year-old female patient with Parkinson's disease. According to the nursing staff, she is more confused than normal and is to be transported to the emergency department for evaluation. Since the patient neither understands nor can answer any of your questions, which sign provides the best evidence that her breathing is adequate

Pulse oximeter reading at 98%

The best way to gauge the effectiveness of oxygen therapy is to monitor the:

Pulse oximetry

When administering oxygen to a patient with chest pain, which of these should be used a guide to its use and maintenance?

Pulse oximetry reading

You are completing the secondary assessment of a conscious patient with chest discomfort and a medical history of coronary artery disease. While assessing the cardiovascular system specifically, which one of these assessments should be performed?

Pulse pressure value

The EMT shows correct understanding of the circulatory system when he identifies the primary function of the heart as

Pumping blood throughout the body

Friends called 911 for a 37-year-old female who intentionally overdosed on a narcotic drug at a college party. Which eye-related findings would reinforce that the patient did indeed take a narcotic

Pupils that are constricted

Throughout a radio transmission to the dispatch center, the EMT periodically uses the term "break." You should recognize this to mean she is:

Purposely pausing her transmission

When you must push an object, it is important to

Push using muscles between your waist and your shoulders

You are assisting a paramedic who is administering glucagon to a patient. Based on your understanding of how glucagon works in the human body, what is the therapeutic goal of this treatment?

Raises the amount of circulating blood glucose

A 56-year-old patient is in bed and unable to speak. Family members state that he had a stroke in the past and has been bedridden since then, but has always been able to talk, until a few hours ago when his speech became garbled. They also state that the last stroke left him paralyzed on his left side. Your assessment reveals that the patient is unable to speak, but has an open airway, adequate respirations, and a strong radial pulse. Additionally, you note that he is unable to move his right arm. Vital signs are within normal limits. What would be an appropriate step in the care on this patient?

Rapid transport to a stroke center

An 18-year-old female patient has eaten a poisonous mushroom. Medical direction has ordered you to administer activated charcoal. Immediately following administration, the patient vomits the medication. She remains alert and oriented with no current life threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation. Your next action would be to

Readminister the activated charcoal

Trends in a patient's condition are best noted during which phase of patient assessment?

Reassessment

A patient has called 911 for chest pain that he describes as "tearing" and radiating between his shoulders. His airway is patent, breathing accelerated but adequate, and radial pulse intact. Your partner reports the following vital signs: pulse, 120;•respirations, 22 breaths/min; blood pressure, 88/64 mmHg; and SpO2, 96% on room air. At this time, you should

Recheck the blood pressure in the other arm

A male patient was found in cardiac arrest by coworkers. On arrival at the scene, you determined him to be in cardiac arrest and started CPR. The AED was quickly placed and you shocked the patient once, restoring a heartbeat. During transport, the patient remains unresponsive, but is breathing and has a pulse. When conducting the reassessment of this patient, which action should you complete?

Recheck vital signs

You are pulling into the ambulance bay at a local hospital. On board, you have a patient with behavioral problems who continually seeks treatment at this particular hospital. Before the patient can be unloaded, the physician comes out and states that the patient must be taken to another hospital. As an EMT, you should:

Recognize a violation of the EMTALA statute

When assessing a patient with a possible stroke, what is the priority?

Recognizing the signs of a stroke

A patient presents with extremely pale skin. His family states that this is not his normal skin color. His vital signs are pulse, 118; respirations, 18 breaths/min; blood pressure, 102/86 mm Hg; and SpO2, 96%. Which complaint would make the most sense given this clinical presentation

Rectal bleeding

Proper positioning of the airway with the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver during ventilation can help reduce gastric inflation by

Reducing airway resistance

A middle-aged female patient has dialed 911 for an abdominal emergency. On scene, she informs you she has a "bad gallbladder" and it has been Increasingly bothering her, so she needs transport to the hospital for further care. Your assessment reveals tenderness and mild discomfort to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The patient also states that her right shoulder is aching. Given the patient's complaint, the EMT would recognize the shoulder pain as:

Referred pain

Which item of protective gear is appropriate to wear at an automobile collision?

Reflective clothing

To save additional heart muscle from dying when a patient suffers an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), which treatment must occur?

Relieving the obstruction in the coronary arteries

While the EMT is inserting an oropharyngeal airway, the patient gags. The EMT should

Remove the airway and maintain the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver

You are transferring an unresponsive patient from her house to the ambulance on the stretcher. An oral airway has been placed and ventilations with the bag-valve mask are being administered. Suddenly, the patient regains consciousness and starts to gag. Your immediate action should be to:

Remove the oral airway

A patient working at an ice plant is trapped in a room filled with sulfur dioxide. You don a self-contained breathing apparatus and enter the room, finding the patient unresponsive on the floor. The room remains filled with the gas. Your immediate priority in caring for this patient is to:

Remove the patient from the immediate environment

You arrive at work and note that the portable oxygen tank in the ambulance is now yellow instead of green, as during the previous shift. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should:

Remove the tank and retrieve a green cylinder

If a scene becomes unsafe after you have entered, you should first:

Remove yourself from the scene

When assessing a patient who does not speak the same language as you or your partner, the best approach in the immediate care of the patient is to:

Request that a family member act as an interpreter

Which of these statements about the AED and its use in the treatment of cardiac arrest is true?

Research has shown that the first shock delivered by an AED is often faster than the first shock delivered by a manual defibrillator

Which characteristic regarding breathing rates must the EMT remember when assessing the respirations of a pediatric patient

Respirations in a pediatric patient are usually faster than those of an adult

Emergency Medical Responders inform you that a 27-year-old male patient with altered mental status has an open airway and is breathing 9 times every 30 seconds. His pulse rate is 40 beats/min, and he has bruises to his chest. Based on this vital sign and presentation information, the EMT should recognize the:

Respiratory rate as normal

When reassessing a patient whom you are treating for an anaphylactic reaction, which of these findings would be of the greatest concern?

Respiratory rate change from 28 to 10 breaths/min with increasing patient lethargy

You are assessing a patient with altered mental status. Which of these assessment findings contraindicates the use of the nonrebreather face mask?

Respiratory rate of 18 breaths/min, with poor tidal volume

Which of these findings related to breathing would be most concerning to the EMT in an adult patient

Respiratory rate of 20, use of accessory muscles

The EMT believes that a patient is mildly hypoxic based on findings from the primary assessment. Which other sign could the EMT use to confirm his suspicion of mild hypoxia

Restlessness

The AED has just been applied to a female patient in cardiac arrest. After analyzing the heart rhythm, it provides a "no shock advised" message. The EMT should immediately

Resume cardiopulmonary resuscitation

You are involved in a lawsuit over a stabbing that occurred six months ago. Since you work in a busy EMS system and some time has passed, your recollection of the incident in spotty. In this situation, your best means of remembering what occurred would be to

Review the prehospital care report

The medical director states that it seems as if the number of patients suffering from shortness of breath with a history of congestive heart failure (CHF) has increased. She adds that she is thinking about modifying the protocols, but first must know the number of patients seen with this condition over the past year. To best determine the number of patients treated for this condition, you would:

Review the previous prehospital care reports

A patient care report reads: "c/o fall with (R) hip pain; FROM to (R) low. ext." Based on this, you should recognize that the patient's:

Right leg can be moved normally

A patient with stroke cannot move his left arm or leg. Based on this presentation, the EMT should strongly suspect that the stroke has occurred in which part of the central nervous system

Right side of the brain

Which portion of the heart is in failure when it can no longer effectively pump blood to the lungs

Right ventricle

An alert and oriented 5-year-old child drank some ammonia that was placed in a cup in the garage. He is very scared and complains of abdominal pain, but states that he has not vomited. Assessment shows ammonia in and around his mouth as well as on his breath. He has an open airway and is breathing adequately. His pulse and skin show no abnormalities. Appropriate care for this patient would include:

Rinsing his face and mouth with water

You are called to a long-term care facility for a patient with abdominal pain per staff. On scene, you find an 81-year-old female patient whom staff said complained of abdominal pain and then began to vomit several times. The patient has dementia and is occasionally confused and sometimes lethargic, which staff says is her normal status. Assessment reveals her to be confused, breathing 22 times a minute, with a pulse rate of 88 beats per minute. Her blood pressure is 118/68 mm Hg and she has an SpO2 of 97% on room air. Staff states that her temperature is 100.8° F and she did not get her medication for dementia today. When treating and transporting this patient, what would most likely represent the EMT's greatest concern during transport?

