Ch. 12-13_ EMT
Which of the following statements regarding the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is correct? A. An MDI delivers the same amount of medication every time it is used. B. MDIs are most commonly used by patients with cardiovascular disease. C. MDIs are contraindicated for patients with asthma or emphysema. D. Shaking an MDI prior to use will cause deactivation of the medication.
A. An MDI delivers the same amount of medication every time it is used.
When should nonlifesaving interventions be performed for your multisystem trauma patient? Select one: A. En route to the hospital B. Prior to transport C. Immediately after the injuries are discovered D. During the primary assessment
A. En route to the hospital
Which of the following medication routes delivers a drug through the skin over an extended period of time, such as a nitroglycerin or fentanyl patch? A. Transcutaneous B. Sublingual C. Intraosseous D. Subcutaneous
A. Transcutaneous
Which of the following clinical signs is unique to anaphylactic shock? A. Wheezing B. Dizziness C. Pallor D. Hypotension
A. Wheezing
A 56-year-old male is found semiconscious by his wife. Your assessment reveals that his respirations are rapid and shallow, his pulse is rapid and irregular, and his blood pressure is low. The patient's wife states that he complained of left arm pain and nausea the day before, but would not allow her to call 9-1-1. The MOST likely cause of this patient's present condition is: A. acute myocardial infarction. B. severe septic hypoperfusion. C. a ruptured aortic aneurysm. D. dehydration from GI virus.
A. acute myocardial infarction.
Your patient is in shock, but the body's defense mechanisms are currently able to maintain adequate circulation. This is called ___________. Select one: A. compensated shock B. late shock C. irreversible shock D. decompensated shock
A. compensated shock
You are dispatched to a movie theater for a 39-year-old female with signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. As you are assessing her, she pulls an epinephrine auto-injector out of her purse and hands it to you. After confirming the drug's name and expiration date, you should: A. contact medical control. B request an ALS ambulance to administer the drug. C. ask her if she takes other medications. D. administer the drug.
A. contact medical control.
In an acute injury setting, neurogenic shock is commonly accompanied by: Select one: A. hypothermia. B. hypovolemia. C. tachycardia. D. diaphoresis.
A. hypothermia.
All of the following conditions should make you suspect shock, EXCEPT: A. ischemic stroke. B. spinal injury. C. severe infection. D. anaphylaxis.
A. ischemic stroke.
You suspect your patient is in shock. You note the patient's skin is pale. This is likely due to ___________. Select one: A. peripheral vasoconstriction B. peripheral vasodilation C. hypothermia D. an increased heart rate
A. peripheral vasoconstriction
Hypovolemic shock caused by severe burns is the result of a loss of: Select one: A. plasma. B. whole blood. C. red blood cells. D. platelets.
A. plasma.
Patients develop septic shock secondary to: A. poor vessel function and severe volume loss. B. weak vessel tone caused by nervous system damage. C. an infection that weakens cardiac contractions. D. failure of the blood vessels to adequately dilate.
A. poor vessel function and severe volume loss.
A 59-year-old male presents with severe vomiting and diarrhea of 3 days' duration. He is confused and diaphoretic, and his radial pulses are absent. His blood pressure is 78/50 mm Hg. After applying supplemental oxygen, you should: A. prepare for immediate transport. B. obtain a repeat blood pressure in 5 minutes. C. perform a head-to-toe exam. D. allow him to drink plain water.
A. prepare for immediate transport.
Aspirin is beneficial to patients suspected of having a heart attack because it: A. prevents the aggregation of platelets. B. reduces the associated chest pain. C. dissolves the coronary artery clot. D. causes direct coronary vasodilation.
A. prevents the aggregation of platelets.
A 19-year-old male was stung multiple times by fire ants. He is experiencing obvious signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock. You administer high-flow oxygen and give him epinephrine via intramuscular injection. Upon reassessment, you determine that his condition has not improved. You should: A. repeat the epinephrine injection after consulting with medical control. B. transport him immediately and provide supportive care while en route. C. request a paramedic unit that is stationed approximately 15 miles away. D. consider that he may actually be experiencing an acute asthma attack.
