*Chapter 14
What does the mneumonic TACOS stand for?
Tobacco Alcohol Caffeine Over the counter medications/ herbal supplements Sexual and Street Drugs
Give some examples of gastrointestinal emergencies.
appendicitis diverticulitis pancreatitis
Jaundice is a sign of what kind of infection?
hepatitis
In 2009, the H1N1 virus accounted for over 200,000 deaths worldwide in the form of the swine flu. In 1919, a similar outbreak of the H1N1 occurred in the form of the Spanish flu. Starting in Kansas City, the virus spread rapidly worldwide, claiming up to 50 million lives. These are both examples of:
pandemics
When forming your general impression of a patient with a medical complaint, it is important to remember that:
the conditions of many medical patients may not appear serious at first
Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for complications caused by the influenza virus?
68 year old woman with type 2 diabetes
The MOST common error associated with the use of the AED is: A. failure of the EMT to ensure the battery is charged. B. malfunction of the AED's internal computer processor. C. inappropriately placed adhesive defibrillation electrodes. D. inability of the EMT to recognize ventricular fibrillation.
A
A 66-year-old female with a history of hypertension and diabetes presents with substernal chest pressure of 2 hours' duration. Her blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, her pulse is 100 beats/min and irregular, and her respirations are 22 breaths/min with adequate depth. The patient does not have prescribed nitroglycerin, but her husband does. You should: A. administer oxygen, give her 324 mg aspirin, and assess her further. B. obtain a SAMPLE history and contact medical control for advice. C. give her 100% oxygen, attach the AED, and transport immediately. D. give her one nitroglycerin and reassess her systolic blood pressure.
A
An acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurs when: A. myocardial tissue dies secondary to an absence of oxygen. B. the heart muscle progressively weakens and dysfunctions. C. coronary artery dilation decreases blood flow to the heart. D. the entire left ventricle is damaged and cannot pump blood.
A
Cardiogenic shock following AMI is caused by: A. decreased pumping force of the heart muscle. B. a profound increase in the patient's heart rate. C. hypovolemia secondary to severe vomiting. D. widespread dilation of the systemic vasculature.
A
Deoxygenated blood from the body returns to the: A. right atrium. B. right ventricle. C. left atrium. D. left ventricle.
A
In contrast to monophasic defibrillation, biphasic defibrillation: A. requires a lower energy setting. B. delivers all shocks at 360 joules. C. begins with 300 joules and escalates. D. is only effective for ventricular tachycardia.
A
Major risk factors for AMI include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. hypoglycemia. B. hypertension. C. diabetes mellitus. D. elevated cholesterol.
A
Nitroglycerin relieves cardiac-related chest pain by: A. dilating the coronary arteries and improving cardiac blood flow. B. increasing the amount of work that is placed on the myocardium. C. contracting the smooth muscle of the coronary and cerebral arteries. D. constricting the coronary arteries and improving cardiac blood flow.
A
Prompt transport of a patient with a suspected AMI is important because: A. the patient may be eligible to receive thrombolytic therapy. B. 90% of the cardiac cells will die within the first 30 minutes. C. nitroglycerin can only be given in the emergency department. D. many patients with an AMI die within 6 hours.
A
Signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency would MOST likely be delayed in patients who: A. have chronic hypertension. B. regularly take illegal drugs. C. have had a stroke in the past. D. are older than 40 years of age.
A
The iliac arteries immediately subdivide into the: A. femoral arteries. B. peroneal arteries. C. anterior tibial arteries. D. posterior tibial arteries.
A
The inferior vena cava returns deoxygenated blood to the right side of the heart from all of the following areas, EXCEPT the: A. brain. B. kidneys. C. abdomen. D. legs.
A
The purpose of defibrillation is to: A. stop the chaotic, disorganized contraction of the cardiac cells. B. cause a rapid decrease in the heart rate of an unstable patient. C. improve the chance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) being successful in resuscitation. D. prevent asystole from deteriorating into ventricular fibrillation.
A
Upon arriving at the residence of a patient with a possible cardiac problem, it is MOST important to: A. assess the scene for potential hazards. B. determine if you need additional help. C. request a paramedic unit for assistance. D. gain immediate access to the patient.
A
When an electrical impulse reaches the AV node, it is slowed for a brief period of time so that: A. blood can pass from the atria to the ventricles. B. blood returning from the body can fill the atria. C. the impulse can spread through the Purkinje fibers. D. the SA node can reset and generate another impulse.
