Chapter 26 EMT

Femoral shaft fractures can result in up to _____ mL of internal blood loss. Choose one answer. A. 1,000 B. 1,500 C. 2,000 D. 4,000

A. 1,000

During your assessment of a patient with a head injury, you note that he opens his eyes when you pinch his trapezius muscle, is mumbling, and has his arms curled in toward his chest. You should assign him a GCS score of: Choose one answer. A. 7. B. 8. C. 9. D. 10.

A. 7.

A person's ability to shiver is lost when his or her body temperature falls below: Choose one answer. A. 90°F (32°C). B. 92°F (33°C). C. 94°F (34°C). D. 95°F (35°C).

A. 90°F (32°C).

Which of the following scenarios is an example of a direct injury? Choose one answer. A. A passenger fractures her patella after it strikes the dashboard. B. A skier dislocates his knee after a twisting injury to the ankle. C. A person lands on his or her feet and fractures the lumbar spine. D. A child dislocates his elbow after falling on his outstretched arm.

A. A passenger fractures her patella after it strikes the dashboard.

While jogging, a 19-year-old male experienced an acute onset of shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain. He is conscious and alert with stable vital signs. Your assessment reveals that he has diminished breath sounds over the left side of the chest. You should: Choose one answer. A. administer oxygen and transport to the hospital. B. immediately perform a rapid head-to-toe exam. C. recognize that he needs a needle decompression. D. circumferentially tape a dressing around his chest.

A. administer oxygen and transport to the hospital.

Which of the following splinting devices would be MOST appropriate to use for a patient who has an open fracture of the forearm with external bleeding? Choose one answer. A. air splint B. vacuum splint C. sling and swathe D. cardboard splint

A. air splint

hen worn properly, a seatbelt should lie: Choose one answer. A. below the anterior superior iliac spines of the pelvis and against the hip joints. B. across the abdominal wall at the level of the diaphragm and below the hip joints. C. above the anterior posterior iliac spines of the pelvis and below the hip joints. D. across the abdominal wall at the level of the umbilicus and against the hip joints.

A. below the anterior superior iliac spines of the pelvis and against the hip joints.

An epidural hematoma is MOST accurately defined as: Choose one answer. A. bleeding between the skull and dura mater. B. bleeding between the dura mater and brain. C. venous lacerations that occur within the brain. D. an injury caused by a damaged cerebral artery.

A. bleeding between the skull and dura mater.

The term "hyphema" is defined as: Choose one answer. A. blood in the anterior chamber of the eye. B. an acute rupture of the globe of the eye. C. inflammation of the iris, cornea, and lens. D. compression of one or both optic nerves.

A. blood in the anterior chamber of the eye.

Patients with generalized hypothermia are at an increased risk of a local cold injury because: Choose one answer. A. blood is shunted away from the extremities to the body's core. B. peripheral vasodilation brings warm blood to the skin's surface. C. the major muscles of the body become rigid during hypothermia. D. the patient is usually unable to escape the cold ambient temperature.

A. blood is shunted away from the extremities to the body's core.

Which of the following sets of vital signs depicts Cushing's triad? Choose one answer. A. blood pressure, 190/110 mm Hg; pulse, 55 beats/min; respirations, 30 breaths/min B. blood pressure, 90/50 mm Hg; pulse, 120 beats/min; respirations, 10 breaths/min C. blood pressure, 200/100 mm Hg; pulse, 140 beats/min; respirations, 28 breaths/min D. blood pressure, 80/40 mm Hg; pulse, 30 beats/min; respirations, 32 breaths/min

A. blood pressure, 190/110 mm Hg; pulse, 55 beats/min; respirations, 30 breaths/min

The _________ is the best-protected part of the CNS and controls the functions of the cardiac and respiratory systems. Choose one answer. A. brain stem B. cerebellum C. spinal cord D. cerebral cortex

A. brain stem

When caring for a patient with a possible fracture of the scapula, the EMT should: Choose one answer. A. carefully assess the patient for breathing problems. B. apply rigid board splints across the chest and back. C. assume that minimal force was applied to the back. D. recognize that scapular fractures are life threatening.

A. carefully assess the patient for breathing problems.

Geriatric patients are at a higher risk for heatstroke because: Choose one answer. A. circulation to the skin is reduced. B. most geriatric patients are obese. C. their ability to sweat is enhanced. D. their ability to shiver is reduced.

A. circulation to the skin is reduced.

Which of the following is a severe burn in a 35-year-old patient? Choose one answer. A. circumferential partial-thickness burn to the chest B. full-thickness burn to 5% of the body surface area (BSA) C. partial-thickness burn to 20% of the BSA D. superficial burn covering 50% of the BSA

A. circumferential partial-thickness burn to the chest

A 39-year-old female experienced a severe closed head injury. She is unconscious with her eyes slightly open; her pupils are bilaterally dilated and slow to react. In addition to managing problems with airway, breathing, and circulation, you should: Choose one answer. A. close her eyes and cover them with a moist dressing. B. secure her eyes open so you can reassess her pupils. C. inspect her eyes and gently remove impaled objects. D. irrigate her eyes with water to prevent mucosal drying.

A. close her eyes and cover them with a moist dressing.

You are transporting a patient with blunt abdominal trauma. The patient is unstable and is experiencing obvious signs and symptoms of shock. Your estimated time of arrival at the hospital is less than 10 minutes. After treating the patient appropriately, you should: Choose one answer. A. closely monitor him and reassess him frequently. B. perform a comprehensive secondary assessment. C. begin documenting the call on the patient care form. D. forgo the hospital radio report because of his condition.

A. closely monitor him and reassess him frequently.

A construction worker fell approximately 30′ and landed in a pile of steel rods. Your assessment reveals that he is pulseless and apneic and has a 10″ steel rod impaled in his left leg. You should: Choose one answer. A. control the bleeding, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), stabilize the steel rod, immobilize his spine, and transport immediately. B. remove the steel rod, control the bleeding, apply an automated external defibrillator (AED), begin CPR, and transport to a trauma center. C. stabilize the steel rod, control the bleeding, begin CPR, and rapidly transport to a trauma center. D. control the bleeding, carefully remove the steel rod, begin CPR, and transport as soon as possible.

A. control the bleeding, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), stabilize the steel rod, immobilize his spine, and transport immediately.

When assessing a conscious patient with an MOI that suggests spinal injury, you should: Choose one answer. A. determine if the strength in all extremities is equal. B. rule out a spinal injury if the patient denies neck pain. C. defer spinal immobilization if the patient is ambulatory. D. ask the patient to move his or her head to assess for pain.

A. determine if the strength in all extremities is equal.

When a driver is in a car equipped with an air bag, but is not wearing a seatbelt, he or she will MOST likely strike the __________ when the air bag deploys upon impact. Choose one answer. A. door B. dashboard C. windshield D. steering wheel

A. door

During your assessment of a patient who experienced a blast injury, you note that he has a depressed area to the front of his skull. This injury MOST likely occurred: Choose one answer. A. during the tertiary phase. B. during the secondary phase. C. during the primary phase. D. as a direct result of the pressure wave.

A. during the tertiary phase.

A spontaneous pneumothorax would MOST likely occur as the result of: Choose one answer. A. exertion of a person with a congenital lung defect. B. excessive coughing in a patient with pneumonitis. C. abnormally slow breathing in a patient with pleurisy. D. blunt or penetrating trauma to the anterior chest wall.

A. exertion of a person with a congenital lung defect.

In which of the following situations would external bleeding be the MOST difficult to control? Choose one answer. A. femoral artery laceration and a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg B. jugular vein laceration and a systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg C. carotid artery laceration and a systolic blood pressure of 60 mm Hg D. antecubital vein laceration and a blood pressure of 138/92 mm Hg

A. femoral artery laceration and a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg

A 40-year-old unrestrained female impacted the steering wheel of her vehicle with her chest when she hit a tree while traveling at 45 mph. She is conscious and alert, but is experiencing significant chest pain and shortness of breath. Which of the following injuries did this patient likely NOT experience? Choose one answer. A. head injury B. cardiac contusion C. pulmonary contusion D. multiple rib fractures

A. head injury

The cervical spine is MOST protected from whiplash-type injuries when the: Choose one answer. A. headrest is appropriately positioned. B. air bag correctly deploys upon impact. C. patient tenses up at the time of impact. D. rear end of the vehicle is initially struck.

A. headrest is appropriately positioned.

The effectiveness of positive-pressure ventilations when treating a head-injured patient can ONLY be determined by: Choose one answer. A. immediate reassessment following the intervention. B. a neurosurgeon or emergency department physician. C. reassessing the patient's blood pressure after at least 10 minutes. D. noting a decrease in the heart rate during ventilations.

A. immediate reassessment following the intervention.

Functions of dressings and bandages include all of the following, EXCEPT: Choose one answer. A. immobilization of the injury. B. prevention of contamination. C. protection from further injury. D. control of external hemorrhage.

A. immobilization of the injury.

To obtain the MOST accurate reading of a patient's core body temperature, you should place a special hypothermia thermometer: Choose one answer. A. into the patient's rectum. B. under the patient's tongue. C. behind the patient's knee. D. under the patient's armpit.

A. into the patient's rectum.

Bleeding from the nose following head trauma: Choose one answer. A. is a sign of a skull fracture and should not be stopped. B. should be controlled by packing the nostril with gauze. C. should be assumed to be caused by a fractured septum. D. is usually due to hypertension caused by the head injury.

A. is a sign of a skull fracture and should not be stopped.

Which of the following skull fractures would be the LEAST likely to present with palpable deformity or other outward signs? Choose one answer. A. linear B. basilar C. open D. compressed

A. linear

Bruising to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen following blunt trauma is MOST suggestive of injury to the: Choose one answer. A. liver. B. spleen. C. kidney. D. stomach.

