EMT-B Ch. 10 Test (Patient Assessment)
During a 30-minute transport of a stable patient, you should reassess him or her at least ____________ times. a. 2 b. 3 c. 4 d. 6
a. 2
An unstable patient should be reassessed at least every: a. 5 minutes b. 10 minutes c. 15 minutes d. 20 minutes
a. 5 minutes
In the adult, bradycardia is defined as a pulse rate less than ____________ beats/min, and tachycardia is defined as a heart rate greater than ____________ beats/min. a. 60, 100 b. 50, 110 c. 40, 120 d. 30, 130
a. 60, 100
A decrease in the blood pressure may indicate: a. A loss of vascular tone b. Arterial constriction c. Increased blood volume d. Forceful cardiac contraction
a. A loss of vascular tone
External bleeding from an extremity can usually be controlled initially by: a. Applying direct pressure b. Elevating the extremity c. Applying a tourniquet d. Applying chemical ice packs
a. Applying direct pressure
When palpating the carotid pulse of a responsive older patient, you should: a. Avoid compressing both carotid arteries simultaneously b. Ensure that his or her head is in a hyperextended position c. Avoid gentle pressure so that weak pulses can be detected d. Firmly compress the artery because the pulse is often weak
a. Avoid compressing both carotid arteries simultaneously
An adult patient who is NOT experiencing difficulty breathing will: a. Be able to speak in complete sentences without unusual pauses b. Assume a position that will facilitate effective and easy breathing c. Exhibit an indentation above the clavicles and in between the ribs d. Have a respiratory rate that is between 20 and 24 breaths/min
a. Be able to speak in complete sentences without unusual pauses
When you inspect a patient's pupils with a penlight, the pupils should normally react to the light by: Select one: a. Constricting b. Enlarging c. Dilating d. Fluttering
a. Constricting
When approaching a 32-year-old male who is complaining of traumatic neck pain, you should: a. Ensure that the patient can see you approaching him b. Approach him from behind and ask him not to move c. Stand behind him and immediately stabilize his head d. Assess his mental status by having him move his head
a. Ensure that the patient can see you approaching him
A patient with high blood pressure would be expected to have skin that is: a. Flushed and red b. Mottled and cool c. Pale and moist d. Cyanotic and dry
a. Flushed and red
What part of the patient assessment process focuses on obtaining additional information about the patient's chief complaint and any medical problems he or she may have? a. History taking b. General impression c. Primary assessment d. Secondary assessment
a. History taking
As you assess the head of a patient with a suspected spinal injury, your partner should: a. Maintain stabilization of the head b. Look in the ears for gross bleeding c. Prepare the immobilization equipment d. Assess the rest of the body for bleeding
a. Maintain stabilization of the head
The most effective way to determine whether your patient's problem is medical or traumatic in origin is to: a. Perform a careful and thorough assessment b. Establish the patient's medical history early c. Take note of the patient's general appearance d. Ask if bystanders are familiar with the patient
a. Perform a careful and thorough assessment
Normal skin color, temperature, and condition should be: a. Pink, warm, and dry b. Pale, cool, and moist c. Pink, warm, and moist d. Flushed, cool, and dry
a. Pink, warm, and dry
In responsive patients that are older than 1 year of age, you should palpate the pulse at the ____________ artery. a. Radial b. Carotid c. Brachial d. Femoral
a. Radial
Pain that moves from its point of origin to another body location is said to be: a. Radiating b. Referred c. Palliating d. Provoking
a. Radiating
When interviewing a patient, you can show him or her that you understand the situation by: a. Repeating statements back to him or her b. Using medical terminology whenever possible c. Maintaining constant eye contact with him or her d. Interrupting him or her as needed for clarification
a. Repeating statements back to him or her
Clinical signs of labored breathing include all of the following except: a. Shallow chest movement b. Use of accessory muscles c. Supraclavicular retractions d. Gasping attempts to breathe
a. Shallow chest movement
The "Golden Period" begins when an injury occurs and ends when: a. The patient receives definitive care b. The patient is admitted to the ICU c. You depart the scene for the hospital d. You arrive at the emergency department
a. The patient receives definitive care
Reassessment is performed to determine all of the following except: a. The reason why the patient called EMS b. The patient's response to your treatment c. Whether or not the patient is deteriorating d. The nature of any newly identified problems
a. The reason why the patient called EMS
A properly sized blood pressure cuff should cover: a. Two thirds the length from the armpit to the crease in the elbow b. One half the length between the armpit to the crease in the elbow c. One third the length from the armpit to the crease at the elbow d. The entire upper arm between the armpit and the crease at the elbow
a. Two thirds the length from the armpit to the crease in the elbow
When assessing motor function in a conscious patient's lower extremities, you should expect the patient to: a. Wiggle his or her toes on command b. Feel you touching the extremity c. Note any changes in temperature d. Identify different types of stimuli
a. Wiggle his or her toes on command
Which of the following medical history questions would be of least pertinence in an acute situation? a. "Does the pain stay in your chest?" b. "Does your mother have diabetes?" c. "Has this ever happened to you before?" d. "Are there medications that you cannot take?"
