EMT 1

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

Have the driver contact dispatch and relay the patient information to the hospital

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

Hydrostatic

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

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

Which of the following statements regarding the heart is correct?

It is under control of the autonomic nervous system.

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

It will not protect the EMT in cases of gross negligence

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

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Which of the following statements regarding the hepatitis B vaccine is correct?

OSHA requires that your employer offer you the vaccine free of charge.

Which of the following statements regarding plasma is correct?

Plasma transports the blood cells and nutrients.

How does respiration differ from ventilation?

Respiration is the process of gas exchange, whereas ventilation is the simple movement of air between the lungs and the environment.

Which of the following statements regarding standing orders is MOST correct?

Standing orders should be followed when physician contact is not possible

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

Standing over a child often increases his or her level of anxiety.

Which of the following statements regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is correct?

The ADA prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment to the disabled.

Which of the following statements regarding the NREMT is correct?

The NREMT provides a national standard for EMS testing.

What happens when blood volume is lost from the body?

The arteries contract to increase the blood pressure.

Which of the following statements regarding the kidneys is correct?

The kidneys eliminate toxic waste products from the body and control its balance of water and salt.

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

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

Which of the following statements regarding the different stages of the grieving process is correct?

The stages of the grieving process may occur simultaneously.

Which of the following statements regarding HIV is correct?

There is no vaccine against HIV infection.

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

Transport the child immediately and have the parents meet you at the hospital.

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

a 64-year-old cardiac arrest patient who is defibrillated with an automated external defibrillator (AED)

Negative pressure breathing involves:

a drop in pressure within the chest cavity.

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

a preliminary diagnosis of the patient's problem.

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

a reduction in tidal volume.

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

a response to a motor vehicle crash while off duty

Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system would result in

a slow heart rate.

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

a team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured

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

abduction

The final stage of death and dying is MOST commonly displayed as:

acceptance.

The femoral head forms a ball-and-socket joint with the:

acetabulum.

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

acknowledge that she is scared and tell her that you are going to take good care of her.

When caring for the parents of a child who has died of leukemia, the EMT should:

acknowledge the death of their child in private.

The BEST way to reduce your risk of contracting a work-related disease following exposure is to:

activate your department's infection control plan as soon as possible.

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

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

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

"General impression revealed that the patient was intoxicated."

Which of the following statements is MOST consistent with the bargaining phase of the grieving process?

"I will be compliant with all my medications if I can just see my grandson graduate."

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

"It is possible that you are experiencing a heart attack. I am going to give you four baby aspirin to chew and swallow."

Which of the following statements would NOT be appropriate to say to the family of a dying patient?

"Things will get better in time."

Common questions asked by patients with a serious illness or injury include all of the following, EXCEPT:

"What hospital am I going to?"

At rest, the normal adult heart rate should not exceed

100 beats/min.

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

21%, 16%

If a mask cannot be placed on a coughing patient, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that you maintain a distance of at least ________ feet if possible

3

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

5,600 mL

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

6L

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

70 to 80 mL

A critical incident stress debriefing should be conducted no longer than ________ hours following the incident.

72

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

A mentally competent adult can withdraw his or her consent to treat at any time.

Which of the following statements regarding a patient refusal is MOST correct?

A mentally competent adult has the legal right to refuse EMS care and transport

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts abandonment?

A paramedic transfers patient care to an EMT.

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

A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated

Which of the following statements regarding smooth muscle is correct?

A person has no voluntary control over smooth muscle.

Which of the following statements regarding a patient with a behavioral crisis is correct?

A quiet patient is not as likely to attack you as one who is screaming.

Which of the following skills or interventions is included at every level of prehospital emergency training?

AED

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

Additional information and evidence indicate that the effectiveness of certain interventions has changed.

Which of the following statements regarding agonal respirations is correct?

Agonal respirations are ineffective and need to be assisted.

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

An EMT administers the wrong drug to a patient because she did not know the pertinent information about the drug.

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts informed consent?

An EMT advises a patient of the risks of receiving treatment.