A. liver.

Which of the following is an early sign of pit viper envenomation? Choose one answer. A. local swelling and ecchymosis B. general weakness and diaphoresis C. syncope and bleeding at distal sites D. signs and symptoms of hypoperfusion

A. local swelling and ecchymosis

Which of the following organs or structures does NOT reside within the mediastinum? Choose one answer. A. lungs B. trachea C. vena cavae D. esophagus

A. lungs

Placing a pregnant patient in a supine position during the third trimester of pregnancy: Choose one answer. A. may decrease the amount of blood that returns to the heart. B. often causes hypotension secondary to cardiac compression. C. results in spontaneous urinary incontinence if the bladder is full. D. is recommended if the patient has severe abdominal discomfort.

A. may decrease the amount of blood that returns to the heart.

Of the following musculoskeletal injuries, which is considered to be the LEAST severe? Choose one answer. A. nondisplaced pelvic fracture B. open fractures of a long bone C. an amputation of an extremity D. multiple closed long bone fractures

A. nondisplaced pelvic fracture

When assessing an elderly patient who fell, it is important to remember that: Choose one answer. A. osteoporosis can cause a fracture that may have resulted in the fall. B. any fall in the elderly is considered to be high-energy trauma. C. elderly patients who fall usually have a secondary head injury. D. bilateral hip fractures usually occur when an elderly person falls.

A. osteoporosis can cause a fracture that may have resulted in the fall.

The opening in the center of the iris, which allows light to move to the back of the eye, is called the: Choose one answer. A. pupil. B. sclera. C. cornea. D. conjunctiva.

A. pupil.

When activated, the sympathetic nervous system produces all of the following effects, EXCEPT: Choose one answer. A. pupillary constriction. B. increase in heart rate. C. shunting of blood to vital organs. D. dilation of the bronchiole smooth muscle.

A. pupillary constriction.

High air temperature reduces the body's ability to lose heat by: Choose one answer. A. radiation. B. convection. C. conduction. D. evaporation.

A. radiation.

The systemic veins function by: Choose one answer. A. returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart. B. delivering oxygen-poor blood to the capillaries. C. returning oxygen-rich blood back to the left atrium. D. delivering deoxygenated blood to the capillaries.

A. returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

The pectoral girdle consists of the: Choose one answer. A. scapulae and clavicles. B. clavicles and rib cage. C. sternum and scapulae. D. acromion and clavicles.

A. scapulae and clavicles.

Hypoperfusion is another name for: Choose one answer. A. shock. B. cyanosis. C. hypoxemia. D. cellular death.

A. shock.

The spinal cord is encased in and protected by the: Choose one answer. A. spinal canal. B. vertebral body. C. vertebral arch. D. intervertebral disc.

A. spinal canal.

A 31-year-old male fell and landed on his left elbow. Your assessment reveals that the elbow is grossly deformed, his forearm is cool and pale, and the distal pulse on the side of the injury is barely palpable. His vital signs are stable and he denies any other injuries. Your transport time to the closest appropriate hospital is approximately 15 minutes. You should: Choose one answer. A. splint the elbow in the position found and transport. B. gently manipulate the elbow to improve circulation. C. gently straighten the elbow and apply an air splint. D. apply a heat pack to the elbow to reduce swelling.

A. splint the elbow in the position found and transport.

Deformity caused by a fracture would MOST likely be masked by: Choose one answer. A. swelling. B. guarding. C. crepitus. D. ecchymosis.

A. swelling.

The severity of bleeding should be based on all of the following findings, EXCEPT: Choose one answer. A. systolic blood pressure. B. poor general appearance. C. the mechanism of injury. D. clinical signs and symptoms.

A. systolic blood pressure.

The act of pulling on a body structure in the direction of its normal alignment is called: Choose one answer. A. traction. B. reduction. C. stabilization. D. immobilization.

A. traction.

According to the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS), you should consider air medical transport of a trauma patient if: Choose one answer. A. traffic conditions hamper the ability to get the patient to a trauma center by ground within the ideal time frame for the best clinical outcome. B. ground transport will take your ambulance out of service for an extended period of time, regardless of the severity of the patient's injuries. C. the patient requires advanced life support care and stabilization, and the nearest ALS-ground ambulance is more than 5 to 10 minutes away. D. he or she was involved in a motor vehicle crash in which another occupant in the same vehicle was killed, even if your patient's injuries are minor.

A. traffic conditions hamper the ability to get the patient to a trauma center by ground within the ideal time frame for the best clinical outcome.

If you do not have the appropriate size cervical collar, you should: Choose one answer. A. use rolled towels to immobilize the patient's head. B. place sandbags on either side of the patient's head. C. ask the patient to keep his or her head in a neutral position. D. defer cervical immobilization and apply lateral head blocks.

A. use rolled towels to immobilize the patient's head.

Pleural fluid is contained between the: Choose one answer. A. visceral and parietal pleurae. B. parietal pleura and the heart. C. visceral pleura and the lung. D. parietal pleura and the chest wall.

A. visceral and parietal pleurae.

9. Which of the following processes occurs during the inflammation phase of the healing process? A. The immune system releases histamines, which cause vasodilation and increased capillary permeability, resulting in local redness and swelling. B. White blood cells are forced away from the injury site, thus allowing an increase in the flow of red blood cells, resulting in increased blood flow. C. The blood vessels in and around the injury site constrict, which forces bacteria and other microorganisms away, thus preventing significant infection. D. The veins and arteries at the injury site constrict and platelets aggregate, which stops bleeding and causes a temporary increase in the size of the wound.

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 807

32. A construction worker fell approximately 30′ and landed in a pile of steel rods. Your assessment reveals that he is pulseless and apneic and has a 10″ steel rod impaled in his left leg. You should: A. control the bleeding, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), stabilize the steel rod, immobilize his spine, and transport immediately. B. remove the steel rod, control the bleeding, apply an automated external defibrillator (AED), begin CPR, and transport to a trauma center. C. stabilize the steel rod, control the bleeding, begin CPR, and rapidly transport to a trauma center. D. control the bleeding, carefully remove the steel rod, begin CPR, and transport as soon as possible.

Answer: A Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 820

51. A 21-year-old male was working in an auto repair shop and sustained radiator burns to the anterior aspect of both arms and to his anterior chest. According to the rule of nines, this patient has burns that cover _____ of his BSA. A. 18% B. 27% C. 36% D. 45%

Answer: A Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 825

56. A utility worker was trimming branches and was electrocuted when he accidentally cut a high-power line. He fell approximately 20′ and is lying unconscious on the ground; the power line is lying across his chest. You should: A. rapidly assess the patient after ensuring that the power line is not live. B. apply insulated gloves and assume manual control of his c-spine. C. quickly but carefully move the patient away from the power line. D. manually stabilize his head as your partner assesses for breathing.

Answer: A Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 827

58. A 38-year-old male was electrocuted while attempting to wire a house. Your assessment reveals that he is unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. A coworker has shut off the power to the house. You should: A. begin CPR and apply the AED. B. begin CPR and transport at once. C. assess for entry and exit wounds. D. fully immobilize his spinal column.

Answer: A Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 828

3. The germinal layer of the epidermis contains pigment granules that are responsible for skin: A. color. B. texture. C. moisture. D. temperature.

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 806

6. All of the following body structures are lined with mucous membranes, EXCEPT for the: A. lips. B. nose. C. anus. D. mouth.

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 806

17. In addition to external bleeding, the MOST significant risk that an open soft-tissue injury exposes a patient to is: A. infection. B. hypothermia. C. nerve damage. D. vessel damage.

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 809

22. Which of the following statements regarding penetrating injuries is correct? A. External bleeding may be minimal but internal injuries can be extensive. B. The degree of internal injury can often be estimated by the external injury. C. It is important to distinguish between entrance and exit wounds in the field. D. The depth of a penetrating injury should be thoroughly assessed by the EMT.

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 810

34. In addition to severe bleeding, the MOST life-threatening complication associated with an open neck injury is: A. an air embolism. B. a spinal fracture. C. an ischemic stroke. D. nerve fiber damage.

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 821

38. Burns are classified according to: A. depth and extent. B. location and pain. C. degree and location. D. extent and location.

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 823

39. Which of the following is a severe burn in a 35-year-old patient? A. circumferential partial-thickness burn to the chest B. full-thickness burn to 5% of the body surface area (BSA) C. partial-thickness burn to 20% of the BSA D. superficial burn covering 50% of the BSA

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 823

48. According to the rule of palm method for estimating the extent of a patient's burns, the palm of the patient's hand is equal to _____ of his or her total BSA. A. 1% B. 2% C. 4% D. 6%

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 825

57. Which of the following statements regarding electrical burns is correct? A. Entrance wounds are small relative to the amount of internal tissue damage. B. Respiratory or cardiac arrest following an electrical burn is very uncommon. C. The exit wound caused by electrical burns is smaller than the entrance wound. D. The size of the entry and exit wounds is a reliable indicator of internal damage.

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 827

61. Functions of dressings and bandages include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. immobilization of the injury. B. prevention of contamination. C. protection from further injury. D. control of external hemorrhage.

Answer: A Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 836

26. As you approach a young male who was involved in an industrial accident, you note that his eyes are closed and that he is not moving. You can see several large contusions to his arms, a laceration to his forehead with minimal bleeding, and a closed deformity to his right leg. You should: A. open his airway and assess his breathing status. B. perform an immediate head-to-toe assessment. C. assess his pulse for rate, regularity, and quality. D. apply high-flow oxygen and assess his injuries.

