MEDICAL- test questions
A young female is unresponsive after overdosing on an unknown type of drug. Her respirations are slow and shallow and her pulse is slow and weak. Which of the following drugs is the LEAST likely cause of her condition? A: Cocaine B: Valium C: Heroin D: Seconal
A: Cocaine
Which of the following structures is NOT part of the endocrine system? A: Gallbladder B: Thyroid C: Pancreas D: Pituitary
A: Gallbladder
A young woman reports significant weight loss over the last month, persistent fever, and night sweats. When you assess her, you note the presence of dark purple lesions covering her trunk and upper extremities. You should suspect: A: HIV/AIDS. B: end-stage cancer. C: rheumatic fever. D: tuberculosis.
A: HIV/AIDS.
Propoxyphene (Darvon) is categorized as what type of drug? A: Narcotic B: Benzodiazepine C: Barbiturate D: Amphetamine
A: Narcotic
Unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, and constricted pupils are indicative of what type of drug overdose? A: Narcotic B: Barbiturate C: Amphetamine D: Marijuana
A: Narcotic
When you arrive at a residence for a man who is "not acting right," you enter the house and find him sitting on his couch. Which of the following findings would be MOST indicative of an altered mental status? A: Slurred speech. B: Odor of alcohol. C: Tired appearance. D: Eyes are closed.
A: Slurred speech.
Which of the following would MOST likely cause a rapid drop in a patient's blood glucose level? A: Taking too much prescribed insulin B: Mild exertion after eating a meal C: Forgetting to take prescribed insulin D: Eating a meal after taking insulin
A: Taking too much prescribed insulin
Which of the following statements regarding lightning-related injuries is correct? A: The cardiovascular and nervous systems are most commonly injured during a lightning strike. B: The majority of patients who are struck by lightning die, even if CPR is provided immediately. C: Because of the high electrical energy associated with lightning, full-thickness burns are a common finding. D: Multiple fractures, including those of the cervical spine, are the most common cause of lightning-related deaths.
A: The cardiovascular and nervous systems are most commonly injured during a lightning strike.
Rapid transport of a patient who ingested a large dose of Tylenol is important because: A: an antidote may prevent liver failure if administered early enough. B: liver failure usually occurs within 6 hours following a Tylenol overdose. C: it only takes a small dose of Tylenol to cause cardiopulmonary arrest. D: activated charcoal cannot be given to patients who ingested Tylenol.
A: an antidote may prevent liver failure if administered early enough.
Immediately following a generalized motor seizure, most patients are: A: confused. B: apneic. C: awake and alert. D: hyperactive.
A: confused.
A 40-year-old woman presents with widespread hives that she noticed about 45 minutes after taking penicillin. She is conscious and alert and denies difficulty breathing. Her breath sounds are clear to auscultation bilaterally, her vital signs are stable, and her oxygen saturation is 94%. She tells you she is allergic to wasps and has an epinephrine auto-injector. You should: A: give supplemental oxygen and transport her to the hospital. B: give high-flow oxygen and administer 100 mg of Benadryl. C: assist her in administering epinephrine via her auto-injector. D: advise her that she can probably drive herself to the hospital.
A: give supplemental oxygen and transport her to the hospital.
An elderly man is found unresponsive in his kitchen. The patient's wife tells you that her husband has diabetes and that he took his insulin, but did not eat anything. You should suspect: A: hypoglycemia. B: ketoacidosis. C: hyperglycemia. D: diabetic coma.
A: hypoglycemia.
An 80-year-old woman has pain in the right upper quadrant of her abdomen and a yellow tinge to her skin. You should suspect dysfunction of the: A: liver. B: pancreas. C: gallbladder. D: spleen.
A: liver.
Law enforcement requests your assistance to evaluate a young female who they believe has overdosed. The patient is conscious, is displaying bizarre behavior, and is very restless. Her BP is 170/90 mm Hg and her heart rate is 130 beats/min. You see needle tracks on both of her arms. She is MOST likely under the influence of a: A: methamphetamine. B: benzodiazepine. C: powerful narcotic. D: sedative-hypnotic.
