Chapter 9 - Patient Assessment
Which of the following questions is used to determine a patient's chief complaint? A. "What seems to be the matter?" B. "When did the chest pain begin?" C. "Are you having trouble breathing?" D. "Do you have a history of diabetes?"
A. "What seems to be the matter?"
During a 30-minute transport of a stable patient, you should reassess him or her at least ________ times. A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 6
A. 2
A patient in unstable condition should be reassessed at least every: A. 5 minutes. B. 10 minutes. C. 15 minutes. D. 20 minutes.
A. 5 minutes.
In the adult, bradycardia is defined as a pulse rate less than _______ beats/min, and tachycardia is defined as a heart rate greater than _______ beats/min. A. 60, 100 B. 50, 110 C. 40, 120 D. 30, 130
A. 60, 100
Which of the following patients does NOT have signs of an altered mental status? A. A patient with an acute allergic reaction and dizziness B. A diabetic who opens his eyes when you ask questions C. A patient with a head injury who is slow to answer questions D. A patient who overdosed and moans when he is touched
A. A patient with an acute allergic reaction and dizziness
What part of the patient assessment process focuses on obtaining additional information about the patient's chief complaint and any medical problems he or she may have? A. History taking B. eneral impression C. Primary assessment D. Secondary assessment
A. History taking
Which of the following signs of respiratory distress is seen MOST commonly in pediatric patients? A. Seesaw breathing B. Rapid respirations C. Pursed-lip breathing D. Accessory muscle use
A. Seesaw breathing
Which of the following statements regarding the secondary assessment is correct? A. The secondary assessment should focus on a certain area or region of the body as determined by the chief complaint. B. The secondary assessment should be performed en route to the hospital, regardless of the severity of the patient's condition. C. A secondary assessment should always be performed, even if you must continually manage life threats that were identified in the primary assessment. D. During the secondary assessment, the EMT's primary focus should be on taking the patient's vital signs and obtaining a SAMPLE history.
A. The secondary assessment should focus on a certain area or region of the body as determined by the chief complaint.
External bleeding from an extremity can usually be controlled initially by: A. applying direct pressure. B. elevating the extremity. C. applying a tourniquet. D. applying chemical ice packs.
A. applying direct pressure.
When palpating the carotid pulse of a responsive patient, you should: A. avoid compressing both carotid arteries simultaneously. B. ensure that his or her head is in a hyperextended position. C. avoid gentle pressure so that weak pulses can be detected. D. firmly compress the artery because the pulse is often weak.
A. avoid compressing both carotid arteries simultaneously.
When you inspect a patient's pupils with a penlight, the pupils should normally react to the light by: A. constricting. B. enlarging. C. dilating. D. fluttering.
A. constricting.
Capnography is used to: A. determine how much carbon dioxide is being exhaled. B. assess how much oxygen is bound to the hemoglobin. C. trend a patient's blood pressure and assess for shock. D. assess how much oxygen is reaching the body's tissues.
A. determine how much carbon dioxide is being exhaled.
A patient with high blood pressure would be expected to have skin that is: A. flushed and red. B. mottled and cool. C. pale and moist. D. cyanotic and dry.
A. flushed and red.
When interviewing a patient, you can show him or her that you understand the situation by: A. repeating statements back to him or her. B. using medical terminology whenever possible. C. maintaining constant eye contact with him or her. D. interrupting him or her as needed for clarification.
A. repeating statements back to him or her.
Clinical signs of labored breathing include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. shallow chest movement. B. use of accessory muscles. C. supraclavicular retractions. D. gasping attempts to breathe.
A. shallow chest movement.
When assessing a patient's abdomen, you will evaluate for all of the following, EXCEPT: A. subcutaneous emphysema. B. open wounds or eviscerations. C. gross bleeding and tenderness. D. rigidity and obvious bleeding.