Answer: A Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 817

13. Which of the following statements regarding crush syndrome is correct? A. With crush syndrome, massive blood vessel damage occurs following severe soft-tissue injuries, such as amputation of an extremity. B. Compromised arterial blood flow leads to crush syndrome and can occur when an area of the body is trapped for longer than 4 hours. C. Tissue damage that occurs in crush syndrome is severe, but kidney injury is unlikely because toxins are quickly eliminated from the body. D. Provided that a patient with a crush injury is freed from entrapment within 6 hours, the amount of tissue damaged is generally minimal.

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 808

15. A 30-year-old male experienced a crushing injury when his arm was trapped between the back of a truck and a loading dock. Upon your arrival, the man's arm has been freed. Your assessment reveals that his arm is obviously deformed and swollen and is cold and pale. Further assessment reveals an absent radial pulse. You should be MOST concerned that this patient has: A. internal hemorrhage. B. compartment syndrome. C. a severe closed fracture. D. damage to the radial nerve.

Answer: B Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 808

23. During your assessment of a patient who was shot in the abdomen, you notice a large entrance wound with multiple small puncture wounds surrounding it. This wound pattern is MOST consistent with a: A. handgun. B. shotgun. C. .22-caliber pistol. D. .357 magnum.

Answer: B Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 811

25. During your assessment of a 22-year-old male who was assaulted, you note widespread contusions and abrasions to his face, chest, and abdomen. His pulse is rapid and weak, and his skin is cool and clammy. You should: A. perform a focused physical exam of his abdomen. B. administer oxygen and prepare for rapid transport. C. place him in a sitting position and give him oxygen. D. conclude that he is experiencing intracranial bleeding.

Answer: B Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 815

37. During an altercation in a bar, two patrons got into a fist fight. The first patient, a 44-year-old female, was struck in the mouth and refuses EMS care. The second patient, a 39-year-old female, has a small laceration to her left knuckle and also refuses EMS care. Which of the following statements regarding this scenario is MOST correct? A. You should contact the police and have the patients arrested. B. The 39-year-old female is at high risk for an infection. C. The patient struck in the mouth should be immobilized. D. The 44-year-old female is at high risk for an infection.

Answer: B Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 822

2. What layer of the skin forms a watertight, protective seal for the body? A. dermis B. epidermis C. muscular layer D. subcutaneous layer

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 806

4. Which of the following statements regarding the dermis is correct? A. The dermis produces a substance that provides color to the skin. B. The dermis contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and nerve endings. C. The cells of the dermis are worn away and are constantly replaced. D. The dermis lies above the germinal layer and provides protection.

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 806

11. A closed soft-tissue injury characterized by swelling and ecchymosis is called a(n): A. abrasion. B. contusion. C. hematoma. D. crush injury.

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 808

12. A hematoma develops when: A. small amounts of blood leak into the epidermis. B. large blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged. C. severe swelling compromises arterial circulation. D. cells and small vessels in the dermis are damaged.

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 808

18. Which of the following open soft-tissue injuries is limited to the superficial layer of the skin and results in the least amount of blood loss? A. avulsion B. abrasion C. incision D. laceration

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 809

20. An injury that separates various layers of soft tissue, resulting in complete detachment or a flap of skin, is called a(n): A. incision. B. avulsion. C. laceration. D. amputation.

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 810

42. A burn that is characterized by redness and pain is classified as a: A. third-degree burn. B. first-degree burn. C. second-degree burn D. partial-thickness burn

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 824

46. Common signs and symptoms of an airway burn include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. hoarseness. B. chest pressure. C. singed nasal hair. D. soot around the mouth.

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 825

49. Which of the following statements regarding the rule of nines is correct? A. A child's head is equal to 14% of his or her total BSA. B. The anterior trunk of an adult is equal to 18% of the BSA. C. The posterior of a child's leg is equal to 13.5% of the BSA. D. The anterior arm in the adult is equal to 9% of the total BSA.

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 825

53. Which of the following is a severe burn in a 2-year-old child? A. superficial burn that covers 25% of the BSA B. any full-thickness burn, regardless of its location on the body C. partial-thickness burn that covers 10% of the BSA D. any burn that involves the arms, legs, or posterior part of the body

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 826

55. In order for electricity to flow through the body and cause damage: A. an insulator must exist between the electrical source and the patient. B. a complete circuit must exist between the electrical source and the ground. C. the part of the body that is in contact with the electrical source must be dry. D. the person must make direct physical contact with the source of electricity.

Answer: B Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 826

21. A 56-year-old male has an incomplete avulsion to his right forearm. After controlling any bleeding from the wound, you should: A. carefully probe the wound to determine if the bleeding is venous or arterial. B. carefully remove the avulsed flap and wrap it in a moist, sterile trauma dressing. C. replace the avulsed flap to its original position and cover it with a sterile dressing. D. thoroughly irrigate the wound with sterile water and cover it with a sterile dressing.

Answer: C Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 810

24. A 39-year-old male was struck in the head by a baseball during a game. He is confused, has a large hematoma in the center of his forehead, and cannot remember the events preceding the injury. After manually stabilizing his head and assessing his airway, you should: A. perform a neurologic exam. B. palpate his radial pulses. C. administer high-flow oxygen. D. apply ice to the hematoma.

Answer: C Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 813

28. A 17-year-old male was shot in the right anterior chest during an altercation with a gang member. As your partner is applying 100% oxygen, you perform a rapid secondary assessment and find an open chest wound with a small amount of blood bubbling from it. You should: A. place a sterile dressing over the wound and apply direct pressure. B. control the bleeding from the wound and prepare to transport at once. C. apply an occlusive dressing to the wound and continue your assessment. D. direct your partner to assist the patient's ventilations with a bag-mask device.

Answer: C Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 818

52. A 5-year-old female pulled a pot of boiling water from the stove. She has superficial and partial-thickness burns to her head and anterior trunk. What percentage of her body surface area has been burned? A. 18% B. 27% C. 30% D. 36%

Answer: C Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 825

62. You have applied a dressing and roller-gauze bandage to a laceration on the arm of a young female. During transport, she begins to complain of numbness and tingling in her hand. You should: A. remove the bandage and dressing and apply another one. B. carefully manipulate her arm until the symptoms subside. C. assess distal circulation and readjust the bandage as needed. D. remove the gauze bandage and replace it with an elastic one.

Answer: C Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 837

1. Which of the following areas of the body has the thinnest skin? A. scalp B. back C. ears D. soles of the feet

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 806

7. Functions of the skin include all of the following, EXCEPT: A. maintenance of water balance. B. regulation of body temperature. C. the production of key antibodies. D. sending information to the brain.

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 806

16. When assessing a patient with a closed soft-tissue injury, it is MOST important to: A. manipulate the injury site for signs of a fracture. B. assess circulation distal to the site of the injury. C. remain alert for more severe underlying injuries. D. recognize that the integrity of the skin is broken.

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 809

19. A laceration: A. is an injury that separates various layers of soft tissue. B. is a sharp, smooth cut that is made by a surgical scalpel. C. is a jagged cut caused by a sharp object or blunt force trauma. D. rarely penetrates through the subcutaneous tissue to the muscle.

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 809

31. In which of the following patients should you remove an impaled object? A. a semiconscious patient with an ice pick impaled in the chest B. an apneic patient with a shard of glass impaled in the abdomen C. a pulseless and apneic patient with a knife impaled in the back D. a conscious and alert patient with a fishhook impaled in the eye

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 820

36. In contrast to animal bites, the bite of a human: A. is usually less severe because the human mouth is cleaner. B. typically results in a minor infection that is slow-spreading. C. carries with it a wide variety of virulent bacteria and viruses. D. is associated with a much higher incidence of rabies infection.

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 822

40. Which of the following is a severe burn in a 65-year-old patient? A. superficial burn to 30% of the BSA B. full-thickness burn to 1% of the BSA C. partial-thickness burn to 20% of the BSA D. second-degree burn covering 10% of the BSA

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 823

44. Patients with full-thickness (third-degree) burns generally do not complain of pain because: A. blister formation protects the burn. B. he or she is generally not conscious. C. the nerve endings have been destroyed. D. subcutaneous vessels are usually clotted.

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 824

50. With regard to the pediatric rule of nines, the: A. head is proportionately smaller than an adult's. B. thorax is proportionately larger than an adult's. C. legs are proportionately smaller than an adult's. D. arms are proportionately larger than an adult's.

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 825

27. You are assessing a 30-year-old woman with multiple large bruises to her chest and abdomen that she experienced during an assault. She is conscious but restless, and her skin is cool and pale. You should be MOST concerned with: A. performing a detailed secondary assessment to locate all of her injuries. B. assessing the bruises that overlie major organs in the chest and abdomen. C. the fact that her clinical signs could indicate that she is bleeding internally. D. obtaining a complete set of vital signs to rule out the possibility of shock.

Answer: C Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 817

10. During the normal wound healing process, bleeding may occur from even a minor injury because: A. there is a substantial decrease in the number of platelets in and around the wound, which increases the risk of bleeding. B. histamines released by the immune system constrict the blood vessels, which increases the pressure within them. C. new capillaries that stem from intact capillaries are delicate and take time to become as stable as the preexisting capillaries. D. bacteria and other microorganisms invade the wound site and damage the capillaries, which makes them more prone to bleeding.

Answer: C Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 807

14. The hallmark sign of compartment syndrome is: A. a lack of pain despite the severity of the injury. B. extreme redness to the injury site. C. a bounding pulse distal to the injury. D. pain out of proportion to the injury.

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 808

30. A 33-year-old male sustained an abdominal evisceration to the left lower quadrant of his abdomen after he was cut with a large knife. After appropriately managing his ABCs and assessing him for other life-threatening injuries, how you should care for his wound? A. Irrigate it with sterile water and cover it with a dry dressing. B. Cover the exposed bowel and keep his legs in a straight position. C. Carefully replace the exposed bowel into the abdomen and transport. D. Cover it with moist, sterile gauze and secure with an occlusive dressing.