A
Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom associated with malfunction of an implanted cardiac pacemaker? A. a rapid heart rate B. syncope or dizziness C. heart rate less than 60 beats/min D. generalized weakness
A
Which of the following statements regarding the AED and defibrillation is correct? A. The AED will not analyze the rhythm of a moving patient. B. Defibrillation is the first link in the American Heart Association chain of survival. C. The AED will shock any rhythm not accompanied by a pulse. D. CPR should be performed for 5 minutes before using the AED.
A
Which of the following would cause the greatest increase in cardiac output? A. increased heart rate and increased stroke volume B. decreased stroke volume and increased heart rate C. decreased heart rate and increased stroke volume D. decreased stroke volume and decreased heart rate
A
You and your partner arrive at the scene of a middle-aged man who collapsed about 5 minutes ago. He is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Bystanders are present, but have not provided any care. You should: A. begin high-quality CPR and apply the AED without delay. B. have your partner perform CPR while you question the bystanders. C. perform two-rescuer CPR for 5 minutes and request ALS backup. D. immediately apply the AED pads and analyze his cardiac rhythm.
A
You are assessing a 49-year-old man who complains of chest pressure that began the night before. He is conscious, but anxious, and tells you he has a history of angina and hypertension. After applying high-flow oxygen, you expose his chest to auscultate his lungs and note that he has a nitroglycerin patch on his right upper chest. His skin is cool and pale, his blood pressure is 78/50 mm Hg, and his pulse is 110 beats/min and irregular. You should: A. remove the nitroglycerin patch, place him in a supine position and elevate his lower extremities, and prepare for immediate transport. B. immediately remove the nitroglycerin patch, apply the AED in case he develops cardiac arrest, and transport to the closest hospital. C. move the nitroglycerin patch to the other side of his chest in case you need to apply the AED, keep him warm, and transport without delay. D. ask him if the nitroglycerin patch he is wearing has improved his chest pressure, complete your secondary assessment, and transport promptly.
A
When assessing a patient with a medical complaint, which of the following would MOST likely reveal the cause of the problem? A. Medical history B. Index of suspicion C. Baseline vital signs D. Primary assessment
A. Medical history
Most patients with an infectious disease will have _________. A. a fever B. seizures C. a low blood glucose level D. abdominal pain
A. a fever
When caring for a patient with an altered mental status and signs of circulatory compromise, you should: A. limit your time at the scene to 10 minutes or less, if possible. B. perform a detailed secondary assessment prior to transporting the patient. C. transport immediately and begin all emergency treatment en route to the hospital. D. have a paramedic unit respond to the scene if it is less than 15 minutes away.
A. limit your time at the scene to 10 minutes or less, if possible.
Assessment of the medical patient is usually focused on the _________. A. nature of illness B. field diagnosis C. associated symptoms D. medical history
A. nature of illness
In contrast to AMI, a dissecting aortic aneurysm: A. is more commonly associated with pressure in the chest. B. often presents with pain that is maximal from the onset. C. usually presents gradually, often over a period of hours. D. is typically preceded by other symptoms, such as nausea.
B
A 66-year-old woman presents with a stabbing pain in the middle of her chest that radiates to her back. She tells you that the pain suddenly began about 30 minutes ago and has been severe since the onset. She has a history of hypertension, but admits to being noncompliant with her antihypertensive medications. When you assess her, you find that her blood pressure is significantly higher in her left arm than it is in her right arm. What are her signs and symptoms MOST indicative of? A. unstable angina B. dissecting aortic aneurysm C. AMI D. hypertensive emergency
B
A 67-year-old female with severe chest pain becomes unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic during transport. You should: A. defibrillate with the AED while continuing transport to the hospital. B. stop the ambulance, begin CPR, and attach the AED as soon as possible. C. perform CPR for 1 to 2 minutes and then analyze her rhythm with an AED. D. alert the receiving hospital and perform CPR for the duration of the transport.
B
A patient with atherosclerotic heart disease experiences chest pain during exertion because the: A. coronary arteries suddenly spasm and cause a marked reduction in myocardial blood flow. B. lumen of the coronary artery is narrowed and cannot accommodate increased blood flow. C. tissues of the myocardium undergo necrosis secondary to a prolonged absence of oxygen. D. ragged edge of a tear in the coronary artery lumen causes local blood clotting and arterial narrowing.
