Quiz 5 Questions and on
Using START triage guidelines, a patient on the scene of a mass-causality incident who has no pulse is deemed a ________ patient. a. Priority 0 b. Priority 1 c. Priority 2 d. Priority 3
a. Priority 0
What action does an organ undergo to BEST describe the term hypertrophy? a. Absence b. Wasting c. Enlargement d. Changing
c. Enlargement
If you are unsure of whether to categorize your patient as trauma or medical, you can use information collected from your ________ to help distinguish. a. primary assessment b. first assessment c. secondary assessment d. focused trauma assessment
a. primary assessment
A 43-year-old male is entrapped in a car that struck a tree at a high rate of speed. He suffered blunt trauma to the chest and has a decreased level of consciousness. In this situation, which one of the following is the best reason to transfer the patient by helicopter to the hospital? a. Prolonged extrication was necessary. b. The helicopter base is only 1 mile away. c. A family member on scene requests it. d. Death of the car's driver occurred.
a. Prolonged extrication was necessary.
The EMT indicates that he is properly assessing the patient's breath sounds when he gives which one of the following instructions to the patient? a. "Please breathe slowly through your mouth as I listen to your lungs." b."Please sit upright and take a deep breath through your nose as I listen to your lungs." c."Please take a deep breath and gently cough as I listen to your lungs." d. "I need to listen to your right lung first and then compare it to your left."
a. "Please breathe slowly through your mouth as I listen to your lungs."
A patient requires several doses of medication from her metered-dose inhaler. At a minimum, how long should the EMT wait between administrations? a. 2 minutes b. 10 minutes c. 30 seconds d. 5 minutes
a. 2 minutes
You are performing START triage at a multiple-casualty incident. Which of the following patients would be tagged red? a. A 30-year-old with respirations of 24 and who has a radial pulse but cannot follow commands b. A 43-year-old who has respirations of 28, a radial pulse, and deep facial and torso lacerations and who is screaming to get her to the hospital c. A 6-year-old displaying no respirations with manual airway techniques and a weak carotid pulse d. A 16-year-old with respirations less than 30, a good radial pulse, and who follows commands
a. A 30-year-old with respirations of 24 and who has a radial pulse but cannot follow commands
Medical command has ordered you to administer activated charcoal to a patient who ingested a large amount of poison. When looking in your medical kit, which of the following medications would you prepare and administer? a. Actidose b. Ecotrin c. Glyburide d. Nitrostat
a. Actidose
Which one of the following shows that the EMT is correctly performing a uterine massage? a. Both hands cup the uterus, with one of the hands positioned just above the symphysis pubis. b. She places her hands on the upper abdomen and pushes the uterus toward the pelvis. c. She uses the lower palms of both hands to firmly press downward on the uterus. d. Both hands are positioned at the symphysis pubis and she pushes with an upward motion.
a. Both hands cup the uterus, with one of the hands positioned just above the symphysis pubis.
An unresponsive patient presents with a blood sugar of 30 mg/dL. What is the major threat to this patient's well-being? a. Brain damage b. Dehydration c. Glucose toxicity d. Cardiac compromise
a. Brain damage
Which of the following may be a source of ignition when an ambulance is parked off the roadway in a field of dried grass? a. Catalytic converter b. Mobile radio c. Leaking coolant d. Battery
a. Catalytic converter
You respond to a 30-year-old male patient complaining of pain in his ankle after being struck by a baseball. After your primary assessment and determining the chief complaint, your next assessment step should be which of the following? a. Conduct a history of the present illness. b. Obtain baseline vital signs and medical history. c. Immediately take manual stabilization of the cervical spine and keep it in a neutral position. d. Perform a rapid trauma assessment.
a. Conduct a history of the present illness.
You respond to the scene of a 56-year-old obese female complaining of respiratory distress. She states that she has been feeling weak and a "little sick" for the past two days but the respiratory distress has been getting progressively worse for the past several hours. She states she has "heart problems," suffers from high blood pressure, and takes a "water pill." She is afebrile and has coarse crackles (rales) bilaterally. What is most likely the cause of her respiratory distress? a. Congestive heart failure b. Pneumonia c. Aortic aneurysm d. Influenza
a. Congestive heart failure
What are some of the most important critical decisions an EMT can make on the scene of a serious trauma? a. Determining patient priority, amount of time on-scene, and hospital transport decision b. Whether to await ALS care on-scene or begin BLS transport c. Physiological determinants, anatomic criteria, and mechanism of injury d. Load and go versus stay and play
a. Determining patient priority, amount of time on-scene, and hospital transport decision
As someone who suffers from COPD, your patient is familiar with being short of breath. However, since yesterday he can't seem to catch his breath. He appears to be hypoxic. What is your biggest concern with this patient? a. Respiratory arrest b. Respiratory irritation c. Respiratory distress d. Respiratory failure
a. Respiratory arrest
You are using the Simple Triage and Rapid Transport (START) system of triage. Which one of the following patients should have a yellow tag applied prior to being moved to the treatment area? a. Female with a respiratory rate of 22, palpable radial pulse, and squeezes your fingers when instructed b. Male with a respiratory rate of 8, no radial pulse, and unresponsive mental status c. Female with agonal respirations, no radial pulse, and unresponsive mental status d. Male with a respiratory rate of 40, palpable radial pulse, and squeezes your fingers when instructed
a. Female with a respiratory rate of 22, palpable radial pulse, and squeezes your fingers when instructed
When you are obtaining information for the medical history, which of the following items would be significant for a patient with suspected cholecystitis? a. Fried chicken and potato salad for dinner b. Abstinence from alcohol over the past six months c. Start of a new medication for high blood pressure d. History of recent unexplained weight loss
a. Fried chicken and potato salad for dinner
Bystanders state that a 72-year-old woman complained of chest pain and dizziness just before she fell down a flight of stairs. She is alert but confused and states that she feels nauseated and may vomit. How should the EMT position this patient for transport? a. Fully immobilized to a long spine board b. Left lateral recumbent position on a long spine board c. Supine with her head turned to one side d. Semi-Fowler's with a cervical collar in place
a. Fully immobilized to a long spine board
A patient with a history of hepatitis C has called 911 because he has a headache. Given the complaint and medical history, which personal protective equipment is most appropriate? a. Gloves b. Goggles c. Gloves and gown d. No protection is needed.
a. Gloves
A helicopter has been requested to the scene of a motor vehicle collision in which two people have been critically injured. As safety officer overseeing the incident, what would cause you to immediately intervene for the safety of all rescuers, bystanders, and patients? a. Guiding the helicopter to the landing site using a bright spotlight b. Stopping traffic in both lanes of divided highway as the aircraft lands c. Soaking down the landing site using water from a fire hose d. Rescuers positioned in front of the aircraft instead of behind it
a. Guiding the helicopter to the landing site using a bright spotlight
You are treating a short of breath 9-year-old male with a history of asthma. On scene he presents in severe respiratory distress with noted intercostal retraction, lethargy, and expiratory wheezing. His pulse is 136, respirations 32, and SpO2 95%. You have assisted him with his albuterol MDI and are transporting emergently to the hospital. As you reassess the patient, what finding is most concerning? a. Heart rate 88 b. Blood pressure 100/64 c. Increased wheezing d. SpO2 94%
a. Heart rate 88
You are having a hard time getting the past medical history of a patient who is short of breath. Which one of the following pieces of information would lead the EMT to believe that the patient has a history of chronic lung disease, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis? a. Her chest is "barrel" shaped. b. She takes a daily aspirin. c. Her respirations are tachypneic. d. She continually coughs.
a. Her chest is "barrel" shaped.
Which of the following questions would be most useful in obtaining the history of the present illness of a patient with a complaint of chest pain? a. How would you describe the way the pain feels? b. Would you say the pain is crushing and heavy? c. Does this pain make you think you're having a heart attack? d. Has anyone in your family ever had pain like this?
a. How would you describe the way the pain feels?
