Cindy's Ultimate EMT Midterm Practice Exam
What is the name of the condition when the patient forgets about the injured side after a stroke? A) Hemiparesis B) Neglect C) Aphasia D) Ataxia
B) Neglect
You ask your partner to administer oxygen therapy. What is the most appropriate method for oxygen delivery to this patient? A) Nasal cannula at 2 to 6 L/min B) Nonrebreathing mask at 15 L/min C) Venturi mask at 8 L/min D) Bag-mask device at 15 L/min
B) Nonrebreathing mask at 15 L/min
Treatment of this patient includes which of the following? A) Oxygen, furosemide, and nitroglycerin B) Oxygen and transport in a position of comfort C) Oxygen and nitroglycerin D) Oxygen and transport with legs raised
B) Oxygen and transport in a position of comfort
A child is in cardiac arrest with an unknown down time. What should you do? A) Initiate transport to the nearest facility B) Perform CPR while attaching the AED C) Assist in ventilations via bag-valve mask D) Attach the AED and analyze
B) Perform CPR while attaching the AED
A 19-year-old female began choking after eating a hot dog and airway is completely blocked. You should: A) Perform chest thrusts B) Perform abdominal thrusts C) Perform back blows D) Coach her to cough again
B) Perform abdominal thrusts
A 42-year-old asthmatic patient complains of chest pain, shortness of breath, and a violent cough that produces brownish sputum. What is most likely the cause? A) Acute asthma attack B) Pneumonia C) Pulmonary embolism D) Influenza
B) Pneumonia
A febrile two-year-old male in respiratory distress presents with crackles in the lower left field. You should suspect: A) Bronchiolitis B) Pneumonia C) Epiglottitis D) Asthma
B) Pneumonia
Which of the following is a sign or symptom of cardiogenic shock? A) Jugular venous distention B) Progressive hypotension C) Deep vein thrombosis D) Systemic vasodilation
B) Progressive hypotension
A 52-year-old male is on a home ventilator. He becomes cyanotic and has a sudden drop in oxygen saturation. What should you do? A) Reset the machine by turning it off then on B) Provide ventilation with bag-valve-mask C) Consult machine's operating manual D) Obtain a detailed history from his caregiver
B) Provide ventilation with bag-valve-mask
A patient is unconscious and buried to the mid-chest in a muddy ditch. When attempting to ventilate, you should suspect increased: A) Minute volume B) Resistance C) Compliance D) Tidal volume
B) Resistance
A patient has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Before assisting him in self-administering his inhaler, you should: A) Have the patient cough forcefully B) Shake the medication C) Spray some medication in the air D) Check his blood pressure
B) Shake the medication
Gastric distention is usually caused by: A) Using the bag-valve mask with 25 LPM. B) Squeezing the bag-valve mask too forcefully. C) Improper seal of the bag-valve mask. D) Not having an oropharyngeal airway placed.
B) Squeezing the bag-valve mask too forcefully.
What should you do if a patient, whom you've already shocked back into a normal rhythm with an AED, becomes cyanotic and pulseless during transport? A) Continue CPR until you arrive at the ER B) Start CPR and request the EMS unit to stop C) Provide a pericardial thump and begin CPR D) Analyze using the AED and shock while transporting
B) Start CPR and request the EMS unit to stop
A 62-year-old female complains of chest pain and lightheadedness. Vital signs are BP 88/56, P 126, R 18. What is the best position for this patient? A) Lateral recumbent B) Supine C) Semi-Fowler's D) Fowler's
B) Supine
The patient's difficulty breathing and crackles are due to blood backing up in which part of the body? A) The heart B) The lungs C) The vessels D) The arteries
B) The lungs
An 84-year-old patient states, "I feel like I'm about to die." Nitroglycerin and oxygen have not decreased her chest pain. Vitals are BP 90/66, P 60, R 24. You should A) Administer additional nitroglycerin B) Transport immediately C) Begin assisting ventilations D) Tell her everything is going to be ok
B) Transport immediately
A patient who collapsed has been revived following one shock with an AED. She is now moaning and breathing on her own. What should you do? A) Insert an OPA and perform a modified jaw-thrust B) Turn her on her side and monitor her airway C) Keep her supine and perform a modified jaw thrust D) Remove the AED and transport to the emergency department
B) Turn her on her side and monitor her airway
Blood enters the right atrium from the: A) Aorta B) Vena cava C) Right ventricle D) Left atrium
B) Vena cava
An unresponsive 50-year-old male is laying on the floor. You determine he is not breathing but has a faint pulse. You should: A) Immediately perform 2 minutes of CPR B) Ventilate with a bag-valve mask C) Perform a focused physical exam D) Quickly obtain a blood glucose level
B) Ventilate with a bag-valve mask
The systolic blood pressure measures pressure during which of the following? A) Atrial contraction B) Ventricular contraction C) Ventricular relaxation D) Systemic vasoconstriction
B) Ventricular contraction
After an AED has analyzed a patient, the machine states "shock advised." The most likely cause is: A) Asystole B) Ventricular tachycardia C) Pulseless electrical activity D) Atrial fibrillation
B) Ventricular tachycardia
You suspect upper gastrointestinal bleeding. All of the following fit into this category, EXCEPT: A) esophageal varices. B) hemorrhoids. C) esophagitis. D) Mallory-Weiss tear
B) hemorrhoids.