B
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a term used to describe: A. the warning signs that occur shortly before a heart attack. B. a group of symptoms that are caused by myocardial ischemia. C. a severe decrease in perfusion caused by changes in heart rate. D. the exact moment that a coronary artery is completely occluded.
B
After assisting your patient with his or her nitroglycerin, you should: A. place the patient in a recumbent position in case he or she faints. B. reassess the blood pressure within 5 minutes to detect hypotension. C. avoid further dosing if the patient complains of a severe headache. D. perform a secondary assessment before administering further doses.
B
After the AED has delivered a shock, the EMT should: A. assess for a carotid pulse. B. immediately resume CPR. C. reanalyze the cardiac rhythm. D. transport the patient at once.
B
Angina pectoris occurs when: A. a coronary artery is totally occluded by plaque. B. myocardial oxygen demand exceeds the supply. C. one or more coronary arteries suddenly spasm. D. myocardial oxygen supply exceeds the demand.
B
Blood that is ejected from the right ventricle: A. enters the systemic circulation. B. flows into the pulmonary arteries. C. has a high concentration of oxygen. D. was received directly from the aorta.
B
Common side effects of nitroglycerin include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. bradycardia. B. hypertension. C. hypotension. D. severe headache.
B
Ischemic heart disease is MOST accurately defined as: A. absent myocardial blood flow due to a blocked coronary artery. B. decreased blood flow to one or more portions of the myocardium. C. death of a portion of the heart muscle due to a decrease in oxygen. D. decreased blood flow to the heart muscle due to coronary dilation.
B
Most patients are instructed by their physician to take up to _______ doses of nitroglycerin before calling EMS. A. two B. three C. four D. five
B
Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in patients: A. who have taken up to two doses. B. who have experienced a head injury. C. with a history of an ischemic stroke. D. with a systolic blood pressure less than 120 mm Hg.
B
Prior to assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin, the EMT must: A. ensure the medication is in tablet form. B. obtain authorization from medical control. C. determine who prescribed the nitroglycerin. D. wait at least 5 minutes after assessing the blood pressure.
B
Prior to attaching the AED to a cardiac arrest patient, the EMT should: A. contact medical control. B. dry the chest off if it is wet. C. perform CPR for 30 seconds. D. assess for a pulse for 20 seconds.
B
Rapid, labored breathing in a patient with signs and symptoms of AMI should make you suspicious for: A. a cardiac arrhythmia. B. congestive heart failure. C. significant hypotension. D. right ventricular failure.
B
The AED is MOST advantageous to the EMT because: A. it is lightweight, easy to use, and safe for the EMT who is using it. B. it delivers prompt defibrillation to patients with ventricular fibrillation. C. its use does not require the presence of ALS personnel. D. it delivers an unlimited number of shocks with the same amount of energy.
B
The MOST common reason that many people experiencing AMI do not seek immediate medical attention is because they: A. are elderly. B. are in denial. C. cannot afford it. D. do not trust EMTs.
B
The descending aorta divides into the two iliac arteries at the level of the: A. nipple line. B. umbilicus. C. iliac crest. D. pubic symphysis.
B
The right coronary artery supplies blood to the: A. left ventricle and inferior wall of the right atrium. B. right ventricle and inferior wall of the left ventricle. C. right atrium and posterior wall of the right ventricle. D. left ventricle and posterior wall of the right ventricle.
B
What is the function of the left atrium? A. It ejects oxygenated blood into the aorta. B. It receives oxygenated blood from the lungs. C. It receives blood from the pulmonary arteries. D. It receives oxygenated blood from the vena cava.
B
When documenting a patient's description of his or her chest pain or discomfort, the EMT should: A. use medical terminology. B. use the patient's own words. C. underline the patient's quotes. D. document his or her own perception.
B
When the myocardium requires more oxygen: A. the heart contracts with less force. B. the arteries supplying the heart dilate. C. the heart rate decreases significantly. D. the AV node conducts fewer impulses.
B
Which of the following is NOT a function of the sympathetic nervous system? A. dilation of blood vessels in the muscles B. constriction of blood vessels in the muscles C. increases in the heart and respiratory rates D. constriction of blood vessels in the digestive system
B
Which of the following is a major difference between angina pectoris and AMI? A. AMI is caused by myocardial ischemia. B. Anginal pain typically subsides with rest. C. Nitroglycerin has no effect on angina pectoris. D. Pain from an AMI subsides within 30 minutes.