Assessment of a 79-year-old female with a long history of medical complaints reveals tenderness and deformity to her left hip. Staff at the personal care home state that she slipped in some water and fell onto her buttocks. Currently, she is alert and oriented and stating the pain is 10/10. Regarding care of her leg, which one of the following is most appropriate? a. Maintain the leg in the position found and transfer to a long spine board. b. Apply traction with a traction splint until the pain subsides. c. Straighten the leg and splint it in that position. d. Determine the presence of a pedal pulse, and then apply the traction splint.
a. Maintain the leg in the position found and transfer to a long spine board.
The EMT should suspect that a patient is diabetic when which one of the following medications is found on the scene? a. Metformin b. Ecotrin c. Lexapro d. Nitrostat
a. Metformin
You are presenting information on emergency care to a class of pregnant women. A participant asks you what the most frequent cause of injury is to a woman during pregnancy. Which one of the following is the correct response? a. Motor vehicle collisions b. Falls c. Sexual assault d. Domestic violence
a. Motor vehicle collisions
Chemical cold packs are carried on the ambulance for treatment of which of the following? a. Musculoskeletal injuries b. Snake bites c. Abdominal pain d. Seizures
a. Musculoskeletal injuries
You are the third ambulance to arrive at the scene of a nighttime motor vehicle collision on a busy road. As you approach the scene, which one of the following observations should cause you to alert the incident commander of a problem? a. One ambulance has been positioned with its lights facing oncoming traffic. b. Traffic cones and an EMT are being used to divert and monitor traffic. c. The closest ambulance is parked 200 feet from the wrecked car. d. One ambulance is acting as a physical barrier between the wrecked car and oncoming traffic.
a. One ambulance has been positioned with its lights facing oncoming traffic.
What is a simple step EMTs can perform to help prevent the spread of flu in the prehospital environment? a. Place a surgical mask on suspected flu patients. b. Transport all patients with coughs to negative pressure rooms. c. Encourage patients to get their H1N1 antivirals early in the flu season. d. Notify the CDC and local health department of flu cases.
a. Place a surgical mask on suspected flu patients.
You are teaching a group of EMTs about multiple-casualty incidents and the Incident Command System (ICS). Which one of the following statements about ICS is true? a. Plain English is used for all communications. b. Each EMS agency can use its own codes and terms. c. Each individual responder is accountable to two supervisors. d. There is a separate commander for EMS, fire, and law enforcement.
a. Plain English is used for all communications.
After being assaulted by her boyfriend, an 18-year-old female who is 33 weeks pregnant is found unresponsive in her bedroom. She appears to have been beaten in the head and abdomen as evidenced by multiple hematomas and lacerations to these areas. Which assessment finding should concern the EMT most and be addressed first? a. Room air SpO2 at 93% b. Bright red vaginal bleeding c. Abdominal contusions d. Rapid heart rate
a. Room air SpO2 at 93%
On scene you suspect that a young female patient is suffering from hyperventilation syndrome. Which one of the following signs would best assist you in confirming this suspicion? a. Spasm of the hands b. Breathing through the mouth c. Urinary incontinence d. Heart rate of 64 beats per minute
a. Spasm of the hands
You are dispatched to a motor vehicle collision. As you approach the scene, you notice that a tanker truck has rolled onto its side while negotiating a curve. What should you do? a. Stop a safe distance away, use binoculars to locate any placards on the tanker, and reference the Emergency Guide Book. b. When you reach the scene, look for the NFPA 704 label and reference the MSDS. c. When you approach the tanker, look for any placards and reference the Emergency Guide Book. d. Stop a safe distance from the scene, use binoculars to locate any placards on the tanker, and reference the MSDS.
a. Stop a safe distance away, use binoculars to locate any placards on the tanker, and reference the Emergency Guide Book.
When seeking expert advice on how to proceed at a hazardous materials incident, which of the following information is important to provide? a. The amount of the substance involved b. Your level of EMS certification c. Your background in chemistry d. Both A and B
a. The amount of the substance involved
You have been called for an adult male who is hypoglycemic and responsive to painful stimuli. The family has oral glucose and wants you to administer it. However, at this time, your medical director has not authorized its use and there are no protocols regarding its use. Given the patient's condition and the family's request, which one of the following actions should you take? a. Transport the patient to the emergency department. b. Instruct the family to administer the oral glucose. c. Contact medical direction for permission to administer the glucose. d. Carefully administer the oral glucose at the family's request.
a. Transport the patient to the emergency department.
Which of the following describes status epilepticus? a. Two or more seizures with tonic-clonic activity without an intervening period of consciousness b. A seizure that occurs without a known cause c. A seizure involving convulsions on only one side of the body d. A period of drowsiness following tonic-clonic seizures
a. Two or more seizures with tonic-clonic activity without an intervening period of consciousness
A paramedic has asked that you apply a dressing over a sucking chest wound. What is best to cover the injury? a. Vaseline gauze b. Sterile gauze soaked in sterile water c. Dry sterile gauze dressing d. Clean washcloth
a. Vaseline gauze
When should the EMT most likely expect to hear wheezes in a patient complaining of shortness of breath secondary to an asthma attack? a. While breathing out b. While breathing in c. In between breaths d. All of the above
a. While breathing out
Involuntary consent would most likely apply to: a. a 23-year-old prisoner with a laceration to the right cheek and refusing care. b. an alert and oriented 34-year-old male who is coughing up blood and refusing care. c. a confused elderly woman who is in the presence of her acting Power of Attorney. d. a 3-year-old boy found wandering in the street with abrasions and cuts on his feet.
a. a 23-year-old prisoner with a laceration to the right cheek and refusing care.
A complex partial seizure can last ________. a. a few seconds to 2 minutes b. 2 to 30 minutes c. 10 to 30 seconds d. 1 to 3 minutes
a. a few seconds to 2 minutes
A complex partial seizure can last ________. a. a few seconds to 2 minutes b. 2 to 30 minutes c. 10 to 30 seconds d. 1 to 3 minutes
a. a few seconds to 2 minutes
The number-one cause of death in infants and children is ________. a. blunt force trauma b. respiratory failure c. fever d. foreign body obstruction
a. blunt force trauma
During ICS training, you learn that the most important functional area of the incident management system is ________. a. command b. planning c. logistics d. operations
a. command
After assisting a patient with the use of an epinephrine auto-injector, you note that the patient's blood pressure has improved. As a knowledgeable EMT, you realize that this has occurred due to epinephrine's ability to: a. constrict blood vessels. b. increase the number of circulating red blood cells. c. relax the smooth muscle of the blood vessels. d. increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells.
a. constrict blood vessels.
You are taking a class in EMS response to terrorism and learn that the goal of a terrorist act is to ________. a. incite fear in the public b. cause massive structural damage c. demonstrate a group's power and abilities d. draw attention to a group's political or social agenda
a. incite fear in the public
A 6-year-old male has a decreased level of consciousness. His mother states that they do not have health insurance so they did not take him to the hospital last week when he started vomiting and had copious amounts of diarrhea. She continues by stating that he has not had anything to eat or drink since then. He has snoring respirations that are rapid and inadequate. His radial pulse cannot be located, and his carotid pulse is rapid and weak. His capillary refill is 5 seconds and his skin is cool to the touch. Your first intervention in caring for this child would be: a. opening the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift. b. taking manual in-line spinal immobilization. c. providing positive pressure ventilation. d. attaching the automated external defibrillator.
a. opening the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift.
You are working as a part of the local emergency planning committee to design a disaster plan for your community. A good disaster plan should be ________. a. practiced in mock disaster exercises b. based on the availability of resources outside the area c. reevaluated once every 15 years d. generic to the region to allow for last-minute modifications
a. practiced in mock disaster exercises
A patient has called 911 for chest pain that he describes as "tearing" and radiating between his shoulders. His airway is patent, breathing accelerated but adequate, and radial pulse intact. Your partner reports the following vital signs: pulse 120, respirations 22, blood pressure 88/64, and SpO2 at 96% on room air. At this time, you should: a. recheck the blood pressure in the other arm. b. assist the patient with his nitroglycerin. c. encourage the patient to take an antacid such as Maalox. d. provide the patient with 325 mg of aspirin.
a. recheck the blood pressure in the other arm.