Risk for vomiting

You have received a grant to promote healthy living habits among the 20- to 40-year-old age group. Given the most common cause of death within this age group, which topic should be the focus of your program

Safe driving

You are assessing a 4-year-old patient whose panicked mother states that she cannot wake him. The child is breathing but his eyes are closed. To best determine the child's mental status, you should first:

Say loudly, "Open your eyes!"

When assessing a sick or injured patient, which of these indicates the appropriate order in which this assessment should occur?

Scene size-up, primary assessment, secondary assessment

Your service's medical director would like to explore the idea of EMTs using special transport ventilators when caring for patients who require assistance with their breathing. When using an evidence-based medicine approach, what should you do first?

Search the medical literature for research related to this topic

The EMT recognizes that for a trauma patient who is alert and oriented, he should obtain the patient's medical history during which component of patient assessment?

Secondary assessment

You are correctly using the blanket drag to move a patient when you:

Secure the patient in a blanket and drag him head first toward you

You are en route for a possible heroin overdose. As an EMT, you would recognize heroin fits best into which drug category based on its effects?

Sedatives

Emergency Medical Responders (EM Rs) respond to a female patient who was found by her husband in their second-floor bedroom. When the responders arrived, she was lying on her bed, with a tourniquet on her arm. They also found a syringe, with unknown contents, lying on the floor next to the bed. Her husband denies that she abuses any drugs. The EMRs have removed the tourniquet and inserted a nasopharyngeal airway, and they are providing positive pressure ventilations at the rate of 10 breaths/min with a bag-valve-mask device and supplemental oxygen. You note the woman to be unresponsive, with a pulse rate of 52, and apneic. What would your initial proper care include

Seek an order to administer naloxone

You are an EMT who finds an adult male patient on his living room floor after the police department had to force the door open. The scene size-up reveals a very cluttered home that smells of urine. On an end table, you find a container of phenytoin (Dilantin) with the patient's name on it. When you pinch his shoulder, the patient responds by moaning and trying to remove your hand from his neck. Based on this information, which of these conditions would you suspect

Seizure

This is the third day that a patient is in withdrawal from alcohol. If called to care for this patient, the EMT would recognize the need for

Seizure precautions

Which of these statements about seizures is true?

Seizures may be caused by a variety of medical conditions

A paramedic has asked you to place the patient on a nonrebreather mask at 15 liters per minute. To administer oxygen at this flow rate, you should:

Select "15" on the oxygen therapy regulator

Which of these pieces of information would be obtained by the EMT when getting a history using the SAMPLE mnemonic

Sensation of dizziness prior to falling

Medical direction has ordered the administration of activated charcoal to an adult patient who has overdosed on several unspecified medications. Prior to administering the medication, the EMT must:

Shake the medication thoroughly to mix it

A patient has been found unresponsive on her bedroom floor. When assessing her, the EMT would have the highest index of suspicion for a narcotic overdose when he notes

Shallow and slow respirations

Which individual finding in a patient is the most reliable indicator that the patient is breathing inadequately

Shallow breathing at a rate of 30 breaths/min in an infant

The EMT recognizes that the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) limits the EMT's ability to:

Share patient-specific medical information with others

A female patient has suffered a stroke to the right side of her brain and has paralysis to the contralateral portion of the body. Which description of this condition is correct

She cannot move her left arm and leg

Which of these statement is true regarding a female who has had both ovaries removed?

She cannot produce any eggs for fertilization

A female patient informs you that she has already gone through menopause. You would realize that

She has stopped menstrual periods and can no longer become pregnant

You are treating a 4-year-old child who sustained trauma after being ejected from a motor vehicle rollover. Your assessment has revealed a blood pressure of 72/52 mm Hg, a heart rate of 118 beats/min, and respirations of 28 breaths/min and unlabored. The pulse oximetry reading on ambient air is 92%. How would you describe these findings

Shock findings for this age

If a patient missed his last dialysis appointment, which complaint would you anticipate

Shortness of breath

After you assist a patient with use of her EpiPen, she tells you that it is much easier for her to breathe. However, her heart rate has increased from 92 to 118 beats/min. Regarding the epinephrine, the EMT recognizes the increased heart rate as a(n):

Side effect

What does the "S" in SAMPLE stand for?

Sign

You have been called to an alcoholic rehabilitation center for a 56-year-old male patient whose left arm suddenly began to shake uncontrollably. He is alert and oriented, and he is terrified that he cannot stop his arm from moving. Which type of seizure should you suspect?

Simple partial

You are caring for a 5-year-old male patient with a complaint of difficulty breathing. Your assessment indicates that the patient is tachypneic with labored breathing. While gaining more information about the patient's respiratory function, which finding would you recognize as most important

Skin retractions between the ribs during inhalation

A local politician has been involved in a motor vehicle collision. Witnesses state that they saw this man leave a bar, and repeatedly stumbled until he got to his vehicle. Then, just two miles down the road, he struck a utility pole head on. On scene and throughout transport, the patient is confused and combative. When you are leaving the hospital, a reporter asks you what happened. You state that it looks as though the politician may be drunk, but you are not sure. Your statement is printed in the newspaper. Later, it is determined that the man was not drunk, but rather has diabetes and had low blood sugar at the time of the accident. Which charge could the politician levy against you?

Slander

On scene, a confused 68-year-old female patient with possible stroke has a SpO2 of 91 % on room air. Regarding oxygen therapy and the adjunct by which to provide it, which of these represents the most desirable target SpO2 reading for the amount of oxygen delivered

SpO2 95% with 2 lpm 02 via nasal cannula

On scene, you suspect that a young female patient is suffering from hyperventilation syndrome. Which additional finding would best assist you in confirming this suspicion?

Spasm of the hands

You are treating an 82-year-old female who is having trouble hearing some of your questions. Which technique would be most helpful in obtaining her medical history?

Speak clearly and slowly

To assess a patient's blood pressure, the EMT will need a:

Sphygmomanometer

When palpating the anterior portion of a patient's abdomen, you note tenderness to the left upper quadrant. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would recognize that which organ is most likely to be involved?

Spleen

Which statement best describes the anatomic position?

Standing with the arms down at the side and palms facing forward

When a 52-year-old male patient collapsed on his front porch, his family dialed 911. When you arrive, the daughter informs you that the patient has been down for approximately 8 minutes. Assessment reveals him to be in cardiac arrest. What should you do immediately

Start CPR while the AED is applied and readied for use

You arrive on the scene of an 'unknown medical emergency." The local fire department EMRs arrive simultaneously, so you now have five providers at the scene to help. The on-scene police officer tells you the patient is an elderly man who has attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head. As you enter the patient's room, you see the male patient with an extensive skull injury. A large portion of his right temporal and parietal skull is gone, and there are blood splatter and brain tissue on the wall behind him. Given this information, what should you do?