b. "Does your mother have diabetes?"
The normal respiratory rate for an adult should range from: a. 10 to 15 breaths per minute b. 12 to 20 breaths per minute c. 18 to 24 breaths per minute d. 24 to 28 breaths per minute
b. 12 to 20 breaths per minute
When you assess capillary refill time (CRT) in an infant, normal color to the tested area should return within: a. 1 second b. 2 seconds c. 3 seconds d. 4 seconds
b. 2 seconds
The rapid exam of a patient that occurs following the primary assessment should take no longer than: a. 30 seconds b. 60 seconds c. 90 seconds d. 120 seconds
b. 90 seconds
Which of the following findings indicates that your patient has a patent airway? a. Audible breathing b. Ability to speak c. Inspiratory stridor d. Unresponsiveness
b. Ability to speak
Palliating factors regarding a patient's pain involve those that: a. Worsen the pain b. Alleviate the pain c. Initiate the pain d. Change the pain
b. Alleviate the pain
A 39-year-old male sustained a stab wound to the groin during an altercation at a bar. As you approach the patient, you note that he is conscious, is screaming in pain, and is attempting to control the bleeding, which is bright red and spurting from his groin area. You should: a. Ensure that his airway is patent b. Apply direct pressure to the wound c. Elevate his legs and keep him warm d. Administer 100% supplemental oxygen
b. Apply direct pressure to the wound
Poor peripheral circulation will cause the skin to appear: a. Pink b. Ashen c. Flushed d. Cyanotic
b. Ashen
When should you take standard precautions during an EMS call? a. Immediately after completion of your primary assessment b. Before exiting the ambulance and before actual patient contact c. After it has been determined that the patient is bleeding d. Before you load the patient into the ambulance
b. Before exiting the ambulance and before actual patient contact
When performing a full-body scan on a trauma patient, you note the presence of Battle's sign. This is defined as: a. Unequal pupils b. Bruising behind the ear c. Swelling to the orbital area d. Fluid drainage from the nose
b. Bruising behind the ear
While en route to the scene of a shooting, the dispatcher advises you that the caller states that the perpetrator has fled the scene. You should: a. Ask the dispatcher if he or she knows the location of the perpetrator b. Confirm this information with law enforcement personnel at the scene c. Request law enforcement personnel if the scene is unsafe upon arrival d. Proceed to the scene as usual but exercise extreme caution upon arrival
b. Confirm this information with law enforcement personnel at the scene
A patient's short-term memory is most likely intact if he or she correctly answers questions regarding: a. Time and place b. Date and event c. Event and person d. Person and place
b. Date and event
When evaluating a patient with multiple complaints, the EMT's responsibility is to: a. Direct his or her attention to the most obvious signs and symptoms b. Determine which complaint poses the greatest threat to the patient's life c. Definitively rule out serious causes of each of the patient's complaints d. Assess each complaint based on the patient's perception of its seriousness
b. Determine which complaint poses the greatest threat to the patient's life
Which of the following is an example of a symptom? a. Cyanosis b. Headache c. Tachycardia d. Hypertension
b. Headache
After performing a primary assessment, a rapid exam of the body should be performed in order to: a. Determine the need for spinal motion restriction precautions b. Identify less obvious injuries that require immediate treatment c. Look specifically for signs and symptoms of inadequate perfusion d. Find and treat injuries or conditions that do not pose a threat to life
b. Identify less obvious injuries that require immediate treatment
If you cannot palpate a pulse in an unresponsive patient whose collapse was not witnessed, you should: a. Apply an AED at once b. Immediately begin CPR c. Palpate at another pulse site d. Assess for adequate breathing
b. Immediately begin CPR
What maneuver should be used to open the airway of an unresponsive patient with suspected trauma? a. Tongue-jaw lift b. Jaw-thrust maneuver c. Head tilt-chin lift d. Head tilt-neck lift
b. Jaw-thrust maneuver
A 40-year-old male presents with pain to the right upper quadrant of his abdomen. He is conscious and alert with stable vital signs. During your assessment, you note that his skin and sclera are jaundiced. You should suspect: a. Acute pancreatitis b. Liver dysfunction c. Gallbladder disease d. Renal insufficiency