B
Which of the following medications is commonly given to patients with chest pain to prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger? A. furosemide (Lasix) B. aspirin C. oxygen D. digoxin (Lanoxin)
B
Which of the following signs is commonly observed in patients with right-sided heart failure? A. labored breathing B. dependent edema C. pulmonary edema D. flat jugular veins
B
Which of the following signs or symptoms would you NOT expect to encounter in a patient with congestive heart failure? A. hypertension and tachycardia B. hypotension and flat jugular veins C. the presence of rales in the lungs D. trouble breathing while lying down
B
You are dispatched to a residence for a 56-year-old male with an altered mental status. Upon arrival at the scene, the patient's wife tells you that he complained of chest pain the day before, but would not allow her to call EMS. The patient is semiconscious; has rapid, shallow respirations; and has a thready pulse. You should: A. obtain baseline vital signs. B. begin ventilatory assistance. C. attach the automated external defibrillator (AED) immediately. D. apply a nonrebreathing mask.
B
Your EMS team is performing CPR on a 60-year-old male in cardiac arrest. You connect the AED, push the analyze button, and receive a "no shock advised" message. You should: A. reanalyze the patient's cardiac rhythm. B. perform CPR for 2 minutes and reassess. C. determine if a palpable pulse is present. D. immediately assess the patient's airway.
B
Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for complications caused by the influenza virus? A. 12-year-old child with a fractured arm B. 68-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes C. 39-year-old man with mild hypertension D. 50-year-old woman moderate obesity
B. 68-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes
The determination of whether a medical patient is a high-priority or low-priority transport is typically made: A. once the patient's baseline vital signs are known. B. after the primary assessment has been completed. C. upon completion of a detailed secondary assessment. D. as soon as the patient voices his or her chief complaint.
B. after the primary assessment has been completed.
The BEST way to prevent infection from whooping cough is to: A. ask all patients if they have recently traveled abroad. B. get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. C. wear a HEPA mask when treating any respiratory patient. D. routinely place a surgical mask on all respiratory patients.
B. get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
The _____ is your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying and unseen injuries or illnesses. A. nature of illness B. index of suspicion C. general impression D. clinical impression
B. index of suspicion
You and your EMT partner arrive at the residence of a 50-year-old man who complains of weakness. Your primary assessment reveals that he is critically ill and will require aggressive treatment. The closest hospital is 25 miles away. You should: A. perform a detailed secondary assessment, assess his vital signs, and then transport rapidly. B. manage all threats to airway, breathing, and circulation and consider requesting an ALS unit. C. administer oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and obtain as much of his medical history as possible. D. load him into the ambulance, begin transport, and perform all treatment en route to the hospital.
B. manage all threats to airway, breathing, and circulation and consider requesting an ALS unit
After sizing up the scene of a patient with a possible infectious disease, your next priority should be to: A. contact medical control. B. take standard precautions. C. quickly access the patient. D. notify law enforcement.
B. take standard precautions.
A 40-year-old man is in cardiac arrest. Your partner is performing CPR. You are attaching the AED when the patient's wife tells you that he has an automatic implanted cardiac defibrillator (AICD). The AED advises that a shock is indicated. What should you do? A. Avoid defibrillation as this will damage the patient's AICD. B. Contact medical control and request permission to defibrillate. C. Deliver the shock followed by immediate resumption of CPR. D. Continue CPR and transport the patient to the closest appropriate hospital.
C
A dissecting aortic aneurysm occurs when: A. all layers of the aorta suddenly contract. B. a weakened area develops in the aortic wall. C. the inner layers of the aorta become separated. D. the aorta ruptures, resulting in profound bleeding.
C
During your treatment of a woman in cardiac arrest, you apply the AED, analyze her cardiac rhythm, and receive a "no shock advised" message. This indicates that: A. the AED has detected asystole. B. the AED detected patient motion. C. she is not in ventricular fibrillation. D. she has a pulse and does not need CPR.
C
In contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system: A. prepares the body to handle stress. B. causes an increase in the heart rate. C. slows the heart and respiratory rates. D. dilates the blood vessels in the muscles.
C
Risk factors for AMI that cannot be controlled include: A. excess stress. B. hyperglycemia. C. family history. D. lack of exercise.
C
Sudden death following AMI is MOST often caused by: A. cardiogenic shock. B. severe bradycardia. C. ventricular fibrillation. D. congestive heart failure.