At what rate should single rescuer CPR be performed for a 17-year-old female? A) 90 compression/minute B) 80 compression/minute C) 120 compression/minute D) 30 compression/minute
C) 120 compression/minute
When assisting an patient who has asthma with a small-volume nebulizer attached to oxygen, what is the appropriate flow rate for the oxygen? A) 2 L/min B) 4 L/min C) 6 L/min D) 10 L/min
C) 6 L/min
Which patient is most likely to benefit from an AED? A) A 10-month-old with rigor found apneic and cyanotic B) A 34-year-old apneic patient overdose patient with a faint pulse C) A 54-year-old choking patient who is unresponsive with no carotid pulse D) A 75-year-old female who is pulseless following a head-on collision
C) A 54-year-old choking patient who is unresponsive with no carotid pulse
A 57-year-old female developed severe weakness and mild shortness of breath while shoveling snow. She is diaphoretic and complaining of nausea and jaw pain. You should suspect: A) Asthma B) Stroke C) Acute MI D) Toothache
C) Acute MI
You are in an airport and see an adult collapse. As you get the AED from the wall, a bystander starts CPR. If indicated, you should deliver you first shock: A) Within 15 seconds of arrival on scene B) As soon as an ALS team arrives C) As soon as possible on arrival D) After several minutes
C) As soon as possible on arrival
Which of the following statements is true regarding asthma? A) Asthma involves accumulation of air in the pleural space. B) Asthma involves a collection of fluid in the pleural space. C) Asthma involves spasms of the bronchi and bronchioles. D) Asthma involves a collection of fluid in the alveoli
C) Asthma involves spasms of the bronchi and bronchioles
On the basis of the information given, the patient is most likely experiencing which type of shock? A) Neurogenic B) Vasogenic C) Cardiogenic D) Hypovolemic
C) Cardiogenic
A 36-year-old female with a history of congenital heart defects is slow to respond. She has pale, cool and clammy skin. Vital signs are BP 68/30, P 128, R 26. What should you suspect? A) Congestive heart failure B) A syncopal episode C) Cardiogenic shock D) Angina pectoris
C) Cardiogenic shock
The patient was exhibiting slurred speech, facial droop, and an inability to move his left arm. Which neurologic examination emphasizes these possible stroke signs? A) Chicago Prehospital Stroke Scale B) Philadelphia Stroke Scale C) Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale D) Camden Stroke Scale
C) Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale
A 68-year-old female with cardiac history is complaining of shortness of breath. Chest auscultation reveals crackles bilaterally. You should suspect: A) Asthma B) Hypertension C) Congestive Heart Failure D) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
C) Congestive Heart Failure
A 61-year-old woman is pale, diaphoretic and unable to catch her breath. You notice swelling in her lower extremities. You should suspect: A) Upper respiratory infection B) Asthma C) Congestive heart failure D) Emphysema
C) Congestive heart failure
A 15-year-old female is complaining of difficulty breathing. Her lung sounds are clear but she is becoming cyanotic around the lips. You should: A) Assist respirations with an artificial ventilation and supplemental oxygen B) Assist respirations with artificial ventilation only C) Deliver oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min D) Assist respirations with an artificial ventilation and supplemental oxygen
C) Deliver oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
When do coronary arteries fill with blood? A) Exhalation B) Inhalation C) Diastole D) Systole
C) Diastole
The patient has a loss of consciousness on the way to the hospital. When you check, you cannot feel a pulse. What should you do? A) Tell your partner to drive faster as you begin CPR on the patient. B) Immediately apply the AED and wait for it to analyze the rhythm before taking any other action. C) Have your partner pull over the ambulance and come back to help you with CPR and the AED. D) Begin CPR and after 2 minutes stop to apply the AED while your partner continues driving to the hospital
C) Have your partner pull the ambulance over and come back to help you with CPR and the AED.