b. Liver dysfunction
The diastolic pressure represents the: a. Average pressure against the arterial walls during a cardiac cycle b. Minimum amount of pressure that is always present in the arteries c. Increased arterial pressure that occurs during ventricular contraction d. Difference in pressure between ventricular contraction and relaxation
b. Minimum amount of pressure that is always present in the arteries
A 40-year-old male crashed his motorcycle into a tree. He is semiconscious, has snoring respirations, and has a laceration to the forearm with minimal bleeding. You should: a. Apply a cervical collar and suction his airway b. Open his airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver c. Apply a pressure dressing to the patient's arm d. Tilt the patient's head back and lift up on his chin
b. Open his airway with the jaw-thrust maneuver
An injured patient is assigned a total score of 9 on the GCS. He is assigned a score of 2 for eye opening, a score of 3 for verbal response, and a score of 4 for motor response. Which of the following clinical findings is consistent with his GCS score? a. Opens eyes in response to voice, makes incomprehensible sounds, localizes pain b. Opens eyes in response to pain, uses inappropriate words, withdraws from pain c. Opens eyes spontaneously, is confused when spoken to, exhibits abnormal flexion d. Eyes remain closed, makes incomprehensible sounds, exhibits abnormal extension
b. Opens eyes in response to pain, uses inappropriate words, withdraws from pain
In infants and small children, skin color should be assessed on the: a. Forehead b. Palms and soles c. Chest and abdomen d. Underside of the arms
b. Palms and soles
When performing a full-body scan on a supine patient, what part of the body is typically assessed last? a. Abdomen b. Posterior c. Extremities d. Anterior chest
b. Posterior
During the primary assessment, circulation is evaluated by assessing: a. Skin quality, blood pressure, and capillary refill b. Pulse quality, external bleeding, and skin condition c. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and external bleeding d. External bleeding, skin condition, and capillary refill
b. Pulse quality, external bleeding, and skin condition
Observations made when forming a general impression of a patient would include all of the following except: a. Appearance b. Pulse strength c. Race and gender d. Level of distress
b. Pulse strength
When palpating a patient's pulse, you note that there is a short interval between pulsations. This indicates that the pulse is: a. Slow b. Rapid c. Irregular d. Thready
b. Rapid
Which of the following actions would NOT be performed during the scene size-up? a. Asking a neighbor to secure the patient's dog b. Rapidly assessing a patient's respiratory status c. Notifying the dispatcher to send fire personnel d. Noting the position of a crashed motor vehicle
b. Rapidly assessing a patient's respiratory status
Which of the following abnormal breath sounds indicates obstruction of the upper airway? a. Rales b. Stridor c. Crackles d. Rhonchi
b. Stridor
When you use the palpation method to obtain a blood pressure, the measurement you obtain is the: a. Pulse pressure b. Systolic blood pressure c. Diastolic blood pressure d. Cardiac output pressure
b. Systolic blood pressure
The pressure exerted against the walls of the artery when the left ventricle contracts is called the: a. Blood pressure b. Systolic pressure c. Diastolic pressure d. Pulse pressure
b. Systolic pressure
Which of the following statements regarding the mechanism of injury (MOI) is correct? a. A nonsignificant MOI rules out the possibility of serious trauma b. The MOI may allow you to predict the severity of a patient's injuries c. The exact location of a patient's injuries can be determined by the MOI d. A significant MOI always results in patient death or permanent disability
b. The MOI may allow you to predict the severity of a patient's injuries
When assessing a 62-year-old female with crushing chest pain, you note that her pulse is rapid and irregular. In addition to administering oxygen, you should: a. Apply a cardiac monitor and observe her cardiac rhythm b. Transport at once and consider requesting a paramedic unit c. Document your findings and perform a detailed assessment d. Conclude that the irregular pulse is normal based on her age
b. Transport at once and consider requesting a paramedic unit
A 71-year-old female slipped on a rug and fell. She is conscious and alert and complains of severe pelvic pain. Her respirations are 22 breaths/min with adequate depth and her heart rate is 120 beats/min. What should you do? a. Transport her on her left side b. Treat her for possible shock c. Transport her in a seated position d. Gently palpate her pelvis
