CH.32 Environmental Emergencies

the diving reflex may allow a person to survive extended periods of submersion in cold water secondary to: A. bradycardia and a slowing of the metabolic rate. B. laryngospasm that protects the lungs from water C. tachycardia and a lowering the blood pressure D. increases in the metabolic rate and oxygen demand

bradycardia and a slowing of the metabolic rate

A frostbitten foot can be identified by the presence of: A. gross deformity B. soft, smooth skin C. mottling and blisters D. yellowish skin

mottling blisters

Your assessment of a 23-year-old female reveals a core body temperature of 93.4°F (34°C). She is conscious, answers your questions appropriately, is shivering, and complains of nausea. Her skin is cold and pale, her muscles appear rigid, and her respirations are rapid. In addition to monitoring her ABCs, administering oxygen, and turning up the heat in the back of the ambulance, you should:

place heat packs to her groin, axillae, and behind her neck; cover her with warm blankets; and avoid rough handling.

Breath-holding syncope is caused by a decreased stimulus to breathe and occurs when: A. a swimmer breathes shallowly entering the water. B. a diver holds his/her breath during a staged ascent. C. a swimmer hyperventilates prior to entering the water D. a diver holds his or her breath for a long period of time

a swimmer hyperventilates prior to entering the water.

Signs of late heatstroke include: A. hot, moist skin B. nausea and vomiting C. a weak, rapid pulse D. a change in behavior

a weak, rapid pulse

A dysbarism injury refers to the signs and symptoms related to changes in: A. rapid ascent B. rapid descent C. decompression D. barometric pressure

barometric pressure

The transfer of heat to circulating air, such as when cool air moves across the body's surface, is called: A. radiation B. conduction C. convection D. evaporation

convection

Geriatric patients, newborns, and infants are especially prone to hyperthermia because they: A. have relatively smaller heads B. have less body fat C. exhibit poor thermoregulation D. have smaller body surface areas

exhibit poor thermoregulation

Shivering is a mechanism in which the the body generates heat by: A. increasing the metabolic rate B. decreasing the use of oxygen C. decreasing the metabolic rate D. retaining excess carbon dioxide

increasing the metabolic rate

Which of the following statements regarding drowning is correct? A. hypoxia in the drowning victim initially occurs due to water in the lungs. B. artificial ventilations can easily be performed in pt with laryngospasm C. large amounts of water enter the lungs in a small number of drowning victims D. laryngospasm following submersion in water makes rescue breathing difficult

laryngospasm following submersion in water makes rescue breathing difficult

Which of the following regarding lightning strikes is correct? A. lightning strikes may cause cardiac dysrhythmia that spontaneously resolve. B. the tissue dame pathway cause by lightning usually occurs through the skin. C. victims who are struck by lightning often experience severefull-thickness burns. D. cervicle spine fractures are the most common cause of lightning-related deaths.

lightning strikes may cause cardiac dysrhythmia that spontaneously resolve.

You and your partner are standing by at a large social event at a river resort when a frantic women tells you that she found a young male floating face-down in the water. Nobody claims to have witnessed the event. After you and your partner enter the water and reach the pt, you should: A. move him as a unit to supine position B. begin ventilations with a barrier device C. immediately secure him to a longboard D. open his airway with the jaw- thrust maneuver

move him as a unit to a supine position

You are dispatched to a local high school track and field event for a 16-year-old male who fainted. The outside temperature is approximately 95F with high humidity. Upon your arrival, the pt is conscious, alert, and complains of nausea and a headache. His skin cool, clammy, and pale. You should: A. give him a liquid salt solution drink B. administer 100% supplemental oxygen C. apply chemical ice packs to his axillae D. move him into the cooled ambulance

move him into the cooled ambulance

signs and symptoms of an air embolism include all of the following EXCEPT: A. dysphasia B. pale skin C. dizziness D. joint paint

pale skin

A patient with a core body temperature of 95 degrees F (35C) will MOST likely experience: A. a slow pulse B. rapid breathing C. muscle stiffness D. loss of consciousness

rapid breathing