Start CPR, since you have ample help to treat and transport the patient

An unresponsive 54-year-old male patient was found by family in his bed. They state that he has not been feeling well and complained of chest pain before going to bed approximately 1 hour ago. According to family, he has no prior medical history and does not take any medications. The primary assessment reveals no life-threatening conditions. When performing the secondary assessment on this patient, the EMT should:

Start by examining the patient's head

A patient with a terminal disease is unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. The family states that the patient has a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order signed by her medical doctor, but they cannot find the current one. All they can find is a previous DNR that expired 8 months ago. The EMT should:

Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation

You are by the side of an unresponsive 6-month-old child with a history of congenital heart disease. The patient's airway is patent, but he is not breathing. A heart rate of 24 beats/min is noted. At this time, it is essential that you:

Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation with compressions and ventilations

A 42-year-old female patient is crying and states that she has sharp abdominal pain that she localizes to her right lower quadrant. When assessing this patient's abdomen, the EMT would:

Start palpating in the left upper quadrant

A 4-year-old female patient with a decreased level of consciousness is in respiratory distress. Her airway is patent and respirations are 12 per minute. Breath sounds are diminished bilaterally, and there is noted accessory muscle use with inspiration and expiration. Her pulse is 84 and SpO2 88%. What should be your immediate action?

Start positive pressure ventilation

A son has called 911 for his father, who is having difficulty breathing. On scene, the 81-year-old patient is lying on a couch in the living room, lethargic, and in obvious respiratory distress. He is confused, but has an open airway. His respirations are 38 breaths/min and shallow, and his skin is extremely diaphoretic with cyanosis in the fingertips. At this time, the EMT should

Start positive pressure ventilation

After the AED gives a "no shock advised" message, it is determined that the patient has a weak pulse and slow and shallow respirations. You would immediately

Start positive pressure ventilation

On scene, you find a 2-year-old male patient in significant respiratory distress. He is responsive to painful stimuli and exhibits noisy respirations through an open airway. His breathing is shallow at a rate of 44 breaths/min. His pulse is rapid. Assessment of the skin shows it to be cool and diaphoretic, with cyanosis to the extremities and around the mouth. What is the immediate priority for this patient?

Start positive pressure ventilation

The patient's family states that their 16-year-old daughter has a history of asthma and has been complaining of shortness of breath for the past two days. She has been taking her metered-dose inhaler with some relief, but this morning, they found her lethargic and struggling to breathe. Your assessment reveals the patient to be responsive to verbal stimuli with an open airway and shallow respirations of 44 breaths/min. You hear minimal wheezing in both lungs. What is your immediate action in caring for this patient?

Start positive pressure ventilation

You have arrived by the side of a lethargic patient who is allergic to latex and was exposed to it when she spilled a latex-containing powder on her right hand. She is able to speak only a few words with each breath, and a quick glance at the pulse oximeter reveals the saturation is in the 80-90% range. Additionally, the patient's tongue is swollen and her respirations are rapid, labored, and noisy. Which action is your immediate priority?

Start positive pressure ventilation

You have been called for a 28-year-old male patient with a history of behavioral problems. He responds to painful stimuli with garbled speech. His airway is patent, but breathing is inadequate. His radial pulse is rapid and his skin cool and moist. He has crackles at the bases of both lungs and the following vital signs: pulse, 108; respirations, 6 breaths/min and shallow; blood pressure, 98/64 mmHg; and SpO2, 92%. A friend informs you that the patient may have drunk a considerable amount of antifreeze, possibly up to 12 hours ago, in a suicide attempt. The first thing you should do is:

Start positive pressure ventilation

You have been called to a long-term care facility for a 77-year-old female patient who was found unresponsive in her wheelchair by staff. The nurse reports that the patient complained of a headache earlier in the day and was given 600 mg of Motrin. Your assessment shows the patient to be unresponsive with a patent airway, slow and irregular respirations. and a weak radial pulse. Her lips are cyanotic, and your partner reports the following vital signs: pulse, 44; respirations, 6 breaths/min; and blood pressure, 228/116 mmHg. Which action should be your next priority

Start positive pressure ventilation

A 51-year-old male patient who experienced cardiac arrest has regained a pulse after one shock from the AED. The dispatcher informs you that the paramedic unit you have requested for assistance is coming from the eastern end of the county and has a 20-minute ETA. The hospital is 15 minutes west of your location. Which action would be most appropriate given this situation

Start transport to the hospital and inform the ALS dispatcher of your intent

A 22-year-old female has been sexually assaulted and taken to the emergency department. With regard to the release of confidential medical information, which individual would most likely be allowed to receive information related to the patient's injuries without her consent?

State police

While you are transporting a 41-year-old woman who is not feeling well, she begins to seize. She has no history of seizures, and the seizure lasts approximately 90 seconds. After 30 seconds of being postictal and totally unresponsive. the woman suddenly seizes again for the remainder of the 12-minute transport. The EMT should recognize that the patient is experiencing which emergency condition?

Status epilepticus

You are transporting a 57-year-old male patient who went into cardiac arrest at home. After two shocks and CPR, he regained a pulse, but he remains unresponsive and in respiratory arrest. During transport, your reassessment reveals the absence of a carotid pulse. What should you do first?

Stop the ambulance and analyze the heart rhythm with the AED

While you are performing a secondary assessment on a male patient who was ejected from his motorcycle, the patient suddenly states that it has become very hard to breathe. You would:

Stop your exam and evaluate the patient's new complaint

A 26-year-old patient with hemophilia fell in his garage, cutting his arm on a nail protruding from a door frame. Emergency Medical Responders are on scene holding a blood-soaked towel on his right forearm that is still bleeding. The patient is alert and oriented with a pale complexion. The EMRs report a pulse of 98, respirations of 18 breaths/min, blood pressure of 142/66 mm Hg, and SpO2 of 99% on room air. Your initial priority in caring for this patient is:

Stopping the bleeding

The EMT shows that he is correctly using the flow-restricted, oxygen-powered ventilation device when he

Stops ventilating as soon as the patient's chest begins to rise

Which of these characteristics would be considered a pulse "quality" factor

Strength

Which audible respiratory sounds would make you suspicious of an upper airway problem

Stridor

You have been dispatched for a young child with difficulty breathing. As you enter the apartment, which scene size-up clue would best indicate that the patient is experiencing a problem in her upper airway?

Stridorous noises with inspiration

A patient has an altered mental status accompanied by loss of motor function on one side of the body. The EMT must suspect which condition as the cause of this presentation

Stroke

You have been called for a 58-year-old male patient with an unknown medical emergency. On scene, you find the alert and oriented patient complains of headache as well as weakness and "tingling" to his right arm and leg. He has diabetes and high blood pressure, for which he takes the appropriate medications. When asked, he reports that he may have passed out earlier in the day, immediately after taking his morning dose of insulin. His pulse is 96, respirations 16 breaths/min, and blood pressure 180/106 mmHg. Based on this presentation, you should treat the patient for:

Stroke

When attempting to distinguish a spinal injury from a stroke, the EMT should remember that:

Stroke typically results in weakness or paralysis to one side of the body

You are completing the prehospital care report and are documenting the fact that you assisted a patient in taking his nitroglycerin pill. How will you document the route of administration

Sublingual

You are preparing to transport a 46-year-old male patient who has had multiple seizures throughout the morning, according to the family. Currently, he is on your stretcher and is postictal. He has a history of seizures for which he takes anticonvulsant medications. He also has diabetes and kidney failure. Of the equipment listed here, which is the most essential to have ready during transport of this patient?

Suction device

You are transporting a patient with diabetes who has low blood sugar. En route, you receive orders to administer oral glucose. Which piece of emergency equipment is most important to have readily available during this procedure?