The use of reflective vests is a requirement of the ________. a. state EMS department b. medical director c. federal government d. state department of highways
a. state EMS department
An alert but confused patient called 911 with the complaint of abdominal pain. Assessment reveals her to be nauseated with pain that she localizes to the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. She states that she was not able to take her blood pressure medication this morning and wants to take it now with a small glass of juice. You would: a. tell her that she should not take her medication or drink juice. b. crush the medication and mix it in a small amount of water. c. provide her some water instead of juice to take with her medications. d. allow her to take the medication with juice.
a. tell her that she should not take her medication or drink juice.
A 19-year-old hemophiliac with behavioral problems has intentionally cut his right wrist. Assessment indicates an open airway, adequate breathing, and profound bleeding from the self-inflicted laceration. What instructions would you provide to other EMTs taking care of this patient? a. "Since control is virtually impossible, we need to transport immediately." b. "Let's use normal bleeding-control procedures and see how that works." c. "We need to quickly apply a tourniquet directly above the cut." d. "Let's elevate his arm and place a tourniquet distal to the cut."
b. "Let's use normal bleeding-control procedures and see how that works."
The EMT understands adequate breathing when he states: a. "If the respiratory rate is between 10 and 20, the breathing is most likely adequate." b. "Normal and adequate breathing is specific to the patient and is determined by assessment." c. "If the patient is breathing faster than 22 times a minute, it is inadequate." d. "If the rate is between 10 and 20, with an intact airway and clear breath sounds, it is adequate."
b. "Normal and adequate breathing is specific to the patient and is determined by assessment."
Which statement regarding abdominal pain would lead the EMT to suspect appendicitis? a. "The pain comes and goes and is more noticeable on the left side of my stomach." b. "The pain started around my belly button and slowly spread down to the right side of my belly." c. "I had back pain for about a week, and now the pain is all throughout my belly." d. "The stabbing pain started in the right side of my belly and spread up into my stomach."
b. "The pain started around my belly button and slowly spread down to the right side of my belly."
For the stroke patient to be eligible for a fibrinolytic, the patient must be brought to the hospital emergency department within how many hours of the onset of stroke symptoms? a. 6 b. 2 c. 24 d. 3
b. 2
A severe allergic reaction will usually occur within what time period following exposure to the substance to which the patient is allergic? a. 10 to 15 minutes b. 2 to 4 minutes c. 15 to 30 minutes d. 30 minutes to 2 hours
b. 2 to 4 minutes
Blood glucose rises after eating and slowly lowers as our body processes the food. For most diabetic patients, a normal blood glucose would be ________. a. 40 mg/dL b. 90 mg/dL c. 180 mg/dL d. 150 mg/dL
b. 90 mg/dL
Which of the following patients has the greatest likelihood of being cared for in a burn center? a. A 45-year-old man who has a full thickness burn about 3 inches long by 1/2 inch wide on his posterior arm from backing into a barbecue grill b. A 30-year-old woman who has deep partial thickness burns on her hand and arm as a result of spilling hot cooking oil on herself c. A 16-year-old female who came into contact with a motorcycle exhaust pipe and has a full thickness burn on her leg about 2 inches in diameter d. A 12-year-old male with a superficial partial thickness burn involving his forearm as a result of making a torch by lighting aerosol from a can of hairspray
b. A 30-year-old woman who has deep partial thickness burns on her hand and arm as a result of spilling hot cooking oil on herself
What is epilepsy? a. A condition caused by congenital brain abnormalities that causes seizures only twice a year b. A condition in which a person has multiple seizures usually controlled by medication c. A condition in which a person has an aura followed by seizure usually controlled by medication d. A condition in which a person has general seizures that start in childhood
b. A condition in which a person has multiple seizures usually controlled by medication
A female patient who is 36 weeks pregnant tripped in a parking lot, hitting her head and wrist, as well as her abdomen. She is alert and oriented and complains of a headache and abdominal and wrist pain. She denies shortness of breath and has an SpO2 of 96% on room air. Assessment reveals a large abrasion and hematoma to her forehead and abdomen and deformity to her left wrist. Which one of the following interventions will best treat the injuries the baby may have suffered? a. Immobilization to a long spine board b. Administering high-concentration oxygen through a nonrebreather c. Applying an ice pack to the wrist to decrease pain d. Covering the abdominal abrasion to prevent infection
b. Administering high-concentration oxygen through a nonrebreather
In which of the following patients should you check for the possibility of spinal injury? a. An unresponsive patient found in her bed with no obvious injury b. An unresponsive diabetic who appears to have fallen down c. A responsive patient with no history of injury who is complaining of a headache and neck pain d. All of the above
b. An unresponsive diabetic who appears to have fallen down
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of seizures? a. Epilepsy b. Anaphylaxis c. Head trauma d. Withdrawal from alcohol
b. Anaphylaxis
A 37-year-old woman, who is four months pregnant, is complaining of abdominal and pelvic pain after being assaulted in her home by a live-in boyfriend. During the assault, he struck her in the head, chest, and abdomen with his fists and a chair as she lay on the floor. There are no obvious threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation, and her vital signs are: pulse 124, respiration 22, blood pressure 114/68, and SpO2 97% on room air. Regarding your care of this patient, which of the following is needed? a. Immobilization to the long board with it tilted left for transport b. Application of a nonrebreather with high-concentration oxygen c. Immediate transport with care such as immobilization provided en route d. Calming reassurance and transport quietly in a position of comfort
b. Application of a nonrebreather with high-concentration oxygen
A worker has been exposed to beta rays given off by a radioactive material. Which one of the following should you do first? a. Determine the exact material he was exposed to. b. Assess his level of consciousness and ABCs. c. Quickly assess for any radiation burns. d. Decontaminate the patient.
b. Assess his level of consciousness and ABCs.
Which of the following is a physiologic effect of the "Stress Triad" as described by the physician Hans Selye? a. Amnesia for stressful events b. Bleeding gastric ulcers c. Hypertrophy of the lymph nodes d. Atrophy of the adrenal glands
b. Bleeding gastric ulcers
Mr. Hughes is a 49-year-old man complaining of chest pain. To find out about the quality of his chest pain, which of the following questions is most appropriate? a. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst, how would you rate your level of pain? b. Can you describe how the pain in your chest feels? c. Does anything make the pain worse? d. Are you having pain anywhere besides your chest?
b. Can you describe how the pain in your chest feels?
An unrestrained female driver hit a utility pole at a moderate rate of speed and struck the steering wheel with her chest. Her airway is open, and she states that it is painful to breathe. Her pulse is moderate in strength and irregular. Breath sounds are equal bilaterally, and there is no jugular venous distention noted. Assessment of her chest reveals bruising and instability to the sternum. When asked, she denies any past medical history. Based on this mechanism and assessment findings, the EMT should be suspicious for what condition? a. Traumatic asphyxia b. Cardiac contusion c. Tension pneumothorax d. Pneumothorax
b. Cardiac contusion
You are managing a patient who has been stung by a bee and has had an allergic reaction to bee stings in the past. The patient has some localized redness and swelling in the area of the bee sting but is not having difficulty breathing. Of the following, which would be performed first for this patient? a. Assist him with his epinephrine auto-injector. b. Continue the focused assessment. c. Advise him to take an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl. d. Perform a head-to-toe exam.
b. Continue the focused assessment.
Five minutes after administering oral glucose to a confused diabetic patient, you do not see any improvement in her mental status. Which one of the following actions should you take? a. Recheck the expiration date on the oral glucose. b. Continue to monitor the patient. c. Administer a second dose of oral glucose. d. Contact medical direction for further orders.
b. Continue to monitor the patient.
While at the scene of a fatal accident, the patient's spouse arrives, screaming, "I can't believe he is dead. Can't you do something?" Which phase of the grieving process does this represent? a. Anger b. Denial c. Bargaining d. Acceptance
b. Denial
Which one of the following patient medications is most consistent with a history of seizures? a. Prozac b. Depakote c. Celexa d. Xopenex
b. Depakote
Which of the following occurs to blood vessels during an anaphylactic reaction? a. No change b. Dilation c. Constriction d. Spasm
b. Dilation
If the steering wheel must be displaced during extrication and the air bag has not deployed, which of the following actions is recommended by air bag manufacturers? a. No action is required; only frontal impact will deploy air bags. b. Disconnect the battery cables. c. Secure a long backboard across the steering wheel to deflect the air bag from the patient should it deploy. d. Firmly strike the hub of the steering wheel with a mallet to deactivate the air bag before displacing the steering wheel.
b. Disconnect the battery cables.