Answer: D Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 819

33. A teenage boy who was involved in a bicycle accident has a puncture wound where the bicycle kickstand impaled his leg. The MOST appropriate method for treating this injury is to: A. remove the kickstand in a circular motion and apply a dry, sterile dressing. B. cut the kickstand off just above the skin, and stabilize it with sterile dressings. C. leave the kickstand attached to the bike until the physician can remove it safely. D. unbolt the kickstand from the bike frame and stabilize it with bulky dressings.

Answer: D Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 821

35. An 8-year-old male was bitten by a stray dog. He has a large laceration to the back of his left hand, which your partner covered with a sterile dressing and bandage. In addition to transporting the child to the hospital, you should: A. administer oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. B. ask the child's father to try to locate the dog. C. advise the child that he will need rabies shots. D. report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

Answer: D Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 822

59. You and your partner arrive at the scene of a house fire where fire fighters have rescued a 50-year-old male from his burning house. The patient has superficial and partial-thickness burns to his face and chest. His nasal hairs are singed and he is coughing up sooty sputum. You should be MOST concerned with: A. treating him for hypothermia. B. preventing the risk of infection. C. estimating the extent of his burns. D. the potential for airway swelling.

Answer: D Question Type: Critical Thinking Page: 829

5. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, a material that: A. facilitates shedding of the epidermis. B. pulls the hair erect when you are cold. C. discharges sweat onto the skin's surface. D. waterproofs the skin and keeps it supple.

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 806

8. When a person is exposed to a cold environment: A. sweat is produced and is warmed when the vessels constrict. B. blood vessels dilate and divert blood to the core of the body. C. the skin becomes flushed secondary to peripheral vasodilation. D. peripheral vessels constrict and divert blood away from the skin.

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 806

29. An abdominal evisceration: A. is most commonly the result of blunt force trauma. B. should be covered with bulky dry, sterile dressings. C. often causes severe hypothermia because of heat loss. D. occurs when organs protrude through an open wound.

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 819

41. Which of the following is of LEAST importance when initially assessing the severity of a burn? A. area(s) burned B. age of the patient C. past medical history D. known drug allergies

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 823

43. A partial-thickness burn involves the outer layer of skin and a portion of the: A. epidermis. B. fatty layer. C. muscle fascia. D. dermal layer.

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 824

45. Which of the following statements regarding severe burns is correct? A. Severe burns involving the airway have a 100% mortality rate. B. The majority of severe burns involve full-thickness burns only. C. Patients with severe burns are especially prone to hyperthermia. D. Severe burns are typically a combination of all degrees of burn.

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 824

47. Burns to pediatric patients are generally considered more serious than burns to adults because: A. pediatric patients are more prone to hyperthermia. B. most burns in children are the result of child abuse. C. pediatric patients have a proportionately larger volume of blood. D. pediatric patients have more surface area relative to total body mass.

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 825

54. When caring for a patient whose arm is covered with a dry chemical, you should: A. deactivate the chemical with a 5% vinegar solution. B. quickly irrigate the arm with large amounts of water. C. use forceful streams of water to remove the chemical. D. brush away the chemical before flushing with water.

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 826

60. When treating a partial-thickness burn, you should: A. immerse the affected part in warm water. B. rupture any blisters to prevent an infection. C. cover the burn with a moist, sterile dressing. D. avoid the use of creams, lotions, or antiseptics.

Answer: D Question Type: General Knowledge Page: 836

An infant with a total blood volume of 800 mL would start showing signs of shock when as little as ______ of blood is lost. Choose one answer. A. 50 mL B. 100 mL C. 150 mL D. 200 mL

B. 100 mL

Which of the following statements regarding cervical collars is correct? Choose one answer. A. Once a cervical collar is applied, you can cease manual head stabilization. B. A cervical collar is used in addition to, not instead of, manual immobilization. C. Cervical collars are contraindicated in patients with numbness to the extremities. D. The patient's head should be forced into a neutral position to apply a cervical collar.

B. A cervical collar is used in addition to, not instead of, manual immobilization.

Which of the following statements regarding the dermis is correct? Choose one answer. A. The dermis produces a substance that provides color to the skin. B. The dermis contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and nerve endings. C. The cells of the dermis are worn away and are constantly replaced. D. The dermis lies above the germinal layer and provides protection.

B. The dermis contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and nerve endings.

Which of the following statements regarding abdominal eviscerations is correct? Choose one answer. A. Most eviscerations occur to the left upper quadrant. B. The protruding organs should be kept warm and moist. C. The organs should be replaced carefully to avoid heat loss. D. Adherent material is preferred when covering an evisceration.

B. The protruding organs should be kept warm and moist.

In order for electricity to flow through the body and cause damage: Choose one answer. A. an insulator must exist between the electrical source and the patient. B. a complete circuit must exist between the electrical source and the ground. C. the part of the body that is in contact with the electrical source must be dry. D. the person must make direct physical contact with the source of electricity.

B. a complete circuit must exist between the electrical source and the ground.

When transporting a patient with a facial injury, it is MOST important to be as descriptive as possible with the hospital regarding the patient's injuries because: Choose one answer. A. they must make arrangements for an ICU bed. B. a specialist may need to be called. C. it saves time on repeat assessments at the hospital. D. most patients with facial trauma will need surgery.

B. a specialist may need to be called.

Blood stasis, changes in the vessel wall, and certain medications affect the: Choose one answer. A. systolic blood pressure exclusively. B. ability of the blood to effectively clot. C. ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. D. white blood cell's ability to fight infection.

B. ability of the blood to effectively clot.

An open pneumothorax occurs when: Choose one answer. A. a fractured rib perforates the tissue of the lung. B. air enters the pleural space from outside the body. C. extreme pleural pressure causes the lung to rupture. D. air enters the pleural space from a perforated lung.

B. air enters the pleural space from outside the body.

Which of the following is a severe burn in a 2-year-old child? Choose one answer. A. superficial burn that covers 25% of the BSA B. any full-thickness burn, regardless of its location on the body C. partial-thickness burn that covers 10% of the BSA D. any burn that involves the arms, legs, or posterior part of the body

B. any full-thickness burn, regardless of its location on the body

Which of the following injuries would MOST likely occur as a direct result of the third collision in a motor vehicle crash? Choose one answer. A. flail chest B. aortic rupture C. extremity fractures D. forehead lacerations

B. aortic rupture

When evaluating the mechanism of injury of a car versus pedestrian collision, you should first: Choose one answer. A. determine if the patient was propelled away from the vehicle. B. approximate the speed of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian. C. evaluate the vehicle that struck the patient for structural damage. D. determine if the patient was struck and pulled under the vehicle.

B. approximate the speed of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian.

The smaller vessels that carry blood away from the heart and connect the arteries to the capillaries are called the: Choose one answer. A. venules. B. arterioles. C. vena cavae. D. capillary arteries.

B. arterioles.

A young female experienced a laceration to her left eyeball from flying glass when her boyfriend broke a soda bottle against a wall. There is moderate bleeding and the patient states that she cannot see out of the injured eye. You should: Choose one answer. A. carefully examine her eye and remove any foreign objects if needed. B. avoid applying pressure to the globe when you are covering the eye. C. ask her to move the injured eye to assess the integrity of the optic nerve. D. apply firm direct pressure to the injured eye and cover the opposite eye.

B. avoid applying pressure to the globe when you are covering the eye.

An injury that separates various layers of soft tissue, resulting in complete detachment or a flap of skin, is called a(n): Choose one answer. A. incision. B. avulsion. C. laceration. D. amputation.

B. avulsion.

The phenomenon of pressure waves emanating from the bullet, causing damage remote from its path, is known as: Choose one answer. A. capitation. B. cavitation. C. congruent. D. conversion.

B. cavitation.

Signs and symptoms of a tension pneumothorax include all of the following, EXCEPT: Choose one answer. A. profound cyanosis. B. collapsed jugular veins. C. bulging intercostal muscles. D. unilaterally absent breath sounds.

B. collapsed jugular veins.

The frontal and parietal bones of the skull are especially susceptible to: Choose one answer. A. basilar skull fractures. B. compressed skull fractures. C. linear skull fractures. D. nondisplaced skull fractures.

B. compressed skull fractures.

Which of the following nerves allow sensory and motor impulses to be sent from one nerve directly to another? Choose one answer. A. somatic B. connecting C. peripheral D. autonomic

B. connecting

A 39-year-old male accidentally cut his wrist while sharpening his hunting knife. He is conscious and alert with adequate breathing, but is bleeding significantly from the wound. You should: Choose one answer. A. ensure the patient has a patent airway. B. control the bleeding with direct pressure. C. apply oxygen with a nonrebreathing mask. D. apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound.

B. control the bleeding with direct pressure.

Hemoptysis is defined as: Choose one answer. A. vomiting blood. B. coughing up blood. C. abnormal blood clotting. D. blood in the pleural space.

B. coughing up blood.

Which of the following would MOST likely occur as the direct result of the second collision in a motor vehicle crash? Choose one answer. A. collapsed dashboard B. deformed steering wheel C. caved-in passenger door D. intrathoracic hemorrhage

B. deformed steering wheel

What layer of the skin forms a watertight, protective seal for the body? Choose one answer. A. dermis B. epidermis C. muscular layer D. subcutaneous layer

B. epidermis

All of the following terms are used to describe a cold body part that is not frozen, EXCEPT: Choose one answer. A. frostnip. B. frostbite. C. chilblains. D. trench foot.