b. Treat her for possible shock
When is it MOST appropriate to consider requesting additional ambulances at an accident scene? a. After you have triaged all the critical patients b. When you determine there are multiple patients c. After noncritical patients have been identified d. When all the deceased patients are accounted for
b. When you determine there are multiple patients
A 29-year-old male with a head injury opens his eyes when you speak to him, is confused as to the time and date, and is able to move all of his extremities on command. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is: a. 10 b. 12 c. 13 d. 14
c. 13
For an adult, the normal resting pulse should be between: a. 50 and 60 beats/min b. 50 and 70 beats/min c. 60 and 100 beats/min d. 70 and 110 beats/min
c. 60 and 100 beats/min
The goal of oxygenation for most patients is an oxygen saturation of: a. 88% to 90% b. 90% to 94% c. 94% to 99% d. 100%
c. 94% to 99%
Treatment and transport priorities at the scene of a mass-casualty incident should be determined after: a. A physician arrives at the scene b. The number of patients is known c. All the patients have been triaged d. Area hospitals have been notified
c. All the patients have been triaged
When assessing the skin of an unconscious patient, you note that it has a bluish tint to it. This finding is called: a. Pallor b. Flushing c. Cyanosis d. Mottling
c. Cyanosis
Capnography is used to: a. Assess how much oxygen is reaching the body's tissues b. Trend a patient's blood pressure and assess for shock c. Determine how much carbon dioxide is being exhaled d. Assess how much oxygen is bound to the hemoglobin
c. Determine how much carbon dioxide is being exhaled
A 50-year-old male is found unconscious in his car. There were no witnesses to the event. When gathering medical history information for this patient, the EMT should: a. Wait for family members to arrive before asking any questions b. Defer SAMPLE history questions until you arrive at the hospital c. Determine if the patient has a medical alert bracelet or wallet card d. Ask law enforcement officials if they are familiar with the patient
c. Determine if the patient has a medical alert bracelet or wallet card
A patient with profuse sweating is referred to as being: a. Flushed b. Plethoric c. Diaphoretic d. Edematous
c. Diaphoretic
A blood pressure cuff that is too small for a patient's arm will give a: a. Falsely low systolic and diastolic reading b. Falsely high systolic but low diastolic reading c. Falsely high systolic and diastolic reading d. Falsely low systolic but high diastolic reading
c. Falsely high systolic and diastolic reading
The chief complaint is MOST accurately defined as the: a. Most life-threatening condition that you discover b. Condition that exacerbates an underlying problem c. Most serious thing the patient is concerned about d. Gross physical signs that you detect on assessment
c. Most serious thing the patient is concerned about
During your assessment of a 6-month-old male with vomiting and diarrhea, you note that his capillary refill time is approximately 4 seconds. From this information, you should conclude that his: a. Respiratory status is adequate b. Systolic blood pressure is normal c. Peripheral circulation is decreased d. Skin temperature is abnormally cold
c. Peripheral circulation is decreased
A 50-year-old male presents with an altered mental status. His wife tells you that he had a "small stroke" 3 years ago but has otherwise been in good health. The patient is responsive but unable to follow commands. After administering oxygen, you should: a. Repeat the primary assessment b. Inquire about his family history c. Prepare for immediate transport d. Perform a head-to-toe assessment
c. Prepare for immediate transport
A palpable pulse is created by: a. The pressure of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries b. The pressure that is caused when venous blood returns to the heart c. Pressure waves through the arteries caused by cardiac contraction d. Electrical conduction in the heart producing ventricular contraction
c. Pressure waves through the arteries caused by cardiac contraction
If a patient develops difficulty breathing after your primary assessment, you should immediately: a. Determine his or her respiratory rate b. Begin assisting his or her breathing c. Reevaluate his or her airway status d. Auscultate his or her breath sounds
c. Reevaluate his or her airway status
