Chapter 32 Quiz: Environmental Emergencies

When the body loses sweat, it also loses: a. plasma. b. nutrients. c. erythrocytes. d. electrolytes.

electrolytes.

A young female was weeding her garden when she was bitten on her left hand by an unidentified snake. The primary assessment does not reveal any life threats and vital signs are stable. In caring for this patient, it is critical that the EMT: a. attempt to locate the snake for identification. b. administer the epinephrine auto-injector into the site. c. have the patient remove her wedding ring from her left hand. d. apply ice packs to the area of the snake bite.

have the patient remove her wedding ring from her left hand.

A patient has been bitten by what appears to be a black widow spider. The bite to her left hand is dull and achy and she states that the muscles in her shoulders and back are starting to hurt. After ensuring that no life-threatening conditions are present and administering oxygen, the EMT should: a. massage the muscles of the back and shoulders. b. pour a vinegar solution over the bite. c. keep the hand below the level of the heart. d. apply hot packs to the bite.

keep the hand below the level of the heart.

A child has been pulled from the pool after being submerged for less than 30 seconds. The child is crying and hyperventilating, as well as coughing up water and vomitus. The EMT should: a. place the child prone to help evacuate water from the lungs. b. insert an oral airway and provide oxygen via nonrebreather mask. c. administer abdominal thrusts with the child in a supine position. d. place the child on his side and perform a primary assessment.

place the child on his side and perform a primary assessment.

A patient at a mountain ski resort presents to you with notable shortness of breath. She denies any past medical history and takes no medications. Your assessment reveals crackles to the bases of both lungs. After applying oxygen, you realize that the key to helping this patient improve is to: a. remove to a lower altitude. b. position her in a left lateral recumbent position. c. administer Albuterol by a metered-dose inhaler. d. place her in a supine position with legs elevated.

remove to a lower altitude.

A landscaper who has been working in 105 degree weather is responsive to painful stimuli and has an open airway. His breathing is shallow and his radial pulse is weak. His skin is hot and dry and appears to be sunburned. The EMT should immediately: a. obtain a full set of vitals. b. wrap him in a sheet soaked with cool water. c. administer oxygen through a nonrebreather face mask. d. start positive pressure ventilation.

start positive pressure ventilation.

Heat stroke occurs when: 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.

the body's heat-eliminating mechanisms are overwhelmed.

A person's ability to shiver is lost when his or her body temperature falls below: a. 90°F (32°C). b. 92°F (33°C). c. 94°F (34°C). d. 95°F (35°C).

90°F (32°C).

You have been summoned to a field where a 32-year-old male patient has been struck by lightning. Emergency Medical Responders are with the patient holding manual in-line spinal stabilization. Once you arrive at the patient's side, which one of the following should you do first? a. Assess the airway and breathing. b. Apply a cervical spine collar. c. Perform a secondary assessment. d. Place the patient on the stretcher.

Assess the airway and breathing.

A 24-year-old intoxicated female patient was pulled from a pool by hotel personnel. Your primary assessment reveals her airway to be open and her breathing adequate. Her radial pulse is fast but strong and she is persistently coughing. Which one of the following would be considered appropriate in the care of this patient? a. High-concentration oxygen through a nonrebreather face mask b. Deep pharyngeal suctioning to remove water from the airway c. Precautionary application of the automated external defibrillator d. Abdominal thrusts to remove water from the lungs

High-concentration oxygen through a nonrebreather face mask

A diver has summoned 911 because after coming to the surface, he feels short of breath and "itchy" all over. Additionally he complains of a headache. Assessment reveals a patent airway, adequate breathing, clear breath sounds, and the following vital signs: pulse 92, respirations 22, blood pressure 156/62, and SpO2 at 93%. Proper care of this patient should include which one of the following? a. High-concentration oxygen through a nonrebreather face mask b. Oxygen, epinephrine through an Epi-pen, and bronchodilator from an MDI c. High-flow oxygen and epinephrine via Epi-pen d. Epinephrine through an Epi-pen, and immediate transport to the hospital

High-concentration oxygen through a nonrebreather face mask

You are transporting a patient who was bitten on her hand by a spider about 20 minutes ago. On scene the primary assessment revealed no life threats and vital signs were stable. While conducting your ongoing assessment, which one of the following would be of most concern to the EMT? a. Hives to the chest and abdomen b. Increased pain to the area of the bite c. Complaint of a headache d. Swelling to the area of the bite

Hives to the chest and abdomen

A 23-year-old diver has been brought to the surface by fellow divers after acting erratically while in the water. Your assessment reveals him to be confused and uncoordinated with an open airway and adequate breathing. He has a strong radial pulse and a SpO2 of 98%. He is diabetic and your partner reports that his blood sugar is 97 mg/dl. The remainder of your assessment is unremarkable. Based on this presentation and history, which one of the following would be the most likely cause of his condition? a. Increased nitrogen levels in the blood b. Hypoxia and hypoglycemia c. Seizure activity d. Hypoglycemia

Increased nitrogen levels in the blood

A patient is in cardiac arrest after being submerged in a pond for 15 minutes. You note that his abdomen is greatly distended and it is very difficult to ventilate him. Which one of the following should you do next? a. Administer chest compressions to evacuate water from the body. b. Place the patient on his side and firmly press on the abdomen. c. Ventilate more forcibly at a rate of 20-24 breaths per minute. d. Administer five abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver).

Place the patient on his side and firmly press on the abdomen.

You are accompanying a team of hikers climbing a high mountain. In the morning, you are summoned to a tent and find one of the climbers confused and complaining of a headache. His airway is patent and respirations adequate. He has no medical history and was in good health until found this morning by his friend. Suspicious of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), you should do which one of the following? a. Administer oral glucose. b. Immobilize the patient. c. Provide high-flow oxygen. d. Insert an oropharyngeal airway.

Provide high-flow oxygen.

A fisherman fell through the ice and was submerged in a lake for approximately four minutes, before being pulled out by friends. You find the man to be unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. Which one of the following should you do immediately? a. Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation. b. Immobilize the patient. c. Apply the automated external defibrillator. d. Determine the patient's core temperature.

Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Bystanders have called 911 for a female who lives on the street because she has been outside in the cold all night and is muttering incomprehensible words. Her airway is open and her breathing is adequate. Her skin is cold and a radial pulse is present but weak. Oxygen has been applied. Which one of the following should you do next? a. Transfer her into the ambulance. b. Perform a secondary assessment. c. Assess breath sounds. d. Obtain a blood pressure.

Transfer her into the ambulance.

Medical direction has ordered you to begin rewarming an unresponsive patient with a core temperature of 93°F. Which one of the following measures would best benefit this patient? a. Place one extremity at a time in warm water. b. Give him warm fluids to drink to increase internal body temperature. c. Wrap the patient in several warm blankets. d. Gently massage the patient's arms and legs.

Wrap the patient in several warm blankets.

Patients with generalized hypothermia are at an increased risk of a local cold injury because: 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.

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

After successfully rewarming a foot and frozen toes, the EMT should: a. cover the foot and toes with dry, sterile dressings. b. ambulate the patient to ensure return of adequate motor function. c. place the foot below the level of the heart to enhance circulation. d. gently massage the foot and toes.

cover the foot and toes with dry, sterile dressings.