A. subcutaneous emphysema.
The "Golden Hour" begins when an injury occurs and ends when: A. the patient receives definitive care. B. the patient is admitted to the ICU. C. you depart the scene for the hospital. D. you arrive at the emergency department.
A. the patient receives definitive care.
Reassessment is performed to determine all of the following, EXCEPT: A. the reason why the patient called EMS. B. the patient's response to your treatment. C. whether or not the patient is deteriorating. D. the nature of any newly identified problems.
A. the reason why the patient called EMS.
When assessing motor function in a conscious patient's lower extremities, you should expect the patient to: A. wiggle his or her toes on command. B. feel you touching the extremity. C. note any changes in temperature. D. identify different types of stimuli.
A. wiggle his or her toes on command.
The normal respiratory rate for an adult should range from: A. 10 to 12 breaths per minute. B. 12 to 20 breaths per minute. C. 18 to 24 breaths per minute. D. 24 to 28 breaths per minute.
B. 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Which of the following findings indicates that your patient has a patent airway? A. Audible breathing B. Forceful coughing C. Inspiratory stridor D. Unresponsiveness
B. Forceful coughing
Which of the following is an example of a symptom? A. Cyanosis B. Headache C. Tachycardia D. Hypertension
B. Headache
What maneuver should be used to open the airway of an unresponsive patient with suspected trauma? A. Tongue-jaw lift B. Jaw-thrust maneuver C. Head tilt-chin lift D. Head tilt-neck lift
B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
Which of the following situations or conditions warrants immediate transport? A. Mild pain in the lower abdomen B. Severe chest pain and cool, pale skin C. Decreased ability to move an extremity D. Responsiveness and ability to follow commands
B. Severe chest pain and cool, pale skin
Which of the following abnormal breath sounds indicates obstruction of the upper airway? A. Rales B. Stridor C. Crackles D. Rhonchi
B. Stridor
When performing the secondary assessment on a trauma patient, you note the presence of Battle sign. This is defined as: A. unequal pupils. B. bruising behind the ear. C. swelling to the orbital area. D. fluid drainage from the nose.
B. bruising behind the ear.
A patient's short-term memory is MOST likely intact if he or she correctly answers questions regarding: A. time and place. B. date and event. C. event and person. D. person and place.
B. date and event.
After performing a primary assessment, a rapid exam of the body should be performed to: A. determine the need for spinal motion restriction precautions. B. identify less-obvious injuries that require immediate treatment. C. look specifically for signs and symptoms of inadequate perfusion. D. find and treat injuries or conditions that do not pose a threat to life.
B. identify less-obvious injuries that require immediate treatment.
When you use the palpation method to obtain a blood pressure, the measurement you obtain is the: A. pulse pressure. B. systolic blood pressure. C. diastolic blood pressure. D. cardiac output pressure.
B. systolic blood pressure.
You should gently palpate a patient's pelvis only if: A. you note gross deformity to the pelvic area. B. the patient does not complain of pelvic pain. C. the MOI suggests significant trauma to the pelvis. D. the possibility of a pelvic fracture has been ruled out.
B. the patient does not complain of pelvic pain.
When a patient's respirations are shallow: A. chest rise will be easily noticeable. B. tidal volume is markedly reduced. C. oxygenation occurs more efficiently. D. carbon dioxide elimination is increased.
B. tidal volume is markedly reduced.
Which of the following questions would you ask a patient to ascertain the "M" in the SAMPLE history? A. "Have you ever had any major surgeries?" B. "How long have you had your chest pain?" C. "How much Tylenol do you take each day?" D. "When was the last time you ate a meal?"
C. "How much Tylenol do you take each day?"
A 29-year-old male with a head injury opens his eyes when you speak to him, is confused as to the time and date, and is able to move all of his extremities on command. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is: A. 10. B. 12. C. 13. D. 14.
C. 13.
For an adult, the normal resting pulse should be between: A. 50 and 60 beats/min. B. 50 and 70 beats/min. C. 60 and 100 beats/min. D. 70 and 110 beats/min.