An unresponsive patient has snoring respiration. This is most likely caused by: A) An allergic reaction from food B) Excessive nasal secretions C) His tongue blocking the airway D) A piece of food in his throat
C) His tongue blocking the airway
This patient appears to be suffering from a stroke and a seizure. What condition mimics a stroke and also causes a seizure? A) Meningitis B) Postictal state C) Hypoglycemia D) Migraine headache
C) Hypoglycemia
Which of the following is a metabolic cause for a seizure? A) Brain tumor B) Head trauma C) Hypoglycemia D) Brain abscess
C) Hypoglycemia
What is the cause of heart failure? A) Backup of excess fluid in the lower extremities B) Fluid accumulation C) Inadequate ejection of blood from the ventricles D) Poor gas exchange in the alveoli
C) Inadequate ejection of blood from the ventricles
A 60-year-old patient is short of breath and cyanotic. Lung sounds reveal crackles and you note accessory muscle use. You should suspect: A) Pneumonia B) Chronic bronchitis C) Left-sided heart failure D) Right-sided heart failure
C) Left-sided heart failure
An oriented 78-year-old female with pale and moist skin is complaining of indigestion. Vital signs are BP 180/90, P 116, R 24 and regular. You should suspect: A) Appendicitis B) Hypoglycemic shock C) Myocardial infarction D) Stroke
C) Myocardial infarction
What is the middle muscular middle layer of the heart? A) Endocardium B) Epicardium C) Myocardium D) Pericardium
C) Myocardium
Within two minutes of assisting your patient with his third nitroglycerin tablet, he complains of dizziness and becomes sweaty. Radial pulses are present, rapid and weak. You should suspect that the: A) Patient has developed an allergy to nitroglycerin B) Patient's nitroglycerin has lost its potency C) Nitroglycerin caused vasodilation and created hypoperfusion D) Nitroglycerin caused vasoconstriction and impaired cardiac output
C) Nitroglycerin caused vasodilation and created hypoperfusion
An unresponsive 16-year-old male has snoring respirations after diving into a pond and nearly drowning. You should: A) Begin chest compressions B) Suction the oropharynx C) Perform a modified jaw-thrust D) Begin bag-valve mask ventilations
C) Perform a modified jaw-thrust
What nerve primarily controls respiration? A) Vagus B) Thoracic C) Phrenic D) Intercostal
C) Phrenic
During a long transport you are administering oxygen, you should: A) Utilize the blow-by delivery method B) Turn down the oxygen flow rate C) Place a nasal cannula on the patient D) Consider using humidified oxygen
C) Place a nasal cannula on the patient
A 56-year-old female is struggling to breath and has audible wheezes. She is unable to hold up her head or follow commands. What should you do? A) Insert a nasopharyngeal airway and apply a non-rebreather B) Obtain a baseline set of vital signs and a pulse oximetry reading C) Place her in a supine position and assist her ventilations D) Visually inspect the airway for foreign body obstructions
C) Place her in a supine position and assist her ventilations
An 18-year-old febrile patient complains of malaise for several days. He is taking an oral antibiotic for an upper respiratory infection. Vital signs are BP 128/72, P 118, R 22 with rhonchi. You should suspect: A) Tuberculosis B) Bronchiolitis C) Pneumonia D) Sepsis
C) Pneumonia
While performing chest compressions, you should: A) Keep your elbows slightly bent B) Maintain positive pressure on chest C) Position your shoulders over your hands D) Make sure your knees are together
C) Position your shoulders over your hands
What action does aspirin have in the body that makes it beneficial for patients experiencing acute myocardial infarction? A) Decreasing nausea B) Breaking up red blood cells clots C) Preventing platelets from clotting D) Relieving pain
C) Preventing platelets from clotting
A 32-year-old female is experiencing sudden onset chest pain, dyspnea and cyanosis. She has red, swollen calves and a history of recent surgery. You should suspect: A) Systemic Infection B) Anaphylactic Shock C) Pulmonary Embolism D) Myocardial Infarction
C) Pulmonary Embolism
A 48-year-old patient complains of difficulty breathing. Patient's history reveals an acute myocardial infarction eight months ago. Vital signs are BP 144/88, P 110, R 24. Chest auscultation reveals crackles in the lung bases. You should suspect: A) Pulmonary embolism B) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease C) Pulmonary edema D) Angina pectoris
C) Pulmonary edema
A semi-conscious 34-year-old begins to gag after insertion of an oropharyngeal airway. What should you do? A) Remove the airway and insert a smaller size oropharyngeal airway B) Suction the airway C) Remove the airway and attempt a nasal airway D) Encourage him to cough
C) Remove the airway and attempt a nasal airway
Which of the following is an indication of an upper airway obstruction? A) Wheezing B) Rhonchi C) Snoring D) Crackles
C) Snoring
A cardiac patient has been "down" for six minutes without any care. What should you do? A) Insert an oropharyngeal airway and ventilate B) Attach an AED C) Start chest compressions D) Perform a focused physical assessment
C) Start chest compressions
A 48-year-old male complains of 8/10 crushing pain that radiates to his neck. Vitals are BP 112/78, P 60, R 18. The patient states he took his daily medications of metoprolol, Cialis and aspirin. What should you do? A) Perform a focused exam of the chest and reassess vitals B) Administer 405 mg of aspirin and reassess vital signs C) Transport rapidly in a position of comfort to the nearest STEMI center D) Assist the patient in administering nitroglycerin
C) Transport rapidly in a position of comfort to the nearest STEMI center
An adult is breathing at a rate of 6 breaths per minute. You should: A) Apply supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula B) Closely monitor patient's respirations C) Ventilate the patient via bag-valve mask D) Apply high concentration via non-rebreather mask
C) Ventilate the patient via bag-valve mask
Which electrical cardiac disturbance will an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) shock? A) Pulseless electrical activity B) Atrial tachycardia Pulseless electrical activity d. C) Ventricular tachycardia D) Asystole
C) Ventricular tachycardia
Patients with diabetes who overexert themselves are prone to rapid: A) drops in their ability to sweat. B) increases in their blood pressure. C) drops in their blood glucose levels. D) increases in their blood glucose levels
C) drops in their blood glucose levels.