A: methamphetamine.
A middle-aged man was found floating facedown in a small pond. When you arrive at the scene, bystanders are present, but nobody has removed him from the water because they thought he was dead. After reaching the victim, you should: A: move him to a supine position by rotating the entire upper half of his body as a single unit. B: stabilize his head as you remove it from the water and open his airway by tilting his head back. C: float a buoyant backboard under him, remove him from the pond, and begin rescue breathing. D: grab him by his clothing, remove him from the pond, and assess for breathing and a pulse.
A: move him to a supine position by rotating the entire upper half of his body as a single unit.
When caring for any patient with a decreased level of consciousness, your primary concern should be the: A: potential for airway compromise. B: possibility of a spinal injury. C: possibility of a drug overdose. D: patient's blood glucose level.
A: potential for airway compromise.
After moving a hypothermic patient to a warmer area, your primary focus should be to: A: prevent further body heat loss. B: provide rapid rewarming. C: give warm, humidified oxygen. D: assess his or her body temperature.
A: prevent further body heat loss.
A man is experiencing a severe allergic reaction after being stung by a scorpion. He does not have his own epinephrine; however, his wife is allergic to bees and has a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector. You should: A: provide rapid transport and consider an ALS rendezvous. B: assist the patient with the wife's prescribed epinephrine. C: assist the patient with one half the usual dose of the wife's epinephrine. D: request an ALS unit to respond to the scene to administer epinephrine.
A: provide rapid transport and consider an ALS rendezvous.
You are at the scene where a man panicked while swimming in a small lake. Your initial attempt to rescue him should include: A: reaching for the victim with a long stick. B: swimming to the victim to rescue him. C: throwing a rope to the victim. D: rowing a small raft to the victim.
A: reaching for the victim with a long stick.
A 50-year-old woman who is conscious and alert complains of a severe migraine headache. When caring for her, you should generally avoid: A: shining a light into her pupils. B: applying ice packs to her forehead. C: dimming the lights in the ambulance. D: transporting her in a supine position.
A: shining a light into her pupils.
A near-drowning is MOST accurately defined as: A: survival for at least 24 hours following submersion in water. B: immediate death due to prolonged submersion in water. C: complications within 24 hours following submersion in water. D: death greater than 24 hours following submersion in water.
A: survival for at least 24 hours following submersion in water.
When assessing a conscious patient who overdosed on a drug, you should FIRST determine: A: the type of medication ingested. B: when the medication was ingested. C: if there is a history of prior overdose. D: the patient's weight in kilograms.
A: the type of medication ingested.
Which of the following patients with diabetes is the BEST candidate for oral glucose? A: An unresponsive patient who took too much insulin B: A confused patient who has cool, clammy skin C: A semiconscious patient with pale, clammy skin D: A confused patient with suspected hyperglycemia
B: A confused patient who has cool, clammy skin
How should you classify a patient's nature of illness if he or she has a low blood glucose level, bizarre behavior, and shallow breathing? A: Respiratory emergency B: Altered mental status C: Cardiac compromise D: Behavioral emergency
B: Altered mental status
Which of the following signs is LEAST suggestive of a diabetic emergency? A: Tachycardia B: Bradycardia C: Fruity breath odor D: Combativeness
B: Bradycardia
Which of the following structures is responsible for regulating body temperature? A: Medulla oblongata B: Hypothalamus C: Cerebellum D: Cerebrum
B: Hypothalamus
After removing a patient from the water, your assessment reveals that he is not breathing and is continuously regurgitating large amounts of water. You should: A: perform abdominal thrusts to remove the water. B: alternate suctioning with artificial ventilations. C: begin rescue breathing after he stops regurgitating. D: place him on his side and press on his abdomen.
B: alternate suctioning with artificial ventilations.
Immediately following a generalized seizure involving tonic-clonic activity, most patients: A: have a slow heart rate because of cardiac depression during the seizure. B: are unresponsive but gradually regain consciousness. C: return to a normal level of consciousness but cannot recall the event. D: experience prolonged apnea and require positive-pressure ventilations.