B. frostbite.

You are assessing a 59-year-old male and note that his pupils are unequal. He is conscious and alert. When obtaining his medical history, it is MOST pertinent to ask him if he: Choose one answer. A. is allergic to any medications. B. has a history of eye surgeries. C. regularly sees a family physician. D. noticed the change during a mea

B. has a history of eye surgeries.

During your rapid secondary assessment of a 19-year-old female with multiple trauma, you note bilateral humeral deformities and a deformity to the left midshaft femur. Her skin is diaphoretic and her pulse is rapid and weak. Your partner has appropriately managed her airway and is maintaining manual stabilization of her head. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes: Choose one answer. A. applying and inflating the pneumatic antishock garment (PASG) and transporting. B. immobilizing her to a backboard and rapidly transporting. C. applying a traction splint to immobilize her femur. D. carefully splinting each of her deformed extremities.

B. immobilizing her to a backboard and rapidly transporting.

You are transporting a 42-year-old male who experienced blunt abdominal trauma. He is receiving oxygen at 12 L/min via a nonrebreathing mask, and full spinal precautions have been applied. During your reassessment, you note his level of consciousness has decreased and his respirations have become shallow. You should: Choose one answer. A. perform a comprehensive secondary assessment to determine why his clinical status has changed. B. insert an airway adjunct if he will tolerate it and begin assisting his ventilations with a bag-mask device. C. reassess his vital signs and then notify the receiving hospital of the change in his clinical status. D. suction his oropharynx to ensure it is clear of secretions and then increase the oxygen flow rate to 15 L/min.

B. insert an airway adjunct if he will tolerate it and begin assisting his ventilations with a bag-mask device.

During your primary assessment of a semiconscious 30-year-old female with closed head trauma, you note that she has slow, shallow breathing and a slow, bounding pulse. As your partner maintains manual in-line stabilization of her head, you should: Choose one answer. A. perform a focused secondary assessment of the patient's head and neck. B. instruct him to assist her ventilations while you perform a rapid assessment. C. apply 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask and obtain baseline vital signs. D. immediately place her on a long backboard and prepare for rapid transport.

B. instruct him to assist her ventilations while you perform a rapid assessment.

A factory worker was splashed in the eyes with a strong acid chemical. He complains of intense pain and blurred vision. Your ambulance does not carry bottles of sterile saline or water. You should: Choose one answer. A. flush both eyes with an alcohol-based solution and transport. B. irrigate both eyes continuously for 20 minutes with plain water. C. neutralize the acid chemical in his eye with an alkaline chemical. D. mix baking soda with water and irrigate his eyes with the solution.

B. irrigate both eyes continuously for 20 minutes with plain water.

In contrast to the brown recluse spider, the black widow spider: Choose one answer. A. is very small and has a violin-shaped marking on its back. B. is large and has a red-orange hourglass mark on its abdomen. C. has a bite that is typically painless until a blister develops. D. has a bite that usually produces local pain but no systemic signs or symptoms

B. is large and has a red-orange hourglass mark on its abdomen

In contrast to the brown recluse spider, the black widow spider: Choose one answer. A. is very small and has a violin-shaped marking on its back. B. is large and has a red-orange hourglass mark on its abdomen. C. has a bite that is typically painless until a blister develops. D. has a bite that usually produces local pain but no systemic signs or symptoms.

B. is large and has a red-orange hourglass mark on its abdomen.

The cricoid cartilage: Choose one answer. A. lies superior to the thyroid cartilage in the neck. B. is the only complete circular cartilage of the trachea. C. is easier to see and palpate than the thyroid cartilage. D. lies superior to the cricothyroid membrane in the neck.

B. is the only complete circular cartilage of the trachea.

In order for sweating to be an effective cooling mechanism: Choose one answer. A. several layers of clothing must be worn. B. it must be able to evaporate from the body. C. the relative humidity must be above 90%. D. the body must produce at least 1 L per hour.

B. it must be able to evaporate from the body.

When a light is shone into the pupil: Choose one answer. A. the opposite pupil should dilate. B. it should become smaller in size. C. it should become larger in size. D. both pupils should dilate together.

B. it should become smaller in size.

The energy of a moving object is called: Choose one answer. A. latent energy. B. kinetic energy. C. potential energy. D. converted energy.

B. kinetic energy.

A hematoma develops when: Choose one answer. A. small amounts of blood leak into the epidermis. B. large blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged. C. severe swelling compromises arterial circulation. D. cells and small vessels in the dermis are damaged.

B. large blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged.

While assessing a 21-year-old female who struck a tree head-on with her small passenger car, you note that her air bag deployed. You should: Choose one answer. A. perform a head-to-toe assessment while she is in the car. Incorrect B. lift the air bag and look for deformity to the steering wheel. Correct C. carefully assess her upper chest for seatbelt-related injuries. Incorrect D. extricate her immediately and transport to a trauma center. Incorrect

B. lift the air bag and look for deformity to the steering wheel. Correct

When assessing the interior of a crashed motor vehicle for damage, you are gathering information regarding the: Choose one answer. A. index of suspicion. B. mechanism of injury. C. kinetic energy. D. potential energy.

B. mechanism of injury.

While en route to a major motor vehicle crash, an on-scene police officer advises you that a 6-year-old male who was riding in the front seat is involved. He further states that the child was only wearing a lap belt and that the air bag deployed. On the basis of this information, you should be MOST suspicious that the child has experienced: Choose one answer. A. open abdominal trauma. B. neck and facial injuries. C. blunt trauma to the head. D. lower extremity fractures.

B. neck and facial injuries.

Early signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal bleeding include: Choose one answer. A. bruising only. B. pain and distention. C. widespread ecchymosis. D. significant hypotension.

B. pain and distention.

Signs and symptoms of an air embolism include all of the following, EXCEPT: Choose one answer. A. dysphasia. B. pale skin. C. dizziness. D. joint pain.

B. pale skin.

A fracture caused by minimal force that is associated with diseases such as cancer and osteoporosis is called a __________ fracture. Choose one answer. A. greenstick B. pathologic C. transverse D. comminuted

B. pathologic

When a hollow organ is punctured during a penetrating injury to the abdomen: Choose one answer. A. the abdomen will become instantly distended. B. peritonitis may not develop for several hours. C. it will bleed profusely and rapidly cause shock. D. it commonly protrudes through the injury site.

B. peritonitis may not develop for several hours.

A 30-year-old male sustained a stab wound to the neck when he was attacked outside a nightclub. During your assessment, you should be MOST alert for: Choose one answer. A. injury to the cervical spine. B. potential airway compromise. C. damage to internal structures. D. alterations in his mental status.

B. potential airway compromise.

When a motor vehicle strikes a tree while traveling at 40 mph, the unrestrained occupant: Choose one answer. A. will most likely be thrown over the steering column. B. remains in motion until acted upon by an external force. C. will decelerate at the same rate as the motor vehicle. D. is thrust under the steering column onto the floorboard.

B. remains in motion until acted upon by an external force.

When caring for an occupant inside a motor vehicle equipped with an air bag that did not deploy upon impact, it is MOST important to: Choose one answer. A. realize that the air bag malfunctioned at the time of impact. B. remember that it could still deploy and seriously injure you. C. suspect that the patient may have experienced serious injuries. D. recognize that the force of impact was most likely not severe.

B. remember that it could still deploy and seriously injure you.

During transport of a 40-year-old female with acute abdominal pain, you note that she has stopped talking to you and has become extremely diaphoretic. You should: Choose one answer. A. assess the quality of her pulse. B. repeat the primary assessment. C. begin assisting her ventilations. D. perform a secondary assessment.

B. repeat the primary assessment.

Moderate elevation in intracranial pressure with middle brain stem involvement is characterized by: Choose one answer. A. increased blood pressure, bradycardia, reactive pupils, and rapid respirations. B. sluggishly reactive pupils, widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and posturing. C. ataxic respirations, unequal pupils, no response to pain, and an irregular pulse. D. fixed and dilated pupils, decreased blood pressure, and irregular respirations.

B. sluggishly reactive pupils, widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and posturing.

Hypovolemic shock occurs when: Choose one answer. A. the clotting ability of the blood is enhanced. B. the body cannot compensate for rapid blood loss. C. the patient's systolic blood pressure is less than 100 mm Hg. D. at least 10% of the patient's blood volume is lost.

B. the body cannot compensate for rapid blood loss.

Heatstroke occurs when: Choose one answer. A. a person's core body temperature rises above 103°F (39°C). B. the body's heat-eliminating mechanisms are overwhelmed. C. a person becomes dehydrated secondary to excess water loss. D. the ambient temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C) and the humidity is high.

B. the body's heat-eliminating mechanisms are overwhelmed.

An air embolism associated with diving occurs when: Choose one answer. A. the diver hyperventilates prior to entering the water. B. the diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent. C. the alveoli completely collapse due to high pressure. D. high water pressure forces air into the mediastinum.

B. the diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent.

When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated: Choose one answer. A. blood is shunted away from the digestive organs. B. the heart rate decreases and the blood vessels dilate. C. hormones are released that prepare the body for stress. D. heart rate and blood pressure increase.

B. the heart rate decreases and the blood vessels dilate.

You arrive at the home of a 50-year-old female with severe epistaxis. As you are treating her, it is MOST important to recall that: Choose one answer. A. the patient may be significantly hypertensive. B. the patient is at risk for vomiting and aspiration. C. a detailed exam is needed to determine the cause. D. many medications interfere with blood clotting.

B. the patient is at risk for vomiting and aspiration.

Whether you are using a commercial device or a stick and triangular bandage as a tourniquet, it is important to remember that: Choose one answer. A. you should try to control the bleeding by applying pressure to a proximal arterial pressure point first. B. the tourniquet should only be removed at the hospital because bleeding may return if the tourniquet is released. C. bulky dressings should be securely applied over the tourniquet to further assist in controlling the bleeding. D. the tourniquet should be applied directly over a joint if possible because this provides better bleeding control.

