BU Exam 1

The diaphragm is a unique muscle because it: A. is both a voluntary and involuntary muscle. B. is the exclusive muscle of breathing. C. does not have striations like skeletal muscle. D. does not receive impulses from the brain.

A. is both a voluntary and involuntary muscle.

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts informed consent? A. An EMT initiates care after trying but failing to contact a 10-year-old patient's caregivers. B. An EMT advises a patient of the risks of receiving treatment. C. An EMT initiates immediate care for an unconscious adult. D. A patient advises an EMT of why he or she is refusing care

B. An EMT advises a patient of the risks of receiving treatment.

In which of the following situations would you use a modified jaw-thrust maneuver? A. A patient that does not have a patent airway. B. An unconscious patient with a suspected cervical spine injury. C. A patient with an apparent mandibular fracture. D. A patient with frothy sputum.

B. An unconscious patient with a suspected cervical spine injury.

Which of the following statements regarding psychosocial development in the adolescent age group is correct? A. Adolescents are less fixated on their public image than younger children. B. Antisocial behavior and peer pressure peak around 14 to 16 years of age. C. Family conflict decreases as the adolescent gains control of his or her life. D. Adolescents are at low risk for psychiatric problems.

B. Antisocial behavior and peer pressure peak around 14 to 16 years of age.

In relation to the chest, the back is: A. ventral. B. posterior. C. dorsal. D. anterior.

B. posterior.

What is the MOST common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient? A. swollen epiglottis B. the tongue C. vomitus D. aspirated fluid

B. the tongue

Age-related changes in the renal system result in: A. dilation of the blood vessels that supply the nephrons, which allows the kidneys to maintain their function. B. the formation of large amounts of urine secondary to an increase in kidney mass of up to 20%. C. a decreased ability to clear wastes from the body and a decreased ability to conserve fluids when needed. D. a significant increase in filtration, which causes the excretion of large amounts of water from the body.

C. a decreased ability to clear wastes from the body and a decreased ability to conserve fluids when needed.

What three bones make up the shoulder girdle? A. acromion, clavicle, scapula B. acromion, humerus, clavicle C. clavicle, scapula, humerus D. acromion, scapula, humerus

C. clavicle, scapula, humerus

Physical changes that typically occur in early adults include an: A. increase in muscle strength and reflexes. B. increase in height because of spinal disc expansion. C. increase in fatty tissue, which leads to weight gain. D. increase in respiratory rate due to increased metabolism.

C. increase in fatty tissue, which leads to weight gain.

Which of the following is NOT considered to be protected health information (PHI)? A. treatment rendered B. assessment findings C. patient history D. location of the call

D. location of the call

The human body should be functioning at its optimal level between the ages of: A. 19 and 25 years. B. 21 and 30 years. C. 18 and 22 years. D. 25 and 35 years.

A. 19 and 25 years.

An oxygen cylinder should be taken out of service and refilled when the pressure inside it is less than: A. 500 psi. B. 400 psi. C. 200 psi. D. 700 psi.

A. 500 psi.

The pulse rate of a child from ages 6 to 12 years is approximately: A. 70 to 120 beats/min. B. 90 to 140 beats/min. C. 60 to 100 beats/min. D. 100 to 150 beats/min.

A. 70 to 120 beats/min.

Which of the following skills or interventions is included at every level of prehospital emergency training? A. AED B. oral glucose for hypoglycemia C. intranasal medication administration D. use of a manually triggered ventilator

A. AED

Which of the following statements regarding breathing adequacy is correct? A. Patients breathing shallowly may require assisted ventilation despite a normal respiratory rate. B. A patient with slow respirations and adequate depth will experience an increase in minute volume. C. The single most reliable sign of breathing adequacy in the adult is his or her respiratory rate. D. Patients with a grossly irregular breathing pattern usually do not require assisted ventilation.