B: are unresponsive but gradually regain consciousness.
Your FIRST action in managing a patient with an altered mental status should be to: A: administer high-flow supplemental oxygen. B: determine if the patient is breathing adequately. C: ask a family member how the patient normally acts. D: administer one tube of oral glucose.
B: determine if the patient is breathing adequately.
A 44-year-old woman was bitten on the ankle by an unidentified snake while working in her garden. She is conscious and alert, has stable vital signs, and denies shortness of breath. Her only complaint is a burning sensation at the wound site. Your assessment reveals two small puncture wounds, redness, and swelling. You should: A: elevate her leg, cover the wound with a dry sterile dressing, and apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. B: give supplemental oxygen, splint her leg to decrease movement, and keep her leg below the level of her heart. C: conclude that envenomation likely did not occur, provide reassurance, and allow a friend to take her to the hospital. D: administer high-flow oxygen, apply a constricting band proximal to the bite, and use ice to prevent venom spread.
B: give supplemental oxygen, splint her leg to decrease movement, and keep her leg below the level of her heart.
A patient who overdosed on heroin would be expected to present with: A: hyperpnea. B: hypotension. C: dilated pupils. D: tachycardia.
B: hypotension.
You are transporting a 35-year-old male who has a history of alcoholism. He stopped drinking 4 days ago and is now disoriented, diaphoretic, and tachycardic. You should be MOST concerned that he: A: is severely dehydrated. B: may have a seizure. C: will develop a high fever. D: will begin hallucinating.
B: may have a seizure.
A 50-year-old female complains of severe pain to the right lower quadrant of her abdomen. You should: A: keep her supine with her legs fully extended. B: palpate the left upper quadrant of her abdomen first. C: suspect that she has an acute problem with her liver. D: quickly palpate that area first to assess for rigidity.
B: palpate the left upper quadrant of her abdomen first.
You are dispatched to a residence for a 20-year-old male with respiratory distress. When you arrive, you find that the patient has a tracheostomy tube and is ventilator dependent. His mother tells you that he was doing fine, but then suddenly began experiencing breathing difficulty. You should: A: remove the ventilator tubing and place an oxygen mask over the tracheostomy tube. B: remove him from the mechanical ventilator and ventilate him manually. C: check the settings on the ventilator to ensure that it is functioning properly. D: detach the ventilator, suction the tracheostomy tube, and reassess the patient.
B: remove him from the mechanical ventilator and ventilate him manually.
A young male experienced a syncopal episode after working in the heat for several hours. He is conscious and alert; has cool, clammy skin; and complains of nausea and lightheadedness. You should: A: give him cold water to drink. B: transport him on his side. C: advise him to go home and rest. D: provide rapid cooling.
B: transport him on his side.
Which of the following is the MOST significant finding in a patient experiencing an allergic reaction? A: Abdominal cramps. B: Widespread rash. C. Hoarseness D: Headache
C. Hoarseness
Which of the following mechanisms cause respiratory and circulatory collapse during anaphylactic shock? A: Bronchodilation and vasodilation B: Bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction C: Bronchoconstriction and vasodilation D: Bronchodilation and vasoconstriction
C: Bronchoconstriction and vasodilation
Which of the following conditions would MOST likely cause flushed skin? A: Blood loss B: Low blood pressure C: Exposure to heat D: Hypothermia
C: Exposure to heat
Which of the following conditions would be the LEAST likely to be present in a patient who was submerged in water? A: Spinal injury B: Gastric distention C: Hyperglycemia D: Laryngospasm
C: Hyperglycemia
Which of the following is a later sign of hepatitis? A: Loss of appetite B: Fatigue C: Jaundice D: Fever and vomiting
C: Jaundice
Which of the following statements regarding heatstroke is correct? A: Heatstroke is caused by a hyperactive sweating mechanism. B: Heatstroke is more likely to occur when the humidity is low. C: Not all patients experiencing heatstroke have dry skin. D: As core body temperature rises, the patient becomes more agitated.
C: Not all patients experiencing heatstroke have dry skin.