Suction device

You must suction frothy secretions from the mouth and pharynx of a 31-year-old male patient whose respiration rate is 4 breaths/min. Which process to do so is most appropriate given the patient's condition

Suction for no more than 15 seconds at a time. followed by 2 minutes of positive pressure ventilation

You have been dispatched for a male patient who is "sick." While you are en route, Emergency Medical Responders inform you via radio that the patient has esophageal varices, which appear to have ruptured. You would inform your partner to prepare which materials or piece of equipment

Suction machine

A 66-year-old female patient has been struck by a car. Your assessment reveals gurgling respirations, rapid breathing, and cool, diaphoretic skin. You also note bruising to her chest and abdomen. What should you do immediately?

Suction the airway

As you perform the primary assessment on an unresponsive patient, you discover vomitus in her airway. What should you do next?

Suction the airway

Assessment reveals a drooling 48-year-old male patient to have gurgling speech and left-arm paralysis. The EMT's immediate priority treatment is to

Suction the airway

You arrive at a residence for a male patient who is unresponsive. As you enter the room, you observe an obese man lying on a recliner. His eyes are closed, and he has gurgling respirations. While your partner is quickly performing a primary assessment, you should immediately prepare to

Suction the airway

An 89-year-old female patient has fallen in her living room and has pain in her left hip. As you approach, you note that she is on her back with her left leg turned inward. When relaying this information to the receiving hospital, how would you describe her position?

Supine with medial rotation of the left lower extremity

You are treating a patient with severe crushing chest pain. She has had two heart attacks in the past, and you believe that she is currently in cardiogenic shock. Blood pressure is 86/66 mmHg, respirations are 20 breaths/min, heart rate is 102 beats/min, and room-air pulse oximetry reading is 91%. Which intervention is the most appropriate next action in this case

Supplemental oxygen

The wife and primary care provider of a disabled male patient tells you that he has a suprapubic catheter in place. Upon assessment of the patient, which of these findings would you expect?

Surgical tube coming out of the pelvic area

In which form is activated charcoal administered?

Suspension

On scene, a 43-year-old male states that he has a history of liver failure and does not produce enough of the protein albumin. Given this condition, which finding(s) would you expect

Swelling of the extremities and abdomen

Which of these assessment findings would indicate that the patient is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction after a bee sting and requires immediate intervention

Swollen lips and oral mucosa, with a blood pressure of 84/50 mm Hg

Why would a drop in the oxygen content of the blood stream cause an increase in the patient's blood pressure

Sympathetic stimulation of the cardiovascular system improves oxygen delivery to the brain and tissues

The pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries as the left ventricle contracts is called

Systolic

When reviewing a prehospital care report, you note that a patient received nitroglycerin sublingually. As an EMT, you should recognize that this medication was a:

Tablet placed under the tongue

You are dispatched to a local mall, where you are met by bystanders who state that the patient was talking to a customer representative when she "passed out." You find an alert and oriented 55-year-old female patient lying supine on the tile floor. The patient tells you that the back of her head is hurting, her neck now hurts, and her arms and legs feel very weak. Which action should you perform first?

Take manual cervical spine motion restriction

As you approach a patient who was involved in a motor vehicle crash, you note that he has dark, oozing blood coming from an open fracture to his lower left tibia. The patient was removed from the car by bystanders and is being held by a family member. What should you do immediately?

Take manual in-line spine motion restriction

A worker at a chemical plant was working on a high-pressure tank containing chlorine gas when the valve broke. filling the room with chlorine gas and throwing the patient forcefully against the wall. He was unresponsive and trapped in the room for 10 minutes, until being pulled out by firefighters. When the patient is brought to your location, he appears unresponsive. Your first action in caring for this patient would be to:

Take manual spine motion restriction of the head and neck and perform the jaw-thrust

A 14-year-old female patient has taken an excessive amount of Tylenol with codeine. Family members were asleep when they heard a crash and found her at the bottom of the stairs. When they asked the adolescent if she was okay, she replied that her boyfriend broke up with her and she saw no point in going on with her life, so she took an overdose. When you arrive by the patient's side, you note that she is responsive to verbal stimuli with eye opening and is breathing, has an intact airway, and is breathing somewhat shallow but still adequately. Your first action would be to:

Take manual spine motion restriction precautions

You have been called to a residence for a patient with altered mental status. On arrival, a neighbor informs you that he saw the patient washing windows several minutes earlier and then suddenly saw him lying on the ground. He also mentions that the patient has diabetes and has been in and out of the hospital lately because his blood sugar has been dropping suddenly. Your scene size-up reveals the patient to be lying next to a ladder propped up to the second-story window. Water from a bucket is spilled on the side of the house and yard. The patient is supine and unresponsive. What should be your next most immediate action?

Take manual spine motion restriction precautions

Correctly assessing orthostatic vital signs involves

Taking the blood pressure in the supine, seated, and standing positions

You are transporting an 18-year-old male patient who was injured in a motor vehicle collision. He has a decreased level of consciousness and has injuries to his head, chest, and lower right leg. While you are conducting the reassessment of the patient's head and neck, which of these actions is most appropriate

Taking time to carefully re-palpate the patient's face and scalp

You are by the side of a patient who thinks he has a kidney stone. After assessing the patient. which of these findings would force you to consider an alternative pathology for the patient's pain

Tearing pain in the abdomen

When obtaining vital signs for a 67-year-old male patient with dizziness and nausea, your partner states that the pulse seems to disappear periodically when the patient takes a deep breath. As a knowledgeable EMT, your best response would be

That is an important finding. We will have to let the doctor know about it."

Generally speaking, which technique should the EMT use first when confronted with a patient in a drug or alcohol abuse situation who is experiencing a "bad trip" and expressing some potentially violent tendencies?

The "talk down" technique

The grandfather of an alert and oriented 2-year-old girl found her on the floor playing with pills from his open bottle of Digoxin (a heart medication that slows the heart rate). He cannot remember how many pills were in the bottle, but he thinks that some are missing and suspects that his granddaughter may have eaten them thinking that they were candy. Assessment reveals the patient's airway to be open and breathing adequate. Her pulse is appropriate for a child her age and her skin warm and dry. Her grandfather is not sure of how long ago she may have taken the pills. Given the assessment findings, the EMT would assume

The Digoxin pills have yet to be absorbed into the body

You have been asked to review a legal case in which a patient intentionally overdosed on heroin and then died after EMS responders arrived. Those responders did not have a bag-valve mask to ventilate the nonbreathing patient, so the patient was not ventilated until a second EMS unit arrived. The evidence indicates that the EMT and paramedics both signed their morning equipment check indicating that they had inspected the ambulance and had all the necessary equipment to do their job. In this case. you would realize:

The EMT and paramedics were negligent in caring for the patient

A patient's spouse, who is a doctor, states that an EMT is negligent because he put his wife on low-concentration oxygen when she should have gotten high-concentration oxygen. The patient was having chest pain that was later determined to be caused by anxiety. She was released from the emergency department later in the day. Which statement is true?

The EMT cannot be proven negligent because that patient suffered no harm or damage

You are watching an EMT prepare the ambulance for the upcoming shift. In regard to oxygen cylinders and equipment, which action requires immediate intervention

The EMT cleans a dirty oxygen tank by spraying it with a petroleum-based agent cleanser

While off duty, an EMT happens upon the scene of a motor vehicle collision in which a car rolled over the side of an embankment. A young man has been seriously injured; he appears unresponsive, and is bleeding from the head and face. The EMT is alone with his infant baby daughter in the car and cannot leave her to provide help. Therefore, the EMT alerts 911 of the emergency and remains in his car with his daughter until EMS arrives. Later in the week, he finds out that the patient died. Which statement is true regarding this incident?