B. the tourniquet should only be removed at the hospital because bleeding may return if the tourniquet is released.

Immediate death from blunt chest trauma following a motor vehicle crash is MOST often the result of: Choose one answer. A. a tension pneumothorax. B. traumatic aortic rupture. C. penetrating lung injuries. D. a massive cardiac contusion.

B. traumatic aortic rupture.

You are transporting an immobilized patient with severe facial trauma. As you are preparing to give your radio report to the hospital, the patient begins vomiting large amounts of blood. You should: Choose one answer. A. quickly suction his oropharynx. B. turn the backboard onto its side. C. reassess his breathing adequacy. D. alert the hospital of the situation.

B. turn the backboard onto its side.

Rough handling of a hypothermic patient with a pulse may cause: Choose one answer. A. profound bradycardia. B. ventricular fibrillation. C. ventricular tachycardia. D. pulseless electrical activity.

B. ventricular fibrillation.

A fractured femur can result in the loss of ______ or more of blood into the soft tissues of the thigh. Choose one answer. A. 250 mL B. 500 mL C. 1 L D. 2 L

C. 1 L

A 5-year-old female pulled a pot of boiling water from the stove. She has superficial and partial-thickness burns to her head and anterior trunk. What percentage of her body surface area has been burned? Choose one answer. A. 18% B. 27% C. 30% D. 36%

C. 30%

With regard to the three collisions that occur during a motor vehicle crash, which of the following statements regarding the first collision is correct? Choose one answer. A. It provides the least amount of information about the mechanism of injury. B. It has a direct effect on patient care because of the obvious vehicular damage. C. It is the most dramatic part of the collision and may make extrication difficult. D. It occurs when the unrestrained occupant collides with the interior of the vehicle.

C. It is the most dramatic part of the collision and may make extrication difficult.

Which of the following patients has experienced the MOST significant fall? Choose one answer. A. a 4′8″ patient who fell 13′ B. a 5′0″ patient who fell 13′ C. a 4′6″ patient who fell 13′ D. a 5′9″ patient who fell 14′

C. a 4′6″ patient who fell 13′

In which of the following patients should you remove an impaled object? Choose one answer. A. a semiconscious patient with an ice pick impaled in the chest B. an apneic patient with a shard of glass impaled in the abdomen C. a pulseless and apneic patient with a knife impaled in the back D. a conscious and alert patient with a fishhook impaled in the eye

C. a pulseless and apneic patient with a knife impaled in the back

If direct pressure with a sterile dressing fails to immediately stop severe bleeding from an extremity, you should apply: Choose one answer. A. additional sterile dressings. B. a splint and elevate the extremity. C. a tourniquet proximal to the injury. D. digital pressure to a proximal artery.

C. a tourniquet proximal to the injury.

Pneumothorax is defined as: Choose one answer. A. accumulation of air between the lungs. B. blood collection within the lung tissue. C. accumulation of air in the pleural space. D. blood collection within the pleural space.

C. accumulation of air in the pleural space.

Subcutaneous emphysema is an indication that: Choose one answer. A. at least half of one lung has completely collapsed. B. your patient is experiencing a pericardial tamponade. C. air is escaping into the chest wall from a damaged lung. D. blood is slowly accumulating within the tissue of the lung.

C. air is escaping into the chest wall from a damaged lung.

A young female was involved in a motor vehicle crash. She complains of pain to her left eye, which appears to have a piece of glass impaled in it. Further assessment reveals a large laceration to her left forearm with active venous bleeding. As your partner manually stabilizes the patient's head, you should: Choose one answer. A. stabilize the impaled glass in her eye. B. administer 100% supplemental oxygen. C. apply direct pressure to her arm wound. D. carefully remove the glass from her eye.

C. apply direct pressure to her arm wound.

A 76-year-old male experienced sudden pain to his left thigh when he was standing in line at the grocery store. Your assessment reveals ecchymosis and deformity to the distal aspect of his left femur, just above the knee. Distal circulation and sensory and motor functions are intact. The MOST appropriate method of splinting this injury involves: Choose one answer. A. applying a traction splint to realign the deformity. B. applying and fully inflating the pneumatic antishock garment (PASG). C. applying padded board splints to both sides of the leg. D. binding the legs together and elevating them 6″ to 8″.

C. applying padded board splints to both sides of the leg.

You have applied a dressing and roller-gauze bandage to a laceration on the arm of a young female. During transport, she begins to complain of numbness and tingling in her hand. You should: Choose one answer. A. remove the bandage and dressing and apply another one. B. carefully manipulate her arm until the symptoms subside. C. assess distal circulation and readjust the bandage as needed. D. remove the gauze bandage and replace it with an elastic one.

C. assess distal circulation and readjust the bandage as needed.

A 20-year-old male was accidentally shot in the right upper abdominal quadrant with an arrow during an archery contest. Prior to your arrival, the patient removed the arrow. Your assessment reveals that he is conscious and alert with stable vital signs. The entrance wound is bleeding minimally and appears to be superficial. You should: Choose one answer. A. transport only if signs of shock begin to develop. B. carefully probe the wound to determine its depth. C. assume that the arrow injured an internal organ. D. clean the wound and apply a dry, sterile dressing.

C. assume that the arrow injured an internal organ.

The body's functions that occur without conscious effort are regulated by the _________ nervous system. Choose one answer. A. sensory B. somatic C. autonomic D. voluntary

C. autonomic

A football player was struck by another player in the right flank area just below the posterior rib cage. He complains of severe pain and point tenderness to the area. Your assessment reveals that there is a small amount of blood in his underwear. You should be MOST suspicious for: Choose one answer. A. external genitalia injury. B. a lacerated liver or spleen. C. blunt injury to the kidney. D. a ruptured urinary bladder.

C. blunt injury to the kidney.

Which of the following findings would be LEAST suggestive of a head injury? Choose one answer. A. one pupil larger in size than the other pupil B. failure of the eyes to move in the same direction C. briskly constricting pupils when exposed to light D. failure of the eyes to follow movement of an object

C. briskly constricting pupils when exposed to light

While assessing a young male who was struck in the chest with a steel pipe, you note that his pulse is irregular. You should be MOST suspicious for: Choose one answer. A. underlying cardiac disease. B. a lacerated coronary artery. C. bruising of the heart muscle. D. traumatic rupture of the aorta.

C. bruising of the heart muscle.

While assessing a 21-year-old female who struck a tree head-on with her small passenger car, you note that her air bag deployed. You should: Choose one answer. A. perform a head-to-toe assessment while she is in the car. B. lift the air bag and look for deformity to the steering wheel. C. carefully assess her upper chest for seatbelt-related injuries. D. extricate her immediately and transport to a trauma center.

C. carefully assess her upper chest for seatbelt-related injuries.

You are transporting a stable patient with a possible pneumothorax. The patient is receiving 100% oxygen and has an oxygen saturation of 95%. During your reassessment, you find that the patient is now confused, hypotensive, and profusely diaphoretic. What is MOST likely causing this patient's deterioration? Choose one answer. A. a total collapse of the affected lung B. hidden bleeding in the thoracic cavity C. compression of the aorta and vena cava D. blood accumulation in the pleural space

C. compression of the aorta and vena cava

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

C. convection.

All of the following snakes are pit vipers, EXCEPT for the: Choose one answer. A. copperhead. B. rattlesnake. C. coral snake. D. cottonmouth.

C. coral snake.

A 40-year-old male was in his woodworking shop when he felt a sudden, sharp pain in his left eye. Your assessment reveals a small splinter of wood embedded in his cornea. You should: Choose one answer. A. scrape the splinter away with moist, sterile gauze. B. cover his right eye and flush the left eye with saline. C. cover both of his eyes and transport to the hospital. D. remove the object with a cotton-tipped applicator.

C. cover both of his eyes and transport to the hospital.

Bleeding from soft-tissue injuries to the face is MOST effectively controlled with: Choose one answer. A. pressure dressings and chemical ice packs. B. digital pressure to an adjacent pulse point. C. direct pressure using dry, sterile dressings. D. ice packs and elevation of the patient's head.

C. direct pressure using dry, sterile dressings.

Assessing a person's neurovascular status following a musculoskeletal injury includes all of the following, EXCEPT: Choose one answer. A. assessing motor function. B. assessing sensory function. C. evaluating proximal pulses. D. determining capillary refill.

C. evaluating proximal pulses.

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

C. exhibit poor thermoregulation.

A 39-year-old male sustained a large laceration to his leg during an accident with a chainsaw and is experiencing signs and symptoms of shock. You should: Choose one answer. A. apply direct pressure to the wound. B. place the patient on 100% oxygen. C. follow appropriate standard precautions. D. perform a rapid head-to-toe assessment.

C. follow appropriate standard precautions.

Contraction or tensing of the abdominal muscles in an effort to ease pain is called: Choose one answer. A. flexing. B. referring. C. guarding. D. withdrawing.

C. guarding.

Air bags, in conjunction with properly worn seatbelts, are MOST beneficial when a person is involved in a: Choose one answer. A. rollover crash. B. lateral collision. C. head-on crash. D. rear-end collision.

C. head-on crash.

In which of the following situations should the EMT splint an injured limb in the position of deformity? Choose one answer. A. when distal circulation and neurological functions are absent B. if transport time to the hospital is greater than 20 to 30 minutes C. if resistance is encountered or the patient experiences severe pain D. if a traction splint will be used to immobilize the injured extremity

C. if resistance is encountered or the patient experiences severe pain

During your assessment of a patient who experienced blunt trauma to the abdomen, you notice bruising around the umbilicus. This is a sign of: Choose one answer. A. a ruptured spleen. B. a severe liver laceration. C. intra-abdominal bleeding. D. rupture of a hollow organ.