Your partner believes the 90-year-old male you are caring for is dehydrated. What sign best reinforces his suspicion? a. Dry and flaky skin b. Dry mouth and tongue c. Increased blood pressure d. Poor skin turgor
b. Dry mouth and tongue
A large bus with 52 passengers overturned on a busy highway. On scene 12 people were dead and 23 others were taken to various hospitals, many with life-threatening injuries. As commander of the incident, which one of the following is most appropriate after the last patient has left the scene? a. Set a date and time for a mandatory stress debriefing. b. Encourage rescuers to talk amongst themselves about their feelings. c. Bring all rescuers to a central point and hold a discussion to critique the rescue effort. d. Promote lighthearted talk about the incident to decrease rescuer tension and stress.
b. Encourage rescuers to talk amongst themselves about their feelings.
When transporting a patient who missed a dialysis treatment, how might you position him on the gurney? a. Supine b. Fowler's c. Left lateral recumbent d. Trendelenburg
b. Fowler's
Which of the following is the correct position of transport for a stroke patient with left-sided paralysis, a decreased level of consciousness, and an inability to maintain his or her airway? a. Lying on the right side b. Lying on the left side c. Supine d. Semi-sitting
b. Lying on the left side
You are called to an assault on a homeless male. Dried blood from the trauma is visible around the patient's mouth and nose. During assessment, you note the patient has a productive cough. The patient says, "Don't worry, I'm not contagious. I've had this cough for a year." Describe the BEST approach regarding respiratory isolation. a. Use gloves for PPE, as that's all that's needed. b. Mask yourself and the patient. c. Mask yourself only. d. Isolate the patient with a nonrebreather mask.
b. Mask yourself and the patient.
In which of the following circumstances is manual stabilization of the cervical spine ALWAYS necessary? a. Trauma to the lower extremities b. Blunt trauma c. Penetrating trauma d. Trauma above the level of the clavicles
d. Trauma above the level of the clavicles
Which of the following scene size-up observations would make you suspicious that a patient complaining of shortness of breath is suffering from congestive heart failure? a. Home oxygen tank in bedroom b. Multiple pillows stacked at the head of his bed c. Patient in dirty pajamas and appears unkempt d. Dramatic edema to the right arm
b. Multiple pillows stacked at the head of his bed
You are ventilating a 6-year-old child and note that his heart rate has decreased from 70 to 54. Which of the following is NOT appropriate? a. Check the flow of oxygen reaching the bag-valve-mask device. b. Notify medical control that the patient's condition has improved. c. Insert an oropharyngeal airway and continue ventilating. d. Increase the force of ventilations.
b. Notify medical control that the patient's condition has improved
You are assessing a middle-aged man complaining of chest pain. He states the pain started 30 minutes ago while he was mowing the yard. Which of the following is the best question to ask him regarding the severity of his pain? a. Are you having pain anywhere besides your chest? b. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst, how would you rate your pain? c. Can you describe how the pain feels? d. Does anything make the pain worst or better?
b. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst, how would you rate your pain?
During your assessment of an unconscious, unresponsive 80-year-old female patient, you notice that she has dentures. Your assessment reveals she has an open airway, is breathing on her own at a rate of 12 per minute, is slightly pale, and has a bounding radial pulse. In managing this patient's airway, what would be your most appropriate action? a. Prepare to insert an oral airway. b. Perform a jaw thrust as needed. c. Remove the dentures. d. Tilt the head to a sniffing position.
b. Perform a jaw thrust as needed.
You are called for an unresponsive male who was found on a local jogging path. You determine that the scene is safe, but bystanders are unable to tell you what happened. As you approach the patient, you can see his chest rise and fall normally, but his skin appears pale. He remains unresponsive, so you feel his wrist and determine that his pulse is a little fast and his skin is cool. What should you do next? a. Check his blood sugar. b. Perform a rapid assessment. c. Place a cervical collar. d. Get a set of vital signs.
b. Perform a rapid assessment.
Select the BEST answer to the following multiple-choice questions based on the following scenario: Your patient has fallen in her kitchen and has a possible sprained ankle. As you proceed through your history and physical exam, you notice that she has an altered mental status and is not answering your questions appropriately. She is alone in the house and you are unable to determine the circumstances of her fall. Her blood pressure is 140/78, pulse 110, respiration rate 22, and she is cool, pale, and diaphoretic. You have determined that she has a patent airway and no immediate life threats. What should you do next? a. Immobilize her spine with a long spine board. b. Perform further assessments to determine why she fell. c. Have her stabilize her ankle while you splint it. d. Check her ankle for other injuries.
b. Perform further assessments to determine why she fell.
A patient has been pulled from a house fire. Assessment reveals him to be lethargic with stridorous respirations and a rapid but strong radial pulse. Firefighters are dousing his body with water to cool him. What action would the EMT perform immediately? a. Begin removing the patient's clothes to determine the type of burn. b. Provide positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask. c. Determine if critical areas of the body have been burned. d. Administer oxygen through a nonrebreather face mask and obtain a full set of vitals.
b. Provide positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask.
Which of the following contributes most significantly to the occurrence of ambulance crashes? a. Size of the vehicle b. Speed of the vehicle c. Time of day d. Weather conditions
b. Speed of the vehicle
Which of the following terms is BEST defined as "a state of physical and/or psychological arousal to a stimulus"? a. Distress b. Stress c. Eustress d. Homeostasis
b. Stress
Which breath sound is the EMT most likely to hear when caring for an adult male with a partial airway obstruction that occurred while eating steak? a. Crackles b. Stridor c. Wheezes d. Rhonchi
b. Stridor
Concerning aging, which of the following statements is NOT true? a. The systolic blood pressure tends to increase with age. b. The diastolic blood pressure tends to rise with age. c. Many elderly patients have a high threshold for pain. d. Some elderly people have a low threshold for pain.
b. The diastolic blood pressure tends to rise with age.
A patient who has shallow, slow, irregular gasping breaths is said to have ________ respirations. a. central neurologic b. agonal c. Kussmaul's d. Cheyne-Stokes
b. agonal
You have completed the initial assessment on a 62-year-old male complaining of the sudden onset of epigastric pain. His airway is patent, his breathing is fast but adequate, and his radial pulse is weak and thready. His pulse rate is 124 beats per minute and his skin is cool and moist to the touch. Your next action would be to: a. obtain a blood pressure in both arms. b. apply supplemental oxygen. c. perform a secondary assessment. d. place the patient on the stretcher and move him to the ambulance.
b. apply supplemental oxygen.
You have been dispatched for a 2-year-old female who is not breathing. When responding, you realize that your primary goal is to: a. review the protocol for pediatric cardiac arrest. b. arrive at the scene safely with no mishaps. c. mentally prepare for what might be required on scene. d. get to the scene as quickly as possible.
b. arrive at the scene safely with no mishaps.
You respond to a 75-year-old female who is complaining of epigastric pain that feels like heartburn. The pain radiates to the right shoulder. Her vital signs are stable and she has a previous history of a myocardial infarction. She has prescription nitroglycerin tablets. She is most likely suffering from: a. myocardial infarction. b. cholecystitis. c. Mittelschmerz. d. renal colic.
b. cholecystitis.