The EMT had no duty to act and cannot be held liable for the man's death

Which of these actions performed by the EMT indicates appropriate care with the AED when treating a patient in cardiac arrest

The EMT places, then quickly removes, a set of electrodes in an attempt to remove excessive hair from a patient's chest

Which of these is a correct statement about the ventilation of a nonbreathing patient through a stoma

The EMT should ventilate through the stoma with a child-sized face mask attached to a bag-valve mask

A reference tool that should be placed in every emergency vehicle for use when responding to a possible "hazmat" incident is:

The Emergency Response Guidebook

What role does the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) play in EMS?

The FCC establishes and enforces regulations related to the use of radio operations

You have been called for a patient who complains of shortness of breath. On scene, you find the 41-year-old woman sitting upright in bed with nasal flaring and wheezing. A metered-dose inhaler {MDI) is lying on the nightstand next to her. To assist her with the MDI, which criteria must be met

The MDI must be prescribed for the patient

What is the best description of the ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) ratio

The ability of the body to exchange gases across the alveolar capillary membrane

A patient has a blood pressure of 140/98 mmHg. What can the EMT ascertain from this reading

The afterload is increased

You are observing an EMT insert an oropharyngeal airway into the airway of a 36-year-old male patient who has overdosed on a street drug. Which

The airway is inserted into the mouth upside-down, and then turned 180 degrees once it contacts the soft palate

A patient is very dizzy and has an altered mental status. Vital signs are pulse, 84; respirations, 16 breaths/min; blood pressure, 74/32 mmHg; and SpO2, 93%. Medical direction has ordered the paramedic to start an IV infusion of a medication that causes blood vessel constriction. You would recognize that the medication is benefiting the patient when you observe:

The blood pressure increase to 110/64 mmHg

Which of these statements made by an EMT indicates a correct understanding of glucose in the human body?

The cells of the brain cannot store glucose, and are uniquely sensitive to low glucose levels.

You must immobilize a 6-year-old male patient who was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Regarding the airway, why should you consider placing padding under his shoulders and back

The child's occipital skull is larger in proportion to his body

A patient who was shoveling snow developed chest pain, immediately sat down in a nearby bus shelter, and called 911. Prior to moving him into the ambulance, your partner performs a primary assessment and reports that the patient's capillary refill is 5 seconds. Which of these would be an appropriate statement for you to make

The cold temperature may cause the capillary refill to be 5 seconds; we should assess further

While going through your probationary period as a new EMT with the community-based EMS system, you are learning all the numeric codes the department uses during radio traffic. What is NOT a benefit of using and relying on radio codes?

The complexity involved in remembering all the radio codes helps assure that everyone using the radio is a knowledgeable EMT

You are observing a new EMT just hired by your EMS agency. You know he has correctly positioned the blood pressure cuff on the patient's arm when

The cuff is on the same level as the patient's heart

You are dispatched for a patient with an unknown medical problem at a dialysis center. When you arrive, you are directed to a patient who is sitting in a chair, with a dialyses technician holding a dressing on his arm very tight. You can see blood seeping through the dressing and on the hands of the technician. Given this limited information, what is likely the problem?

The dialysis graft is bleeding

Which action produces inhalation and contributes to airflow into the lungs

The diaphragm contracts

In a healthy patient, for air to be exhaled from the lungs, what must occur?

The diaphragm must relax

Which of these is considered a benefit of the automated external defibrillator

The ease and speed with which it can be used

The EMT is reviewing a patient care report and finds the following documentation "ETCO2 is 43 mmH9." What does this mean?

The exhaled carbon dioxide level is normal

Which piece of information regarding drug administration by the EMT according to protocol is not necessary to document on the patient care report

The family's reaction to the need for the medication to be administered

You have been called for a 2-week-old male patient whose mother feels as though he is "sick." When assessing this patient and obtaining a history from the mother, which finding would be most concerning

The fontanelles are lower than the level of the skull

You are treating a patient who has a history of gout, hypertension, diabetes, emphysema, and high cholesterol. As you review his medications, you notice that one of his pill bottles has the name "levalbuterol" on its label. You would recognize this name as

The generic name for Xopenex

A 69-year-old man complains of weakness to the left arm and leg. He also states that he is nauseated and has a headache. The patient's past medical history includes stroke and diabetes. In relation to this information, which of these statements is true

The headache is a symptom related to the chief complaint

You have transferred care of a 21-year-old woman who overdosed on an unknown drug. For the patient, which best describes who is permitted access to he prehospital care report (PCR)?

The health care provider assuming care of the patient

Which of these statements concerning assessment of the pulse is correct

The heart rate can be determined by doubling the number of beats counted in 30 seconds.

The infant airway differs from the adult airway in that

The infant's tongue takes up proportionately more space in the mouth

Which statement about the human anatomy is true?

The knee is proximal to the ankle

When assessing a patient's pulse, you can locate the right radial pulse, but not the left. What is the most likely explanation for this finding?

The left radial artery may be occluded

You have been called to transfer a male patient from an outpatient clinic to the hospital. The patient has been diagnosed with peritonitis and requires transport to the hospital for definitive care. As a knowledgeable EMT, you would recognize which of these statements as true

The lining of the patient's abdominal cavity is inflamed

A male EMT was discussing a patient's medical condition with a female EMT from a different service. The woman then repeated this information to others, which eventually made its way back to the patient. Regarding issues of confidentiality, which of the statements would be is true?

The male EMT violated the HIPAA law

When teaching a group of Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) about the mechanism of injury, which point should you stress?

The more significant the mechanism of injury, the greater the chance the patient has been injured

When inserting a nasopharyngeal airway, the EMT should remember that

The nasal mucosa may bleed even with proper insertion

A patient has sustained a gunshot injury to his right thorax. When you listen to his breath sounds, they are diminished over the right thorax. What is the most logical explanation for this finding

The negative pressure between the pleural linings has been lost, causing the lung tissue to collapse

Your service has a new AED. During the in-service program on the new device, the instructor informs you that it is a semi-automated AED and uses a biphasic wave form, as opposed to the monophasic form used by the previous AED. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should recognize that:

The new AED will defibrillate the patient with smaller amounts of electrical energy

Prior to administering nitroglycerin to a patient with chest pain, the EMT must ensure that

The nitroglycerin is prescribed for the patient

A 41-year-old female patient has called 911 for a headache. Which of these assessment findings should make the EMT suspicious that the patient has a migraine headache?

The pain was preceded by an aura

A paramedic was late in reregistering and now, according to the state EMS agency, must function as an EMT until all of the reregistration requirements are satisfied. As an EMT, she is on the scene of a motor vehicle accident and taking care of a critically injured teenager. While wailing for a paramedic to arrive, she starts an IV, but does not hang the IV fluid that will be used to help stabilize the patient. This is immediately done by a paramedic once he arrives. As such, which of these is true?

The paramedic/EMT violated the scope of practice and can be held accountable even though he patient survived

An alert and oriented 87-year-old female patient has fallen and suffered a 3-cm laceration to the back of her head. According to the patient, her walker became caught in the carpet, causing her to trip. When obtaining a medical history, who should the EMT address first?

The patient

The EMT recognizes that the best source of information for a responsive medical patient with a specific chief complaint and no known medical history Is:

The patient

51. What action best indicates that informed consent has been obtained?

The patient agrees to oxygen therapy after being told it may help decrease his chest pain but may dry his nose, causing discomfort

An intoxicated patient will not leave the oxygen mask on. What would be the most appropriate way to document this behavior on the prehospital care report

The patient continually removes the oxygen mask despite continued reapplication

Despite a patient's protest that he does not want his blood pressure taken, the EMT places a BP cuff on his arm and takes his blood pressure. The EMT states: "See? It is just as I suspected-your blood pressure is sky high. You really need to be seen in the emergency department." The patient states he did not realize that his blood pressure was that high. In terms of battery, which statement is true?