C. 60 and 100 beats/min.
Which of the following statements regarding stridor is correct? A. It is a whistling sound heard in the lower airway. B. It is caused by incorrect airway positioning. C. It is a high-pitched, crowing upper airway sound. D. It suggests the presence of fluid in the lungs.
C. It is a high-pitched, crowing upper airway sound.
A patient with profuse sweating is referred to as being: A. flushed. B. plethoric. C. diaphoretic. D. edematous.
C. diaphoretic.
You should suspect that a patient is experiencing respiratory failure if he or she: A. is restless and is working hard to breathe. B. has an increased heart rate and retractions. C. has bradycardia and diminished muscle tone. D. is anxious, tachycardic, and leaning forward.
C. has bradycardia and diminished muscle tone.
The chief complaint is MOST accurately defined as the: A. most life-threatening condition that you discover. B. condition that exacerbates an underlying problem. C. most serious thing the patient is concerned about. D. gross physical signs that you detect on assessment.
C. most serious thing the patient is concerned about.
While evaluating a patient with chest pain, your partner tells you that the patient's blood pressure is 140/94 mm Hg. The lower number represents the pressure from the: A. atria relaxing. B. atria contracting. C. ventricles relaxing. D. ventricles contracting.
C. ventricles relaxing.
Which of the following patient responses would establish the "E" in the SAMPLE history? A. "I was in the hospital a week ago." B. "I am not having any difficulty breathing." C. "The chest pain started about 45 minutes ago." D. "I was mowing the lawn when the pain began."
D. "I was mowing the lawn when the pain began."
A 71-year-old female slipped on a rug and fell. She is conscious and alert and complains of severe pelvic pain. Her respirations are 22 breaths/min with adequate depth and her heart rate is 120 beats/min. Which of the following is NOT indicated for this patient? A. Rapid head-to-toe exam B. Application of a cervical collar C. Treating her for possible shock D. Gentle palpation of the pelvis
D. Gentle palpation of the pelvis
When you shine a light into one pupil, the normal reaction of the other pupil should be to: A. dilate. B. not react. C. become larger. D. become smaller.
D. become smaller.
Upon arriving at the scene of a patient with difficulty breathing, you determine that the scene is safe. You enter the residence and find the patient sitting in a chair in respiratory distress. Your first action should be to: A. ask the patient what's wrong. B. obtain a set of baseline vital signs. C. assess the patient's airway status. D. introduce yourself to the patient.
D. introduce yourself to the patient.
In patients with deeply pigmented skin, changes in color may be apparent only in certain areas, such as the: A. back of the neck. B. forehead and face. C. dorsum of the hand. D. lips or oral mucosa.
D. lips or oral mucosa.
The goal of the systematic head-to-toe exam that is performed during the secondary assessment is to: A. detect and treat all non-life-threatening injuries. B. assess only the parts of the body that are injured. C. definitively rule out significant internal injuries. D. locate injuries not found in the primary assessment.
D. locate injuries not found in the primary assessment.
The systematic head-to-toe assessment should be performed on: A. stable patients who are able to tell you exactly what happened. B. all patients with traumatic injuries who will require EMS transport. C. responsive medical patients and patients without a significant MOI. D. patients with a significant MOI and unresponsive medical patients.
D. patients with a significant MOI and unresponsive medical patients.
As time progresses following a significant injury: A. the patient's blood pressure elevates significantly. B. the patient's injuries will most likely be irreparable. C. most patients will die secondary to internal bleeding. D. the body's ability to compensate for shock decreases.
D. the body's ability to compensate for shock decreases.
Supplemental oxygen without assisted ventilation would MOST likely be administered to patients: A. who are semiconscious with shallow respirations. B. with rapid respirations and a reduced tidal volume. C. who have accessory muscle use and slow breathing. D. with difficulty breathing and adequate tidal volume.