A pulse with a consistent pattern is considered to be: a. Weak b. Strong c. Regular d. Irregular
c. Regular
When performing a reassessment of your patient, you should first: a. Obtain updated vital signs b. Reassess your interventions c. Repeat the primary assessment d. Confirm medical history findings
c. Repeat the primary assessment
The pulse oximeter is an assessment tool used to evaluate the: a. Quantity of red blood cells b. Level of carbon dioxide c. Saturation level of arterial blood d. Amount of exhaled carbon dioxide
c. Saturation level of arterial blood
Which of the following would the EMT likely not perform on a responsive patient with a headache and no apparent life-threatening conditions? a. Focused secondary assessment b. Assessment of oxygen saturation c. Systemic head-to-toe examination d. Noninvasive blood pressure monitoring
c. Systemic head-to-toe examination
Which of the following patient responses would establish the "E" in the SAMPLE history? a. "I was in the hospital a week ago." b. "I am not having any difficulty breathing." c. "The chest pain started about 45 minutes ago." d. "I was mowing the lawn when the pain began."
d. "I was mowing the lawn when the pain began."
Normal respiratory rates should not exceed ____________ breaths per minute in toddlers and ____________ breaths per minute in infants. a. 18, 28 b. 20, 30 c. 30, 40 d. 40, 60
d. 40, 60
In which of the following situations is a pertinent negative identified? a. A 50-year-old woman states that nothing makes her chest pain better or worse b. A 53-year-old man with dizziness also tells you that he has vomited three times c. A 56-year-old woman states that her chest hurts every time she takes a deep breath d. A 59-year-old man complains of crushing chest pain but denies shortness of breath
d. A 59-year-old man complains of crushing chest pain but denies shortness of breath
An elderly patient has fallen and hit her head. You assess her level of consciousness as unresponsive using the AVPU scale. Your initial care should focus on: a. Obtaining baseline vital signs b. Gathering medical history data c. Providing immediate transport d. Airway, breathing, and circulation
d. Airway, breathing, and circulation
When using the pulse oximeter as part of your assessment of a patient, it is important to remember that: a. Pulse oximetry is especially useful in patients who have cold extremities because vasoconstriction forces blood to the capillary beds b. Carbon monoxide has no effect on pulse oximetry readings because the pulse oximeter presumes that oxygen is saturating the hemoglobin c. As long as the patient's oxygen saturation is greater than 95%, oxygen is usually not necessary, even if the patient has respiratory distress d. Any situation that causes vasoconstriction or loss of red blood cells, such as anemia or bleeding, may result in an inaccurate or misleading value
d. Any situation that causes vasoconstriction or loss of red blood cells, such as anemia or bleeding, may result in an inaccurate or misleading value
You receive a call to a local daycare center for an unresponsive 8-month-old infant. Upon arrival, you perform an assessment and determine that the infant is not breathing. After delivering two rescue breaths, you should: a. Open the airway and give two rescue breaths b. Begin chest compressions and request backup c. Immediately transport the child to the hospital d. Assess for a brachial pulse for 5 to 10 seconds
d. Assess for a brachial pulse for 5 to 10 seconds
When you shine a light into one pupil, the normal reaction of the other pupil should be to: a. Dilate b. Not react c. Become larger d. Become smaller
d. Become smaller
When auscultating the blood pressure in a patient's upper extremity, you should place the diaphragm (head) of the stethoscope over the ____________ artery. a. Radial b. Apical c. Femoral d. Brachial
d. Brachial
When palpating a patient's pulse, you note that it is grossly irregular. You should: a. Count the pulse rate for at least 30 seconds to ensure accuracy b. Count the number of pulsations in 15 seconds and multiply by four c. Count the number of pulsations in 30 seconds and multiply by two d. Count the pulse rate for a full minute to obtain an accurate reading
d. Count the pulse rate for a full minute to obtain an accurate reading
Cyanosis of the skin is caused by: a. Increased blood oxygen b. Peripheral vasodilation c. Venous vasoconstriction d. Decreased blood oxygen
d. Decreased blood oxygen
Upon arriving at a potentially unsafe scene, you should first: a. Remove all bystanders b. Request another ambulance c. Move the patient to safety d. Ensure that you are safe