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reaction?

An EMT becomes distracted at the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving the same type of car in which a child was previously killed.

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

An EMT's scope of practice may be expanded by the medical director after proper training and state approval.

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

An infant's normal body temperature is typically higher than a preschooler's.

Which of the following statements regarding anaerobic metabolism is correct?

Anaerobic metabolism produces lactic acid and occurs when cellular oxygen is limited.

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

Baroreceptors located throughout the body provide information to the brain regarding the blood pressure.

Your partner, a veteran EMT who you have worked with regularly for the past 4 years, seems unusually agitated during a call involving an elderly patient. Upon arrival back at your station, you note the obvious smell of alcohol on his breath. What should you do?

Discreetly report your suspicions to your supervisor

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

EMS research.

What should you do before attempting to access a patient trapped in a vehicle?

Ensure the vehicle is stable.

Which of the following is the MOST effective strategy for managing stress?

Focus on delivering high-quality patient care

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

Follow locally established protocols or standing orders.

A patient in a semireclined position with the head elevated to facilitate breathing is in the ___________ position:

Fowler's

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

respond only after giving a verbal patient report to a nurse or physician.

Your ability to remain awake is a function of the

reticular activating system.

A 75-year-old male with a terminal illness has died at home. As you and your partner enter the residence, a family member becomes verbally abusive, pushes you, and states that you took too long to get there. You should:

retreat and notify law enforcement personnel

The part of the brain that controls the left side of the body is the:

right side cerebrum.

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

sacrum

What type of communications equipment functions as a radio receiver and searches across several frequencies?

scanner

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

scapula

You arrive at the scene of a domestic violence situation. As you approach the doorway of the apartment, you hear screaming and the statement "He has a gun!" Your MOST appropriate action should be to:

seek a safe place and request law enforcement assistance.

Which of the following signs of respiratory distress is typically unique to infants and children?

seesaw respirations

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

sensory

The cervical spine is composed of ___________ vertebrae.

seven

Patients who become dependent upon EMS personnel or other health care providers often feel:

shamed

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

simplex

The electrical impulse of the heart normally begins at the:

sinoatrial node

Which of the following structures does NOT contain smooth muscle?

skeletal system

The axial skeleton is composed of the:

skull, face, thorax, and vertebral column.

You could be sued for ___________ if your radio report to the hospital describes the patient in a manner that injures his or her reputation.

slander

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

small intestine

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

somatic nervous system.

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

spleen

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

spleen

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

standard of care

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

state office of EMS.

The Hering-Breuer reflex is stimulated when:

stretch receptors in the chest wall detect that the lungs are too full.

Cardiac output (CO) is affected by:

stroke volume and heart rate.

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

subcutaneous

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

substandard or inappropriate patient care.

Trendelenburg's position is MOST accurately defined as a:

supine position with the legs elevated 6" to 12" higher than the head.

Which of the following infectious diseases confers no protection from reinfection after exposure?

syphilis

While on duty, your partner asks you out on a date and touches you in an inappropriate location without your consent. You should:

tell your partner to stop and report the incident to your supervisor.

According to the CDC, recommended immunizations and tests include a:

tetanus-diphtheria booster every 10 years

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

that inadequate patient care was administered.

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

the cells function with adequate oxygen

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

the general geographic location of the incident.

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

the patient is competent and signs a release form

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

the presence of a person trained to initiate basic life support (BLS) care cannot be ensured.

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

the set of baseline vital signs taken at the scene.

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

thoracic

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

thoroughly document the entire event.

If you are exposed to a patient's blood or other bodily fluid, your first action should be to:

transfer care of your patient to another EMS provider.

What is the function of the fallopian tubes?

transport a mature egg to the uterus

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

try to persuade the mother that treatment is needed.

Relative to the kidneys, the liver is:

unilateral

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

ureters

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

use short, simple questions and point to specific parts of your body to try to determine the source of the patient's complaint.

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

use the mobile radio in the ambulance to contact dispatch.