D. with difficulty breathing and adequate tidal volume.
Which of the following statements regarding the secondary assessment is correct? A. If your general impression of a patient does not reveal any obvious life threats, you should proceed directly to the secondary assessment. B. The purpose of the secondary assessment is to systematically examine every patient from head to toe, regardless of the severity of his or her injury. C. You may not have time to perform a secondary assessment if you must continually manage life threats that were identified during the primary assessment. D. A focused secondary assessment would be the most appropriate approach for a patient who experienced significant trauma to multiple body systems.
C. You may not have time to perform a secondary assessment if you must continually manage life threats that were identified during the primary assessment.
Treatment and transport priorities at the scene of a mass-casualty incident should be determined after: A. a physician arrives at the scene. B. the number of patients is known. C. all the patients have been triaged. D. area hospitals have been notified.
C. all the patients have been triaged.
A 50-year-old male is found unconscious in his car. There were no witnesses to the event. When gathering medical history information for this patient, the EMT should: A. wait for family members to arrive before asking any questions. B. defer SAMPLE history questions until you arrive at the hospital. C. determine if the patient has a medical alert bracelet or wallet card. D. ask law enforcement officials if they are familiar with the patient.
C. determine if the patient has a medical alert bracelet or wallet card.
A blood pressure cuff that is too small for a patient's arm will give a: A. falsely low systolic and diastolic reading. B. falsely high systolic but low diastolic reading. C. falsely high systolic and diastolic reading. D. falsely low systolic but high diastolic reading.
C. falsely high systolic and diastolic reading.
During your assessment of a 6-month-old male with vomiting and diarrhea, you note that his capillary refill time is approximately 4 seconds. From this information, you should conclude that the infant's: A. respiratory status is adequate. B. systolic blood pressure is normal. C. peripheral circulation is decreased. D. skin temperature is abnormally cold.
C. peripheral circulation is decreased.
A 50-year-old male presents with altered mental status. His wife tells you that he had a "small stroke" 3 years ago but has otherwise been in good health. The patient is responsive but unable to follow commands. After administering oxygen if needed, you should: A. repeat the primary assessment. B. inquire about his family history. C. prepare for immediate transport. D. perform a head-to-toe assessment.
C. prepare for immediate transport.
A palpable pulse is created by: A. the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. B. the pressure that is caused when venous blood returns to the heart. C. pressure waves through the arteries caused by cardiac contraction. D. electrical conduction in the heart producing ventricular contraction.
C. pressure waves through the arteries caused by cardiac contraction.
You are dispatched to the county jail for an inmate who is "sick." When you arrive, you find the patient, a 33-year-old male, unresponsive. His airway is patent and his respirations are rapid and shallow. Your initial action should be to: A. apply a pulse oximeter. B. request a paramedic unit. C. provide assisted ventilation. D. assess his blood pressure.
C. provide assisted ventilation.
A pulse with a consistent pattern is considered to be: A. weak. B. strong. C. regular. D. irregular.
C. regular.
When performing a reassessment of your patient, you should first: A. obtain updated vital signs. B. reassess your interventions. C. repeat the primary assessment. D. confirm medical history findings.
C. repeat the primary assessment.
In which of the following situations is a pertinent negative identified? A. A 50-year-old woman states that nothing makes her chest pain better or worse. B. A 53-year-old man with dizziness also tells you that he has vomited three times. C. A 56-year-old woman states that her chest hurts when she takes a deep breath. D. A 59-year-old man complains of crushing chest pain but denies shortness of breath.
D. A 59-year-old man complains of crushing chest pain but denies shortness of breath.
Which of the following scenarios does NOT involve the presence of any symptoms? A. A 44-year-old male with abdominal pain and severe dizziness B. A 49-year-old female with blurred vision and ringing in the ears C. A 55-year-old male with a severe headache and 2 days of nausea D. A 61-year-old female who is unconscious with facial cyanosis
D. A 61-year-old female who is unconscious with facial cyanosis
Which of the following statements regarding the blood pressure is correct? A. The systolic pressure represents ventricular relaxation. B. Blood pressure falls early in patients with hypoperfusion. C. Blood pressure is the most reliable indicator of perfusion. D. Blood pressure is usually not measured in children younger than 3 years of age.
