EMT Chapter 2

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. Which stage of the grieving process is this patient's behavior consistent with? Denial Anger Bargaining Depression

Anger

Which type of stress reaction occurs when an EMT is exposed to many insignificant stressors over a period of several months or years? Acute stress reaction Cumulative stress reaction Posttraumatic stress reaction Critical incident stress reaction

Cumulative stress reaction

Which of the following signs would indicate that your partner is experiencing significant stress? Increased interest in daily activities Isolation from the rest of the crew Hyperactivity during an EMS call Acute increase in appetite

Isolation from the rest of the crew

The final stage of death and dying MOST commonly takes the form of: anger. denial. depression. acceptance.

acceptance.

The BEST way to reduce your risk of contracting a work-related disease following exposure is to: vigorously wash the affected area with an antimicrobial solution. be evaluated by a physician within 72 hours following the exposure. get vaccinated against the disease you think you were exposed to. activate your department's infection control plan as soon as possible.

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

Carbon monoxide blocks the ability of the blood to oxygenate the body because it: binds with the hemoglobin in red blood cells. fills the alveoli in the lungs with thick secretions. causes the body to expel too much carbon dioxide. destroys the number of circulating red blood cells.

binds with the hemoglobin in red blood cells.

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: depart the scene and allow her to die with dignity. begin chest compressions if she experiences cardiac arrest. provide no interventions and transport to the hospital. make her comfortable and provide emotional support.

make her comfortable and provide emotional support.

Physiologic manifestations of stress include: flushed skin, decreased muscle control, and vomiting. slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and severe headaches. perspiration, increased blood glucose levels, and dilated pupils. increased blood pressure, decreased blood glucose levels, and chest pain.

perspiration, increased blood glucose levels, and dilated pupils.

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. tell the family member that it is not your fault. subdue the family member until the police arrive. ignore the family member and assess the patient.

retreat and notify law enforcement personnel.

While you are 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 quit kidding around and focus on the job. warn your partner that you will report him or her if it happens again. notify law enforcement personnel and have your partner arrested. tell your partner to stop and report the incident to your supervisor.

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

The MOST effective way to preserve your own body heat when functioning in cold, wet weather is to: wear a heavy, thick jacket or coat. avoid outer clothing with zippers. wear multiple layers of clothing. wear socks made of heavy-duty cotton.

wear multiple layers of clothing.

A positive TB skin test indicates that: you have never been exposed to TB. you have been exposed to TB. you are actively infected with TB. the TB disease is currently dormant but may later become active.

you have been exposed to TB.