The patient could charge the EMT with battery, regardless of his blood pressure reading

Which action indicates that the EMT is correctly administering activated charcoal to a patient who has ingested a toxic substance

The patient drinks the charcoal through a straw

You are by the side of a patient who complains of shortness of breath and has a history of heart problems, including congestive heart failure (CHF). When assessing the airway, which of these observations best indicates that it is still patent?

The patient easily tells you that she is having chest pain

An EMT would perform an urgent move when:

The patient has a life-threatening injury

A patient care report reads: "c/o chest pain with associated DOE; PMH of IDDM." Regarding this description, which interpretation is most accurate?

The patient has diabetes

Consider the following narrative from a patient care report: "pt. transported 3 days ago for suspected STEMI; pt. currently denies CP and SOB; PMH of HTN and CAD; pt. currently in NAD." Which of these interpretations is most accurate?

The patient has heart problems

A patient care report reads: "PMH includes ESRF and(+) DNR; (+) ASA pta of EMS." Regarding this description, which interpretation is most accurate

The patient has kidney disease

When the EMT evaluates a patient with the RACE stroke scale, the score is 3 points. This score would infer:

The patient has likely experienced a stroke

A "no shock advised" message is provided by the AED. The EMT understands that this could mean:

The patient has regained a pulse

You arrive at the scene of a fall, where a 42-year-old woman fell backward off a stepladder while cleaning her kitchen windows. She is seated on the floor and complains of pain to her ankle. She tells you, "If I had just gone to work today instead of using vacation time, this would have never happened!" Based on information thus far, what can you conclude?

The patient is alert with an open airway

Which observation demonstrates that the EMTs and EMRs are correctly using the stair chair?

The patient is carried down the stairs feet first

When EMS enters the room of a 62-year-old female patient with an unknown medical complaint, which of these clues observed during the scene size-up would increase the EMT's suspicion that the patient has an acute abdominal condition?

The patient is lying on her side, with her knees drawn to her chest

In which of these situations would the EMT contact medical direction prior to administering epinephrine to a patient who is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction?

The patient is not prescribed an auto-injector

After manual spine motion restriction is established, it should never be released until:

The patient is secured on a stretcher

You have assessed a 25-year-old female who states that she took a large number of antidepressants and other medications in an effort to end her life. The primary assessment reveals no life-threatening conditions. Why is it important to get the patient's medical history at this time, rather than later on in the assessment or during transport?

The patient may become confused and be unable to provide information

You have extricated a male patient who was entrapped in a rollover car wreck. During your immediate on-scene management, you removed the patient's clothing and started CPR. During this time, a police officer retrieved the driver's license from the patient's pants and advises you that he is an organ donor. Given this information, which statement is true?

The patient should be treated in the same way en route to the hospital as a nondonor

When completing a primary assessment, what would be a good indication that the patient has an open airway

The patient speaks with ease

A patient with asthma is using his inhaler TID and prn. You would recognize that:

The patient uses an inhaler at least three times a day

While you are assessing a patient with abdominal pain, the patient informs you that he is a chronic carrier of hepatitis B. His skin is not jaundiced, nor does he have a fever. As an EMT, you realize:

The patient's blood and body fluids are infectious

You are using an automatic transport ventilator (ATV) for a patient who has an insufficient respiratory effort. What is the best indicator of adequate artificial ventilation by the ATV?

The patient's chest rises and falls with each mechanical ventilation

You cannot obtain a reading on the pulse oximeter after applying the sensor to the patient's finger. What would be the most common reason for this difficulty

The patient's hands are cold

While moving a 67-year-old male who complains of dizziness from his residence on the stretcher, you stumble backward and knock a vase from a table, causing it to break. The patient and family are very upset with the damage. In the process, you hurt your ankle and are having a hard time walking. When completing the prehospital care report (PCR), what should be included?

The patient's insurance or billing information

Consider the following narrative from a patient care report: "pt. restrained passenger involved in 2 car MVC; c/o left lower leg pain rated 2/1 O; LOC A/O to person, place, time, and event; BBS clear; abd. Soft with tenderness LLQ; hx of NIDDM with am glucose level of 133 mg/dl." Which of these interpretations is most accurate?

The patient's lungs sounds are clear and equal bilaterally

When the EMT contacts the Poison Control Center for a female patient who accidentally overdosed on her blood pressure medications when she misread the label, which additional information would the center personnel most likely need to determine care options for the patient?

The patient's weight

What is the primary difference between the 2015 American Heart Association's "Chain of Survival" for the adult patient versus the pediatric patient?

The pediatric chain emphasizes strategies for arrest prevention

Which condition must be met for carbon dioxide to move from the cell to the bloodstream

The perfusing blood must be low in carbon dioxide

Which statement about chemoreceptors in the human body is true

The peripheral chemoreceptors are more sensitive to oxygen than carbon dioxide

You work in a community that has an "enhanced" 911 system. Given this, which is true about such a system?

The physical location of the landline used to make the 911 call is displayed to the call taker

You and the critical care transport team are taking a critically ill patient to another hospital. Among many IV infusions and monitors, the patient is also on a ventilator. You note that the FDO2 is set at 0.50. What does this mean

The provided oxygen concentration is set at 50 percent

If signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis occur rapidly in a patient, the EMT must realize that:

The reaction will likely be severe

When in shock, the body has a slightly delayed compensation mechanism that utilizes

The release of hormones

Which statement is true of a patient who relies on the hypoxic drive to breathe

The respiratory rate is set according to the level of 02 in the body

Which statement regarding the integumentary system is true?

The skin protects the body against bacteria and other organisms

A patient informs you that whenever she is exposed to a particular soap, she experiences a mild allergic reaction. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should recognize that:

The soap contains an antigen

A patient has developed chest pain while working in his basement wood shop. After EMTs have assessed and provided care lo the patient, the chest pain remains, although his vital signs are normal. To get him to the ambulance, the EMTs must first go up a short flight of stairs from the basement to the first floor, where the front door is located. Which action would be the safest for both the patient and crew

The stronger of the EMTs takes the head of the portable stretcher, and the EMTs carry the patient up the stairs head first

A blood pressure is reported as 116/68 mm Hg. Given this finding, which of these statements is true

The systolic blood pressure is 116 mmHg

When obtaining a blood pressure for a patient, the radial pulse disappears when the gauge reads 130 mmHg. When deflating the cuff, the EMT hears a pulse at 118 mmHg. The pulse disappears at 76 mmHg. Given this, which of these statements is true?

The systolic blood pressure is 118 mm Hg

What is obstructing the airway when snoring is heard

The tongue

A family has called 911 for a 41-year-old male family member whom they cannot wake up. They state he has been threatening to kill himself and believe that he may have intentionally overdosed on his pain medications. As you enter the patient's bedroom, you observe him supine on the floor with his eyes closed. As he breathes, you hear snoring respirations. As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that this condition is likely caused by

The tongue partially blocking the airway

Which statement about the ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) ratio in a healthy person is true

The upper portion of the lungs has wasted ventilation

A patient has a tumor that has compressed and obstructed her left ureter. Which complication may result from this condition

The urine will back up into the left kidney

Which rationale best explains the reason for wearing a high-visibility safety vest at the scene of a motor vehicle collision?

The use of the vest can increase your visibility to passing drivers at the scene of an accident

Which of these statements is true concerning the functions of the vagina?

The vagina serves as a passage for the fetus during delivery as well as an outlet for blood during menstruation

Which of these statements is true regarding vital signs obtained from a patient with nausea and vomiting

The vital signs will help the EMT determine the relative stability or instability of the patient

Most authorities agree that the modern-day EMS system evolved after the release of which document?

