EMT-B Chapter 2
Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake even during off hours is important because: A. EMTs shouldn't be too relaxed. B. it's the right thing to do. C. it weakens the public image of EMTs. D. excess intake reduces performance.
excess intake reduces performance.
A general release of a harmful substance into the environment is called a: A. decontamination incident. B. hazardous material incident. C. terrorist incident. D. mass-casualty incident.
hazardous material incident.
Exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep and rest, and keeping up to date on vaccines are all ways of managing: A. health and well-being. B. critical infections. C. job performance. D. posttraumatic stress disorder.
health and well-being.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are effective at: A. helping to kill microorganisms. B. removing visible contaminants. C. killing anthrax. D. reducing the risk of contracting TB.
helping to kill microorganisms.
The warning signs of stress include: A. a rigorous exercise regime. B. irritability with family, friends, and coworkers. C. increased interest in work. D. long periods of uninterrupted sleep.
increased interest in work.
As an EMT who is looking for ways to improve your personal wellness and ability to resist job-related stress, you should focus on: A. doing anything that makes you feel better. B. isolating yourself from any stressor you encounter. C. increasing the amount of exercise you get in your day. D. spending less time with family entanglements.
increasing the amount of exercise you get in your day.
You respond to the scene of an elderly patient's apartment that has not been well-maintained and appears to be unsanitary, with rotting food visible in the kitchen, mold on the walls, and what appear to be urine stains on the patient's person and furniture. Personal protective equipment should be used in this case as a barrier against: A. infection. B. immunization. C. sanitization. D. restoration.
infection
The warning signs of stress include: A. intense concentration on work. B. the need for interaction with family and friends. C. loss of sexual desire or interest. D. increased appetite.
loss of sexual desire or interest.
You respond to a scene in which nearby containers of hazardous materials have come open and appear to be leaking. You should: A. try to find something you can throw over the materials to cover them. B. try to close the containers and clean up the material. C. retreat from the area until specialized personnel arrive. D. maintain a minimum safe distance from the materials.
maintain a minimum safe distance from the materials.
How many types of gloves will the EMT likely use? A. 3 B. 0 C. 1 D. 2
2
A CISD meeting usually takes place: A. immediately after the incident. B. before the end of shift. C. 24 to 72 hours after the incident. D. about one week after the incident.
24 to 72 hours after the incident.
A HEPA or N-95 mask would be MOST likely to be required in caring for patients in what setting? A. An amusement park B. A shopping center C. A drug treatment center D. A professional office building
A drug treatment center
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a high-risk environment for catching TB? A. A local playground B. A long-term care center for the elderly C. A homeless shelter D. A correctional facility
A local playground
Which dying patient is in the depression stage? A. A patient appears to accept death but isn't happy about it. B. A patient refuses to accept the fact of impending death. C. A patient becomes upset about things left undone. D. A patient targets the EMT with anger and threats.
A patient becomes upset about things left undone.
What is the BEST situation for an EMT as regards well-being? A. Personal popularity regardless of professional accomplishment B. A strong support system built on solid relationships C. Social isolation but high professional success D. A carefree attitude toward work and social ties
A strong support system built on solid relationships
A patient tells you that he is certain that vaccination is available for all major communicable diseases, but what is a disease for which a vaccination is still not available? A. Influenza B. AIDS C. Pneumonia D. Hepatitis B
AIDS
Statistically, which of the following is the greatest threat to EMS providers? A. Assault B. Air medical crashes C. Stroke D. Accidental needlesticks
Air medical crashes
When your pupils dilate, your heart rate increases, your bronchial passages dilate, and your blood sugar increases, what stage of stress response is this? A. Resolution B. Exhaustion C. Alarm D. Resistance
Alarm
Which of the following is a work-related stressor for an EMT? A. A partner's daughter is diagnosed with a serious illness. B. A close friend severs contact. C. An EMT cannot communicate with a spouse about work. D. A family member commits suicide.
An EMT cannot communicate with a spouse about work.
