EMT Chapter 6

A patient must be removed immediately from a structure that is on the verge of collapse following an explosion. He is lying on the ground and dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. You are by yourself and have no other supplies or equipment. Which type of move would be most appropriate in this situation? A) The armpit-forearm drag B) The extremity lift C) The pants drag D) The blanket drag

A

An elderly patient is being cared for at home by family members and lies in a hospital-type bed in the living room. After providing necessary care, you prepare to move her from the bed to the stretcher. There is no mechanism that suggests a head, neck, or spinal injury. Which method would be most appropriate in this situation? A) Draw sheet method B) Direct lift C) Extremity lift D) Direct carry method

A

In preparing the schedule, you have been instructed to pair EMTs in a way that decreases the chance of injury when lifting and moving patients. Given this directive, who would make the best partner for a tall and very strong EMT? A) A tall and very strong EMT B) A short and very strong EMT C) A short and weaker EMT D) A tall and weaker EMT

A

Kyphosis is best described as: A) An exaggerated forward curvature of the thoracic spine B) A pronounced lateral curvature of the thoracic spine C) The exaggerated curvature of the lumbar spine D) A distinct lateral curvature of the cervical spine

A

When lifting or moving any patient, the EMT must remember to primarily use the muscles of his or her: A) Legs B) Abdomen C) Back D) Arms

A

When you must push an object, it is important to: A) Push using muscles between your waist and your shoulders B) Push from an overhead position C) Keep your elbows straight and locked D) Push with your hands spread as far apart as you can

A

Which patient is appropriately positioned for transport? A) An alert 67-year-old woman with nausea in a sitting position B) A critically injured 18-month-old child in a car seat C) A hypotensive 48-year-old man in Fowler's position D) A 23-year-old pregnant woman in a supine position

A

You and your partner are preparing to move a trauma patient down a flight of stairs using a portable stretcher. As you begin the move, a third EMT shows up and asks to help. Which instructions would be most appropriate to ensure a safe move for both the patient and crew? A) "Please stand behind the EMT at the foot end and count steps for her." B) "You can help by grasping the right side of the stretcher to keep it balanced." C) "Come up and help me with the head end, since most of the weight is here." D) "Stand behind us at the top of the stairs and let us know if you see any obstacles."

A

You and your partner have just been dispatched to the local children's hospital to pick up the neonatal transport team and the neonatal isolette so that you can transport them to a small community hospital 2 hours away and retrieve a neonate who is in distress. While driving to the children's hospital, which statement from your partner demonstrates he understands how to transport a patient with in an isolette? A) "Once we get to the children's hospital, I will remove the wheeled cot so we can load the neonatal isolette." B) "I realize that if I'm driving to the community hospital, I will not use the lights and sirens." C) "I hate taking these types of transports because it is so boring having to sit in the front of the ambulance." D) "If you are the one in the back with the transport team on our way back to the children's hospital with the patient, make sure you turn the heat up to the highest level so the neonate stays warm."

A

You are at the scene of a motorcycle accident on a rural road. The EMS captain has set up a landing zone and the local helicopter EMS agency has just landed; the aircraft is still running with both rotors turning. Which observation would cause you to take immediate action? A) You see a new EMT start walking toward the aircraft as if he is going to open a door B) The patient was removed from the ambulance on the wheeled cot in anticipation of the flight crew arrival C) The EMTs who will be helping to transfer the patient to the aircraft are removing their hats and sunglasses D) The flight crew has exited the aircraft and are walking toward you while the main and tail rotor blades of the aircraft are still rotating

A

Your coworkers would like to purchase a scoop (orthopedic) stretcher with some grant money. Before the purchase can be authorized, you have been asked to inform the purchasing committee of how this piece of equipment will benefit the service as well as enhance patient care. Your response would be: A) "The scoop stretcher is good for moving patients from confined areas." B) "The scoop stretcher does not require straps to secure the patient." C) "The scoop stretcher is considered the best device for patients with a possible spinal injury." D) "The scoop stretcher is much more comfortable than a wheeled stretcher."

A

A patient has developed chest pain while working in his basement wood shop. After EMTs have assessed and provided care to the patient, the chest pain remains, although his vital signs are normal. To get him to the ambulance, the EMTs must first go up a short flight of stairs from the basement to the first floor, where the front door is located. Which action would be the safest for both the patient and crew? A) The two EMTs grasp the sides of the portable stretcher and move the patient up the stairs B) The stronger of the EMTs takes the head of the portable stretcher, and the EMTs carry the patient up the stairs head first C) The patient carefully walks up the stairs under the watchful assistance of the EMTs D) The patient is carried up the stairs on the stair chair feet first, with the stronger EMT carrying the back of the device