When communicating information over the radio, you should:

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

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

using 10 codes to ensure radio traffic confidentiality.

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

ventricular contraction.

Skeletal muscle is also called:

voluntary muscle.

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

warms and humidifies inhaled air

The simplest yet most effective method of preventing the spread of an infectious disease is to:

wash your hands in between patient contacts.

If you use a waterless handwashing substitute in the field, it is important to:

wash your hands with soap and water at the hospital.

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

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

The MOST effective way to preserve your own body heat when functioning in cold, wet weather is to:

wear at least three layers of clothing.

Critical incident stress management (CISM) can occur at an ongoing scene in all of the following circumstances, EXCEPT:

when patients are actively being assessed or treated.

Gloves, a mask, eye protection, and a face shield should be used:

when performing endotracheal intubation.

The carpal bones form the

wrist

The inferior cartilaginous tip of the sternum is called the:

xiphoid process.

A positive TB skin test indicates that:

you have been exposed to the disease.

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

your local EMS protocols.

While trying to make a family member feel better after a loved one has died, your partner uses trite statements. The family members may view this as:

your partner's attempt to diminish their grief.

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

advise the physician that the order is unclear and ask for clarification

A 15-year-old boy was killed when he was struck by a car while riding his bicycle. He has numerous disfiguring injuries and has been placed in the back of the ambulance to shield him from curious bystanders. When the child's parents arrive at the scene, they demand to see him. You should:

advise them that their son had severely disfiguring injuries and ask them if there is anyone they would like you to contact first.

The general adaptation syndrome is characterized by which of the following phases?

alarm response, reaction and resistance, and recovery

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

allow him time to think about the question and respond to it.

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

allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions.

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

alveoli

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

an informed refusal

You and your partner respond to the residence of a 66-year-old male with shortness of breath. As you are assessing the patient, his wife tells you that he was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. The patient is verbally abusive and tells you that failure of the health care system caused his disease. What stage of the grieving process is this patient's behavior consistent with?

anger

Vector-borne transmission of an infectious organism occurs via:

animals or insects.

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

another EMT

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

aorta

The ___________ of the heart is the inferior portion of the left ventricles.

apex

You are transporting a 40-year-old male with respiratory distress. The patient tells you that he recently had a positive tuberculosis (TB) skin test and is currently being evaluated for possible TB. You should:

apply a nonrebreathing mask on the patient and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirator on yourself.

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

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

The kidneys and pancreas are called retroperitoneal organs because they

are located behind the abdominal cavity.

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

as you physically get closer to the patient, a greater and greater sense of trust must be established.

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

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

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

assault.

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

assess whether or not the patient's mental condition is impaired.

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

assist a patient with certain prescribed medications.

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

attempted suicide

Both areas of the pons are used to:

augment respirations during emotional or physical stress.

Any radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed location is called a:

base station.

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

be reasonable and realistic to avoid overburdening your personnel.

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

begin resuscitation at once.

You respond to the home of a 59-year-old man who is unconscious, has slow, shallow breathing, and has a weak pulse. The family states that the patient has terminal brain cancer and does not wish to be resuscitated. They further state that there is a DNR order for this patient; however, they are unable to locate it. You should:

begin treatment and contact medical control as needed.

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

begin two-rescuer CPR and apply the automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.

When a patient is dying, he or she may experience regression. This is MOST accurately defined as:

behavior consistent with an earlier developmental stage.

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

beta-1 receptors.

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

bilateral

Carbon monoxide blocks the ability of the blood to oxygenate the body because it:

binds with the hemoglobin in the red blood cells.

An infants body temperature typically increases with age because

blood pressure correctly corresponds to body weight.

Contraction of the right ventricle causes:

blood to flow into the pulmonary circulation.

The central nervous system is composed of the

brain and spinal cord.

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

brain stem

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

breath holding

When relaying patient information via radio, communications should be:

brief and easily understood.

A person's bones would become brittle if he or she was deficient in:

calcium

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

calm and confident

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

capillaries

The waste products of aerobic metabolism include:

carbon dioxide and water

Hazards that are associated with a structural fire include all of the following, EXCEPT:

carbon dioxide deficiency.