A. Patients breathing shallowly may require assisted ventilation despite a normal respiratory rate.

Which of the following descriptions MOST accurately portrays emergency medical services (EMS)? A. a team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured B. a system composed exclusively of emergency medical responders (EMRs) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are responsible for providing care to sick and injured patients C. a vast network of advanced life support (ALS) providers who provide definitive emergency care in the prehospital setting D. a team of paramedics and emergency physicians who are responsible for providing emergency care to critically injured patients

A. a team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured

In preconventional reasoning, children: A. act almost purely to avoid punishment and to get what they want. B. make decisions based on their conscience. C. blame their actions on what they have observed in older children. D. look for approval from their peers and society.

A. act almost purely to avoid punishment and to get what they want.

Carbon dioxide and oxygen are exchanged in the: A. alveolar sacs. B. veins. C. apex of the lung. D. bronchioles.

A. alveolar sacs.

As the bronchus divides into smaller bronchioles, the terminal ends of these smaller passages form the: A. alveoli. B. pleura. C. bronchi. D. capillaries.

A. alveoli.

The central nervous system is composed of: A. brain and spinal cord. B. autonomic nervous system. C. brain and sensory nerves. D. somatic nervous system.

A. brain and spinal cord.

An appropriate demonstration of professionalism when your patient is frightened, demanding, or unpleasant is to: A. continue to be nonjudgmental, compassionate, and respectful. B. demand the patient to be quiet and cooperative during transport. C. reassure him or her that everything will be all right. D. ignore the patient's feelings and focus on his or her medical complaint.

A. continue to be nonjudgmental, compassionate, and respectful.

Putrefaction is defined as: A. decomposition of the body's tissues. B. blood settling to the lowest point of the body. C. separation of the torso from the rest of the body. D. profound cyanosis to the trunk and face.

A. decomposition of the body's tissues.

The phase of the cardiac cycle in which the ventricles fill with blood is called: A. diastole. B. cardiac output. C. stroke volume. D. systole.

A. diastole.

When performing his or her duties, the EMT is generally expected to: A. exercise reasonable care and act prudently. B. consistently exceed the standard of care. C. contact medical control on every EMS call. D. function above his or her scope of practice.

A. exercise reasonable care and act prudently.

Which of the following organs or structures lies within the retroperitoneal space? A. kidneys B. spleen C. gallbladder D. abdominal aorta

A. kidneys

The topographic term used to describe the part of the body that is toward the midclavicular axis is: A. medial. B. lateral. C. None of the above D. dorsal.

A. medial.

The EMT's scope of practice within his or her local response area while on duty is defined by the: A. medical director. B. state EMS office. C. local health district. D. EMS supervisor.

A. medical director.

The person who is responsible for authorizing EMTs to perform emergency medical care in the field is the: A. medical director. B. EMS administrator. C. field training officer. D. shift supervisor.

A. medical director.

The nose, chin, umbilicus (navel), and spine are examples of ___________ anatomic structures. A. midline B. midaxillary C. superior D. proximal

A. midline

The heart muscle is called the: A. myocardium. B. epicardium. C. pericardium. D. endocardium.

A. myocardium.

A 71-year-old male is semiconscious following a sudden, severe headache. There is vomitus in his mouth and his respirations are slow and shallow. The EMT must immediately: A. perform oropharyngeal suctioning. B. assist the patient's ventilations with a bag-mask device. C. insert a nasopharyngeal airway. D. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

A. perform oropharyngeal suctioning.

The criteria to be licensed and employed as an EMT include: A. proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases. B. a degree as a medical doctor (M.D.) C. demonstration of the ability to lift and carry at least 200 pounds. D. a minimum of 60 college credit hours that focus on health care.

A. proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases.

The left side of the heart receives oxygenated blood from the lungs through the: A. pulmonary veins. B. superior venae cavae. C. pulmonary arteries. D. inferior venae cavae.