Based on the patient's presentation and your initial assessment findings, you suspect: A) gastroenteritis. B) pancreatitis. C) esophageal varices. D) cholecystitis
C) esophageal varices.
When the concentration of glucose drops in the blood, the body will release _______, a hormone that will assist other organs in the process of converting stored sugars into usable sugars. A) insulin B) epinephrine C) glucagon D) dopamine
C) glucagon
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body's ability to metabolize _________ is impaired. A) protein B) fats C) glucose D) electrolytes
C) glucose
In seconds, what time is the limit for suctioning an adult's airway? A) 5-10 seconds B) 20-30 seconds C) 15-20 seconds D) 10-15 seconds
D) 10-15 seconds
What would be your most important initial treatment of this patient? A) Apply the AED in case he goes into cardiac arrest. B) Give him nitroglycerin if he denies using Viagra. C) Transport to the hospital because all other treatment is contraindicated. D) Administer aspirin if he is not allergic to it.
D) Administer aspirin if he is not allergic to it.
A 67-year-old male with a history of asthma complains of chest tightness and shortness of breath. He took one nitroglycerin tablet without relief. He is pale and sweaty with SpO2 76%. What should you do? A) Quickly obtain a full set of vital signs B) Assist him in taking another nitroglycerin C) Assist him with his prescribed inhaler D) Administer oxygen by non-rebreather
D) Administer oxygen by non-rebreather
A 36-year-old female complains of chest pain. She is conscious and alert with SpO2 93%. You should: A) Administer 15 L/min of oxygen via non-rebreather mask B) Use a flow-restricted oxygen ventilation device C) Use the bag-valve mask without supplemental oxygen D) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min
D) Administer oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min
During CPR, why is the upstroke of the compression critical? A) Allows time for ventilations B) Increases thoracic pressure C) Increases time for peripheral circulation D) Allows blood to fill the heart chambers
D) Allows blood to fill the heart chambers
A patient was struck by lightning. You should suspect: A) Peripheral nerve damage B) Superficial thickness burns C) Elevated blood pressure D) An irregular heartbeat
D) An irregular heartbeat
A patient presents with a sudden onset of tearing chest pain, absent radial pulse on the right arm and a history of high blood pressure. You should suspect: A) Pulmonary embolism B) Arterial occlusion C) Myocardial infarction D) Aortic dissection
D) Aortic dissection
An obese man complains of severe difficulty breathing. His skin is cool and moist. He is breathing 22 times per minute. He indicates he never goes to the doctor and that he often feels dizzy after walking. You should: A) Insert a nasopharyngeal airway B) Place a nasal cannula set at 4 L/min C) Assist ventilations with a bag-valve mask D) Apply a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
D) Apply a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min Which of the following is a symptom? A) Respiratory rate B) Shortness of breath C) Oxygen saturation D) Cyanosis; B) Shortness of breath
During the primary assessment, a 57-year-old female says she has chest pain and points to her epigastric region. What should you do? A) Assess breathing B) Administer nitroglycerin C) Obtain vital signs D) Assess breathing E) Administer oxygen
D) Assess breathing
A 46-year-old male was in cardiac arrest. You administered one shock. At the 2-minute pulse check you feel a strong pulse. What should you do? A) Provide 2 minutes of high-quality CPR and reassess B) Consider active cooling measures and transport C) Place the patient in the recovery position D) Assess for breathing and manage his airway if necessary
D) Assess for breathing and manage his airway if necessary
An 84-year-old male with a history of heart problems complains of chest pain. The chest pain started 30 minutes ago while at rest. Vital signs are BP 110/70, P 92, R 20 and SpO2 95%. What should you do? A) Apply oxygen at 10 L/min B) Apply the AED pads for impending cardiac arrest C) Obtain a detailed medical history D) Assist the patient with his prescribed nitroglycerin
D) Assist the patient with his prescribed nitroglycerin
In addition to asthma, which of the following conditions is associated with wheezing? A) Croup B) Epiglottitis C) Pulmonary embolism D) Bronchitis
D) Bronchitis
Aspirin is administered to patients with chest pain because it: A) Eliminates the side effects of nitroglycerin B) Breaks up blood clots occluding the vessel C) Relieves the patient's chest pain D) Decreases the ability of platelets to coagulate
D) Decreases the ability of platelets to coagulate