Which of the following situations would likely create the LEAST amount of stress in an experienced EMT? A. Physical and sexual abuse of a two-year-old female by her father B. Industrial emergency in which your partner, overcome by toxic fumes, dies C. MCI in which a commercial airliner has crashed D. Auto accident in which a critically injured patient dies
Auto accident in which a critically injured patient dies
Which of the following is found in birds but can affect humans? A. SARS B. Avian flu C. Meningitis D. Pertussis
Avian flu
Which of the following is found in poultry and can affect humans? A. West Nile virus B. ARDS C. Avian flu D. H1N1
Avian flu
You are working a shift with a new EMT who just finished school. As you tell him about emergencies to which you responded in the past, which one would be MOST likely to stress out the new EMT? A. An 89-year-old grandmother who suffered cardiac arrest at a family picnic B. A 32-year-old male who was shot and killed by a psychotic patient C. A two-year-old female who was physically abused and died D. A 17-year-old male who was killed when he was riding his bike and was struck by a car
A two-year-old female who was physically abused and died
Which of the following strategies for dealing with stress is the LEAST effective? A. Decrease in the number of hours worked per week B. Use of mental imagery C. Use of sedative drugs D. Increase in exercise activity
Use of sedative drugs
A patient in your care learns that he is dying and says "OK, but first I need to call my wife and tell her I love her. Then I need to talk to my brother." What stage of reacting to death and dying is the patient most likely in? A. Bargaining B. Depression C. Anger D. Denial
Bargaining
What is one mode of transmission for HIV? A. Kissing or talking B. Blood transfusion C. Shaking someone's hand D. Sneezing or coughing
Blood transfusion
Under the Ryan White CARE Act, how might you learn that you were exposed to a bloodborne infection? A. By following standard infection protocols B. Submitting a written request C. As part of a regular screening process D. By being informed by the designated officer
By being informed by the designated officer
What is the acronym for a comprehensive system that includes education and resources to both prevent stress and deal with stress appropriately when it occurs? A. MDMA B. MICU C. CISM D. TNCC
CISM
Which of the following core components of well-being relates to the need to maintain physical fitness? A. Emotional stability B. Diversity awareness C. Cardiovascular endurance D. Memory skills
Cardiovascular endurance
Which of the following diseases is transmitted by airborne droplets? A. Chicken pox B. Hepatitis C. Staph infections D. AIDS
Chicken pox
The spouse of a dying patient is acting like nothing is wrong, even though she has just heard that her spouse is terminally ill and has very little time left. Which emotional stage of reacting to death and dying is she likely in? A. Acceptance B. Anger C. Denial D. Bargaining
Denial
Which of the following is the best way to reduce stress? A. Spend time alone. B. Accept the challenge of an extreme diet. C. Accept more responsibility at work. D. Devote time to relaxation.
Devote time to relaxation.
A car has struck an electrical pole, and there are live wires down on the car. A patient is trapped in the vehicle. What is the MOST appropriate action? A. Have the fire department rescue the patient and bring him to you. B. Approach the car cautiously and watch for gasoline leaks. C. Perform a rapid extrication but do not touch the wires. D. Do not approach the car, and call the electric company.
Do not approach the car, and call the electric company.
Which of the following procedures carries the highest risk of spreading TB to the EMT? A. Bag-valve-mask breathing B. Modified jaw thrust C. Endotracheal suctioning D. Oral airway placement
Endotracheal suctioning
Which of the following must the EMT perform on each and every emergency call? A. Ensure that the scene is safe before entering. B. Immediately assess all patients on arrival at the scene. C. Contact the receiving facility with a patient report. D. Wear a HEPA or N95 mask.
Ensure that the scene is safe before entering.