B

A patient has fallen in his upstairs bathroom and is lying on the floor. Assessment indicates no life threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation; however, the patient does have pain, deformity, and bruising to his right hip. In this situation, the EMT should recognize the need for which type of move? A) Emergency B) Non-urgent C) Urgent D) Passive

B

A small car and a tanker truck loaded with gasoline have collided. The car is lodged under the tanker, the car engine is smoking, and the threat of fire is significant. After being waved in by the fire department, assessment reveals the patient to be unresponsive with a patent airway, but breathing with difficulty at 8 times per minute. In caring for this patient, your immediate action should be to: A) Promptly open the airway and suction prior to moving the patient B) Rapidly extricate the patient and provide care away from the wreckage C) Quickly obtain vital signs and then extricate the patient from the car D) Immediately start positive pressure ventilation and place a vest immobilization device for extrication

B

An EMT would perform an urgent move when: A) The patient exhibits no problems with the airway, breathing, or circulation B) The patient has a life-threatening injury C) The scene contains an immediate threat to the patient and EMT D) The patient is stable but has pain

B

To improve your physical fitness and decrease the risk of injury when lifting and moving patients, you should combine proper body mechanics with: A) Vitamin supplements B) Proper nutrition C) Protein drinks D) Caffeine substitutes

B

When lifting the stretcher with a patient secured to it, the EMT must avoid which action? A) Maintaining a straight back B) Bending over at the waist C) Contracting the abdominal muscles D) Lifting with the thigh muscles

B

When transferring a patient from a bed to a wheeled stretcher, an EMT uses proper body mechanics when he or she: A) Primarily uses the muscles of his back to move the patient B) Aligns his shoulder, hips, and feet when moving the patient C) Transfers the patient to the stretcher all at once, not in stages D) Keeps his arms locked and the patient away from his body during the transfer

B

Which position would be most appropriate for an alert and oriented patient complaining of shortness of breath? A) Prone B) Supine with the head elevated C) Supine with the feet elevated D) Left lateral recumbent position

B

While teaching a continuing education class on the lifting and moving of patients, which points would you constantly emphasize? A) Keeping the legs straight while lifting any heavy object to the cot or into the ambulance B) Maintaining a normal inward curve in the lower back while moving patients or equipment C) Lifting a patient or equipment should always occur with the wrists hyperextended D) Do not rely on equipment to help you lift, as the equipment often fails and results in patient injury

B

You are correctly using the blanket drag to move a patient when you: A) Place the patient in a blanket and drag him by grasping his forearms B) Secure the patient in a blanket and drag him head first toward you C) Place the patient in the blanket in a prone position and drag him toward you D) Secure the patient in a supine position and drag him feet first along the ground

B

You have been called to assist a pediatric physician, a pediatric nurse, and a respiratory therapist in the transfer of a 2-week-old baby who is very sick. The baby is to be transferred in an isolette to a large metropolitan teaching hospital in a nearby city, where specialized care can be provided. The isolette is secured to the stretcher, and the stretcher is loaded into the ambulance. The physician, nurse, and respiratory therapist will provide all patient care. Prior to departing the hospital, it is essential that you: A) Advise the family of the baby's critical condition B) Make sure the stretcher is secured in the ambulance C) Mix and prepare the medications needed for transport D) Disinfect the outside of the isolette

B

A patient involved in a motor vehicle collision has critical injuries and must be removed from the car for care and transport to the hospital. Prior to removing the patient from the vehicle, what must be done? A) Application of a vest-type immobilization device B) Completion of the primary and secondary exams C) Application of a cervical collar D) Completion of the primary assessment and vital signs

C

After providing spinal motion restriction to an elderly female patient who fell in her bathroom, you prepare to carry her down a flight of stairs on a backboard. Which verbal instructions would be most appropriate to give to your partner? A) "Make sure to hold the board 6 inches from your body so that you get maximum stabilization." B) "It is best if we do not talk so that we can concentrate on safely moving her down the stairs." C) "I can take the head if you want the foot end, and then we will carry her down the stairs feet first." D) "Let's have the patient hold onto the stair railing to prevent the board from getting off balance."

C

When an EMT places his palm and all fingers in contact with the object being lifted, he is using the: A) Power lift B) Lock grip C) Power grip D) Squat grip

C

When reaching forward to perform a logroll, the EMT should: A) Keep the back flexed B) Lean from the waist C) Use the shoulder muscles D) Reach no more than 30 inches

C

Which observation demonstrates that the EMTs and EMRs are correctly using the stair chair? A) The wheels of the stair chair touch each and every step B) The stair chair slides down the stairs while tilted forward C) The patient is carried down the stairs feet first D) The stair chair is carried down the stairs with the chair tilted forward