A. pulmonary veins.

What set of nerves is responsible for carrying information from the body to the central nervous system? A. sensory B. motor C. vertebral D. cranial

A. sensory

The risk of bleeding in the skull, which increases with age, is MOST directly related to: A. shrinkage of the brain. B. blood vessel dilation. C. a decrease in neurons. D. meningeal deterioration.

A. shrinkage of the brain.

You are dispatched to a call for a 4-month-old infant with respiratory distress. While you prepare to take care of this child, you must remember that: A. small infants are nose breathers and require clear nasal passages at all times. B. an infant's head should be placed in a flexed position to prevent obstruction. C. the infant's proportionately small tongue often causes an airway obstruction. D. assisted ventilations in infants often need to be forceful to inflate their lungs.

A. small infants are nose breathers and require clear nasal passages at all times.

Twelve pairs of ribs attach to what section of the spinal column? A. thoracic B. coccyx C. lumbar D. sacral

A. thoracic

An EMT would MOST likely be held liable for abandonment if he or she: A. transferred care to a first responder. B. refused to care for a patient who is armed with a knife. C. remained at the hospital for 30 minutes to give a patient report. D. terminated care of a competent adult patient at his or her request.

A. transferred care to a first responder.

Which of the following would be considered abandonment? A. transferring care of your patient to a first responder B. triaging a patient into a delayed transport category C. none of the above D. leaving the patient if the scene is unsafe

A. transferring care of your patient to a first responder

When you and your partner arrive at the residence of a man in cardiac arrest, you immediately recognize the patient as the drunk driver who killed your brother several years earlier. A backup ambulance is en route to the scene. You should: A. obtain permission from medical control to not attempt resuscitation. B. begin two-rescuer CPR and apply the automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible. C. call law enforcement. D.advise your partner to begin one rescuer CPR because you are personally invested with this patient

B. begin two-rescuer CPR and apply the automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible.

Which of the following structures is NOT found in the upper airway? A. oropharynx B. bronchus C. pharynx D. larynx

B. bronchus

The __________ cartilage is a firm ring that forms the inferior part of the larynx. A. laryngeal B. cricoid C. thyroid D. pyriform

B. cricoid

The firm cartilaginous ring that forms the inferior portion of the larynx is called the: A. thyroid cartilage. B. cricoid cartilage. C. laryngo cartilage. D. costal cartilage.

B. cricoid cartilage.

In which of the following situations does the EMT NOT have a legal duty to act? A. responding to the residence of a patient who fell while on duty B. driving past a motor vehicle crash while off duty C. driving past an injured patient while on duty D. None of the above. Local policy requires you to assist in any emergency.

B. driving past a motor vehicle crash while off duty

Which of the following is the term for the form of respiratory control based on low levels of oxygen? A. None of the above. B. hypoxic drive. C. medullary respiratory center. D. bicarbonate blood buffer.

B. hypoxic drive.

The nasal cannula is MOST appropriately used in the prehospital setting: A. when the patient breathes primarily through his or her mouth. B. if long-term supplemental oxygen administration is required. C. if the patient's nasopharynx is obstructed by secretions. D. when the patient is in severe respiratory distress

B. if long-term supplemental oxygen administration is required.

Which of the following types of consent allows treatment of a patient who is unconscious or mentally incapacitated? A. expressed B. implied C. informed D. section 12

B. implied

Tidal volume is defined as the volume of air that: A. remains in the lungs following a complete exhalation. B. moves into or out of the lungs in a single breath. C. is forced into the lungs as a result of positive pressure. D. is moved through the lungs in a single minute.

B. moves into or out of the lungs in a single breath.

Which of the following factors will cause a decreased minute volume in an adult? A. respirations of 20 breaths/min B. shallow breathing C. increased tidal volume D. slight increase in respiratory rate

B. shallow breathing

In the eyes of the court, an incomplete or untidy patient care form indicates: A. potential falsification of the patient care form. B. that inadequate patient care was administered. C. that the EMT was too busy providing patient care. D. that thorough documentation was not required.