A. repeat the epinephrine injection after consulting with medical control.
Shock due to severe infection is called ________. Select one: A. septic shock B. neurogenic shock C. hypovolemic shock D. anaphylactic shock
A. septic shock
What are the three components of the "perfusion triangle"? Select one: A. Heart, brain, lungs B. Heart, blood vessels, blood C. Plasma, red blood cells, platelets D. Arteries, veins, capillaries
B. Heart, blood vessels, blood
Which of the following clinical signs would necessitate the administration of naloxone (Narcan) in a suspected narcotic overdose? A. Extreme agitation B. Slow respirations C. Hypertension D. Tachycardia
B. Slow respirations
Which of the following statements regarding the epinephrine auto-injector is correct? A. The adult auto-injector delivers 0.5 to 1 mg of epinephrine. B. The epinephrine auto-injector delivers a preset amount of the drug. C. The auto-injector delivers epinephrine via the subcutaneous route. D. EMTs do not need physician authorization to use the auto-injector.
B. The epinephrine auto-injector delivers a preset amount of the drug.
When assessing a patient with signs and symptoms of shock, it is important to remember that: Select one: A. multiple fractures are the most common cause of hypovolemic shock. B. blood pressure may be the last measurable factor to change in shock. C. irreversible shock often responds well to a prompt blood transfusion. D. the patient's respirations are deep during the early stages of shock.
B. blood pressure may be the last measurable factor to change in shock.
Your patient has a decreased cardiac output and poor myocardial contractility. This will likely lead to ___________. Select one: A. neurogenic shock B. cardiogenic shock C. hypovolemic shock D. septic shock
B. cardiogenic shock
Pulmonary edema and impaired ventilation occur during: Select one: A. neurogenic shock. B. cardiogenic shock. C. septic shock. D. anaphylactic shock
B. cardiogenic shock.
Cardiogenic shock may result from all of the following, EXCEPT: A. increased afterload. B. increased preload. C. poor contractility. D. heart attack.
B. increased preload.
Inadequate circulation of blood throughout the body is called ________. Select one: A. hypoxia B. shock C. perfusion D. hypotension
B. shock
Distributive shock occurs when: Select one: A. severe bleeding causes tachycardia in order to distribute blood to the organs faster. B. widespread dilation of the blood vessels causes blood to pool in the vascular beds. C. an injury causes restriction of the heart muscle and impairs its pumping function. D. temporary but severe vasodilation causes a decrease in blood supply to the brain.
B. widespread dilation of the blood vessels causes blood to pool in the vascular beds.
As you approach a patient lying at the side of the roadway, you observe severe bleeding from the leg. What should your first action be?Select one: A. Check for a pulse. B. Open the airway. C. Control the bleeding. D. Administer oxygen.
C. Control the bleeding
Which of the following is the ONLY action that can prevent eventual death from a tension pneumothorax? Select one: A. Positive-pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask B. Rapid administration of intravenous fluids C. Decompression of the injured side of the chest D. Early administration of high-flow oxygen
C. Decompression of the injured side of the chest
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of epinephrine? A. Dilates passages in the lungs B. Secreted naturally by the adrenal glands C. Decreases heart rate and blood pressure D. Constricts the blood vessels
C. Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
What medication form does oral glucose come in? A. Liquid B. Suspension C. Gel D. Fine powder
C. Gel
Which of the following is the MOST rapidly acting medication administration route? A. Subcutaneous (SC) B. Sublingual (SL) C. Intravenous (IV) D. Intramuscular (IM)
C. Intravenous (IV)
A 25-year-old unrestrained female struck the steering wheel with her chest when her car hit a tree while traveling at a high rate of speed. She has signs and symptoms of shock, which you suspect are the result of intrathoracic bleeding. Which of the following interventions will provide this patient with the greatest chance for survival?Select one: A. Intravenous fluid administration B. Full immobilization of her spine C. Rapid transport to a trauma center D. High-flow oxygen administration
C. Rapid transport to a trauma center
Which of the following is an example of a rules-based medication error? A. The EMT administers the correct drug, but gives it by the wrong route. B. The EMT administers a drug that is contraindicated for the patient. C. The EMT administers a drug that is not approved by the medical director. D. The EMT accidentally gives a higher drug dose than what is indicated.