You are transporting a 30-year-old man who is experiencing an emotional crisis. The patient does not speak when you ask him questions. How should you respond to his unwillingness to speak? A: Tell the patient that you cannot help if he won't talk. B: Do not speak to the patient, even if he begins to speak to you. C: Remain silent until the patient speaks to you. D: Continually encourage the patient to talk to you.
C: Remain silent until the patient speaks to you.
Which of the following signs and symptoms are MOST characteristic of hyperglycemic ketoacidosis? A: Warm, dry skin and a rapid onset B: Cool, clammy skin and a slow onset C: Warm, dry skin and a slow onset D: Cool, clammy skin and a rapid onset
C: Warm, dry skin and a slow onset
A 48-year-old male became acutely hypoxic, experienced a seizure, and is now postictal. The MOST effective way to prevent another seizure is to: A: dim the lights in the back of the ambulance. B: place him in the recovery position. C: administer high-flow supplemental oxygen. D: give him oral glucose if he can swallow.
C: administer high-flow supplemental oxygen.
Assessment and treatment of a patient with severe abdominal pain should include: A: placing the patient in a supine position. B: giving the patient small sips of water. C: administering supplemental oxygen. D: vigorously palpating the abdomen.
C: administering supplemental oxygen.
A 28-year-old woman has severe lower quadrant abdominal pain. When assessing her abdomen, you should: A: ask her where the pain is located and palpate that area first. B: encourage the patient to lie supine with her legs fully extended. C: ask her where the pain is located and palpate that area last. D: auscultate for bowel sounds for approximately 2 to 5 minutes.
C: ask her where the pain is located and palpate that area last.
You respond to a baseball field for a person who was struck by lightning. When you arrive, you see one patient who appears confused and is ambulatory; a second patient who is conscious, sitting on the ground, and holding his arm; and a third patient who is supine and motionless. After requesting additional responders, you should: A: treat the conscious patients because the motionless patient is likely deceased. B: proceed to the ambulatory patient, sit him down, and assess his mental status. C: assess the motionless victim and perform CPR and defibrillation if necessary. D: assess and begin treating the sitting patient first because he is obviously injured.
C: assess the motionless victim and perform CPR and defibrillation if necessary.
Approximately 5 minutes after being stung by a bee, a 21-year-old male develops hives and begins experiencing difficulty breathing. When you arrive at the scene, you note that his level of consciousness is decreased, his breathing is labored, and wheezing can be heard without a stethoscope. The patient has a bee sting kit, but has not used it. You should: A: provide positive-pressure ventilations, initiate rapid transport, and coordinate a rendezvous with a paramedic unit so they can administer the epinephrine from his bee sting kit. B: give him high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask, cover him with a blanket and elevate his legs, and assist him in swallowing the antihistamine tablets that are in his bee sting kit. C: assist his ventilations with a bag-mask device, administer epinephrine from his bee sting kit after receiving approval from medical control, and prepare for immediate transport. D: administer high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask, apply a chemical cold pack to the sting, transport at once, and be prepared to administer the epinephrine from his bee sting kit.
C: assist his ventilations with a bag-mask device, administer epinephrine from his bee sting kit after receiving approval from medical control, and prepare for immediate transport.
A 55-year-old woman with a history of diabetes is found unresponsive with rapid, shallow respirations. The patient's husband tells you that he does not know when his wife last took her insulin. Management of this patient should include: A: subcutaneous injection of insulin and 100% oxygen. B: assisted ventilations and oral glucose. C: assisted ventilations and rapid transport. D: oral glucose and oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.
C: assisted ventilations and rapid transport.
A 30-year-old man with a history of schizophrenia cut his wrists and is bleeding profusely. He is confused, combative, and has slurred speech. With the assistance of law enforcement personnel, you and your partner physically restrain him in order to provide care and transport. In this situation, a court of law would MOST likely: A: determine that the patient had decision-making capacity. B: agree that you and your partner are guilty of assault and battery. C: consider your actions in providing care to be appropriate. D: conclude that you should have had a court order to restrain.
C: consider your actions in providing care to be appropriate.