B. that inadequate patient care was administered.

With increasing age, the heart must work harder to move the blood effectively because: A. the arteries dilate significantly. B. the blood vessels become stiff. C. diastolic blood pressure decreases. D. the blood thickens as a person ages.

B. the blood vessels become stiff.

An infant or small child's airway can be occluded if it is overextended or overflexed because: A. the back of the head is flat, which prevents a neutral position. B. the occiput is proportionately large and the trachea is flexible. C. the tongue is proportionately small and can fall back into the throat. D. he or she has a long neck, which makes the trachea prone to collapse.

B. the occiput is proportionately large and the trachea is flexible.

What occurs when a patient is breathing very rapidly and shallowly? A. Air is forcefully drawn into the lungs due to the negative pressure created by the rapid respirations. B. The majority of tidal volume reaches the lungs and diffuses across the alveolar-capillary membrane. C. Air moves primarily in the anatomic dead space and does not participate in pulmonary gas exchange. D. Minute volume increases because of a marked increase in both tidal volume and respiratory rate.

C. Air moves primarily in the anatomic dead space and does not participate in pulmonary gas exchange.

Which of the following statements regarding the EMS medical director and an EMT's scope of practice is correct? A. The EMS medical director can expand or limit an individual EMT's scope of practice without state approval. B. An EMT's scope of practice is exclusively regulated by the state EMS office, not the EMS medical director. C. An EMT's scope of practice may be expanded by the medical director after proper training and state approval. D. The EMS medical director can expand the EMT's scope of practice but cannot limit it without state approval.

C. An EMT's scope of practice may be expanded by the medical director after proper training and state approval.

Which of the following is a physical change that typically occurs in the adolescent age group? A. All of the above. B. Muscle and bone growth both cease. C. The systolic blood pressure increases. D. None of the above.

C. The systolic blood pressure increases.

Which of the following statements regarding toddlers and preschoolers is correct? A. Muscle mass and bone density decrease in toddlers and preschoolers because of increased physical activity. B. The normal respiratory rate in toddlers and preschoolers is between 12 and 20 breaths/min. C. Toddlers and preschoolers commonly experience upper respiratory infections because of a loss of passive immunity. D. Toddlers and preschoolers have well-developed lung musculature, even though they have less lung tissue.

C. Toddlers and preschoolers commonly experience upper respiratory infections because of a loss of passive immunity.

A patient regains consciousness en route from his office to the emergency department. The patient tells you that he feels fine and does not want to go to the hospital. Under these circumstances, you should: A. document the patient's request but continue to transport him. B. request that the police place the patient under protective custody. C. assess whether or not the patient is mentally competent and can make decisions D. have the patient sign a refusal form and return him to his office.

C. assess whether or not the patient is mentally competent and can make decisions

An infant's blood pressure typically increases with age because: A. as the infant gets older, his or her blood vessels vasoconstrict. B. his or her normal heart rate usually increases with age. C. blood pressure directly corresponds to body weight. D. the infant's total blood volume decreases with age.

C. blood pressure directly corresponds to body weight.

Pathophysiology is the study of the functional changes that occur when the body reacts to a particular: A. environmental factor. B. assessment. C. disease. D. medication.

C. disease.

You suspect that a pregnant 16-year-old girl has a broken leg after she was hit by a car. You explain that you plan to splint her leg, and she verbally agrees to treatment. What type of consent is her agreement considered? A. minor's B. informed C. expressed D. implied

C. expressed

A by-product of involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation such as when you shiver is: A. lactic acid B. nitrogen C. heat D. oxyge

C. heat

The MOST significant complication associated with oropharyngeal suctioning is: A. vomiting from stimulating the anterior airway. B. clogging of the catheter with thick secretions. C. hypoxia due to prolonged suction attempts. D. oral abrasions from vigorous suctioning.