C
The EMT should use an AED on a child between 1 month and 8 years of age if: A. he or she is not breathing and has a weakly palpable pulse. B. his or her condition is rapidly progressing to cardiac arrest. C. pediatric pads and an energy-reducing device are available. D. special pads are used and the child has profound tachycardia.
C
The electrical impulse generated by the heart originates in the: A. bundle of His. B. coronary sinus. C. sinoatrial (SA) node. D. atrioventricular (AV) node.
C
The head and brain receive their supply of oxygenated blood from the: A. iliac arteries. B. brachial arteries. C. carotid arteries. D. subclavian arteries.
C
The left ventricle has the thickest walls because it: A. pumps blood to the lungs to be reoxygenated. B. uses less oxygen than other chambers of the heart. C. pumps blood into the aorta and systemic circulation. D. receives blood directly from the systemic circulation.
C
The main legal risk in using the AED is: A. negligence on the part of the manufacturer. B. failure of the AED's internal computer chip. C. failing to deliver a shock when one is needed. D. not assessing for a pulse after a shock is delivered.
C
When afterload increases: A. the volume of venous blood that returns to the right atrium increases. B. the amount of resistance that the ventricle must beat against decreases. C. it becomes harder for the ventricle to push blood through the blood vessels. D. the blood pressure falls because of significant dilation of the blood vessels.
C
When treating a patient with chest pain, you should assume that he or she is having an AMI because: A. angina usually occurs after an AMI. B. most patients with chest pain are experiencing an AMI. C. the cause of the pain cannot be diagnosed in the field. D. angina and AMI present identically.
C
When would it be MOST appropriate for a patient to take his or her prescribed nitroglycerin? A. sharp chest pain that lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes B. an acute onset of dizziness during a period of exertion C. chest pain that does not immediately subside with rest D. difficulty breathing that awakens the patient from sleep
C
Which of the following is the MOST reliable method of estimating a patient's cardiac output? A. Listen to heart sounds with a stethoscope. B. Connect the patient to an electrocardiogram. C. Assess the heart rate and strength of the pulse. D. Determine the average diastolic blood pressure.
C
Which of the following represents the MOST appropriate method of assisting a patient with his or her prescribed nitroglycerin tablet or spray? A. Encourage the patient to chew the tablet to increase its effectiveness. B. Place the medication under the tongue and have the patient swallow it. C. Administer the medication sublingually and allow it to dissolve or absorb. D. Wait 15 minutes and reassess the blood pressure prior to administering another dose.
C
Which of the following veins is located inferior to the trunk? A. cephalic B. axillary C. saphenous D. subclavian
C
You are dispatched to a convenience store for a patient who passed out. Upon arriving at the scene, you find two bystanders performing CPR on the patient, a 58-year-old male. Your initial action should be to: A. assess the effectiveness of the bystanders' CPR. B. quickly attach the AED and push the analyze button. C. have the bystanders stop CPR and assess the patient. D. request a paramedic unit and quickly attach the AED.
C
The incubation period for hepatitis B is typically: A. 1 to 2 weeks. B. 5 to 10 weeks. C. 4 to 12 weeks. D. 1 to 10 weeks.
C. 4 to 12 weeks.
Which of the following is bacterium resistant to most antibiotics and causes skin abscesses? A. Whooping cough B. H1N1 C. MRSA D. Avian flu
C. MRSA
Which of the following conditions is NOT categorized as a psychiatric condition? A. Depression B. Schizophrenia C. Substance abuse D. Alzheimer disease
C. Substance abuse
Most treatments provided in the prehospital setting are intended to _________. A. confirm the patient's diagnosis B. correct the patient's underlying problem C. address the patient's symptoms D. reduce the need for transport to the hospital
C. address the patient's symptoms
You are attending to a 27-year-old male driver of a car. According to his passenger, the patient had been acting strangely while driving, then slumped forward against the steering wheel, apparently unconscious. The car drove off the road and struck a telephone pole. The patient remains unconscious, and physical assessment reveals only a large hematoma on his right forehead with no other physical signs. Your patient is a diabetic who had been under a lot of stress lately and may have missed meals. This is an example of a: A. medical emergency. B. trauma emergency. C. combination of a medical and trauma emergency. D. combination of a psychiatric and trauma emergency.
C. combination of a medical and trauma emergency.
A 49-year-old male presents with an acute onset of crushing chest pain and diaphoresis. You should: A. administer up to 324 mg of baby aspirin. B. administer up to three doses of nitroglycerin. C. obtain vital signs and a SAMPLE history. D. assess the adequacy of his respirations.