During CPR, which of the following is most important? A) Relieving the person doing the chest compressions every three minutes B) Pausing while the AED is charging C) Deep and well-oxygenated ventilations D) Minimal interruptions to chest compressions
D) Minimal interruptions to chest compressions
A 69-year-old male is lying in his bed and complains of chest pain. During your assessment he becomes unresponsive and pulseless. What should you do? A) Start the process of moving him to the ambulance B) Obtain a full set of vitals C) Assist his ventilations D) Move him onto a hard surface and begin chest compressions
D) Move him onto a hard surface and begin chest compressions
In order for efficient pulmonary gas exchange to occur: A) The percentage of inhaled carbon dioxide must exceed the percentage of inhaled oxygen. B) The pulmonary capillaries must be completely constricted and the alveoli must be collapsed. C) There must be low quantities of pulmonary surfactant to allow for full alveolar expansion. D) Oxygen and carbon dioxide must be able to freely diffuse across the alveolar-capillary membrane.
D) Oxygen and carbon dioxide must be able to freely diffuse across the alveolar-capillary membrane.
You have just defibrillated a patient and now have a pulse with effective respirations. In which position should you place the patient? A) Prone B) Supine C) Fowler's D) Recovery
D) Recovery
CPR has been ongoing for ten minutes on a patient in cardiac arrest. An AED has just been applied and is ready to analyze. You should: A) Stop compressions but continue ventilations B) Stop CPR and check for a pulse C) Continue CPR and wait to complete a full cycle D) Stop and clear the patient
D) Stop and clear the patient
A 73-year-old conscious male is choking on pureed food. He is gurgling and has thick food material in his mouth. You should: A) Perform abdominal thrusts B) Perform a blind finger sweep C) Insert an oropharyngeal airway D) Suction with a rigid tip catheter
D) Suction with a rigid tip catheter
What combination of vital signs and history gives the best clue about the patient's condition? A) The respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min with a history of angina B) The pulse of 140 beats/min with a history of high cholesterol C) The pulse of 140 beats/min with a history of angina D) The blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg with a history of hypertension
D) The blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg with a history of hypertension
When ventilating a patient with a bag-valve mask, you should: A) Squeeze out as much air as possible B) Ensure that the patient is showing signs of apnea C) Ensure proper spinal immobilization D) Use two rescuers whenever possible
D) Use two rescuers whenever possible
The patient tenses his abdominal muscles during your assessment. This is called: A) rebound tenderness. B) tetany. C) splinting. D) guarding
D) guarding.
Appropriate management for this patient would include: A) high-flow oxygen. B) oral glucose. C) activated charcoal. D) placing the patient supine
D) placing the patient supine.
What other information would be most helpful in determining the treatment of this patient? A) A pulse oximetry measurement and a list of medication allergies B) A description of his prior heart attack and how it was treated C) Whether or not he has an implanted pacemaker or an internal defibrillator D) Who is his doctor and which hospital would he prefer
A) A pulse oximetry measurement and a list of medication allergies
The patient in this scenario experienced a seizure. What criteria must be met for this patient to have status epilepticus? A) A seizure lasting greater than 30 minutes B) A seizure that was preceded by an aura C) The presence of incontinence during the seizure D) Multiple seizures with normal consciousness between each event
A) A seizure lasting greater than 30 minutes
A buildup of calcium and cholesterol form plaque inside a blood vessel which would most likely cause: A) Acute coronary syndrome B) Hemorrhagic stroke C) Congestive heart failure D) Pulmonary embolus
A) Acute coronary syndrome
A patient is complaining of substernal chest pain with radiating pain to his back and jaw. The pain is not relieved with rest. You should suspect: A) Acute myocardial infarction B) Pulmonary embolism C) Unstable angina pectoris D) Pleuritic chest pain
A) Acute myocardial infarction
A 28-year-old patient is experiencing dyspnea and wheezing. Which medication should you request from medical control? A) Albuterol inhaler B) Epinephrine auto injector C) High-flow oxygen D) Sublingual nitroglycerin
A) Albuterol inhaler
A 54-year-old male complains of chest tightness after raking leaves for an hour. The pain subsided after he rested and took two nitroglycerin tablets. He has had very similar episodes in the past. He is most likely experiencing: A) Angina pectoris B) A myocardial infarction C) Esophageal spasm D) Unstable angina
A) Angina pectoris