C. hypoxia due to prolonged suction attempts.

Each cell throughout the entire body combines nutrients and oxygen and produces energy and waste products through a process called: A. ventilation. B. respiration. C. metabolism. D. oxygenation.

C. metabolism.

Topographically, the term distal means: A. near the trunk. B. toward the midclavicular axis of the body. C. nearer to the free end of the extremity. D. closer to the feet.

C. nearer to the free end of the extremity.

A patient who is suspected of being hypoxic and is breathing adequately should be given supplemental oxygen with a: A. mouth-to-mask device. B. nasal cannula. C. nonrebreathing mask. D. bag-mask device.

C. nonrebreathing mask.

Maintaining the chain of evidence at the scene of a crime should include: A. taking extensive notes at the scene before assessing the patient to report to the police. B. placing the patient in a private area until the police arrive. C. not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons. D. moving weapons away from the patient to ensure scene safety.

C. not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons.

The bones of the forearm are called the: A. tibia and radius B. humerus and ulna C. radius and ulna D. radius and humerus

C. radius and ulna

The amount of air that remains in the lungs simply to keep them open is called: A. tidal volume B. inspiratory reserve volume C. residual volume D. expiratory reserve volume

C. residual volume

The large, flat bone that overlies the posterior thoracic wall is called the: A. clavicle. B. sternum. C. scapula. D. acromion.

C. scapula.

Which of the following is NOT a possible cause of airway obstruction? A. aspirated vomitus B. swelling due to a respiratory infection C. shallow breathing D. relaxation of the tongue

C. shallow breathing

In contrast to secure attachment, anxious-avoidant attachment occurs when a child: A. becomes acutely anxious at the presence of strangers or in unfamiliar surroundings. B. clings to a parent or caregiver because he or she knows that the person can be trusted. C. shows little emotional response to a parent or caregiver following repeated rejection. D. reaches out and explores because he or she knows that the parents are there as a safety net.

C. shows little emotional response to a parent or caregiver following repeated rejection.

Which of the following structures does NOT contain smooth muscle? A. urinary system B. gastrointestinal tract C. skeletal system D. blood vessels

C. skeletal system

The physical act of moving air into and out of the lungs is called: A. respiration. B. diffusion. C. ventilation. D. oxygenation.

C. ventilation.

The most inferior portion of the sternum is called the: A. jugular notch. B. manubrium C. xiphoid process. D. sternal angle.

C. xiphoid process.

The pressure of gas in a full cylinder of oxygen is approximately _______ pounds per square inch (psi). A. 500 B. 1,500 C. 1,000 D. 2,000

D. 2,000

The anterior fontanelle fuses together between the ages of: A. 7 and 14 months. B. 3 and 4 months. C. 6 and 8 months. D. 9 and 18 months.

D. 9 and 18 months.

A 51-year-old female presents with a sudden onset of difficulty breathing. She is conscious and alert and able to speak in complete sentences. Her respirations are 22 breaths/min and labored. You should: A. assist her breathing with a bag-mask device and 100% oxygen. B. perform a full body physical assessment C. insert a nasal airway in case her mental status decreases. D. administer 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

D. administer 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

The major artery that supplies all other arteries with blood is the: A. femoral. B. carotid. C. brachial. D. aorta.

D. aorta.

Your patient is in cardiac arrest. A family member hands you an expired, but completed and signed DNR. You should: A. confirm the patient's wishes with the family. B. contact medical control first. C. do no begin resuscitation. D. begin resuscitation at once.

D. begin resuscitation at once.

The waste products of aerobic metabolism include: A. uric acid and nitrogen. B. glucose and lactic acid. C. ATP and glucose. D. carbon dioxide and water.

D. carbon dioxide and water.

The primary waste product of aerobic metabolism is: A. lactic acid. B. adenosine triphosphate. C. pyruvic acid. D. carbon dioxide.

D. carbon dioxide.

The most distal four spinal vertebrae, which are fused together, form the: A. ilium. B. ischium. C. sacrum. D. coccyx.