D
A 67-year-old female presents with difficulty breathing and chest discomfort that awakened her from her sleep. She states that she has congestive heart failure, has had two previous heart attacks, and has prescribed nitroglycerin. She is conscious and alert with adequate breathing. Her blood pressure is 94/64 mm Hg and her heart rate is 120 beats/min. Treatment for this patient includes: A. nitroglycerin for her chest pain. B. ventilations with a bag-mask device. C. oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula. D. placing her in an upright position.
D
A percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) restores blood flow to the ischemic myocardium by: A. scraping fatty deposits off of the lumen of the coronary artery. B. bypassing the coronary artery with a vessel from the chest or leg. C. placing a stent inside the coronary artery to keep it from narrowing. D. dilating the affected coronary artery with a small inflatable balloon.
D
Cardiac output may decrease if the heart beats too rapidly because: A. a rapid heart beat causes a decrease in the strength of cardiac contractions. B. the volume of blood that returns to the heart is not sufficient with fast heart rates. C. as the heart rate increases, more blood is pumped from the ventricles than the atria. D. there is not enough time in between contractions for the heart to refill completely.
D
Common signs and symptoms of AMI include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. irregular heartbeat. B. sudden unexplained sweating. C. shortness of breath or dyspnea. D. pain exacerbated by breathing.
D
Common signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency include: A. pallor, cool skin, and a temporary loss of hearing. B. syncope, a weak pulse, and bleeding from the ears. C. tachycardia, pain behind the eyes, and weakness. D. a bounding pulse, a severe headache, and dizziness.
D
Defibrillator pads are placed on the patient's chest with one pad to the: A. left of the upper sternum and the other pad just to the right of the left nipple. B. right of the upper sternum and the other pad just to the right of the right nipple. C. left of the upper sternum and the other pad just to the right and below the left nipple. D. right of the upper sternum and the other pad just to the left and below the left nipple.
D
Narrowing of the coronary arteries due to a buildup of fatty deposits is called: A. angina pectoris. B. arteriosclerosis. C. acute ischemia. D. atherosclerosis.
D
Prior to defibrillating a patient with an AED, it is MOST important that you: A. properly position the defibrillation pads. B. perform up to 5 minutes of effective CPR. C. confirm that the patient is in cardiac arrest. D. ensure that no one is touching the patient.
D
The AED has delivered a shock to an elderly male in cardiac arrest. Following 2 minutes of CPR, you reanalyze the patient's cardiac rhythm and receive a "no shock advised" message. After further resuscitation, you restore a palpable carotid pulse. Your next action should be to: A. obtain a blood pressure and apply the pulse oximeter. B. place him in the recovery position and apply oxygen. C. transport at once and reanalyze his rhythm en route. D. reassess airway and breathing and treat accordingly.
D
The ability of cardiac muscle cells to contract spontaneously without a stimulus from a nerve source is called: A. excitability. B. contractility. C. impulsivity. D. automaticity.
D
The electrical stimulus that originates in the heart's primary pacemaker is controlled by impulses from the brain that arrive by way of the: A. parietal lobe. B. pons and medulla. C. somatic nervous system. D. autonomic nervous system.
D
The myocardium receives oxygenated blood from the __________, which originate(s) from the __________. A. coronary sinus, vena cava B. aorta, inferior vena cava C. vena cava, coronary veins D. coronary arteries, aorta
D
The posterior tibial pulse can be palpated: A. on the dorsum of the foot. B. above the lateral malleolus. C. in the fossa behind the knee. D. behind the medial malleolus.
D
Ventricular tachycardia causes hypotension because: A. the volume of blood returning to the atria increases. B. the right ventricle does not adequately pump blood. C. blood backs up into the lungs and causes congestion. D. the left ventricle does not adequately fill with blood.
D
Which of the following blood vessels transports oxygenated blood? A. superior vena cava B. pulmonary arteries C. inferior vena cava D. pulmonary veins
D
Which of the following cardiac arrhythmias has the greatest chance of deteriorating into a pulseless rhythm? A. sinus tachycardia B. sinus bradycardia C. extra ventricular beats D. ventricular tachycardia
D
Which of the following is of LEAST pertinence when obtaining medical history information from a patient complaining of chest discomfort? A. history of cigarette smoking B. history of previous heart attack C. presence of personal risk factors D. family history of hypertension
D
Which of the following statements regarding nitroglycerin is correct? A. The potency of nitroglycerin is increased when exposed to light. B. A maximum of five nitroglycerin doses should be given to a patient. C. Nitroglycerin should be administered between the cheek and gum. D. Nitroglycerin usually relieves anginal chest pain within 5 minutes.