The white paper "Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society" in 1966

When providing oxygen via nonrebreather face mask, which piece of equipment is essential for the EMT to have?

Therapy regulator

Your partner reports that he has found some small areas of bruising to the abdomen of a patient who takes insulin. He is puzzled by the finding. Which response would be most appropriate?

There could be several reasons for the bruising, but insulin injections are often administered to the abdomen

The EMT would describe diabetes as a disease state in which:

There is a problem with the transport of glucose into the cells

Which sign or symptom would be most helpful in determining that a patient had a syncopal episode rather than a seizure

There was no period of confusion after the event

Understanding physiology will allow the EMT to understand that bronchoconstriction will have which effect on breathing

There will be an increase in the work of breathing

You have been called for a patient with alcoholism who is experiencing a medical emergency. On scene, a home health nurse informs you that the patient s experiencing delirium tremens. As an EMT, you recognize that:

This is a life-threatening condition requiring rapid transport

What is the purpose of assessing the pulse on an unresponsive patient during the primary assessment?

To determine the presence of a heartbeat

What is the best reason why the EMT administers or assists with the administration of medications?

To help stabilize a patient's medical condition

You have been called to a local dialysis center for a patient with a bleeding fistula on her right upper arm. Despite all care at the center, the site continues o bleed. Your best choice in the initial care of the patient would be:

To place a pressure dressing over the fistula

Why should the EMT provide the physician or nurse with an oral report when transferring care to the hospital emergency department (ED)?

To summarize patient assessment and treatment information

A drug addict informs you that he has been taking OxyContin and now requires more and more of the drug to take his chronic back pain away. The EMT would recognize this patient as experiencing:

Tolerance

You are treating a woman who has heavy vaginal bleeding. When estimating the blood loss, which information will be most useful to the EMT

Total number of sanitary napkins used

Occlusion to which pulmonary structure would cause total cessation of airflow into and out of the lungs

Trachea

You have been called to a local emergency department to transfer a 67-year-old male to another facility. At the hospital, the emergency physician informs you that the patient and his family have requested the transfer because his doctor is affiliated with the other hospital. At the patient's bedside, you see that the patient is receiving an antibiotic through an IV. Although your state does allow EMTs to perform nonemergent transports of patients receiving normal saline through an IV, it does not allow transport of patients receiving IV medications. When informed of this restriction, the physician states that the antibiotic will be done in 10 minutes and that he will give written permission to start the transport while the medication is infusing. Which EMT action would be most appropriate at this time?

Transfer the patient once all the medication is infused

A 67-year-old male patient has chest pain. After you assist him with taking two of his nitroglycerin tablets, his chest pain remains 7 out of 10 and he is still diaphoretic. His vital signs are as follows: pulse, 72; respirations, 18 breaths/min and adequate; blood pressure, 82/60 mmHg; and SpO2, 97% on 2 1pm of oxygen. You should:

Transfer the patient to the stretcher and begin transport

You are by the side of a patient who complains of severe chest pain that radiates into his right arm and neck. He is alert and oriented, with an open airway and adequate breathing. His radial pulse is strong, and his skin is cool and diaphoretic. Your partner reports his pulse rate is 84, respirations are 18 breaths/min, blood pressure is 86/62 mmHg, and SpO2 is 98% on room air. You have obtained a medical history and performed the secondary assessment. The patient states that he has had two heart attacks in the past and is allergic to aspirin and sulfa medications. What should you do next?

Transfer the patient to the stretcher and begin transport

You are called for a 69-year-old male patient with altered mental status. Assessment reveals that he is confused and has left-sided weakness. During transport, you note that the patient is now completely oriented and the weakness has resolved. Which condition would you suspect this patient has

Transient ischemic attack

You are by the side of a 77-year-old male patient with a complaint of shortness of breath. Auscultation of his lungs indicates crackles in the bases. In addition, both of his feet are swollen. His SpO2 on room air is 82%. The remainder of his vital signs are pulse, 144; respirations, 26 breaths/min; and blood pressure 168/90, mmHg. The patient reports lower back pain with a history of a "pinched nerve" in that area. He states that he always has this pain. He has difficulty finishing his sentences without gasping for air. What is the most appropriate care for this patient after initiating oxygen?

Transport him in a sitting position

You are transporting a 4-year-old female patient whom you found sitting in a chair with labored respirations, inspiratory strider, and drooling. Which sign or symptom would warrant immediate reassessment?

Transport him in a sitting position

A patient in cardiac arrest has regained a pulse after two shocks, but is still apneic. Which action would be appropriate next?

Transport the patient supine and secured to a long spine board as treatment is continued

You have gathered and written down all of the medications, including narcotic pain medications, that a confused 46-year-old male patient currently takes. The patient is placed on the stretcher for transport. At this time, how would you handle the medications?

Transport them with the patient

Which plane would show the liver, stomach, and spleen

Transverse plane

Near the end of a workday, a construction worker fell 10 feet from scaffolding, landing on his head and left shoulder. He is found to be spontaneously alert, but confused. His airway is open and his breathing is adequate. Coworkers state that he was unresponsive for a period of 2 minutes following the fall and is on medications for depression and heart problems. Based on this information, the EMT should initially classify him as which kind of patient?

Trauma

Your partner is using the AEIOU-TIPPSS mnemonic to assess for common causes of altered mental status in a geriatric patient. During this process, your partner forgets what the "T" stands for. You would remind him that it means:

Trauma

A 40-year-old man has been seriously injured in a car crash. He is unresponsive and has what you believe to be a collapsed lung. Additionally, his left leg is severely deformed with heavy bleeding and his vital signs are unstable. A passenger in the car informs you that the patient has diabetes and significant heart problems. Given this information, what is the best destination for this patient, assuming all of the facilities are the same distance away?

Trauma center

A 67-year-old male patient, who has a history of diabetes and previous heart attack, fell down three stairs. His chief complaint is pain and deformity to his right wrist. The EMT would initially classify this patient as a:

Trauma patient

In a community park near his home, a 10-year-old boy has fallen from the top of a slide. His right wrist is deformed and he is in pain. He states that he lives with his mother and she is working. He does not know her work number. The EM T's best action would be to:

Treat the patient under the guidelines of implied consent

Which action best illustrates an EMT upholding a high ethical standard?

Treating alcoholics and drug addicts with respect

You have placed a 67-year-old female patient on low-concentration oxygen with a nasal cannula. Under which section of the pre hospital care report (PCR) would you document this information?

Treatment

A 56-year-old female patient with a smoking history and COPD complains of the sudden onset of shortness of breath and diaphoresis. Her history indicates no cardiac diagnosis but previous drug abuse 8 years ago. Vital signs are pulse, 96; respirations, 18 breaths/min and mildly labored; blood pressure, 168/102 mmHg; and SpO2, 96% on home oxygen at 4 1pm, which she wears for COPD. The patient's lung sounds are clear but diminished bilaterally. What is your best action

Turn down the oxygen to 2 lpm, monitor, and transport

You are caring for a patient who intentionally drank a compound containing a high percentage of methanol. He is confused and lethargic, but has no obvious deficits to his airway, breathing, or circulation. En route to the hospital, the patient states that he is very nauseated and thinks that he is going to vomit. Your immediate action would be to:

Turn the patient on his side

The EMT should use the jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway for the patient with which type of presentation?

Unresponsive after falling from a porch

While treating a patient who was assaulted by a mob of angry people in a bar, the EMT finds the patient to be confused, tachycardic, with cool skin and a poor capillary refill. Based on this information, how would you categorize this patient

Unstable

Which sign or symptom would reinforce the EMT's suspicion that a patient with a history of pancreatitis is having an exacerbation of the disease?

Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back

A patient experiencing pain in the thoracic region of his spinal column has pain in his

Upper back

What is the name of the structure in males and females that transports the urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder?

Ureters

A 20-year-old patient is unresponsive with snoring respirations. She is in a public restroom and has no family or friends with her. After addressing the airway, breathing, and circulation, you begin the secondary assessment. Which of these signs most likely indicates the patient experienced a seizure

Urinary incontinence

You are administering positive pressure ventilation to an elderly male patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which point must you keep in mind as you care for this patient?

Use of a CPAP may rupture the lung tissue and cause a pneumothorax

You are transporting a patient with chest pain to the hospital emergency department. In regard to possible fibrinolytic therapy, what should you relay during your hospital report as a possible relative contraindication to this therapy?

Use of anticoagulant medication

You have been called to transport a patient from one medical facility to another. The patient is infected with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), but does not have any open wounds and is medically stable. Given this information, which action is most appropriate?

Use the appropriate personal protective equipment and handwashing

In the field setting, the best way to avoid becoming infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is

Use the appropriate protective personal equipment

Information concerning the extent of injury can be related to findings of the complete head-to-toe exam by

Utilizing the body system approach

A patient with a history of frequent urinary tract infections (UTI) complains of lower abdominal pain and feels as though she has a UTI again. Which assessment findings would cause you to question that the problem is a UTI

Vaginal bleeding

For a patient who is acutely bleeding, what is the immediate response of the human body

Vasoconstriction caused by the sympathetic nervous system

If a patient's blood pressure cannot be increased by adding volume, then which other action would most likely be successful in increasing it

Vasoconstriction of the body's arteries

Which structure or vessel carries oxygen-depleted blood to the right atrium?

Vena cava

Within 2 minutes of going into cardiac arrest, an AED is applied, the patient is shocked, and a pulse is restored. The EMT should recognize that the patient's heart was in:

Ventricular fibrillation and now is in an organized rhythm

The AED should never be applied to a patient who is not in cardiac arrest because some patients in:

Ventricular tachycardia may still have a pulse

A female patient has a muscular disease and cannot walk, so she requires a wheelchair. Because the patient cannot ambulate by her own will, you would recognize that the muscles involved are

Voluntary

While assessing a patient with acute abdominal pain, you note that his abdomen is very rigid. When asked to relax his stomach muscles, he does. The EMT would recognize this patient as demonstrating:

Voluntary guarding

A confused female patient states that she was intoxicated and accidentally drank a glass of household bleach. When transporting this patient, which complication would you continually assess for

Vomiting

Which of these physical findings is least consistent with an injured extremity?

Vomiting

A 67-year-old male patient who lives in an extremely "bad" neighborhood is experiencing chest pain. There are vacant homes throughout the area, including the homes to either side of his residence. Additionally, parked/abandoned cars have forced you to park three houses away, making it necessary to walk and carry supplies to the residence. Which action is most appropriate as you approach and/or gain access to the patient's house

Walk single file with your partner behind you carrying the medical bag

You are attempting to increase your cardiovascular endurance in an effort to better perform your job as an EMT. Which action would be most appropriate in working toward this goal?

Walking on a treadmill 3 to 4 times per week

A mother has called you for her 9-year-old daughter, who was stung in the right hand by a bee. She states that her older daughter is allergic to bees and she is scared that the patient may also be allergic, although she has never been stung before. Assessment of the patient reveals a red, painful, and swollen area on the back of the girl's right hand. The primary assessment is unremarkable and her vital signs are normal. The mother hands you her older daughter's epinephrine auto-injector. You would:

Wash the patient's hand with soap and water

You are at a long-term care facility at the bedside of an 89-year-old female with an infected area on her back. The staff members state that they are fearful that the patient has a MRSA infection, so they have requested transport to the emergency department for further evaluation. To decrease your chance of acquiring MRSA, what should you, as an EMT, do?

Wash your hands following patient contact

You have just transferred care of a patient to an emergency department nurse. There is no blood, fluid, or dirt on your gloves. After taking them off, your best action would be to:

Wash your hands with soap and water

How would the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) be satisfied for a pregnant emergency medical dispatcher (EMO) who suffers from paralysis of both legs and requires the use of a wheelchair?

Wheelchair accessibility to and from dispatch

Which of these statements about the heart rhythm of ventricular fibrillation is true?

When a patient's heart is in ventricular fibrillation, it is unable to pump blood throughout the body

When would an EMT enter the scene of a crime to provide care to the patient?

When all hazards have been addressed

Which process of ventilation is correctly adhering to Boyle's law as it relates to ventilation

When the diaphragm contracts, it creates a negative intrathoracic pressure causing air to enter the lungs

When you are caring for a patient with either a medical complaint or a traumatic injury, you should typically perform the reassessment

While transporting the patient to the hospital

A patient with chest discomfort has the following vital signs: pulse, 88; respirations, 14 breaths/min; blood pressure, 154/84 mmHg; and SpO2, 97% on room air. In this situation, the EMT would address oxygen therapy by

Withholding the use of oxygen

During orientation, an EMT is told that owing to the nature of her employment, she is covered by sovereign immunity. Based on this statement, the EMT must:

Work for a public EMS agency

A patient states that he has suffered from chronic neck pain ever since an accident. Further, he states that he is filing a lawsuit against the EMTs since they failed to put a cervical collar on him at the time; in his eyes, this is the reason he has daily neck and back pain. The EMT can remember the incident well and remembers putting a collar on the patient. As such, his best defense would be:

Written documentation of collar placement on the PCR

A patient has advanced liver disease from years of exposure to toxic chemicals in his place of employment. Which skin color would the EMT expect given this status

Yellow-orange

You are conducting a verbal interview with a patient who is not very forthcoming with information. If you fail to continue to try to motivate the patient to talk, what would be the most undesirable outcome?

You may not gain valuable information that could impact your patient care decisions

You are accidentally stuck with a needle used to administer a medication to a patient with a known history of hepatitis B. You have already completed your hepatitis B vaccine series. In this case, which statement is true?

You need to report the needle stick to your supervisor as soon as possible

You realize the EMT is properly ventilating an unresponsive adult male patient when:

You observe the pulse oximeter trending upward

You are at the scene of a motorcycle accident on a rural road. The EMS captain has set up a landing zone and the local helicopter EMS agency has just landed; the aircraft is still running with both rotors turning. Which observation would cause you to take immediate action?

You see a new EMT start walking toward the aircraft as if he is going to open a door

A patient with diabetes has an elevated blood sugar (545 mg/dl) and, based on your assessment of his condition, will require an injection of insulin. Your EMT partner also has diabetes and administers insulin injections to himself throughout the day as needed. Although the Scope of Practice lists nothing about EMTs giving insulin, your partner administers the insulin injection to the patient. The patient's blood sugar comes down and her condition improves. Given this information, which statement is true?

Your partner violated the Scope of Practice and may have his certification revoked

Your ambulance was dispatched for a patient complaining of shortness of breath at 1512. You arrived on scene at 1523 and left at 1538. You arrived at the hospital with the patient at 1557 and were back in service at 1622. Given this information, which is true?

Your scene time was 15 minutes

You are approached by a college student who states that his college is working with a physician on a project that examines the types of violent trauma occurring within your jurisdiction. He then asks you if he may see copies of all patient care reports that involved patients who were either stabbed or shot. Who would be the best person to contact regarding this request?

Your service's privacy officer

If you have questions regarding the steps to take when exposed to an infectious disease, your best resource would be:

Your service's written exposure control plan

If a patient has a retroperitoneal infection, which organ is most likely involved

kidney