Which of the following is a positive form of stress? A. Eustress B. Distress C. Cumulative stress D. Compound stress
Eustress
What stage of the general adaptation syndrome involves an individual who has lost the ability to resist or adapt to a stressor and may become seriously ill as a consequence? A. Resistance B. Denial C. Alarm D. Exhaustion
Exhaustion
What helps you burn off stress? A. Getting exercise such as aerobics B. Performing quality improvement measures C. Rotating to a busier station or duty assignment D. Requesting additional or overtime shifts
Getting exercise such as aerobics
Which of the following protective measures should the EMT take for a patient who is known to be infected with hepatitis B or C to specifically protect against exposure to fluids that may be infected? A. Gloves and hand washing B. Gloves and eyewear C. Gloves, eyewear, and hand washing D. Gloves only
Gloves and eyewear
You are working feverishly to extricate a farmer who is pinned under his overturned tractor. The family members are on scene and are yelling at you to hurry up and move the tractor. How should you respond to this anger from the family? A. Call the police and have the family placed in protective custody. B. Ask the patient to tell the family to leave the scene so that you can focus on the injuries the patient has sustained. C. Tell the family that if they do not back down, you will be unable to care for their family member. D. If the family is expressing anger, allow them to do so, but watch for escalation to violence.
If the family is expressing anger, allow them to do so, but watch for escalation to violence.
Which of the following poses the greatest risk of exposure to TB? A. Places with domestic animals B. Institutions such as nursing homes C. Gyms and fitness centers D. Private residences
Institutions such as nursing homes
Which of the following aspects of fatigue most relates to mental functioning? A. It leads to illness by decreasing immune system function. B. It harms personal relationships. C. It is a significant factor in medical errors and improper decision making. D. It increases the potential for motor vehicle collisions.
It is a significant factor in medical errors and improper decision making.
What is the primary rule in dealing with a hazardous material incident? A. Immediately begin to care for your patients. B. Always have the Emergency Response Guidebook available on your phone. C. Make sure your ambulance is equipped with binoculars for identifying placards. D. Maintain a safe distance from the source of the hazardous material.
Maintain a safe distance from the source of the hazardous material.
When responding to the scene of an accident involving multiple vehicles, you see that one of the motorists involved appears to be concealing a weapon and looks nervous, frequently looking at the trunk of his car. What action required to respond to danger have you just performed? A. Report B. Plan C. Attack D. Observe
Observe
What U.S. entity established guidelines that require certain precautions to be taken to prevent the transmission of disease through contact with body fluids? A. The Surgeon General B. National Transportation and Highway Safety Administration C. Occupational Safety and Health Administration D. Centers for Disease Control
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
What is a professional dimension MOST likely to be directly affected by an EMT's health and well-being? A. Compliance with protocols B. Preparedness C. Commitment to duty D. Job knowledge
Preparedness
Which of the following is the best way to handle job-related stress? A. Always keep prescription anti-anxiety medications available. B. Avoid stressful types of patient contacts or situations. C. Recognize the signs of stress when they develop. D. Do not talk about the stressors of the job to anyone other than a professional counselor.
Recognize the signs of stress when they develop.
You reenter the scene of a shooting after it has been cleared by police. As you do, you keep an eye out for any signs of danger. You are performing which "R" of reacting to a dangerous situation? A. React B. Redirect C. Reevaluate D. Recover
Reevaluate
An EMT who has adapted to a stimulus so that it no longer produces stress is in what stage of the general adaptation syndrome? A. Resistance B. Recovery C. Alarm D. Exhaustion
Resistance
The body's return to normal functioning is characteristic of which stage of stress response? A. Resistance B. Reaction C. Alarm D. Exhaustion
Resistance
What establishes procedures by which emergency response workers may find out whether they have been exposed to life-threatening infectious diseases? A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention B. Department of Labor and Statistics C. Ryan White CARE Act D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Ryan White CARE Act
Which of the following caused concern worldwide when it emerged and caused almost 800 deaths? A. AIDS B. CHF C. TB D. SARS
SARS
A dying patient is clearly deeply in denial about the severity of the patient's condition, and the patient's family members seem either to share in the denial or to be deeply troubled by it. One family member who isn't in denial asks you what you can do. A. Tell the family member that you will make it clear to the patient and other family members that the patient is dying. B. Say that you will provide basic medical assistance but that anything else is not part of your job. C. Reassure the family member that the patient is acting normally and not to worry about it. D. Say that you will get any help the family needs, including grief counseling.