A 66-year-old female called EMS for minor chest pain. Prior to calling she took three doses of her prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin with no relief. Her SpO2 is 95%. What should you do? A) Assess her vital signs B) Assist her in administration of your nitroglycerin C) Administer oxygen D) Consider placing AED pads
A) Assess her vital signs
Which of the following assessment findings should cause you to suspect your patient has a history of COPD? A) Barrel shaped chest B) Eupneic respirations C) Chronic ankle swelling D) Hemoptysis
A) Barrel shaped chest
Which of the following organs can rapidly sustain permanent damage when the body's glucose level is too low? A) Brain B) Heart C) Kidney D) Liver
A) Brain
A 73-year-old female has chest pain and shortness of breath with bilateral crackles. Vital signs are BP 80/40, P 112, R 22. What is the most likely cause? A) Cardiogenic shock B) Pneumonia C) Unstable angina D) Hypovolemic shock
A) Cardiogenic shock
A 65-year-old male is having trouble breathing. He is moderately overweight and has been coughing up yellowish phlegm. He smokes two packs of cigarettes a day and reports having episodes like this for many years. Which condition should you suspect? A) Chronic bronchitis B) Whooping cough C) Status asthmaticus D) Pulmonary edema
A) Chronic bronchitis
A 73-year-old male is dyspneic. You note jugular vein distention and dependent edema. Vital signs are BP 158/93, P 130, R 36. You should suspect: A) Congestive heart failure B) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease C) Cardiac tamponade D) Respiratory syncytial virus
A) Congestive heart failure
An adult patient is in cardiac arrest with bystander CPR in progress. What should you do? A) Continue CPR while your partner attaches the AED B) Perform CPR for 2 minutes and then reassess C) Stop bystander CPR and attach AED D) Administer 2 rescue breaths with a bag-valve mask
A) Continue CPR while your partner attaches the AED
The pulmonary artery carries: A) Deoxygenated blood away from the heart B) Oxygenated blood to the heart C) Oxygenated blood away from the heart D) Deoxygenated blood to the heart
A) Deoxygenated blood away from the heart
Carbon dioxide and oxygen exchange at the alveolar level by which process? A) Diffusion B) Osmosis C) Active transport D) Facilitated transport
A) Diffusion
A 34-year-old man is telling you he is choking. What should you do? A) Encourage him to cough B) Perform abdominal thrusts and perform a blind finger sweep C) Suction his airway D) Assist him in self-administering his inhaler
A) Encourage him to cough
Which condition could be considered an upper airway obstruction? A) Epiglottitis B) Asthma C) Pneumonia D) Emphysema
A) Epiglottitis
A patient fell asleep on the couch and his wife in unable to awaken him. How should you open his airway? A) Head-tilt chin-lift B) Crossed-finger technique C) Tongue-jaw lift D) Nasopharyngeal airway
A) Head-tilt chin-lift
A sudden, severe increase in blood pressure is called: A) Hypertensive crisis B) Transient ischemic attack C) Hypotensive emergency D) Cerebral vascular accident
A) Hypertensive crisis
Which of the following occurs when blood flow to a particular part of the brain is cut off by a blockage resulting in tissue damage? A) Ischemic stroke B) Hemorrhagic stroke C) Seizure D) Status epilepticus
A) Ischemic stroke
On the basis of the patient's condition, what should you be most concerned with? A) Maintaining the ABCs B) Determining the type of stroke C) Administering oral glucose D) Performing further assessment
A) Maintaining the ABCs
A 44-year-old female awakened with shortness of breath and complaining of indigestion, nausea, and epigastric pressure. Antacids didn't help. You should suspect: A) Myocardial infarction B) Gastroesophageal reflux disease C) Acute cholecystitis D) Peptic ulcer disease
A) Myocardial infarction
A patient is unresponsive with snoring respirations following a motorcycle accident. You notice fluid coming from the patient's nose and ears. You should: A) Open the airway with a jaw-thrust B) Ventilate the patient with a bag-valve mask C) Insert a nasopharyngeal airway D) Open the airway with a head-tilt chin-lift
A) Open the airway with a jaw-thrust
Which one of the following conditions could the patient have, based on what you know thus far? A) Peptic ulcers B) Cholecystitis C) Diverticulitis D) Nephritis
A) Peptic ulcers
An asthmatic 50-year-old female is sitting at her desk. She is anxious and complaining of tightness in her chest. You should: A) Perform a focused history and physical exam B) Assist her with her prescribed inhaler C) Contact medical control D) Obtain her blood pressure and administer nitroglycerin
A) Perform a focused history and physical exam
A 39-year-old patient complains of difficulty breathing, fever, and a productive cough (rust color sputum) that has gotten worse over the last 12 hours. You should suspect: A) Pneumonia B) Emphysema C) Pulmonary Embolism D) COPD