D. Blood pressure is usually not measured in children younger than 3 years of age.
When using the pulse oximeter as part of your assessment of a patient, it is important to remember that: A. pulse oximetry is especially useful in patients who have cold extremities because vasoconstriction forces blood to the capillary beds. B. carbon monoxide has no effect on pulse oximetry readings because the pulse oximeter presumes that oxygen is saturating the hemoglobin. C. as long as the patient's oxygen saturation is greater than 95%, oxygen is usually not necessary, even if the patient is experiencing respiratory distress. D. any situation that causes vasoconstriction or loss of red blood cells, such as anemia or bleeding, may result in an inaccurate or misleading value.
D. any situation that causes vasoconstriction or loss of red blood cells, such as anemia or bleeding, may result in an inaccurate or misleading value.
You receive a call to a daycare center for an unresponsive 8-month-old infant. Upon arrival, you perform an assessment and determine that the infant is not breathing. Your next action should be to: A. open the airway and give two rescue breaths. B. begin chest compressions and request backup. C. immediately transport the child to the hospital. D. assess for a brachial pulse for 5 to 10 seconds.
D. assess for a brachial pulse for 5 to 10 seconds.
During an EMS call, you should take standard precautions: A. before you load the patient into the ambulance. B. after it has been determined that the patient is bleeding. C. immediately after completion of your primary assessment. D. before exiting the ambulance and before actual patient contact.
D. before exiting the ambulance and before actual patient contact.
When auscultating the blood pressure in a patient's upper extremity, you should place the diaphragm (head) of the stethoscope over the _________ artery. A. radial B. apical C. femoral D. brachial
D. brachial
When palpating a patient's pulse, you note that it is grossly irregular. You should: A. count the pulse rate for at least 30 seconds to ensure accuracy. B. count the number of pulsations in 15 seconds and multiply by four. C. count the number of pulsations in 30 seconds and multiply by two. D. count the pulse rate for a full minute to obtain an accurate reading.
D. count the pulse rate for a full minute to obtain an accurate reading.
Cyanosis of the skin is caused by: A. increased blood oxygen. B. peripheral vasodilation. C. venous vasoconstriction. D. decreased blood oxygen.
D. decreased blood oxygen.
Upon arriving at a potentially unsafe scene, you should: A. remove all bystanders. B. request another ambulance. C. move the patient to safety. D. ensure that you are safe.
D. ensure that you are safe.
The goal of the primary assessment is to: A. determine if the patient's problem is medical or traumatic. B. identify patients that require transport to a trauma center. C. determine the need to perform a head-to-toe assessment. D. identify and rapidly treat all life-threatening conditions.
D. identify and rapidly treat all life-threatening conditions.
You respond to a call for a female pedestrian who has been struck by a car. As your partner maintains manual stabilization of her head, you perform a primary assessment. She is unconscious, has ineffective breathing, and has bloody secretions in her mouth. You should: A. assist her breathing with a bag-valve mask. B. quickly insert an oropharyngeal airway. C. assess the rate and quality of her pulse. D. immediately suction her oropharynx.
D. immediately suction her oropharynx.
A patient who does not respond to your questions, but moves or cries out when his or her trapezius muscle is pinched, is said to be: A. conscious and alert. B. completely unresponsive. C. responsive to verbal stimuli. D. responsive to painful stimuli.
D. responsive to painful stimuli.
An adult patient who is NOT experiencing difficulty breathing will: A. be able to speak in complete sentences without unusual pauses. B. assume a position that will facilitate effective and easy breathing. C. exhibit an indentation above the clavicles and in between the ribs. D. have a respiratory rate that is between 20 and 24 breaths/min.