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

cardiac arrest

The spread of HIV and hepatitis in the health care setting can usually be traced to:

careless handling of sharps.

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

cerebellum

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

cerebrum

Select the areas of the spinal column in descending order.

cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccyx

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

chief complaint.

What three bones make up the shoulder girdle?

clavicle, scapula, humerus

If it is not possible to adequately clean your ambulance at the hospital following a call, you should:

clean the ambulance at your station in a designated area that is well ventilated.

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

clearly state the patient's medical problem.

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

coccyx

The descending aorta branches into the:

common iliac arteries.

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

community awareness programs that emphasize the dangers of drinking and driving

Your EMS system uses a computerized PCR in which you fill in the information electronically and then send it to the emergency department via a secure Internet server. The PCR has a comprehensive series of drop-down boxes, which are used to identify your assessment findings and specify the treatment that you provided; it also has a section for your narrative. When completing your PCR after a call, you should:

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

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

confirm with dispatch that you received the call information

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

connecting the sensory and motor nerves and bypassing the brain.

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

consider asking the father to hold the child so you can assess him while your partner tries to calm the mother.

All information recorded on the PCR must be:

considered confidential.

Ethnocentrism is defined as

considering your own cultural values as more important when interacting with people of a different culture.

Stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors results in:

constriction of the blood vessels.

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

contact medical control and notify him or her of the error.

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

contact the state EMS office and provide them with the required documentation.

Dead space is the portion of the respiratory system that:

contains no alveoli and does not participate in gas exchange.

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

continue to be nonjudgmental, compassionate, and respectful.

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

continue transporting your patient and notify the dispatcher of the crash.

The patient care report (PCR) ensures:

continuity of care.

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

cricoid cartilage.

You are assessing a woman who was thrown from her horse. She is located in a large field and you can see that a thunderstorm is rapidly approaching. Suddenly, you feel your skin begin to tingle and the hair on your arms stands on end. The ambulance is located about 30 yards away. You should:

crouch down in a position so that only your feet are touching the ground.

What type of stress reaction occurs when an EMT is exposed to many insignificant stressors over a period of several months or years?

cumulative stress reaction

Putrefaction is defined as:

decomposition of the body's tissues.

Determination of exposure is an important component of an infection control plan because it:

defines who is at risk for contact with blood and body fluids and which tasks pose a risk of exposure.

You are caring for a 35-year-old female with pregnancy-related complications. She is clearly experiencing significant stress and is crying uncontrollably. Your MOST appropriate action would be to:

demonstrate courtesy and speak with a professional tone of voice

It is especially important for EMS personnel to develop nonadversarial relationships with their coworkers because they:

depend on each other for their safety.

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

dependent lividity

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

dermis

When communicating with a visually impaired patient, you should:

determine the degree of the patient's impairment.

Which of the following MOST accurately defines negligence?

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

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

diaphragm

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

diastole

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

did not make provisions for continued care of an injured patient.

Oxygen and carbon dioxide pass across the alveolar membrane in the lungs through a process called:

diffusion.

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

discouraging the caller from providing care until the EMS unit arrives.

Pathophysiology is the study of the functional changes that occur when the body reacts to a particular:

disease

A 5-year-old boy has fallen and has a severe deformity of the forearm near the wrist. He has possibly sustained a fracture of the:

distal forearm

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

distal humerus fracture.

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

distrust of the EMT.

You are dispatched to the residence of an Asian family for a child with a high fever. When you assess the child, you note that he has numerous red marks on his back. The child's parents explain that these marks represent coining—a traditional Asian healing practice in which hot coins are rubbed on the back. You should:

document this on your patient care report and advise the emergency department staff of what the child's parents told you

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

dorsalis pedis

After delivering your patient to the hospital, you sit down to complete the PCR. When documenting the patient's last blood pressure reading, you inadvertently write 120/60 instead of 130/70. To correct this mistake, you should:

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

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

driver's license

Which of the following components are needed to prove negligence?