The bite of a brown recluse spider is characterized by: A: immediate pain, swelling at the site, and painful muscle spasms. B: two small puncture marks, swelling, and delayed onset of pain. C: delayed onset of pain, swelling, and blister formation at the site. D: rapid swelling within 30 minutes and a decline in mental status.
C: delayed onset of pain, swelling, and blister formation at the site.
When caring for a patient with an acute behavioral crisis, your primary concern should be: A: providing safe transport to the hospital. B: gathering all of the patient's medications. C: ensuring you and your partner's safety. D: obtaining a complete past medical history.
C: ensuring you and your partner's safety.
When insulin levels in the blood remain high: A: a fruity odor can be detected on the patient's breath. B: the cells starve for glucose and begin to metabolize fat. C: glucose is rapidly taken out of the blood to fuel the cells. D: the patient urinates excessively and becomes dehydrated.
C: glucose is rapidly taken out of the blood to fuel the cells.
A 73-year-old male presents with confusion; cool, pale, clammy skin; absent radial pulses; and a blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg. The patient's wife tells you that he has had abdominal pain for a week and began vomiting a coffee-ground substance yesterday. His past medical history includes hypertension and gastric ulcer disease. Your MOST immediate concern should be that: A: his blood glucose level is probably too high. B: his condition requires surgery within 2 hours. C: he is in shock and requires prompt transport. D: he is bleeding from his gastrointestinal tract.
C: he is in shock and requires prompt transport.
Hypoxia-induced unresponsiveness during a submersion injury is usually the result of: A: water in the lungs. B: a cardiac dysrhythmia. C: laryngospasm. D: associated hypothermia.
C: laryngospasm.
The MOST obvious way to reduce heat loss from radiation and convection is to: A: move away from a cold object. B: increase metabolism by shivering. C: move to a warmer environment. D: wear a thick wind-proof jacket.
C: move to a warmer environment.
You receive a call to a restaurant where a 34-year-old man is experiencing shortness of breath. When you arrive, you immediately note that the man has urticaria on his face and arms. He is conscious, but restless, and is in obvious respiratory distress. You should: A: ask the patient if he has an epinephrine auto-injector. B: obtain a set of baseline vital signs and a SAMPLE history. C: place a nonrebreathing mask set at 15 L/min on the patient. D: remove the patient's shirt to inspect his chest for urticaria.
C: place a nonrebreathing mask set at 15 L/min on the patient.
A 50-year-old woman with a history of epilepsy is actively seizing. Care for this patient should focus primarily on: A: administering high-flow oxygen and requesting an ALS ambulance. B: frequently suctioning her airway and carefully restraining her. C: protecting her from injury and ensuring adequate ventilation. D: placing a bite block in between her molars and giving her oxygen.
C: protecting her from injury and ensuring adequate ventilation.
A patient with a core body temperature of 94°F would MOST likely present with: A: decreased muscle activity. B: joint and muscle stiffness. C: shivering and pale skin. D: an altered mental status.
C: shivering and pale skin.
When restraining a violent patient, you should make sure that: A: consent for restraint has been obtained from a family member. B: at least two EMTs restrain the patient. C: someone talks to the patient during the process. D: the patient is restrained using maximal force.
C: someone talks to the patient during the process.
A 46-year-old man presents with generalized weakness and shortness of breath after he was bitten on the leg by a rattlesnake. His blood pressure is 106/58 mm Hg and his pulse rate is 112 beats/min. In addition to supplemental oxygen, further treatment for this patient should include: A: elevation of the affected part and ice packs. B: proximal arterial constricting band and splinting. C: splinting and lowering of the affected part. D: ice packs to the wound and splinting.
C: splinting and lowering of the affected part.
You receive a call for a 54-year-old female who is having a seizure. When you arrive at the scene, the patient is actively seizing. Her husband tells you that she has a history of seizures, and that she has been seizing continuously for 20 minutes. It is MOST important for you to recognize that: A: her seizure could be the result of a low blood glucose level. B: her husband's description is consistent with status epilepticus. C: the patient is hypoxic and needs oxygen as soon as possible. D: the patient may have stopped taking her seizure medication.