A) Pneumonia
The patient is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress, such as accessory muscle use and difficulty speaking. Which of the following is also a sign of respiratory distress? A) Pursed lip breathing B) Respiratory rate of 16 breaths/min C) Warm, pink skin D) Clear and equal breath sounds
A) Pursed lip breathing
A semi-conscious patient's dentures have completely loosened. You should: A) Remove the dentures B) Insert an oropharyngeal airway C) Reset the dentures in place D) Apply a nasal cannula
A) Remove the dentures
Prescribed inhalers are helpful for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease because they: A) Stimulate beta-2 receptors B) Reduce pain C) Constrict bronchial tubes D) Slow the heart rate
A) Stimulate beta-2 receptors
Which of the following sounds indicates swelling of the upper airway? A) Stridor B) Rhonchi C) Rales D) Wheezing
A) Stridor
Nitroglycerin is a medication which is typically administered: A) Sublingual B) Intraosseous C) Intramuscular D) Subcutaneous
A) Sublingual
An unresponsive trauma patient is gurgling. When you suction the oropharynx with a rigid-tip catheter, the patient gags. You should: A) Switch to a soft tip-tip catheter B) Continue to suction the oropharynx C) Assess insertion depth of catheter D) Discontinue further suction
A) Switch to a soft tip-tip catheter
An adult has an airway obstruction. What is the most likely cause? A) Tongue B) Food C) Foreign body D) Vomitus
A) Tongue
While administering a nebulizer of albuterol to your patient, you assess for possible side effects to the medication. Which of the following is typically NOT a side effect of nebulized albuterol? A) Vomiting B) Increased pulse rate C) Nervousness D) Muscle tremors
A) Vomiting
Your partner notes blood in the patient's vomit. The medical term for this is: A) hematemesis. B) melena. C) hematochezia. D) steatorrhea
A) hematemesis.
Based on the information described in the scenario, which question should you ask this patient first? A) "Are you having any pain?" B) "When was the last time you ate?" C) "Do you feel short of breath?" D) "When was your last menstrual cycle?"
B) "When was the last time you ate?"
A 16-year-old asthmatic female in tripod position complains of increased shortness of breath. SpO2 is 79%. You should administer oxygen at: A) 2 L/min via nasal cannula B) 10-15 L/min via non-rebreather mask C) 6 L/min via nasal cannula D) 4 L/min via venturi mask
B) 10-15 L/min via non-rebreather mask
What is the normal range of breaths per minute for an adult? A) 28 to 36 B) 12 to 20 C) 10 to 12 D) 22 to 28
B) 12 to 20
A 78-year-old diabetic patient with a syncopal episode now complains of anxiety, shortness of breath and back pain. You should suspect: A) Hypotensive crisis B) Acute coronary syndrome C) Acute asthma attack D) Transient ischemic attack
B) Acute coronary syndrome
A patient presents with sudden onset of shortness of breath, crackles, hypertension, and jugular vein distention. You should suspect: A) Acute bronchitis B) Acute pulmonary edema C) Cystic fibrosis D) Status asthmaticus
B) Acute pulmonary edema
An 18-year-old male complains of shortness of breath. He has a history of asthma and self-administered 2 doses of his prescribed metered-dose inhaler with no relief. Vital signs are P 104, R 22, SpO2 91%. What should you do? A) Contact medical control to administer additional medications B) Administer oxygen by non-rebreather mask C) Obtain a baseline set of vital signs D) Assist ventilations with a bag-valve mask
B) Administer oxygen by non-rebreather mask
A 20-year-old male complains of sudden onset shortness of breath. He is breathing 24 times per minute and his pulse oximetry is 85%. You should: A) Ventilate the patient at a rate of 12 breaths per minute B) Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min C) Apply oxygen via nasal cannula at 4 L/min D) Coach him on slowing his rate of respirations
B) Administer oxygen via non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
Which of the following medications can be used for the treatment of an acute asthma attack? A) Cromolyn B) Albuterol C) Fluticasone D) Salmeterol
B) Albuterol
Which of the following is the largest artery in the body? A) Carotid B) Aorta C) Femoral D) Great saphenous
B) Aorta
Which vessels carry blood to the capillary beds? A) Alveoli B) Arterioles C) Venules D) Capillary ducts
B) Arterioles
A patient has been in cardiac arrest for seven minutes after being struck by lightning. You should: A) Check the ABC's B) Begin CPR C) Insert an oropharyngeal airway D) Apply an AED
B) Begin CPR
In an adult, a pulse rate of 50 is called: A) Normal B) Bradycardia C) Tachycardia D) Irregular
B) Bradycardia