Emergency Medical Responders have removed an intoxicated and confused patient from a car that struck another vehicle at a high rate of speed. The patient was unrestrained and his car did not have air bags. Assessment reveals deformity bilaterally to the hips and femurs and bruising to the knees. Based on this injury pattern, the EMT would recognize what type of injury mechanism? a. High velocity b. Up and over c. Down and under d. Lateral impact
c. Down and under
You have been called to a skilled nursing facility for an "unknown medical" call. Once on scene you find your patient sitting in a chair staring into the hallway. He is muttering the same two words over and over again. When you attempt to speak to him he doesn't respond. The patient's nurse reports that he is normally very interactive and otherwise cognitively normal. Your patient is most likely experiencing a ________. a. grand mal seizure b. complex partial seizure c. simple partial seizure d. tonic-clonic seizure
b. complex partial seizure
You have been called to a dilapidated residence for a 26-year-old female complaining of generalized weakness. After applying gloves, you enter the home and find the patient on a couch in minimal distress. Your assessment reveals no life threats, but you do note track marks to both hands and arms. When asked about this, she states that she is an IV drug user and has hepatitis C. Given this information, you would: a. apply goggles and a gown. b. continue care with gloves. c. apply goggles. d. place a HEPA mask on yourself.
b. continue care with gloves.
A hearing-impaired patient with a hearing aid is having a difficult time hearing your questions. Your initial action would be to: a. position yourself in front of the patient and speak loudly. b. ensure that his hearing aid is turned on. c. slow your speech and increase the pitch of your voice. d. write the questions on paper.
b. ensure that his hearing aid is turned on.
A 31-year-old female in her third trimester of pregnancy lost her balance and fell down a flight of stairs. When treating her, the EMT should: a. avoid immobilization, given the stage of pregnancy. b. immobilize her, and then tilt the long spine board to the left. c. apply a cervical collar and transport her on her side. d. transport in a semi-Fowler's position with a cervical collar in place.
b. immobilize her, and then tilt the long spine board to the left.
When transporting an alert but nonverbal stroke patient with a blood pressure of 210/110 mmHg, the EMT should: a. dim the lights and remain out of the patient's sight to avoid unnecessary stimulation. b. make an effort to explain everything that is happening or being done. c. touch the patient only when absolutely necessary, like obtaining vitals. d. remain in the patient's sight but avoid talking or stimulating the patient.
b. make an effort to explain everything that is happening or being done.
An epileptic seizure is a type of ________ seizure. a. secondary b. primary c. hypoxic d. initial
b. primary
When assessing a patient with a suspected stroke, the order of the exam would be: a. secondary assessment, primary assessment, stroke exam. b. primary assessment, facial droop, arm drift. c. abnormal speech, facial droop, arm drift, primary assessment. d. level of consciousness, facial droop, arm drift, airway.
b. primary assessment, facial droop, arm drift.
The EMT shows he is correctly using the pediatric assessment triangle on a 3-year-old male trauma patient when he: a. carefully examines the chest for signs of retractions. b. quickly determines the circulation based on skin color. c. makes a conscious effort to look for bruises to the patient's body. d. uses it in place of the primary assessment.
b. quickly determines the circulation based on skin color.
Assessment of a confused and lethargic patient with diabetes and renal failure reveals her to be lying in bed with notable significant edema to the face, torso, and extremities. Her respirations are extremely labored and associated with a "grunting" sound. Her airway is patent, radial pulse weak, and skin cool and diaphoretic with cyanosis noted to the fingers. Oxygen has been applied by Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs). Your next action would be to: a. place a nasal airway. b. sit the patient upright. c. check her blood glucose level. d. obtain vital signs.
b. sit the patient upright.
A train carrying radioactive materials has derailed. The radiation safety officer informs you that you will be receiving a 31-year-old male who was exposed to the radioactive material. As such, you should recognize that: a. the patient will be vomiting and will have lost his hair. b. the patient represents no contamination threat to you. c. the patient will require immediate decontamination. d. you will need special clothing to protect yourself from radiation.
b. the patient represents no contamination threat to you.
A patient who is experiencing a new onset of type 1 diabetes may have symptoms that include ________. a. decreased thirst b. weight loss c. excess energy d. decreased hunger
b. weight loss
What criteria based on the CDC guidelines allows a discretionary approach to trauma triage? For example, a patient not meeting ordinary trauma triage criteria may be transported to a trauma center based on what consideration? a. Review of morbidity and mortality b. "Golden Hour" criteria c. EMS provider judgment d. The CDC "No-protocol Protocol"
c. EMS provider judgment
You are staffing an information booth at the county fair when a mother and her 15-year-old son approach. The mother informs you that her son is severely allergic to bee stings and had an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed to him when he was 5 years old. She hands you the 0.15 mg auto-injector and notes that it expired several years ago. Which one of the following statements would be most appropriate for you to make? a. "We have some on the ambulance. I can get you one until you are able to get a new one from your doctor." b. "Make sure to call the doctor since this is out of date. Also ask him if he wants to add a steroid to the injector." c. "Call your doctor to get a new injector and ask him if he wants to change the dose." d. "Call your doctor as soon as possible for a new injector because this one is out of date."
c. "Call your doctor to get a new injector and ask him if he wants to change the dose."
A patient has inhaled cyanide gas. He is alert and complaining of shortness of breath. His airway is patent, his breathing is adequate, and his radial pulse is strong. His skin is warm and dry, and his breath sounds are clear. Given these assessment findings, what should the EMT do first? a. Monitor the patient and transport. b. Obtain vital signs with the patient in a supine position. c. Administer oxygen via nonrebreather mask. d. Administer the antidote for cyanide.
c. Administer oxygen via nonrebreather mask.
An EMT is confronted by an armed gunman who is threatening to kill the EMT and his partner. An elevation in the EMT's heart rate and blood pressure occurs in which stage of the body's response to stress? a. Response stage b. Exhaustion stage c. Alarm reaction stage d. Resistance stage
c. Alarm reaction stage
The EMT is correctly accessing for accessory muscle use when he examines what part of the body? a. Inner mouth b. Nares c. Chest d. Back
c. Chest
Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom of stroke? a. Seizure b. Vomiting c. Chest pain d. Sudden impairment of vision
c. Chest pain
You are called to the scene of a 45-year-old nonsmoker male with a history of asthma in respiratory distress. You find him lying supine on the couch. The patient is lethargic but can answer all your questions appropriately. He is diaphoretic, and complains of being cold, coughing, and having difficulty breathing for the past 3 days. His vital signs are blood pressure of 110/70, heart rate of 116, respiratory rate of 24, oxygen saturation of 93 percent, and temperature of 100.6°F. You hear rhonchi in the left lobes and he is coughing up yellow-tinged sputum. In addition to his respiratory condition, what other clinical finding is highly possible? a. Meningitis b. Obstructive shock c. Dehydration d. Silent myocardial infarction
c. Dehydration
A female patient who is 35 weeks pregnant tripped and fell down 12 stairs. She is complaining of back pain as well as nausea. She is fully immobilized and being nonemergently transported to the hospital for evaluation. While en route, she exclaims that she is having contractions and thinks that her water may have broken. Which one of the following should you do immediately? a. Release her from the long board and prepare for delivery. b. Provide rapid transport and continue monitoring. c. Examine her genitalia for crowning or bleeding. d. Tilt the long spine board to the left side.
c. Examine her genitalia for crowning or bleeding.
For a normal pregnancy, within what structure must the sperm and egg come together for fertilization? a. Upper uterus b. Ovary c. Fallopian tube d. Vagina
c. Fallopian tube
A patient who is completely reliant on his gastric tube has accidentally pulled it from his body. As such, which one of the following is true? a. He cannot eliminate urine from his body. b. He is incapable of digestion. c. He is unable to receive his oral medications. d. He is bleeding internally.
c. He is unable to receive his oral medications.
You walk into the station at the beginning of your shift and see another EMT laundering sheets and pillowcases used from the previous shift. Which one of the following observations should cause you to stop and correct the EMT in relation to this task? a. He handles the dirty laundry as little as possible. b. He uses exam gloves to transfer the laundry into the washer. c. He is using an EPA-registered sterilant as the detergent. d. He is using a regular laundry detergent to clean the items.
c. He is using an EPA-registered sterilant as the detergent.
For a patient without a previous history of chest pain, which of the following questions would be most useful in obtaining the history of a patient with a complaint of chest pain? a. Has anyone in your family had pain like this? b. Does this pain make you think you're having a heart attack? c. How would you describe the way the pain feels? d. Would you say the pain is crushing and heavy?
c. How would you describe the way the pain feels?