Say that you will get any help the family needs, including grief counseling.
The standard against infection that assumes that all blood and body fluids are infectious and requires all emergency workers to practice a strict form of infection control is called: A. sterilization. B. Universal Precautions. C. infection prevention. D. Standard Precautions.
Standard Precautions.
What contagion spreads through the air? A. Hepatitis B B. Hepatitis A C. TB D. AIDS
TB
Which of the following is often part of an employment physical? A. HIV test B. Chest x-ray C. Hepatitis C test D. TB test
TB test
What test can detect whether an EMT has been exposed to tuberculosis? A. TST B. TBA C. MMR D. PPE
TST
Which of the following is appropriate for an EMT to perform on the scene of a hazardous material incident? A. Containing the hazard B. Setting up a decon shower in the hot zone C. Taking initial actions for your personal safety D. Putting on a special SCBA suit and retrieving patients
Taking initial actions for your personal safety
Stress is: A. a normal reaction that occurs very infrequently during the career of an EMT. B. a negative trait that highly functioning EMTs do not exhibit. C. an abnormal reaction to a traumatizing event experienced by the EMT. D. a state of physical or psychological arousal to a stimulus.
a state of physical or psychological arousal to a stimulus.
Why does AIDS present far less risk to health care workers than hepatitis and TB? A. AIDS tends to incubate for longer than hepatitis or TB. B. AIDS results when the immune system has been attacked by HIV. C. AIDS is a bloodborne illness. D. The AIDS virus does not survive well outside the human body.
The AIDS virus does not survive well outside the human body.
Why is it important to ensure that you attend to your mental health as much as to your physical health? A. The EMT profession imposes strong mental and physical demands. B. Strong mental and physical health can improve the personal impression the EMT makes. C. Maintaining physical and mental health is consistent with professional medical advice. D. It is an expectation that EMTs will be physically and mentally fit.
The EMT profession imposes strong mental and physical demands.
During a CISD, who is usually involved in a defusing session? A. Everyone who was a part of the case, regardless of his or her direct or indirect involvement in the incident B. Only the personnel who seem to be the most unaffected by the events of the incident C. The people who were directly involved with the most stressful aspects of the incident D. A team of trained peer counselors and mental health professionals
The people who were directly involved with the most stressful aspects of the incident
What is the overall purpose of a CISD event? A. To identify how to improve the emergency response system B. To gather data on the variety of human responses to critical incidents C. To provide a method of tracking critical incidents D. To provide a means to relieve the stress experienced by those who were involved in the incident
To provide a means to relieve the stress experienced by those who were involved in the incident
What is a mode of transmission for AIDS? A. Respiratory droplets. B. Airborne droplets. C. Unprotected sexual contact. D. Nasal secretions.
Unprotected sexual contact.
When soap and water are available, what method of hand cleaning should be utilized? A. Alcohol-based hand cleaner B. A quick rinse with warm water only C. Abrasive scrubbing pad D. Vigorous hand washing
Vigorous hand washing
You are starting to experience symptoms of stress months after an extremely stressful situation. This is known as: A. a delayed stress reaction. B. an acute stress reaction. C. a chronic stress reaction. D. a cumulative stress reaction.
a delayed stress reaction.
A situation that often produces an extreme level of stress for the EMT is: A. an emergency involving infants and children. B. an emergency response involving coordination with law enforcement. C. transport of a terminally ill patient. D. a medical emergency involving an elderly person.
an emergency involving infants and children.
When managing a 28-year-old male patient who has been vomiting blood and has a fever, the EMT considers that the patient might have a bloodborne illness. Bloodborne pathogens can be contracted through exposure to: A. any surface that the infected person may have touched. B. an infected person's blood through breaks in the infected person's skin. C. tiny droplets sprayed when the infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. D. an infected person's blood through breaks in the noninfected person's skin.
an infected person's blood through breaks in the noninfected person's skin.