D
Which of the following statements regarding the pain associated with AMI is correct? A. It is often described by the patient as a sharp feeling. B. It often fluctuates in intensity when the patient breathes. C. Nitroglycerin usually resolves the pain within 30 minutes. D. It can occur during exertion or when the patient is at rest.
D
In which of the following situations would it be MOST appropriate to utilize an air medical transportation service? A. 29-year-old woman who is 18 weeks pregnant, has light vaginal bleeding, and stable vital signs B. 43-year-old man experiencing a heart attack, and the closest appropriate hospital is 15 minutes away C. 50-year-old conscious woman with severe nausea and vomiting, fever, and chills of 3 days' duration D. 61-year-old man with signs and symptoms of a stroke and a ground transport time of 50 minutes
D. 61-year-old man with signs and symptoms of a stroke and a ground transport time of 50 minutes
________ is a bacterium that causes infections and is resistant to most antibiotics. A. Meningitis B. Tuberculosis C. Hepatitis C D. MRSA
D. MRSA
An infectious disease is MOST accurately defined as: A. any disease that enters the body via the bloodstream and renders the immune system nonfunctional. B. the invasion of the human body by a bacterium that cannot be destroyed by antibiotics or other drugs. C. a disease that can be spread from one person or species to another through a number of mechanisms. D. a medical condition caused by the growth and spread of small, harmful organisms within the body.
D. a medical condition caused by the growth and spread of small, harmful organisms within the body.
It is especially important to assess pulse, sensation, and movement in all extremities as well as pupillary reactions in patients with a suspected ___________ problem. A. cardiac B. endocrine C. respiratory D. neurologic
D. neurologic
Ten days after treating a 34-year-old patient with tuberculosis, you are given a tuberculin skin test, which yields a positive result. This MOST likely indicates that: A. you are actively infected with tuberculosis and should be treated immediately. B. the disease is dormant in your body, but will probably never cause symptoms. C. you contracted the disease by casual contact instead of exposure to secretions. D. you were exposed to another infected person prior to treating the 34-year-old patient.
D. you were exposed to another infected person prior to treating the 34-year-old patient
Give some examples of psychiatric emergencies.
alzheimer disease schizophrenia depression
Give some examples of immunologic emergencies.
anaphalytic emergencies
Which of the following is a major difference between angina pectoris and AMI?
angina pain usually subsides with rest
Hepatitis B is more virulent than hepatitis C, which means that it:
as a greater ability to produce disease
Which of the following medications is commonly given to patients with chest pain to prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger?
aspirin
Give some examples of respiratory emergencies.
asthma emphysema chronic bronchitis
Give some examples of endocrine emergencies.
diabetes mellitus
A 66-year-old woman presents with a stabbing pain in the middle of her chest that radiates to her back. She tells you that the pain suddenly began about 30 minutes ago and has been severe since the onset. She has a history of hypertension, but admits to being noncompliant with her antihypertensive medications. When you assess her, you find that her blood pressure is significantly higher in her left arm than it is in her right arm. What are her signs and symptoms MOST indicative of?
dissecting aortic aneurysm
Give some examples of cardiovascular emergencies.
heart attack congestive heart failure
The BEST way to prevent infection from whooping cough is to:
get vaccinated against diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis
Give some examples of urologic emergencies.
kidney stones
You and your EMT partner arrive at the residence of a 50-year-old man who complains of weakness. Your primary assessment reveals that he is critically ill and will require aggressive treatment. The closest hospital is 25 miles away. You should:
manage all threats to airway, breathing and circulation and consider requesting an ALS unit
After assisting your patient with his or her nitroglycerin, you should
reassess the blood pressure within 5 minutes to detect hypotension.
Give some examples of neurologic emergencies.
seizure stroke syncope
Give some examples of hematologic emergencies.
sickle cell disease hemophilia
Give some examples of toxicologic emergencies.
substance abuse food poisioning plant poisoning chemical poisoning
Give some examples of gynecologic emergencies.
vaginal bleeding STD's pelvic inflammatory disease ecotpic pregnancy