C. intra-abdominal bleeding.

Following a blunt injury to the head, a 22-year-old female is confused and complains of a severe headache and nausea. On the basis of these signs and symptoms, you should be MOST concerned with the possibility of: Choose one answer. A. spinal cord injury. B. airway compromise. C. intracranial bleeding. D. a fracture of the skull.

C. intracranial bleeding.

The lower jawbone is called the: Choose one answer. A. zygoma. B. maxillae. C. mandible. D. mastoid.

C. mandible.

If a patient with a chest injury is only able to inhale small amounts of air per breath, he or she: Choose one answer. A. often breathes at a slower rate because of lung damage caused by the injury. B. will eliminate more carbon dioxide than if he or she were breathing deeply. C. must increase his or her respiratory rate to maintain adequate minute volume. D. will maintain adequate minute volume if his or her respiratory rate stays the same.

C. must increase his or her respiratory rate to maintain adequate minute volume.

During the normal wound healing process, bleeding may occur from even a minor injury because: Choose one answer. A. there is a substantial decrease in the number of platelets in and around the wound, which increases the risk of bleeding. B. histamines released by the immune system constrict the blood vessels, which increases the pressure within them. C. new capillaries that stem from intact capillaries are delicate and take time to become as stable as the preexisting capillaries. D. bacteria and other microorganisms invade the wound site and damage the capillaries, which makes them more prone to bleeding.

C. new capillaries that stem from intact capillaries are delicate and take time to become as stable as the preexisting capillaries.

You and your partner respond to a park where several people were reportedly struck by lightning. When you arrive, you find three patients. The first patient is lying supine on the ground; he is unresponsive and does not appear to be breathing. The second patient is ambulatory, appears confused, and is holding his arm against his chest. The third patient is sitting on the ground holding the sides of his head. After calling for backup, you should: Choose one answer. A. immediately begin CPR on the unresponsive patient, but cease resuscitation efforts if there is no response after 5 minutes of treatment. B. focus your initial treatment efforts on the patients who are conscious because the unresponsive patient is likely in irreversible cardiac arrest. C. open the unresponsive patient's airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver, assess his ABCs, and begin CPR and attach the AED as soon as possible. D. recognize that the patients who are conscious are at high risk for developing cardiac arrest and quickly assess them for potentially life-threatening injuries.

C. open the unresponsive patient's airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver, assess his ABCs, and begin CPR and attach the AED as soon as possible.

Which of the following is a severe burn in a 65-year-old patient? Choose one answer. A. superficial burn to 30% of the BSA B. full-thickness burn to 1% of the BSA C. partial-thickness burn to 20% of the BSA D. second-degree burn covering 10% of the BSA

C. partial-thickness burn to 20% of the BSA

Which of the following is a severe burn in a 65-year-old patient? Choose one answer. A. superficial burn to 30% of the BSA B. full-thickness burn to 1% of the BSA C. partial-thickness burn to 20% of the BSA D. second-degree burn covering 10% of the BSA Incorrect

C. partial-thickness burn to 20% of the BSA

Which of the following fractures has the greatest potential for internal blood loss and shock? Choose one answer. A. hip B. femur C. pelvis D. humerus

C. pelvis

The ________ nerves control the diaphragm. Choose one answer. A. vagus B. costal C. phrenic D. intercostal

C. phrenic

The EMT must assume that any unwitnessed water-related incident is accompanied by: Choose one answer. A. an air embolism. B. alcohol intoxication. C. possible spinal injury. D. cold water immersion.

C. possible spinal injury.

When the speed of a motor vehicle doubles, the amount of kinetic energy: Choose one answer. A. doubles. B. triples. C. quadruples. D. is not affected.

C. quadruples.

When assessing a patient with a closed soft-tissue injury, it is MOST important to: Choose one answer. A. manipulate the injury site for signs of a fracture. B. assess circulation distal to the site of the injury. C. remain alert for more severe underlying injuries. D. recognize that the integrity of the skin is broken.

C. remain alert for more severe underlying injuries.

The presence of tachycardia following a significant abdominal injury: Choose one answer. A. is always accompanied by hypotension. B. indicates a state of decompensated shock. C. should be assumed to be a sign of shock. D. is most commonly caused by severe pain.

C. should be assumed to be a sign of shock.

During your assessment of a patient with blunt chest trauma, you note paradoxical movement of the left chest wall. As your partner is administering oxygen to the patient, you should: Choose one answer. A. request a paramedic to decompress the chest. B. make note of it and continue your assessment. C. stabilize the chest wall with a bulky dressing. D. reassess the adequacy of the patient's breathing.

C. stabilize the chest wall with a bulky dressing.

During your assessment of a patient with blunt chest trauma, you note paradoxical movement of the left chest wall. As your partner is administering oxygen to the patient, you should: Choose one answer. A. request a paramedic to decompress the chest. Incorrect B. make note of it and continue your assessment. Incorrect C. stabilize the chest wall with a bulky dressing. Correct D. reassess the adequacy of the patient's breathing. Incorrect

C. stabilize the chest wall with a bulky dressing. Correct

During your rapid secondary assessment of a 30-year-old male who fell 25′, you note crepitus when palpating his pelvis. Your partner advises you that the patient's blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg and his heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak. After completing your assessment, you should: Choose one answer. A. defer spinal immobilization and transport to a trauma center. B. perform a focused physical exam with emphasis on the pelvis. C. stabilize the pelvis with a pelvic binder and protect the spine. D. log roll the patient onto a long backboard and transport at once.

C. stabilize the pelvis with a pelvic binder and protect the spine.

If a person is standing near a building that explodes, which of the following injuries would he or she MOST likely experience as a result of the pressure wave? Choose one answer. A. severe burns B. fractured bones C. stomach rupture D. impaled objects

C. stomach rupture

Internal injuries caused by gunshot wounds are difficult to predict because: Choose one answer. A. the caliber of the bullet is frequently unknown. B. the area of damage is usually smaller than the bullet. C. the bullet may tumble or ricochet within the body. D. exit wounds caused by the bullet are usually small.

C. the bullet may tumble or ricochet within the body.

You are assessing a 30-year-old woman with multiple large bruises to her chest and abdomen that she experienced during an assault. She is conscious but restless, and her skin is cool and pale. You should be MOST concerned with: Choose one answer. A. performing a detailed secondary assessment to locate all of her injuries. B. assessing the bruises that overlie major organs in the chest and abdomen. C. the fact that her clinical signs could indicate that she is bleeding internally. D. obtaining a complete set of vital signs to rule out the possibility of shock.

C. the fact that her clinical signs could indicate that she is bleeding internally.

Hypovolemic shock occurs when: Choose one answer. A. the clotting ability of the blood is enhanced. B. the body cannot compensate for rapid blood loss. C. the patient's systolic blood pressure is less than 100 mm Hg. D. at least 10% of the patient's blood volume is lost. Incorrect

C. the patient's systolic blood pressure is less than 100 mm Hg.

Functions of the skin include all of the following, EXCEPT: Choose one answer. A. maintenance of water balance. B. regulation of body temperature. C. the production of key antibodies. D. sending information to the brain.

C. the production of key antibodies.

Very young children tend to breathe predominantly with their diaphragm because: Choose one answer. A. their chest wall and ribs are very pliable. B. they require less tidal volume per breath. C. their intercostal muscles are not fully developed. D. there is no nerve innervation of the intercostal muscles.

C. their intercostal muscles are not fully developed.

Passengers who are seated in the rear of a vehicle and are wearing only lap belts have a higher incidence of injuries to the: Choose one answer. A. thoracic and sacral spine. B. lumbar and coccygeal spine. C. thoracic and lumbar spine. D. lumbar and sacral spine.

C. thoracic and lumbar spine.

Which of the following organs is at MOST risk for injury as the result of a pelvic fracture? Choose one answer. A. pancreas B. fallopian tubes C. urinary bladder D. liver or spleen

C. urinary bladder

When caring for a patient with an open facial injury, the EMT must: Choose one answer. A. closely assess the patient's airway. B. consider the mechanism of injury. C. wear gloves and facial protection. D. manually stabilize the patient's head.

C. wear gloves and facial protection.

The index of suspicion is MOST accurately defined as: Choose one answer. A. the way in which traumatic injuries occur. B. a predictable pattern that leads to serious injuries. C. your concern for potentially serious underlying injuries. D. the detection of less obvious life-threatening injuries.

C. your concern for potentially serious underlying injuries.

Which of the following statements regarding striated muscle is correct? Choose one answer. A. Striated muscle is involuntary because you have no conscious control over it. B. Most of the body's striated muscle is found within the walls of the blood vessels. C. Striated muscle tissue is attached directly to the bones by tough bands of cartilage. D. It forms the major muscle mass of the body and usually crosses at least one joint.

D. It forms the major muscle mass of the body and usually crosses at least one joint.

By what mechanism is a person injured when he or she falls from a significant height? Choose one answer. A. Kinetic energy is converted to potential energy; the potential energy is then converted into the work of bringing the body to a stop. B. Potential energy is created as the person is falling; the potential energy is then converted into kinetic energy upon impact. C. As the person falls, the amount of kinetic energy is converted into work; work is then converted to kinetic energy upon impact. D. Potential energy is converted to kinetic energy; the kinetic energy is then converted into the work of bringing the body to a stop.

D. Potential energy is converted to kinetic energy; the kinetic energy is then converted into the work of bringing the body to a stop.