You are confronted by a scene in which a patient is entangled in debris from an explosion at a chemical factory. You see that the path to the patient appears to be smeared with chemical residue that you can't identify but that seems to be bubbling. You need to: A. look around for anything that might be laid down over the residue to get to the patient. B. rush to where the patient is to initiate treatment immediately. C. wait for the patient to be properly decontaminated before initiating treatment. D. ask specialized personnel to identify the chemical and proper safety precautions.
ask specialized personnel to identify the chemical and proper safety precautions.
A bad work relationship with a negative coworker who is unreasonably critical of your performance is causing you stress. A good adjustment to make could be to: A. avoid fatty foods and exercise more often. B. find ways to avoid that coworker as much as possible. C. report on that coworker's negative activities to other coworkers. D. look for ways to get that coworker reassigned to a different shift.
avoid fatty foods and exercise more often.
A state of exhaustion and irritability that can markedly decrease one's effectiveness in delivering emergency medical care is referred to as: A. stress. B. eustress. C. burnout. D. anguish.
burnout
A state of exhaustion, irritability, and fatigue that is brought about by work-related problems and results in the inability to perform one's duties effectively as an EMT is known as: A. eustress. B. serious fatigue. C. critical incident stress. D. burnout.
burnout
Acute stress reactions are often linked to: A. cognitive dissonance from moral dilemmas. B. disorders from long-term exposure to a stressor. C. burnout from an accumulation of stress. D. catastrophes such as large-scale natural disasters.
catastrophes such as large-scale natural disasters.
You are responding to a shooting attack, and the shooter begins firing on the scene from a sniper position you can't see, but you know the general direction. In reacting to the danger, you place your body behind an area that might hide you from view, although it won't protect you from the bullets. This is called: A. cover. B. cowering. C. cowardly. D. concealment.
concealment.
A gunman enters the scene of a call and begins shouting and waving his weapon at EMS personnel. An EMT finds a position behind a wall that will both hide and protect his or her body from projectiles. This is called: A. cowering. B. cowardly. C. concealment. D. cover.
cover
A dying patient is despondent over all the relationships he has let fall away from him over the years and all the people he hasn't made enough a part of his life. He becomes withdrawn and doesn't look at most people or speak to them. The emotional stage of dying this patient is likely in is: A. depression. B. denial. C. anger. D. acceptance.
depression
According to the Tuberculosis Compliance Mandate, after using a disposable bag-valve-mask (BVM) device to ventilate a patient with TB, the EMT should: A. wrap the BVM back up, as it can be used again as long as it is not visibly soiled. B. dispose of the BVM according to hospital or EMS service policy. C. wash the BVM out with soap and return it to service. D. turn the BVM in for gas or heat sterilization.
dispose of the BVM according to hospital or EMS service policy.
Gloves worn to protect against contact with blood and other body fluids should be: A. cotton. B. latex. C. nonlatex. D. mesh.
nonlatex
You are transporting a patient suspected of TB. You should: A. open the windows and turn on recirculated air. B. close the windows and turn on nonrecirculated air. C. open the windows and turn on nonrecirculated air. D. close the windows and turn on recirculated air.
open the windows and turn on nonrecirculated air.
Eye protection, protective gloves, gowns, and masks are known as: A. personal protective equipment. B. Standard Precautions. C. infection control devices. D. infection protection.
personal protective equipment.
If you respond to the scene of a motor-vehicle collision and see broken glass, you should expect: A. severe wounds and wear a mask. B. a dangerous environment and hold off until the glass is cleared. C. potential for contact with blood and wear gloves. D. fatalities and wear gloves.
potential for contact with blood and wear gloves.
MERS is found: A. only in about a dozen countries. B. only in Africa. C. primarily on the Arabian Peninsula. D. primarily is eastern Asia.
primarily on the Arabian Peninsula.
You are responding to an incident involving intentional disbursement of a chemical agent that is likely a terrorist attack. In responding to the call, you should: A. circle the area in your vehicle before entering the scene to see whether any threats present themselves. B. recall the specific training you received regarding protocols related to chemical threats. C. wait to be advised by specialized personnel before responding to the scene. D. let the police secure the scene and neutralize any potential threat before entering the area.
recall the specific training you received regarding protocols related to chemical threats.