C. The EMT administers a drug that is not approved by the medical director.
When administering naloxone (Narcan) via the intranasal route, the EMT should administer: A. a minimum of 2.5 mg. B. at least 2 mL into each nostril. C. a half dose into each nostril. D. a maximum of 0.5 mL.
C. a half dose into each nostril.
Clinical signs of compensated shock include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. cool and clammy skin. B. restlessness or anxiety. C. absent peripheral pulses. D. rapid, shallow breathing.
C. absent peripheral pulses.
The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream is called: A. adsorption. B. digestion. C. absorption. D. suspension.
C. absorption.
A construction worker fell approximately 30 feet. He is semiconscious with rapid, shallow respirations. Further assessment reveals deformity to the thoracic region of his spine. His blood pressure is 70/50 mm Hg, his pulse is 66 beats/min and weak, and his skin is warm and dry. In addition to spinal immobilization and rapid transport, the MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes: A. assisted ventilation, preventing hyperthermia, and elevating his lower extremities. B. oxygen via nonrebreathing mask, blankets for warmth, and elevation of his head. C. assisted ventilation, thermal management, and elevation of the lower extremities. D. oxygen via nonrebreathing mask, thermal management, and elevation of his legs.
C. assisted ventilation, thermal management, and elevation of the lower extremities.
A medication with antagonistic properties is one that: A. enhances the effects of another medication when given in a higher dose. B. stimulates receptor sites and allows other chemicals to attach to them. C. blocks receptor sites and prevents other chemicals from attaching to them. D. produces a cumulative effect when mixed with the same type of medication.
C. blocks receptor sites and prevents other chemicals from attaching to them.
You are treating a middle-aged man with chest discomfort. He has a history of three previous heart attacks and takes nitroglycerin as needed for chest pain. You have standing orders to administer aspirin to patients with suspected cardiac-related chest pain or discomfort. While your partner is preparing to give oxygen to the patient, you should: A. contact medical control, apprise him or her of the patient's chief complaint and vital signs, and request permission to give him aspirin. B. assist the patient in taking one of his prescribed nitroglycerins, assess his vital signs, and give him aspirin if he is still experiencing chest discomfort. C. confirm that the patient is not allergic to aspirin, give him the appropriate dose of aspirin, and document the time and dose given. D. ensure that the patient's systolic blood pressure is at least 100 mm Hg because aspirin dilates the blood vessels and can cause a drop in blood pressure.
C. confirm that the patient is not allergic to aspirin, give him the appropriate dose of aspirin, and document the time and dose given.
A 27-year-old male was stabbed in the chest during a disagreement at a poker game. As you approach him, you see that a knife is impaled in his chest. Before you make physical contact with the patient, it is MOST important to: A. form a general impression. B. ask bystanders what happened. C. follow standard precautions. D. call for an ALS ambulance.
C. follow standard precautions.
Shock is the result of: A. the body's maintenance of homeostasis. B. widespread constriction of the blood vessels. C. hypoperfusion to the cells of the body. D. temporary dysfunction of a major organ.
C. hypoperfusion to the cells of the body.
Temporary, widespread vasodilation and syncope caused by a sudden nervous system reaction MOST accurately describes: A. neurologic shock. B. neurogenic shock. C. psychogenic shock. D. vasovagal shock.