d. Ensure that you are safe
The goal of the primary assessment is to: a. Determine if the patient's problem is medical or trauma b. Identify patients that require transport to a trauma center c. Determine the need to perform a head-to-toe assessment d. Identify and rapidly treat all life-threatening conditions
d. Identify and rapidly treat all life-threatening conditions
Upon arriving at the scene of a patient with difficulty breathing, you determine that the scene is safe. You enter the residence and find the patient sitting in a chair in obvious distress. Your first action should be to: a. Ask the patient what's wrong b. Obtain a set of baseline vital signs c. Assess the patient's airway status d. Introduce yourself to the patient
d. Introduce yourself to the patient
A patient is sitting in a chair, leaning forward on his outstretched arms. His head and chin are thrust forward. This position indicates that he: a. Has abdominal muscle spasms b. Has a decreased level of consciousness c. Is experiencing severe back pain d. Is experiencing difficulty breathing
d. Is experiencing difficulty breathing
In patients with deeply pigmented skin, changes in color may be apparent only in certain areas, such as the: a. Back of the neck b. Forehead and face c. Dorsum of the hand d. Lips or oral mucosa
d. Lips or oral mucosa
The goal of the systematic head-to-toe exam that is performed during the secondary assessment is to: a. Detect and treat all non-life-threatening injuries b. Assess only the parts of the body that are injured c. Definitively rule out significant internal injuries d. Locate injuries not found in the primary assessment
d. Locate injuries not found in the primary assessment
For which of the following patients is spinal immobilization clearly indicated? a. Woman who fell from a standing position and has a deformed shoulder b. Man with an arrow impaled in his leg and no pulse distal to the injury c. Woman in a minor motor-vehicle collision who complains of severe knee pain d. Man with altered mental status after being exposed to blunt force trauma
d. Man with altered mental status after being exposed to blunt force trauma
The systematic head-to-toe assessment should be performed on: a. Stable patients who are able to tell you exactly what happened b. All patients with traumatic injuries who will require EMS transport c. Responsive medical patients and patients without a significant MOI d. Patients with a significant MOI and unresponsive medical patients
d. Patients with a significant MOI and unresponsive medical patients
A patient who moves and cries out when his or her trapezius muscle is said to be: a. Conscious and alert b. Completely unresponsive c. Responsive to verbal stimuli d. Responsive to painful stimuli
d. Responsive to painful stimuli
Jugular venous distention suggests a problem with blood returning to the heart if the patient is: a. In a supine position b. In a full Fowler's position c. In a recumbent position d. Sitting up at a 45° angle
d. Sitting up at a 45° angle
A crackling sound produced by air bubbles under the skin is called: a. Crepitus b. Rhonchi c. Korotkoff sounds d. Subcutaneous emphysema
d. Subcutaneous emphysema
When assessing a patient's abdomen, you will evaluate for all of the following except: a. Gross bleeding and tenderness b. Rigidity and obvious bleeding c. Open wounds or eviscerations d. Subcutaneous emphysema
d. Subcutaneous emphysema
After performing a head tilt-chin lift maneuver to open the airway of an unresponsive patient, you should: a. Place him or her in the recovery position b. Provide positive-pressure ventilatory assistance c. Assess respiratory rate, depth, and regularity d. Suction as needed and insert an airway adjunct
d. Suction as needed and insert an airway adjunct
As time progresses following a significant injury: a. The patient's blood pressure elevates significantly b. The patient's injuries will most likely be irreparable c. Most patients will die secondary to internal bleeding d. The body's ability to compensate for shock decreases
d. The body's ability to compensate for shock decreases
Supplemental oxygen via nonrebreathing mask should be administered to patients: a. Who are semiconscious with shallow respirations b. With rapid respirations and a reduced tidal volume c. Who have accessory muscle use and slow breathing d. With difficulty breathing and adequate tidal volume
d. With difficulty breathing and adequate tidal volume
A patient with spontaneous respirations is breathing: a. At a normal rate b. With shallow depth c. Without difficulty d. Without assistance
d. Without assistance