C: the patient is hypoxic and needs oxygen as soon as possible.
A 60-year-old male complains of a tearing sensation in his abdomen. He tells you the pain began suddenly and feels like someone is sticking a knife into his abdomen. He is conscious and alert with a blood pressure of 148/88 mm Hg, a pulse of 120 beats/min, and respirations of 22 breaths/min. In addition to administering high-flow oxygen, you should: A: perform a rapid head to toe assessment and prepare for transport. B: auscultate over his epigastrium to assess for bowel sounds. C: transport at once and be prepared to treat him for severe shock. D: vigorously palpate his abdomen to assess for a pulsating mass.
C: transport at once and be prepared to treat him for severe shock.
Which of the following is a physiologic effect of epinephrine when used to treat anaphylactic shock? A: As a vasoconstrictor, it lowers the blood pressure. B: As an antihistamine, it blocks chemicals that cause the reaction. C: As a vasodilator, it increases the blood pressure. D: As a bronchodilator, it improves the patient's breathing.
D: As a bronchodilator, it improves the patient's breathing.
Which of the following actions should be carried out during the primary assessment of an unresponsive patient? A: Obtaining a blood pressure B: Palpating the cranium C: Auscultating the lungs D: Assessing the skin
D: Assessing the skin
A 56-year-old diabetic man is found unresponsive by his wife. She tells you that he ate breakfast this morning, but is unsure if he took his insulin. His respirations are rapid and shallow, his skin is cool and profusely diaphoretic, and his pulse is rapid and weak. Which of the following statements regarding this patient is correct? A: The fact that he ate breakfast makes hypoglycemia highly unlikely. B: You should request an ALS unit so they can give the patient his insulin. C: He probably did not take his insulin and has a high blood glucose level. D: He needs glucose as soon as possible because he is likely hypoglycemic.
D: He needs glucose as soon as possible because he is likely hypoglycemic.
A known diabetic female is found unresponsive. Her respirations are rapid and shallow; her skin is cool, clammy, and pale; and her pulse is rapid and weak. Which of the following would BEST explain the likely cause of her condition? A: High blood sugar B: Excessive eating C: Failure to take insulin D: Insulin overdose
D: Insulin overdose
Which of the following statements regarding the function of insulin is correct? A: It stimulates the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. B: It causes the pancreas to produce glucose based on the body's demand. C: It promotes the entry of glucose from the cell into the bloodstream. D: It facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cell.
D: It facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cell.
A 24-year-old female presents with a rash to her left leg and swollen, painful knee joints. She tells you that she and her friends returned from a hiking trip in the mountains a week ago. She is conscious and alert with a blood pressure of 112/62 mm Hg, a pulse of 84 beats/min, and respirations of 14 breaths/min. Her symptoms are MOST likely the result of: A: tetanus. B: Rocky Mountain spotted fever. C: a localized allergic reaction. D: Lyme disease.
D: Lyme disease.
Which of the following signs or symptoms is MOST suggestive of a systemic reaction following ingestion of a poison? A: Painful or difficult swallowing B: Nausea and vomiting C: Burns around the mouth D: Tachycardia and hypotension
D: Tachycardia and hypotension
Which of the following is the MOST significant finding in a patient with a severe headache? A: Abdominal tenderness B: Pain in both legs C: Chest discomfort D: Unilateral weakness
D: Unilateral weakness
The two MOST important steps in treating a patient with a contact poisoning are: A: determining when the exposure occurred and irrigating the patient's entire body with copious amounts of water. B: immediately washing any dry chemicals off of the patient's skin and removing his or her clothing as soon as possible. C: donning a pair of gloves and performing a physical examination to determine if a significant exposure occurred. D: avoiding self-contamination and removing the irritating or corrosive substance from the patient as rapidly as possible.
D: avoiding self-contamination and removing the irritating or corrosive substance from the patient as rapidly as possible.
Activated charcoal is contraindicated for a patient who is: A: conscious and alert and has ingested a large amount of Motrin. B: agitated and claims to have ingested a bottle of Tylenol. C: emotionally upset and has ingested two bottles of aspirin. D: awake and alert and has swallowed a commercial drain cleaner.