C. psychogenic shock.
A 31-year-old female is experiencing an acute asthma attack. She is conscious and alert, but in obvious respiratory distress. After assisting her with her prescribed MDI, you should: A. check the drug's expiration date to ensure that it is still current. B. contact medical control and apprise him or her of what you did. C. reassess the patient and document her response to the medication. D. administer another treatment in 30 seconds if she is still in distress.
C. reassess the patient and document her response to the medication.
A 70-year-old female was recently discharged from the hospital following a total hip replacement. Today, she presents with restlessness, tachycardia, and a blood pressure of 90/64 mm Hg. Her skin is hot and moist. You should be MOST suspicious that she is experiencing: A. pump failure. B. decompensated shock. C. septic shock. D. a local infection.
C. septic shock.
To protect vital organs, the body compensates by directing blood flow away from organs that are more tolerant of low flow, such as: Select one: A. the lungs. B. the heart. C. the skin. D. the brain.
C. the skin.
Basic causes of shock include: A. poor pump function B. blood of fluid loss C. blood vessel dilation D. All of the Above
D. All of the Above
Which of the following injuries would MOST likely cause obstructive shock? Select one: A. Simple pneumothorax B. Liver laceration C. Spinal cord injury D. Cardiac tamponade
D. Cardiac tamponade
Which of the following statements regarding glucose is correct? A. Glucose is given to patients who are suspected of being hyperglycemic. B. Glucose is usually administered by the EMT via the intravenous route. C. Glucose is a complex sugar that rapidly absorbs into the bloodstream. D. Glucose is a simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the cells.
D. Glucose is a simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the cells.
After taking diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for an allergic reaction, a person begins experiencing drowsiness and a dry mouth. These findings are an example of a(n): A. unpredictable effect. B. therapeutic effect. C. untoward effect. D. adverse effect.
D. adverse effect.
Foods, medications, and insects are common causes of ________. Select one: A. septic shock B. psychogenic shock C. neurogenic shock D. anaphylactic shock
D. anaphylactic shock
A 20-year-old male has a large laceration to his wrist. He is holding a blood-soaked towel over the wound, but it continues to bleed rapidly. You should:Select one: A. administer high-flow supplemental oxygen. B. wrap the towel with pressure bandages. C. apply pressure to the brachial artery. D. apply a tourniquet proximal to the wrist.
D. apply a tourniquet proximal to the wrist.
When assessing an elderly male who complains of nausea and generalized weakness, you find that he takes atorvastatin (Lipitor) and amlodipine (Norvasc). These medications suggest a history of: A. non-insulin-dependent diabetes. B. reactive airway disease. C. bacterial infection. D. cardiovascular disease.
D. cardiovascular disease.
When treating an 80-year-old patient who is in shock, it is important to remember that: Select one: A. medications older patients take for hypertension often cause an unusually fast heart rate. B. the older patient's central nervous system usually reacts more briskly to compensate for shock. C. compensation from the respiratory system usually manifests with increased tidal volume. D. changes in gastric motility may delay gastric emptying, which increases the risk for vomiting.
D. changes in gastric motility may delay gastric emptying, which increases the risk for vomiting.
Hypotension in a child with blunt or penetrating trauma is particularly significant because: A. the most likely cause of the hypotension is respiratory failure. B. it typically develops earlier in children than it does in adults. C. most children with hypotension die in the prehospital setting. D. it often indicates the loss of half of his or her blood volume.
D. it often indicates the loss of half of his or her blood volume.
a swelling or enlargement of a part of an artery, resulting from weakening of the arterial wall is called ________
an aneurysm
Compression of the heart as the result of buildup of blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output.
cardiogenic tamponade
A blue skin discoloration that is cased by a reduced level of oxygen in the blood:
cyanosis
a condition that occurs when there is widespread dilation of the small arterioles, small venules, or both
distributive shock
shock caused by fluid or blood loss:
hypovolemic shock
a collection of fluid between the pericardial sac and the myocardium:
pericardial effusion
shock caused by a sudden, temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain that causes syncope
psychogenic shock
How is nitroglycerin usually given by the EMT?
sublingually