A. be able to speak in complete sentences without unusual pauses.
As you assess the head of a patient with a suspected spinal injury, your partner should: A. maintain stabilization of the head. B. look in the ears for gross bleeding. C. prepare the immobilization equipment. D. assess the rest of the body for bleeding.
A. maintain stabilization of the head.
With regard to the assessment of a patient's cardiovascular status, capillary refill time is MOST reliable in: A. patients who are younger than 6 years of age. B. patients who are significantly hypotensive. C. patients who were exposed to cold temperatures. D. patients who are older than 70 years of age.
A. patients who are younger than 6 years of age.
The MOST effective way to determine whether your patient's problem is medical or traumatic in origin is to: A. perform a careful and thorough assessment. B. establish the patient's medical history early. C. take note of the patient's general appearance. D. ask if bystanders are familiar with the patient.
A. perform a careful and thorough assessment.
Normal skin color, temperature, and condition should be: A. pink, warm, and dry. B. pale, cool, and moist. C. pink, warm, and moist. D. flushed, cool, and dry.
A. pink, warm, and dry.
In responsive patients who are older than 1 year of age, you should palpate the pulse at the ________ artery. A. radial B. carotid C. brachial D. femoral
A. radial
Pain that moves from its point of origin to another body location is said to be: A. radiating. B. referred. C. palliating. D. provoking.
A. radiating.
When you assess capillary refill time in an infant, normal color to the tested area should return within: A. 1 second. B. 2 seconds. C. 3 seconds. D. 4 seconds.
B. 2 seconds.
The rapid exam of a patient that occurs following the primary assessment should take no longer than: A. 30 seconds. B. 60 to 90 seconds. C. 90 to 120 seconds. D. 120 to 180 seconds.
B. 60 to 90 seconds.
The goal of oxygenation for most patients is an oxygen saturation of: A. 100% B. 94% to 99% C. 90% to 94% D. 88% to 90%
B. 94% to 99%
An injured patient is assigned a total score of 9 on the GCS. He is assigned a score of 2 for eye opening, a score of 3 for verbal response, and a score of 4 for motor response. Which of the following clinical findings is consistent with his GCS score? A. Opens eyes in response to voice, makes incomprehensible sounds, localizes pain B. Opens eyes in response to pain, uses inappropriate words, withdraws from pain C. Opens eyes spontaneously, is confused when spoken to, exhibits abnormal flexion D. Eyes remain closed, makes incomprehensible sounds, exhibits abnormal extension
B. Opens eyes in response to pain, uses inappropriate words, withdraws from pain
Which of the following is the MOST accurate guide to palpating a pulse? A. Avoid compressing the artery against a bone or solid structure. B. Place the tips of your index and long fingers over the pulse point. C. Use your thumb to increase the surface area that you are palpating. D. Apply firm pressure to the artery with your ring and little fingers.
B. Place the tips of your index and long fingers over the pulse point.
When performing a rapid exam on a supine patient, what part of the body is typically assessed last? A. Abdomen B. Posterior C. Extremities D. Anterior chest
B. Posterior
Which of the following statements regarding the mechanism of injury (MOI) is correct? A. A nonsignificant MOI rules out the possibility of serious trauma. B. The MOI may allow you to predict the severity of a patient's injuries. C. The exact location of a patient's injuries can be determined by the MOI. D. A significant MOI always results in patient death or permanent disability.
B. The MOI may allow you to predict the severity of a patient's injuries.
When is it MOST appropriate to consider requesting additional ambulances at an accident scene? A. After you have triaged all the critical patients B. When you determine there are multiple patients C. After noncritical patients have been identified D. When all the deceased patients are accounted for
B. When you determine there are multiple patients
While en route to the scene of a shooting, the dispatcher advises you that the caller states that the perpetrator has fled the scene. You should: A. ask the dispatcher if he or she knows the location of the perpetrator. B. confirm this information with law enforcement personnel at the scene. C. request law enforcement personnel if the scene is unsafe upon arrival. D. proceed to the scene as usual but exercise extreme caution upon arrival.