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

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

elevating the tone of your voice and exaggerating word pronunciation.

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

endocrine

The compliance monitoring component of an infection control plan should:

ensure that employees understand what they should do and why it is important.

You are dispatched to an office building for a 49-year-old male with chest pain. When you arrive at the scene, you find the patient to be conscious and alert, but in obvious pain. He tells you that he did not call 9-1-1; a coworker did. He further states that he does not want to be treated or transported to the hospital. You should:

ensure that he is aware of the risks of refusing medical care.

The MOST important consideration at the scene of a hazardous material incident is:

ensuring your personal safety.

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

epiglottis.

Key hormones of the sympathetic nervous system include:

epinephrine and norepinephrine.

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

erythrocytes

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

exercise reasonable care and act prudently.

You are assessing a middle-aged man with chest pain that you suspect is caused by a cardiac problem. The patient tells you that he does not want to go to the hospital and insists that you leave him alone. You should:

explain the seriousness of the situation to him, but avoid causing undue alarm.

What type of consent is involved when a 39-year-old mentally competent female with a severe headache asks you to take her to the hospital?

expressed

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

expressed

The hepatitis B vaccine program, a component of the infection control plan, addresses all of the following issues, EXCEPT:

family history of hepatitis.

When considering his or her personal life, it is important for the EMT to realize that:

family or friends may not understand the stress associated with EMS.

Which of the following are central pulses?

femoral and carotid

The atlas is the:

first cervical vertebra, which articulates with the skull.

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

five

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

foramen magnum.

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

gallbladder

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

gives an oral report to the emergency room physician or nurse.

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

greater trochanter.

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

hand-held portable radio

Vaccination against the hepatitis A virus is unnecessary if you:

have been infected in the past.

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

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

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

heat

The elbow is an example of a ____________ joint.

hinge

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

his or her instructions are based on the information you provide.

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

human resources department

The supporting bone of the arm is the:

humerus

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

hypoxic drive.

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

identify areas of improvement and provide remedial training if needed.

Each pelvic bone is formed by the fusion of the:

ilium, ischium, and pubis.

You and your partner are EMTs and have been dispatched to standby at the scene of a residential fire. While standing next to the ambulance observing the fire fighters, you see a woman frantically moving around in her burning house. You should:

immediately notify the incident commander or safety officer.

Which of the following is the MOST significant factor in determining if a person will become ill from certain germs?

immunity

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

implied

Breathing occurs as the result of a(n)

increase in carbon dioxide, which decreases the pH of the CSF.

While providing care to a patient, blood got onto the ambulance stretcher. Because the stretcher was not properly cleaned afterward, a virus was transmitted to another emergency medical technician (EMT) several days later. What route of transmission does this scenario describe?

indirect contact

Obtaining continuing medical education is the responsibility of the:

individual EMT.

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

inferior vena cava.

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

inferior.

The diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract during

inhalation

What function does the pneumotaxic center serve?

inhibits the DRG, resulting in shorter, faster respirations

What is the function of platelets?

initial formation of a blood clot

The dorsal respiratory group (DRG) is a part of the brain stem and is responsible for:

initiating inspiration.

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

insertion of an oropharyngeal airway.

The diaphragm is a unique muscle because it:

is both a voluntary and involuntary muscle

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

is self-supporting and lives by him- or herself.

Which of the following signs would indicate that your partner is experiencing significant stress?

isolation from the rest of the crew

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

it was not performed in the eyes of the law.

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

kidney

Which of the following organs or structures lies within the retroperitoneal space?

kidneys

Which of the following factors is NOT taken into consideration when assessing a person's potential for violence?

large physical size

The vocal cords are located in the:

larynx.

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

legal but unethical.

You are caring for a 40-year-old female who was involved in a motor vehicle crash. Her husband, who was driving the vehicle, was killed. When the patient asks you if her husband is all right, you should:

let clergy or hospital staff relay the bad news if possible.