Which of the following statements regarding severe burns is correct? Choose one answer. A. Severe burns involving the airway have a 100% mortality rate. B. The majority of severe burns involve full-thickness burns only. C. Patients with severe burns are especially prone to hyperthermia. D. Severe burns are typically a combination of all degrees of burn.

D. Severe burns are typically a combination of all degrees of burn.

Which of the following statements regarding low-energy penetrating injuries is correct? Choose one answer. A. Internal injuries caused by low-velocity bullets are usually easy to predict. B. Exit wounds are typically easy to locate with low-energy penetrating injuries. C. It is usually easy to differentiate between an entrance wound and an exit wound. D. The area of injury is usually close to the path the object took through the body.

D. The area of injury is usually close to the path the object took through the body.

Which of the following statements regarding gunshot wounds is correct? Choose one answer. A. High-velocity bullets will cause less severe internal injuries. B. The size of a bullet has the greatest impact on producing injury. C. Low-velocity bullets will cause the greatest amount of trauma. D. The speed of a bullet has the greatest impact on producing injury.

D. The speed of a bullet has the greatest impact on producing injury.

A patient who is complaining of seeing flashing lights, specks, or "floaters" in his or her field of vision has MOST likely experienced: Choose one answer. A. conjunctivitis. B. acute hyphema. C. a blowout fracture. D. a detached retina.

D. a detached retina.

The mesentery is: Choose one answer. A. the point of attachment between the small and large intestines. B. a layer of thick skeletal muscles that protects the abdominal organs. C. a complex network of blood vessels that supply blood to the liver. D. a membranous fold that attaches the intestines to the walls of the body.

D. a membranous fold that attaches the intestines to the walls of the body.

Following direct trauma to the left upper back, a 44-year-old male presents with diaphoresis and restlessness. His blood pressure is 100/50 mm Hg, his pulse rate is 120 beats/min and weak, and his respirations are 24 breaths/min and labored. Your assessment reveals abrasions and contusions over the left scapula. You should: Choose one answer. A. hyperventilate him with a bag-mask device and monitor his oxygen saturation. B. apply high-flow oxygen, perform a detailed secondary assessment, and transport. C. focus your assessment on his scapulae and clavicles and apply high-flow oxygen. D. apply high-flow oxygen, consider spinal precautions, and transport without delay.

D. apply high-flow oxygen, consider spinal precautions, and transport without delay.

Most cases of external bleeding from an extremity can be controlled by: Choose one answer. A. elevating the injured extremity. B. packing the wound with gauze. C. compressing a pressure point. D. applying local direct pressure.

D. applying local direct pressure.

When documenting a call involving a female patient who was sexually assaulted, the EMT should: Choose one answer. A. theorize as to why the sexual assault occurred. B. include the results of his or her internal vaginal exam. C. include a description of the suspected perpetrator. D. avoid speculation and document only factual data.

D. avoid speculation and document only factual data.

When treating a partial-thickness burn, you should: Choose one answer. A. immerse the affected part in warm water. B. rupture any blisters to prevent an infection. C. cover the burn with a moist, sterile dressing. D. avoid the use of creams, lotions, or antiseptics.

D. avoid the use of creams, lotions, or antiseptics.

A 54-year-old male accidentally shot himself in the leg while cleaning his gun. Your assessment reveals a small entrance wound to the medial aspect of his right leg. The exit wound is on the opposite side of the leg and is actively bleeding. The patient complains of numbness and tingling in his right foot. You should: Choose one answer. A. assess distal pulses as well as sensory and motor functions. B. manually stabilize the leg above and below the site of injury. C. gently manipulate the injured leg until the numbness dissipates. D. control the bleeding and cover the wound with a sterile dressing.

D. control the bleeding and cover the wound with a sterile dressing.

Which of the following findings would be LEAST suggestive of the presence of high-energy trauma? Choose one answer. A. dismounted seats B. steering wheel deformity C. intrusion into the vehicle D. deployment of the air bag

D. deployment of the air bag

A partial-thickness burn involves the outer layer of skin and a portion of the: Choose one answer. A. epidermis. B. fatty layer. C. muscle fascia. D. dermal layer.

D. dermal layer.

Difficulty breathing and a sunken appearance of the anterior abdominal wall is MOST indicative of a ruptured: Choose one answer. A. aorta. B. spleen. C. stomach. D. diaphragm.

D. diaphragm.

The disruption of a joint in which the bone ends are no longer in contact is called a: Choose one answer. A. strain. B. sprain. C. fracture. D. dislocation.

D. dislocation.

The tough, fibrous outer meningeal layer is called the: Choose one answer. A. pia mater. B. arachnoid. C. gray mater. D. dura mater.

D. dura mater.

When the body loses sweat, it also loses: Choose one answer. A. plasma. B. nutrients. C. erythrocytes. D. electrolytes.

D. electrolytes.

When immobilizing a patient on a long backboard, you should: Choose one answer. A. have the patient exhale before fastening the torso straps. B. secure the torso and then center the patient on the board. C. follow the commands of the person at the patient's torso. D. ensure that you secure the torso before securing the head.

D. ensure that you secure the torso before securing the head.

High humidity reduces the body's ability to lose heat through: Choose one answer. A. radiation. B. convection. C. conduction. D. evaporation.

D. evaporation.

According to the American College of Surgeons, an adult trauma patient meets Level I criteria if he or she: Choose one answer. A. was involved in a motor vehicle crash in which another patient in the same vehicle was killed. B. has a systolic blood pressure of less than 110 mm Hg or a heart rate greater than 110 beats/min. C. has a bleeding disorder or takes anticoagulant medications and has any blunt or penetrating injury. D. has a GCS score of less than or equal to 8 with a mechanism attributed to trauma.

D. has a GCS score of less than or equal to 8 with a mechanism attributed to trauma.

The MOST critical treatment for a tension pneumothorax involves: Choose one answer. A. placing a bulky dressing over the affected side of the chest. B. assisting the patient's breathing with increased tidal volume. C. surgically removing the portion of the lung that is damaged. D. inserting a needle through the rib cage into the pleural space.

D. inserting a needle through the rib cage into the pleural space.

The superficial temporal artery can be palpated: Choose one answer. A. slightly above the ear. B. at the angle of the jaw. C. over the mastoid process. D. just anterior to the tragus.

D. just anterior to the tragus.

The conjunctiva are kept moist by fluid produced by the: Choose one answer. A. corneal duct. B. posterior orbit. C. optic chiasma. D. lacrimal gland.

D. lacrimal gland.

Following direct trauma to the upper part of the anterior neck, a young male presents with labored breathing, loss of voice, and subcutaneous emphysema in the soft tissues around his neck. You should suspect a(n): Choose one answer. A. esophageal tear. B. crushed cricoid. C. collapsed trachea. D. laryngeal fracture.

D. laryngeal fracture.

The upper jawbones are called the: Choose one answer. A. mandible. B. mastoid. C. zygoma. D. maxillae.

D. maxillae.

The hallmark sign of compartment syndrome is: Choose one answer. A. a lack of pain despite the severity of the injury. B. extreme redness to the injury site. C. a bounding pulse distal to the injury. D. pain out of proportion to the injury.

D. pain out of proportion to the injury.

After applying a pressure dressing to a laceration on a patient's arm, you notice that blood is slowly beginning to saturate it. You should: Choose one answer. A. replace the dressing with another dressing. B. apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound. C. splint the arm and keep it below heart level. D. place additional dressings over the wound.

D. place additional dressings over the wound.

When immobilizing a child on a long backboard, you should: Choose one answer. A. secure the head prior to securing the torso and legs. B. defer cervical collar placement to avoid discomfort. C. place the child's head in a slightly extended position. D. place padding under the child's shoulders as needed.

D. place padding under the child's shoulders as needed.

When assessing a patient who experienced a blast injury, it is important to remember that: Choose one answer. A. secondary blast injuries are usually the least obvious. B. primary blast injuries are typically the most obvious. C. solid organs usually rupture from the pressure wave. D. primary blast injuries are the most easily overlooked.

D. primary blast injuries are the most easily overlooked.

Following blunt trauma to the chest, an 18-year-old female presents with respiratory distress, reduced tidal volume, and cyanosis. Her blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg and her pulse is 130 beats/min and thready. You should: Choose one answer. A. apply 100% oxygen and immediately transport. B. place her supine and elevate her lower extremities. C. perform a rapid head-to-toe physical assessment. D. provide some form of positive-pressure ventilation.

D. provide some form of positive-pressure ventilation.

A patient who presents with profound cyanosis following a chest injury: Choose one answer. A. should be placed in Trendelenburg's position. B. is most likely experiencing severe blood loss. C. has most likely experienced a ruptured aorta. D. requires prompt ventilation and oxygenation.

D. requires prompt ventilation and oxygenation.

What types of motor vehicle collisions present the greatest potential for multiple impacts? Choose one answer. A. lateral and rollover B. frontal and rotational C. Rear-end and rotational D. rotational and rollover

D. rotational and rollover

What type of muscle contracts and relaxes to control the movement of the contents within its structures? Choose one answer. A. cardiac B. skeletal C. striated D. smooth

D. smooth

A 30-year-old female was robbed and assaulted by a gang as she was leaving a nightclub. She has massive facial trauma and slow, gurgling respirations. As your partner manually stabilizes her head, you should: Choose one answer. A. begin immediate ventilatory assistance. B. visualize her mouth for obvious wounds. C. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. D. suction her oropharynx for 15 seconds.

D. suction her oropharynx for 15 seconds.

An open fracture is MOST accurately defined as a fracture in which: Choose one answer. A. bone ends protrude through the skin. B. a large laceration overlies the fracture. C. a bullet shatters the underlying bone. D. the overlying skin is no longer intact.

D. the overlying skin is no longer intact.