A 40-year-old patient with a history of coronary artery disease and recent mastectomy is complaining of chest discomfort. Vital signs are P 120, R 22, BP 80/54. You should suspect: A) Congestive heart failure B) Cardiogenic shock C) Angina pectoris D) Septic shock
B) Cardiogenic shock
A 15-year-old male is short of breath after a minor car collision. He has a history of asthma. His respirations are 26 breathes per minute and has clear lung sounds, bilaterally. What should you do? A) Assist him with his prescribed inhaler B) Coach him to slow his breathing C) Assist ventilations via bag-valve mask D) Have him breathe into a bag
B) Coach him to slow his breathing
A 49-year-old male with a history of heart problems, complains of shortness of breath. You can assist him in taking his prescribed nitroglycerin if he: A) Has a heart rate of 48 b.p.m. B) Complains of chest pressure and has a BP of 110/62 C) Complains of a headache and has a BP 132/90 D) Has not yet taken 3 tablets on his own without relief
B) Complains of chest pressure and has a BP of 110/62
You just arrived at the scene of a 75-year-old male with generalized weakness and chest pain. He has not taken his prescribed medications: nitroglycerin, aspirin, and atenolol. You should: A) Assist ventilation by bag-valve mask with high flow oxygen B) Complete a focused history and physical examination C) Contact medical control to assist the patient with all his medications D) Transport and perform a detailed physical exam
B) Complete a focused history and physical examination
An 80-year-old male patient presents with shortness of breath, fatigue, peripheral edema and jugular vein distention. Breath sounds reveal crackles and rhonchi. The most likely cause is: A) COPD B) Congestive heart failure C) Unstable angina D) Myocardial infarction
B) Congestive heart failure
As the diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, the chest cavity: A) Increases in size causing inhalation B) Decreases in size, causing exhalation C) Increases in size, causing exhalation D) Decreases in size, causing inhalation
B) Decreases in size, causing exhalation
Emergency Medical Responders have been performing effective CPR on a patient in cardiac arrest. Upon your arrival the AED says shock advised. What should you do? A) Administer 2 rescue breaths B) Defibrillate the patient C) Insert a supraglottic airway D) Continue CPR for 2 minutes
B) Defibrillate the patient
Which of the following terms best describes respiratory difficulty? A) Tachypnea B) Dyspnea C) Apnea D) Bradypnea
B) Dyspnea
During initial assessment of an adult's respiratory status, you should: A) Feel the carotid pulse to determine both the respiration rate and quality B) Evaluate both the respiratory rate and the rise and fall of the chest C) Obtain a full set of vitals D) Examine for cyanosis in the nail beds and around the lips
B) Evaluate both the respiratory rate and the rise and fall of the chest
A 58-year-old male is apneic with a pulse. How often should you ventilate? A) Every 8 seconds B) Every 6 seconds C) Every 7 seconds D) Every 3 seconds
B) Every 6 seconds
Why would nitroglycerin be contraindicated for this patient? A) He may have already taken it three times. B) His blood pressure is too low. C) He may be allergic to it. D) He may have taken Viagra in the last 24 hours.
B) His blood pressure is too low
Which of the following words is considered most appropriate when describing a patient's respiratory status? A) Slow B) Labored C) Quick D) Adventitious
B) Labored
After blood has been oxygenated, it returns to the heart by entering the: A) Right atrium B) Left atrium C) Right ventricle D) Left ventricle
B) Left atrium
Which sequence most accurately traces the path that oxygen takes from the atmosphere to the lungs? A) Larynx, esophagus, trachea, bronchi, alveoli B) Mouth, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli C) Nose, bronchi, larynx, trachea, lung D) Epiglottis, trachea, cricoid, bronchi, alveoli
B) Mouth, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, alveoli
A 65-year-old male complains of weakness and indigestion that began this morning. Vital signs are BP 150/90, P 116, R 24. You should suspect: A) Cerebral vascular accident B) Myocardial infarction C) Gastroesophageal reflux disease D) Pulmonary edema
B) Myocardial infarction
A 76-year-old female is sitting in a tripod position complaining of epigastric discomfort, nausea, dizziness and fatigue. She has taken 2 nitroglycerin tablets without relief. You should suspect: A) Asthma exacerbation B) Myocardial infarction C) Congestive heart failure D) Appendicitis
B) Myocardial infarction
A patient complains of chest pain radiating to both shoulders after dinner. He is pale, diaphoretic, and slightly short of breath. The pain worsens with a deep breath. Vital signs are BP 150/90, P 120 irregular, R 20. You should suspect: A) Indigestion B) Myocardial infarction C) Costochondritis D) Angina pectoris
B) Myocardial infarction