You have been called to a residence for a female patient who awoke with swollen lips and a rash to her arms and abdomen. In addition, she exhibits a mild expiratory wheeze in all lung fields. She states that she called her doctor who advised her to take some Benadryl and call 911 for emergency care. How will the Benadryl, acting as an antihistamine, benefit the patient? a. It acts as an allergen to stop the allergic reaction. b. It dilates her blood vessels and delivers more blood to the brain. c. It stops the constriction of the patient's small airways. d. It helps her immune system to deactivate the allergen.
c. It stops the constriction of the patient's small airways.
ou are responding to a call that came in from your local post office. Two men have become ill and need your assistance. As you enter the building, you spot a glass jar in a corner of the loading dock that has a white gas seeping from holes punched in the lid. What should you do? a. Have everyone stay inside the building and deny further entry to non-emergency personnel. b. Perform your assessments and retreat if the gas starts to travel your direction. c. Leave the building and ask all bystanders to do the same; deny entry to non-emergency personnel. d. Perform a primary assessment on your patients and transport.
c. Leave the building and ask all bystanders to do the same; deny entry to non-emergency personnel.
Which of the following statements concerning trauma is true? a. Falls are the leading cause of trauma deaths. b. A "spider web" or "star" pattern of cracks on the windshield means the patient impacted the windshield with his head. c. Multisystem trauma has a higher mortality rate than single-system injuries. d. Mechanism of injury is the best predictor of patient outcome.
c. Multisystem trauma has a higher mortality rate than single-system injuries.
You are treating a patient with signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction (MI). What is the most important drug you should administer? a. Albuterol b. Aspirin c. Oxygen d. Epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-Pen®)
c. Oxygen
A male patient is confused and combative for no apparent reason. There are no life threats to his airway, breathing, or circulation and his vital signs are: pulse 88, respirations 16 and adequate, blood pressure 144/68 mmHg, and SpO2 93% on room air. When addressing the oxygenation status, which of the following would be appropriate? a. Oxygen at 6 lpm via nasal cannula b. Oxygen at 15 lpm via a nonrebreather c. Oxygen at 2 lpm via nasal cannula d. Positive pressure ventilation with room air
c. Oxygen at 2 lpm via nasal cannula
Once your patient has stopped seizing, you have completed your secondary assessment, and you don't suspect a spinal injury, what should you do next? a. Suction the patient's airway. b. Transport immediately. c. Perform a reassessment. d. Place the patient in the recovery position.
c. Perform a reassessment.
You respond to the scene of a 4-year-old female patient in cardiac arrest. CPR is in progress. What is the most likely cause of the cardiac arrest? a. Ventricular fibrillation b. Congestive heart failure c. Pneumonia d. Congenital abnormality
c. Pneumonia
While en route for a pregnant patient who is seizing, an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) on scene contacts you and reports that the patient is actively seizing. He continues by stating that she is seven months pregnant and has not been feeling well for the past three days (per family). What instruction is critical for you to relay to the EMR? a. Restrain the patient on her back or left side. b. Determine if the patient has a seizure history. c. Provide oxygen at 15 liters per minute. d.Place a tongue blade in the patient's mouth.
c. Provide oxygen at 15 liters per minute.
You are on the scene of a 22-year-old female patient with a history of asthma who is complaining of respiratory distress. She states she was arguing with her boyfriend, and that triggered her asthma. Vital signs are blood pressure 120/80, pulse 110, respiratory rate 32, and SpO2 99 percent on room air. Her lung sounds are clear in all fields and there are no other significant findings. Her medications include an Albuterol inhaler and Xanax® for "stress." After performing your primary assessment, what should you do next? a. Provide oxygen by bag-valve mask. b.Assist the patient with her Albuterol medication. c. Provide supportive care and reassess her vital signs. d. Provide oxygen by nonrebreather mask.
c. Provide supportive care and reassess her vital signs.
A young male patient is self-extricated after hitting a telephone pole and rolling his car several times at a high rate of speed. He is spitting blood and has a large area of tenderness and instability to the left side of his chest. On scene you did not observe any paradoxical motion of the chest wall. The patient remains alert and oriented with stable vital signs, but continually complains of painful breathing. During transport, what is it essential that you do? a. Place a nonporous dressing and ice packs to the injured area. b. Apply bulky dressings to the area of chest injury. c. Reassess for paradoxical motion of the chest wall. d. Start positive pressure ventilation with supplemental oxygen.
c. Reassess for paradoxical motion of the chest wall.
Which of the following statements is true concerning the H1N1 Swine Flu? a. Symptoms are unrecognizable until fatal. b. Efforts to slow the spread of disease are ineffective. c. Respiratory droplets are its mode of transmission. d. It has killed 30 to 50 million people worldwide.
c. Respiratory droplets are its mode of transmission.
You have been called to a home for a female patient in labor. On scene the family tells you that the 37-year-old patient is 42 weeks pregnant and wanted to have her baby at home naturally. They tell you that she has been in labor for over 24 hours and suddenly began complaining of severe and tearing abdominal pain. What condition should the EMT suspect? a. Preeclampsia b. Ectopic pregnancy c. Ruptured uterus d. Placenta previa
c. Ruptured uterus
What role does the liver play in controlling blood glucose levels? a. Glucagon is secreted from the liver and passed to the pancreas for insulin production. b. Glucose is removed from the blood in the liver. c. The liver produces glucose. d. The liver monitors insulin levels.
c. The liver produces glucose.
Your 35-year-old male patient was involved in a high-speed vehicle collision. The patient is not entrapped, but he is a high priority for transport due to suspected internal bleeding. The trauma center is 15 minutes away, and an ALS response unit is 10 minutes away. Which of the following is the BEST transport decision? a. Call for an ALS transporting unit and stabilize the patient on the scene. b. Request helicopter evacuation of the patient. c. Transport the patient to the hospital. d. Begin transport and meet the ALS unit en route to the hospital.
c. Transport the patient to the hospital.
It is important that the EMT recognize that a complex partial (psychomotor) seizure can easily be mistaken for a(n): a. absence (petit mal) seizure. b. asthma exacerbation. c. alcohol intoxication. d. left-sided stroke.
c. alcohol intoxication.
The EMT is properly using a small-volume nebulizer when she: a. shakes the medication canister for 30 seconds prior to administration. b. instructs the patient to breathe deeply through his nose. c. attaches the nebulizer to oxygen at 8 to 10 lpm. d. places a spacer on the small-volume nebulizer.
c. attaches the nebulizer to oxygen at 8 to 10 lpm.
Dangerous organisms that can grow in a variety of environments and are capable of producing toxic substances are known as: a. viruses. b. biologicals. c. bacteria. d. toxins.
c. bacteria.
As glucose levels drop, the sympathetic nervous system responds by releasing ________. a. glucagon b. glucose c. epinephrine d. insulin
c. epinephrine
Assessment of a 63-year-old female reveals a patent airway, adequate breathing, and strong radial pulse. She has no difficulty speaking and no facial droop, but exhibits a slight left arm drift. The EMT should interpret these findings as: a. suggestive of a stroke if the blood pressure is increased and pupils are not equal. b. suggestive of a stroke if the blood pressure is also elevated. c. highly suggestive that a stroke is occurring. d. not suggestive of a stroke.
c. highly suggestive that a stroke is occurring.
You have assisted with the delivery of a baby who is three weeks premature. The newborn girl is breathing adequately, although you note cyanosis throughout. The heart rate is 140 beats per minute. Your best course of immediate action should be to ________. a. begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation b. perform ventilations with a bag-valve-mask device and supplemental oxygen c. place oxygen tubing near the infant's face d. place a neonatal nonrebreather on the infant's face
c. place oxygen tubing near the infant's face
The EMT knows that the majority of all deaths in children who are 1 to 14 years of age could be prevented by: a. prevention of child abuse. b. better parental supervision. c. safer driving of vehicles. d. wearing helmets while riding bikes.
c. safer driving of vehicles.
You have been called for a 71-year-old male with seizure activity. At the patient's side, you find him lying motionless on the floor of his bedroom with a family member performing chest compression only CPR. In this situation, your immediate action would be to: a. take over CPR and attach the automated external defibrillator. b. continue CPR and call for advanced life support assistance. c. stop CPR and feel for a carotid pulse. d. open the airway and begin positive pressure ventilation.
c. stop CPR and feel for a carotid pulse.