C

Which statement accurately describes the concept of body mechanics? A) Body mechanics refers to an exercise program designed to increase strength and prevent injuries when lifting or moving patients B) Body mechanics describes the personal maintenance of a proper weight and posture so that on-the-job injuries are minimized C) Body mechanics refers to methods that promote using your body in the safest and most efficient way when moving objects or patients D) Body mechanics describes a process by which the EMT can gauge or estimate the type of injuries sustained in a traumatic incident

C

You are trying to convince the equipment committee to purchase a hydraulic power cot. When discussing advantages of this device over a more traditional stretcher, which point would you emphasize? A) It is considered much safer for transporting a child car seat B) It is much lighter, more durable, and easier to maneuver C) It will be easier to lift and lower when it is loaded with a patient D) It enables one EMT to safely move the stretcher, freeing another for patient care

C

You have been charged with writing a policy regarding reaching for equipment. In that policy, you indicate that the maximum distance an EMT should reach is no more than: A) One arm's length in front of her body B) 10 to 12 inches in front of her body C) 15 to 20 inches in front of her body D) 30 inches in front of her body

C

A large female patient has fallen in a parking lot between two cars. She must be moved on the backboard to the waiting stretcher, which is located approximately 200 feet from your location. Four rescuers are present. How would they best be used to promote the safest movement of the patient? A) One at the head, two at the feet, and the fourth to act as a spotter during the move B) The strongest person at the head, and the other three at the foot end C) Two at the head, two at the feet, with all rescuers using their right hand to carry the backboard D) One at the head, one at the feet, and the other two on opposite sides on the backboard

D

A large patient has been placed on the stretcher, and you and your partner are preparing to raise the stretcher using the power lift. Which observation of your partner would cause you to pause the lift to correct his technique? A) Both feet are turned slightly outward B) His hands are approximately 10 inches apart C) Both feet are flat on the ground D) Both feet are positioned closely together

D

An obese patient cannot ambulate and must be carried down several flights of stairs. Carrying the patient alone exceeds your physical capabilities; however, your partner is very strong and physically fit. Which statement, made by you, indicates the best means to safely lift and move the patient as well as minimize the likelihood of either of you suffering an injury? A) "When we move him, let's go slowly down the stairs." B) "As long as I lean backward when moving him, we will be okay." C) "When we go down the steps, you take the 'head' end and I'll carry the legs and go down the steps first." D) "We must call for assistance to get the patient from this location."

D

One advantage of using the wheeled stretcher is: A) It rolls smoothly over rough terrain B) It can be safely moved by one EMT with a patient on it C) It cannot become unbalanced on a slope or rough terrain D) It can be adjusted to different positions or heights

D

The safest and most efficient way of using your body to gain mechanical advantage is: A) The power lift B) To call for backup C) To reduce the distance an object must be used D) Body mechanics

D

When carrying equipment in the right hand, the EMT should: A) Lean to the left side for compensation B) Bend backward for counterbalance C) Tilt his body to the right side D) Keep his or her back straight as best possible

D

Which set of instructions would you give to a new EMT who is preparing to use a squat lift to raise a patient secured to a stretcher? A) "Make sure to place your weaker leg slightly back." B) "Try not to use a power grip when performing the squat lift." C) "Support yourself with your stronger leg and push up with your weaker one." D) "Make sure that you push yourself up with your stronger leg."

D

You and two other EMTs are preparing to move a patient down several flights of stairs using a stair chair. After assigning one rescuer to hold the chair at the head and another to hold the chair at the foot facing the patient, you should: A) Assist the EMT at the patient's head B) Direct movement from behind the EMT at the head C) Assist the EMT at the patient's feet D) "Spot" by standing behind the EMT at the feet

D

You are caring for a young male patient who has overdosed on an unknown medication and has a decreased level of consciousness. When positioning the patient on the stretcher, which instructions will you give to the Emergency Medical Responders assisting you? A) "When you put him on the stretcher, elevate his head and chest." B) "He will need to be positioned flat on his back when on the stretcher." C) "Place him in a supine position and then carefully elevate his feet." D) "When you move him to the stretcher, put him on his left side."

D

You are moving a critically injured patient to a helicopter for rapid transport to a trauma center. The rotors are spinning so that the aircraft can immediately take off. As team leader, which instruction would you provide? A) "Let's get many people around the backboard so we can safely load the patient into the aircraft." B) "I need someone to hold the IV bag in the air while we load so the patient continues to get IV fluids." C) "Will someone please lay the O2 tank on the patient's legs so he continues to get oxygen as we load?" D) "Will someone please securely cover the patient's eyes so that they are not struck with flying dirt?"

D

You have been asked to present a continuing education session on body mechanics and posture. In your presentation, you would advise the participants that proper posture is achieved when your: A) Ears, shoulders, and feet are vertically aligned when sitting B) Abdomen and buttocks are positioned slightly to the posterior when standing C) Body weight is evenly distributed over the thoracic spine when sitting D) Ears, shoulders, and hips are vertically aligned when standing

D