B. confirm this information with law enforcement personnel at the scene.
When evaluating a patient with multiple complaints, the EMT's responsibility is to: A. direct his or her attention to the most obvious signs and symptoms. B. determine which complaint poses the greatest threat to the patient's life. C. definitively rule out serious causes of each of the patient's complaints. D. assess each complaint based on the patient's perception of its seriousness.
B. determine which complaint poses the greatest threat to the patient's life.
A 40-year-old male presents with pain to the right upper quadrant of his abdomen. He is conscious and alert with stable vital signs. During your assessment, you note that his skin and sclera are jaundiced. You should suspect: A. acute pancreatitis. B. liver dysfunction. C. gallbladder disease. D. renal insufficiency.
B. liver dysfunction.
The diastolic blood pressure represents the: A. average pressure against the arterial walls during a cardiac cycle. B. minimum amount of pressure that is always present in the arteries. C. increased arterial pressure that occurs during ventricular contraction. D. difference in pressure between ventricular contraction and relaxation.
B. minimum amount of pressure that is always present in the arteries.
A 40-year-old male crashed his motorcycle into a tree. He is semiconscious, has snoring respirations, and has a laceration to the forearm with minimal bleeding. You should: A. apply a cervical collar and suction his airway. B. open his airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver. C. apply a pressure dressing to the patient's arm. D. tilt the patient's head back and lift up on his chin.
B. open his airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver.
In infants and small children, skin color should be assessed on the: A. forehead. B. palms and soles. C. chest and abdomen. D. underside of the arms.
B. palms and soles.
Observations made when forming a general impression of a patient would include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. appearance. B. pulse strength. C. race and gender. D. level of distress.
B. pulse strength.
When palpating a patient's pulse, you note that there is a short interval between pulsations. This indicates that the pulse is: A. slow. B. rapid. C. irregular. D. thready.
B. rapid.
When assessing a 62-year-old female with crushing chest pain, you note that her pulse is rapid and irregular. You should administer supplemental oxygen if needed and then: A. apply the AED and analyze her cardiac rhythm. B. transport at once and consider requesting a paramedic unit. C. document your findings and perform a detailed assessment. D. conclude that the irregular pulse is normal based on her age.
B. transport at once and consider requesting a paramedic unit.
Which of the following conditions would be LEAST likely to cause an altered level of consciousness? A. Drug overdose B. Inadequate perfusion C. Acute anxiety D. Poisoning
C. Acute anxiety
Which of the following assessments would be the MOST useful in determining the possible cause of a patient's altered mental status? A. Respiratory rate B. Blood pressure C. Blood glucose level D. Capillary refill time
C. Blood glucose level
For which of the following patients is spinal immobilization clearly indicated? A. Woman who fell from a standing position and has a deformed shoulder B. Man with an arrow impaled in his leg and no pulse distal to the injury C. Man who was struck in the head and is now confused and has slurred speech D. Woman in a minor motor-vehicle collision who complains of severe knee pain
C. Man who was struck in the head and is now confused and has slurred speech
Which of the following MOST accurately describes paradoxical movement of the chest wall? A. Multiple rib fractures that cause a marked deformity of the chest wall B. A marked decrease in chest wall movement due to abdominal breathing C. Only one section of the chest rises on inspiration, while another area falls D. One side of the chest wall moves opposite the direction of the other
C. Only one section of the chest rises on inspiration, while another area falls
Which of the following would the EMT likely NOT perform on a responsive patient with a headache and no apparent life-threatening conditions? A. Focused secondary assessment B. Assessment of oxygen saturation C. Systematic head-to-toe examination D. Noninvasive blood pressure monitoring
C. Systematic head-to-toe examination