A patient informs you that any time she is exposed to a particular soap, she experiences a mild allergic reaction. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should recognize that: a. the soap contains antibodies that react in the patient's body. b. she must have been exposed to the soap as an infant. c. the soap contains an antigen. d. the patient's airway will swell shut if she inhales the soap.
c. the soap contains an antigen.
A patient informs you that she takes Januvia pills for her diabetes. Which one of the following statements about this patient and her diabetes is true? a. The pills decrease her craving for sugary foods. b. Glucose is needed by her body and is provided by the pills. c. The pills contain insulin for use by the body. d. Her pancreas still produces some insulin.
d. Her pancreas still produces some insulin.
Which one of the following is the single best technique that the EMT can use to prevent the spread of infection? a. Wearing gloves b. Disinfecting equipment c. Getting immunizations d. Washing hands
d. Washing hands
You are treating a patient who suffered a seizure just prior to your arrival on scene. As a result they are coherent and able to provide you with a full medical history. Which of the following patient statements would you recognize as predisposing the patient to seizure? a. "My grandma had epilepsy." b. "My doctor just told me that I have a high white blood cell count." c. "I'm not a diabetic, but I haven't eaten for several hours." d. "I've never had a seizure before, but I did have what they called a transient ischemic attack."
d. "I've never had a seizure before, but I did have what they called a transient ischemic attack."
Which one of the following statements made by an EMT indicates a correct understanding of glucose in the human body? a. "Glucose is transformed into fats, which the cells of the body use for energy." b. "Once ingested, glucose is broken down into carbohydrates and used for energy." c. "All cells in the body require glucose for energy and cannot use anything else." d. "The cells of the brain cannot use anything else but glucose for energy."
d. "The cells of the brain cannot use anything else but glucose for energy."
You are assessing a 12-year-old female in respiratory distress and a history of asthma. What statement, made by her mother, would be most concerning? a. "The doctor stopped her prescription for steroids." b. "Her asthma started bothering her last night." c. "There is a history of asthma on her father's side of the family." d. "Two years ago she needed to have a breathing tube in her throat."
d. "Two years ago she needed to have a breathing tube in her throat."
A 23-year-old male has called EMS for swollen lips and hives. As you enter the scene, what observation would make the EMT suspicious that the patient is having an allergic reaction? a. Other family members complaining of similar symptoms b. A bottle of expired nitroglycerin on the kitchen counter c. A glucometer on a table in the living room d. A new container of penicillin on a table with two pills missing
d. A new container of penicillin on a table with two pills missing
Your patient is an unresponsive 30-year-old male wearing a Medic-Alert bracelet indicating that he is a diabetic. The patient's coworkers came by his house to check on him when he did not show up for work and did not call in sick. Your assessment does not clearly indicate to you whether the patient may be hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic. As you are completing your assessment, the patient's sister arrives at the scene. Which of the following should you do next? a. Use the patient's glucometer to check his blood sugar level. b. Administer oral glucose, as it will not cause additional harm in hyperglycemia, but may prevent brain damage if the patient is hypoglycemic. c. Use your glucometer to check his blood sugar level. d. Apply oxygen and begin transport without taking further action.
d. Apply oxygen and begin transport without taking further action.
Which of the following inhalers would NOT be used to reverse an asthma attack? a. Ventolin b. Proventil c. Albuterol d. Beclomethasone
d. Beclomethasone
Your patient is a 24-year-old woman with asthma who is struggling to breathe and is very agitated. She has cyanosis of her lips and nail beds, and is cool and clammy to the touch. When you attempt to assist her ventilations with a bag-valve-mask device, she becomes combative and repeatedly pushes the mask away from her face. Which of the following is the BEST option? a. Use a nasal cannula to administer supplemental oxygen. b. Have your partner restrain the patient's hands so you can ventilate her. c. Wait for the patient's level of consciousness to decrease so that she can no longer resist your attempts to ventilate. d. Begin transport immediately and contact medical control for advice.
d. Begin transport immediately and contact medical control for advice.
Which classification of headache is typically felt in one area of the head or face? a. Tension b. Traction c. Inflammatory d. Cluster
d. Cluster
Your supervisor has assigned you the task of designing a program that provides for stress management within the department. Which program would accomplish this task the best? a. Mandatory monthly meeting with a mental health counselor b. Doughnuts and coffee every morning for all EMS personnel c. Weekly night out for beer, wings, and other snacks at a local eatery d. Complementary passes to a local fitness center
d. Complementary passes to a local fitness center
You are performing an ongoing assessment on a patient with a history of severe anaphylaxis. You initially administered one epinephrine auto-injector, but there is no improvement in the patient's condition. Which of the following should you do next? a. Immediately administer a second auto-injector. b. Divert transport to a hospital with critical care capabilities. c. Continue supportive care en route to the hospital. d. Contact medical direction.
d. Contact medical direction.
You have been called for a 13-year-old boy who was caught sniffing glue by his parents. The boy is lethargic and confused and complaining of "burning" in his mouth and nose, as well as nausea and vomiting. Based on the clinical presentation and mechanism of illness, how has this poison affected the boy's brain? a. Absorbing through the small intestine into the bloodstream and then on to the brain b. Directly contacting the brain by crossing the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose c. Absorbing fumes through the skin, nose, and eyes and then on to the brain d. Crossing from the lungs into the bloodstream and then circulating to the brain
d. Crossing from the lungs into the bloodstream and then circulating to the brain
By which of the following means does the fetus's blood pick up nourishment from the mother? a. Direct circulation b. Osmosis c. Indirect circulation d. Diffusion
d. Diffusion
According to the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, which of the following must be assessed? a. Blood glucose level b. Time of symptom onset c. Age of the patient d. Facial droop
d. Facial droop
xA homeless patient is sick and is refusing transport. Since the temperature tonight will be near zero, the EMT picks up the patient and puts him on the cot. The patient continues to refuse, despite the EMT's explanation that it will be warm in the hospital and he will be fed. The patient is transported. Which one of the following could the EMT be charged with? a. Battery b. Assault c. Negligence d. False imprisonment
d. False imprisonment
You have been called for a patient who suddenly became confused. What assessment finding should concern you most? a. Blood glucose level of 72 mg/dL b. Blood pressure of 110/72 mmHg c. Pupils dilated but reactive d. Heart rate of 180 but regular
d. Heart rate of 180 but regular
You are assessing a patient who is complaining of shortness of breath. When gathering the patient's past pertinent medical history, which of the following questions is NOT appropriate? a. What medications are you currently taking? b. How long has it been since you've seen your doctor? c. Have you ever been short of breath like this before? d. How long ago was your last flu vaccine?
d. How long ago was your last flu vaccine?
What is the primary reason to administer oral glucose to a patient? a. Improve the patient's level of consciousness b. Stimulate the body to release insulin c. Help sugar get into the brain cells d. Increase the amount of circulating glucose
d. Increase the amount of circulating glucose
Which of the following statements regarding syrup of ipecac is NOT true? a. It removes only about one-third of stomach contents. b. It can cause a patient to aspirate stomach contents into the lungs. c. It is contraindicated if activated charcoal has been given. d. It has an immediate action.
d. It has an immediate action.
Your patient is experiencing acute one-sided flank pain and severe groin pain. What might you suspect as the cause of his discomfort? a. Trauma to the urethra b. Urinary tract infection c. Renal failure d. Kidney stones
d. Kidney stones
A breathing pattern typically associated with aspirin overdose and in some diabetic conditions is called ________. a. central neurogenic hyperventilation b. Cheyne-Stokes respirations c. Corning Standard respirations d. Kussmaul's respirations
d. Kussmaul's respirations
The EMT should most suspect a patient suffers from heart failure when he takes what medication? a. Glucophage b. Nitroglycerin c. Aspirin d. Lasix
d. Lasix
You are sent on a "welfare check" because a family reports that they have not seen or heard from their elderly father for two days. You find a disheveled, semi-conscious elderly man sitting in a chair in his den. You are immediately aware of a foul odor in the house. After scene safety is assured, which of the following is the most important next step? a. Call for law enforcement to assist in searching the house. b. Call the family to tell them he is alive but ill. c. Perform a rapid physical exam to determine possible injuries. d. Look around the room to assess his living conditions.
d. Look around the room to assess his living conditions.