D. coccyx.

Which of the following components are needed to prove negligence? A. abandonment, breach of duty, damages, and causation B. breach of duty, injury/damages, abandonment, and causation C. duty to act, abandonment, breach of duty, and causation D. duty to act, breach of duty, injury/damages, and causation

D. duty to act, breach of duty, injury/damages, and causation

Structures of the lower airway include all of the following, EXCEPT the: A. bronchioles. B. alveoli. C. trachea. D. epiglottis.

D. epiglottis.

Despite your attempts to coach a conscious young female's respirations, she continues to hyperventilate with a marked reduction in tidal volume. You should: A. insert an OPA and give oxygen. B. ventilate her at the rate at which she is breathing. C. restrain her and provide ventilatory assistance. D. explain to her that you will assist her ventilations.

D. explain to her that you will assist her ventilations.

What type of consent is involved when a 39-year-old mentally competent female with a severe headache asks you to take her to the hospital? A. implied B. informed C. formal D. expressed

D. expressed

If an action or procedure that was performed on a patient is not recorded on the written report: A. it can be qualified by the EMT in charge. B. it was performed haphazardly by the EMT. C. it cannot be used in establishing negligence. D. it was not performed in the eyes of the law.

D. it was not performed in the eyes of the law.

Continuing education in EMS serves to: A. provide an ongoing review and audit of the EMS system. B. enforce mandatory attendance to agency-specific training. C. prove research and statistical findings in prehospital care. D. maintain, update, and expand your knowledge and skills.

D. maintain, update, and expand your knowledge and skills.

When caring for a 65-year-old male with respiratory distress, you place him in a comfortable position but do not apply oxygen. The patient's condition continues to deteriorate and he develops cardiac arrest and dies at the hospital. This scenario could be an example of: A. assault. B. battery. C. abandonment. D. negligence.

D. negligence.

What type of medical direction do standing orders and protocols describe? A. online B. direct C. service options D. off-line

D. off-line

When an organ or tissue receives adequate blood circulation that meets the cells' current needs, it is said that there is adequate __________ to this area. A. cardiac output. B. metabolism. C. respiration. D. perfusion

D. perfusion

What section of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) MOST affects EMS personnel? A. preventing insurance fraud B. ensuring access to insurance C. protecting patient's history of infectious diseases D. protecting patient privacy

D. protecting patient privacy

To minimize the risk of litigation, the EMT should always: A. use universal precautions with every patient encounter. B. transport patients to the hospital of their choice. C. utilize at least four personnel when moving a patient. D. provide competent care that meets current standards.

D. provide competent care that meets current standards.

An infant or small toddler would MOST likely gain trust in an individual who: A. does not tower over him or her and avoids painful procedures. B. maintains eye contact, even if the person is a stranger. C. frequently changes the infant or toddler's regular routine. D. provides an organized, routine environment.

D. provides an organized, routine environment.

A 19-year-old female is found unconscious by her roommate. Your primary assessment reveals that her breathing is inadequate. As you insert an oropharyngeal airway, she begins to gag violently. You should: A. insert the airway no further but leave it in place as a bite block. B. select a smaller oropharyngeal airway and attempt to insert it. C. continue to insert the airway as you suction her oropharynx. D. remove the airway and be prepared to suction her oropharynx.

D. remove the airway and be prepared to suction her oropharynx.

When suctioning a patient more than once over a period of time and you notice fluid in the catheter, you should: A. rinse the catheter and tubing with water B. place the patient in prone position C. sweep the mouth with your fingers D. rotate between rigid and soft catheters

D. rotate between rigid and soft catheters

Your BEST protection against legal liability when a competent patient refuses EMS care and transport is to: A. ensure that the family is aware of the risks. B. err on the side of caution and transport. C. advise medical control of the situation. D. thoroughly document the entire event.

D. thoroughly document the entire event.