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

liver

Which of the following is NOT considered to be protected health information (PHI)?

location of the call

You are dispatched to the scene of a crash involving a large tanker truck. While you are en route, dispatch advises you that there are multiple patients and that the fire department is en route as well. As you approach the scene, you should:

maintain a safe distance and try to read the placard with binoculars.

Continuing education in EMS serves to:

maintain, update, and expand your knowledge and skills.

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

maintaining communications equipment on the ambulance

Calming and reassuring an anxious patient can be facilitated by:

maintaining eye contact with the patient whenever possible.

You are summoned to a convalescent center for an 88-year-old female with an altered mental status. A staff nurse advises you that the patient has terminal cancer and her physician stated that she would probably die within the next few hours; a valid do not resuscitate (DNR) order is presented to you. When caring for this patient, you should:

make her comfortable and provide emotional support.

The most superior portion of the sternum is called the:

manubrium.

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

mark off a danger zone around the downed lines

Which of the following is NOT a facial bone?

mastoid

If a person is partially immune to a particular disease, he or she:

may develop illness from germs that lie dormant from the initial infection

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

may have to assign the donor patient a lower triage priority.

As an EMT, it is important to remember that the signs and symptoms of cumulative stress:

may not be obvious or present all the time.

The topographic term used to describe the location of body parts that are closer toward the midline or center of the body is:

medial

The distal aspect of the tibia forms the

medial malleolus.

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

medical director.

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

medical director.

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

metabolic coordination

The nose, chin, umbilicus (navel), and spine are examples of ___________ anatomic structures.

midline

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

midsagittal

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

minute volume is decreased.

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

most older people think clearly and are capable of answering questions.

The heart muscle is called the:

myocardium.

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

negligence.

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

not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons.

When providing a patient report via radio, you should protect the patient's privacy by:

not disclosing his or her name.

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

occipital

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

off-line

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, an employer must:

offer a workplace environment that reduces the risk for exposure.

Prescription glasses do not provide adequate eye protection because they:

offer little or no side protection

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

orbit

Abnormalities in metabolism are MOST likely caused by dysfunction of the

pancreas

The exocrine gland of the pancreas secretes:

pancreatic juice

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

paramedic

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

paramedic.

Anterior to the knee is a specialized bone called the:

patella

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

perform blood glucose monitoring.

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

perfusion

Physiologic manifestations of stress include:

perspiration, increased blood glucose levels, and dilated pupils.

The bones that comprise the fingers and toes are called:

phalanges.

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

pharynx is smaller and less deeply curved.

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

pituitary

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

plantar

In relation to the chest, the back is

posterior

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

posterior

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

proceed with treatment and utilize law enforcement if necessary.

An intoxicated 40-year-old male is found lying face down. How would you document his body's position?

prone

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

proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases.

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

protecting patient privacy

White blood cells are also called leukocytes and function by:

protecting the body from infection.

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

provide competent care that meets current standards.

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

provide immediate patient care.

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

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

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

providing callers with life-saving instructions

In relation to the wrist, the elbow is:

proximal.

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

pulmonary

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

pulmonary veins.

When treating a patient who is trapped in a vehicle and covered with broken glass, it is BEST to wear:

puncture-proof leather gloves over your latex gloves.

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

put on high-visibility safety vests.

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

quickly move the coffee table so you can access and treat the patient.

The bones of the forearm are called the:

radius and ulna.

While assisting an advanced life support (ALS) ambulance crew, you are accidentally stuck with an IV needle. You should:

report the incident to your supervisor after the call.

You have been working at the scene of a major building collapse for 8 hours. Many injured people are still being removed, and everyone is becoming frustrated and losing focus. This situation is MOST effectively managed by:

requesting a CISM team to provide on-scene peer support.

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

requests sexual favors in exchange for something else.

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

residual volume

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

respirations of 20 breaths/min and bilateral chest movement

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

repeater

The primary function of the right atrium is to:

receive blood from the vena cava.

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

recognize that this does not mean it will save more lives.

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

repeat the order to medical control word for word.