You are responding with the area emergency response team dispatched to a possible terrorist incident involving organophosphates. Treatment of exposed patients may include the use of a ________. a. cyanide antidote kit b. poison antidote kit c. FER kit d. Mark I kit
d. Mark I kit
What source will provide first aid information about hazardous materials for employees at a work site? a. Bill of lading b. Placard c. Shipping manifest d. Material Safety Data Sheet
d. Material Safety Data Sheet
What is the most common cause of an allergic reaction? a. Food b. Bee stings c. Pollen d. Medications
d. Medications
How frequently does the majority of peritoneal dialysis require treatment? a. Three to five times a week b. Once a day c. Once a week d. Multiple treatments a day
d. Multiple treatments a day
Your patient is a 60-year-old female with a sudden onset of severe difficulty breathing. She has no prior history of respiratory problems. Which of the following should be done before applying oxygen by nonrebreather mask? a. Listen to the patient's breath sounds. b. Check the patient's oxygen saturation level. c. Obtain a history of the present illness. d. None of the above
d. None of the above
Your patient is a 34-year-old woman who tripped and fell into a campground fire ring. The hot coals burned her hands and they are starting to blister. How should you package her for transport? a. Place an ice pack on each hand and bandage them in place. b. Flush with water, then bandage. c. Apply burn ointment, then bandage. d. Place sterile dressings between her fingers and bandage.
d. Place sterile dressings between her fingers and bandage.
You have been dispatched for a young female in labor. On arrival you find an arm protruding from the vagina. Which of the following should you do next? a. Have the mother push when she feels a contraction. b. Insert a gloved hand into the vagina to locate the baby's head. c. Attempt to replace the arm into the vaginal canal. d. Place the mother in a knee-chest position.
d. Place the mother in a knee-chest position.
Concerning the threat of nuclear devices used in terrorist attacks, which of the following is MOST likely to be used in such an attack? a. Military nuclear device b. A radiological dispersal device c. An improvised nuclear weapon d. Sabotage of facilities for nuclear research
d. Sabotage of facilities for nuclear research
You are treating a 38-year-old female patient with abdominal distress. The patient's vital signs are stable and you are getting ready to transport. What is the BEST position to transport the patient? a. Left lateral b. Trendelenburg c. Right lateral d. Semi-Fowler's with knees bent
d. Semi-Fowler's with knees bent
A male patient has altered mental status secondary from a brain tumor. The EMT would classify the brain tumor as what type of cause? a. Internal b. Metabolic c. Central d. Structural
d. Structural
put his wife on low-concentration oxygen when she should have gotten high-concentration. The patient was having chest pain that was later determined to be caused by anxiety. She was released from the emergency department later in the day. Which one of the following statements is true? a. Negligence can be proven because the protocol states high-concentration oxygen should be given. b. Negligence is a distinct possibility since the patient was transported and treated in the emergency department. c. Negligence cannot be proven since the EMT responded to the call and did render care. d. The EMT cannot be proven negligent because that patient suffered no harm or damage.
d. The EMT cannot be proven negligent because that patient suffered no harm or damage.
The CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in all EXCEPT which of the following situations? a. The patient has a respiratory illness. b. The patient has a bloodborne communicable disease. c. The provider is not vaccinated against hepatitis B. d. The provider's gloves come into contact with fecal matter.
d. The provider's gloves come into contact with fecal matter.
When treating a pregnant female involved in a traumatic event, the EMT must remember: a. the diaphragm tends to be lower, making internal chest and lung injury more likely. b. the amniotic fluid protects the baby from injury to the mother's abdomen. c. gastric mobility increases, posing an increased risk of vomiting and aspiration. d. an elevated heart rate seen in shock may not be observed due to increased blood volume.
d. an elevated heart rate seen in shock may not be observed due to increased blood volume.
An 84-year-old female has fallen down six steps, landing on carpet. She complains of abdominal and pelvic pain. Her airway is open, breathing adequate, and radial pulse intact. Skin is cool and dry with a noted tear to the left elbow with minor bleeding. EMRs report the following vital signs: pulse 84, respirations 20, blood pressure 126/68, and SpO2 97% on room air. Her family states she is acting normally. The hips are easily moved and do not appear broken. The patient does not want to go to the hospital and is asking to refuse. Your next action would be to: a. ask family members for their input. b. contact medical direction for authorization to refuse. c. clean and wrap the skin tear to prevent infection. d. ask to see what medications she is taking.
d. ask to see what medications she is taking.
You have been dispatched for a 15-year-old female with a headache. On scene, the patient is found holding her daughter in her arms. She states that she has had a migraine headache for two days and would like to be transported to the hospital for further evaluation. As an EMT you would: a. obtain a parent's consent to treat her, given her age. b. refuse transport since the patient does not have a true emergency. c. treat her under the doctrine of implied consent. d. assess and transport the patient as she desires.
d. assess and transport the patient as she desires.
Within the body, the release of histamine would cause dilation of the: a. upper airway. b. salivary glands. c. small airways. d. blood vessels.
d. blood vessels.
Within the human body, insulin works to: a. free stored glucose from the liver. b. turn carbohydrates into glucose. c. carry glucose into the cells. d. decrease the level of glucose.
d. decrease the level of glucose.
Status epilepticus is best differentiated from a generalized seizure by the: a. presence of an aura prior to seizing. b. length of the postictal period. c. preexisting seizure history. d. duration of the seizure.
d. duration of the seizure.
A chemical agent used by terrorists is described as having a high volatility. You should recognize this as meaning that the chemical is: a. highly radioactive. b. very explosive. c. in liquid form. d. easily evaporated.
d. easily evaporated.
Croup is recognized as an illness that involves: a. bronchiolar constriction. d. swelling of the epiglottis. c. infection within the lungs. d. edema beneath the glottis.
d. edema beneath the glottis.
An example of EMS agencies that are typically protected from prosecution under the terms of sovereign immunity is ________. a. not-for-profit agencies b. international groups c. private agencies d. governmental agencies
d. governmental agencies
A 38-year-old male is complaining of generalized weakness and fatigue. Assessment findings include abdominal pain, fever, and yellowing of the eyes. Given these signs and symptoms, you would be suspicious of: a. tuberculosis. b. AIDS. c. West Nile virus. d. hepatitis.
d. hepatitis.
After suffering a head injury your patient presents as unconscious and will not even respond to painful stimuli. Your patient is said to be ________. a. deceased b. postictal c. with a GCS of 8 d. in a coma
d. in a coma
A frantic mother has contacted EMS because she believes that her 4-year-old daughter got into her blood pressure medications and ate three or four pills. She presents as awake and confused with pale skin that is cool and diaphoretic. Her pulse is rapid and respirations adequate. Vital signs are pulse 116, respirations 22, blood pressure 82/44, and SpO2 99%. After completing the primary assessment, your immediate action would be to: a. contact poison control and induce vomiting. b. educate the mother on safe storage of medications. c. apply high-concentration oxygen. d. obtain the name and dosage of the medication.
d. obtain the name and dosage of the medication.
Taking the time to balance out your time with family, your new career, school, and exercise is a critical part of ________. a. burnout mitigation b. career development c. fatigue alleviation d. stress management
d. stress management
You and your partner have been called to treat a patient who was burned in a radiologic incident at an industrial facility. As the first care provider on scene, it is most important to remember that ________. a. patients exposed to radiation can themselves emit radiation until all particles are removed b. other victims may exist and you should clear the building to ensure you only have one patient c. radiation dissipates after 15 minutes d. the patient's burns should be treated immediately
d. the patient's burns should be treated immediately
A mother asks you what causes her son to get bronchiolitis. You would inform her that it is caused by: a. a pneumonia-type virus. b. the same bacterium that causes strep throat. c. an unknown bacteria. d. the respiratory syncytial virus.
d. the respiratory syncytial virus.