D: awake and alert and has swallowed a commercial drain cleaner.
Hypoglycemia and acute ischemic stroke can present similarly because: A: the majority of stroke patients have a history of diabetes. B: they are both caused by low levels of glucose in the blood. C: the most common cause of a stroke is hypoglycemia. D: both oxygen and glucose are needed for brain function.
D: both oxygen and glucose are needed for brain function.
A patient who overdosed on methamphetamine would be expected to have all of the following clinical signs, EXCEPT: A: agitation. B: dilated pupils. C: hypertension. D: bradycardia.
D: bradycardia.
When treating an unresponsive man who was struck by lightning, you should: A: apply full spinal precautions before moving him. B: manually stabilize his head and open his airway. C: begin CPR at once if he is apneic and pulseless. D: ensure that you and the patient are in a safe place.
D: ensure that you and the patient are in a safe place.
A 36-year-old male, who is a known diabetic, presents with severe weakness, diaphoresis, and tachycardia. He is conscious, but confused. His blood pressure is 110/58 mm Hg, pulse is 120 beats/min and weak, and respirations are 24 breaths/min. The glucometer reads error after several attempts to assess his blood glucose level. In addition to high-flow oxygen, medical control will MOST likely order you to: A: assist the patient in taking his insulin. B: give him a salt-containing solution to drink. C: transport only and closely monitor him. D: give at least one tube of oral glucose.
D: give at least one tube of oral glucose.
All of the following are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, EXCEPT: A: hematemesis. B: tachycardia. C: melena. D: hemoptysis.
D: hemoptysis.
Your patient is a 75-year-old female who, according to her son, tripped on a throw rug and fell. The patient is conscious and alert, is sitting on the couch, and has a hematoma to her forehead. When you ask her what happened, her son interjects by saying, "I already told you, she tripped and fell." As you further question her, you find that she is hesitant to answer your questions and keeps looking at her son. You should: A: ask the patient if someone hurt her intentionally. B: tell the son that you suspect his mother has been abused. C: notify law enforcement and have the son removed. D: interview the patient and her son separately if possible.
D: interview the patient and her son separately if possible.
You respond to a grocery store where a 39-year-old man reportedly experienced a seizure. When you arrive at the scene, a clerk begins to escort you to the patient. She tells you that the man stopped seizing about 5 minutes ago. If the patient truly experienced a seizure, you will MOST likely find that he: A: is not breathing and is cyanotic. B: has a slow heart rate. C: is fully conscious and alert. D: is confused and disoriented.
D: is confused and disoriented.
A 42-year-old male presents with fever, a severe headache, and a stiff neck. He is conscious, but confused. His wife tells you that he does not have any medical problems and does not take any medications. You should be MOST suspicious for: A: acute stroke. B: influenza. C: tuberculosis. D: meningitis.
D: meningitis.
You are called to the residence of a 39-year-old male with flu-like symptoms. The patient tells you that he has been feeling ill for the last 2 days. He has a fever, headache, and diarrhea, and asks that you take him to the hospital. His blood pressure is 120/60 mm Hg, his pulse is 110 beats/min, and his respirations are 16 breaths/min. You should: A: request an ALS ambulance to the scene to start an IV line. B: advise him that he can drive himself to his family physician. C: ask him if he has a history of HIV infection or hepatitis. D: offer oxygen and transport him in a position of comfort.
D: offer oxygen and transport him in a position of comfort.
You and your partner arrive at the home of a 60-year-old man with shortness of breath. As you enter the residence, you find the patient sitting in his recliner; he is in obvious respiratory distress. As you approach him, he becomes verbally abusive, stating that it took you too long to get to his home. A small handgun is sitting on a table next to his recliner. You should: A: verbally distract the patient as your partner attempts to retrieve the gun. B: turn around, rapidly exit the residence, and notify law enforcement. C: explain the reason for your delay as your partner administers oxygen. D: slowly back your way out of the residence and call law enforcement.
D: slowly back your way out of the residence and call law enforcement.