You are responding to a call for a multiple-vehicle collision at a busy intersection. You should have: A. a level A suit. B. reflective clothing or vest. C. a hard hat. D. full turnout gear.
reflective clothing or vest.
A dying patient wants you tell him that it's going to be okay. You should: A. tell the patient firmly that you will not respond to such requests. B. nod in the negative but then refuse to say anything. C. nod in the affirmative but not say anything false. D. respond that you will do all you can to comfort the patient and help control his pain.
respond that you will do all you can to comfort the patient and help control his pain.
When applying an alcohol-based hand cleaner, you should: A. rub your hands until they are dry. B. apply the cleaner to your face while your hands are still wet. C. use at least two ounces. D. allow your hands to air dry.
rub your hands until they are dry.
A patient expresses offense that you practice so many precautionary measures, including washing your hands and wearing protective gear. He asks why you treat patients as unclean. Your BEST response should be that: A. some of the precautions might not be strictly necessary in all cases but it is better to be safe than sorry. B. serious communicable illnesses are spread by contact with bloodborne and airborne pathogens, so precautions are necessary. C. you will forgo certain precautionary measures such as wearing masks if the patient finds that to be disturbing. D. your training and safety protocols are very specific as to what precautionary measures you should perform and you must follow them.
serious communicable illnesses are spread by contact with bloodborne and airborne pathogens, so precautions are necessary.
A dried blood spill that is days old presents: A. no threat. B. the threat of AIDS. C. the threat of hepatitis. D. the threat of TB.
the threat of hepatitis.
The difference between an acute and a delayed stress reaction is: A. the intensity of the reaction. B. the cause of the reaction. C. whether there are physical effects. D. the time it takes for the reaction to occur
the time it takes for the reaction to occur
A specific incident that can provoke a delayed stress reaction is called a: A. trigger. B. catastrophe. C. hazard. D. pressure point.
trigger
A TST or PPD test is used to test for: A. mumps. B. hepatitis B. C. smallpox. D. tuberculosis.
tuberculosis.
To reduce the risk of illness, the EMT should: A. use Standard Precautions during each patient contact. B. use hand washing after any call involving sick patients. C. avoid care for patients with diseases communicable through the air. D. avoid all contact with febrile patients.
use Standard Precautions during each patient contact.
After washing your hands, to turn off the faucet: A. wear a glove when turning the handle. B. apply alcohol-based hand cleaner to the faucet handle first. C. ask your partner to help you. D. use a paper towel to touch the handle.
use a paper towel to touch the handle.
The CISD model is now: A. recommended by a majority of mental health professionals. B. used less frequently. C. becoming more popular in EMS. D. mandated by most EMS agencies.
used less frequently.
As you try to provide lifesaving care for a patient you believe will die, the patient's brother approaches and wants to know how serious the problem is. You don't have time to talk. You should say: A. "For now, please help keep your brother calm." B. "Isn't it obvious?" C. "Please step back and don't interfere." D. "It will all work out fine."
"For now, please help keep your brother calm."
What type of precautions should an EMT take when caring for an intoxicated female who is trying to spit on the EMS crew? A. Gloves and eye protection B. Gloves, eye protection, and a mask C. Gloves and a mask D. Gloves only
Gloves, eye protection, and a mask
What specific protective measure should the EMT take for a patient who is known to be infected with tuberculosis? A. Quarantine B. N-95 or HEPA mask C. Gown D. Surgical mask
N-95 or HEPA mask
What type of mask should you don if you suspect that the elderly patient for whom you are caring has tuberculosis? A. Disposable surgical type face mask B. Dampened cloth tied around the lower part of the face C. Full face shield D. N-95 respirator
N-95 respirator
If the TST determines that you have been exposed to tuberculosis, then you should seek treatment and: A. complete an accurate report for the CDC. B. follow-up from a doctor or other health care professional. C. receive an immunization for TB. D. wait two to six weeks before returning to work.
follow-up from a doctor or other health care professional.
