Exam 1 (Chapters 1-9)
There are ________ cervical vertebrae.
7
The central nervous system is composed of the: A) brain and spinal cord B) brain and sensory nerves C) motor and sensory nerves D) spinal cord and sensory nerves
A
The human body should be functioning at its optimal level between the ages of: A) 18 and 22 years B) 19 and 25 years C) 21 and 30 years D) 25 and 35 years
B
The leaf-shaped flap of tissue that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea is called the: A) uvula B) epiglottis C) laryngopharynx D) cricothyroid membrane
B
During your monthly internal quality improvement (QI) meeting, you review several patient care reports (PCRs) with the staff of your EMS system. You identify the patient's name, age, and sex, then discuss the treatment that was provided by the EMTs in the field. BY taking this approach to the QI process you: A) acting appropriately but must have each EMT sign a waiver stating that he or she will not discuss the cases with others B) adequately safeguarded the patient's PHI because the cases were discussed internally C) are in violation of HIPAA because you did not remove the PHI from the PCR beforehand D) violated the patient's privacy because you should have discussed the information only with the EMT's involved
C
EMTs should have a strong working knowledge of medical terminology in order to: A) perform and document more accurate patient assessments B) more clearly explain to patients the nature of their condition C) communicate effectively with other members of the health care team D) determine and document more accurate patient diagnoses.
C
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
National guidelines for EMS care are intended to ______________. A) reduce expenses at the local and state levels B) facilitate a national EMS labor group C) unify EMS providers under a single medical director D) provide more consistent delivery of EMS care across the United States
D
Older adults frequently ____________. A) experience a decrease in body fat as they age B) are able to increase their muscular mass C) are unable to overcome medical problems D) take multiple medications
D
When there are low levels of oxygen in the blood, the lips and mucous membranes appear blue or gray. This condition is called:
cyanosis
When there are multiple patients, you should use the __________ to help organize the triage, logistics, and treatment of patients.
incident command system
There are a total of ___________ lobes in the right and left lungs.
5
A 4-year-old boy had an apparent seizure. He is conscious and calm and is sitting on his mother's lap. His father is sitting in a nearby chair. The child's mother suddenly begins crying uncontrollably, which causes the child to start crying. You should: A) ask the father to hold the child so you can assess him while your partner tries to calm the mother S) give the child a favorite toy or blanket to hold onto and perform our assessment to the best of your ability C) reassure the child's mother that seizures in children are very common and that there is nothing to worry about D) attempt to calm the child's mother, but avoid separating her from her child because this will increase her anxiety
A
A by-product of involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation is: A) heat B) oxygen C) nitrogen D) lactic acid
A
A diabetic patient has polydipsia. This means that she: A) is excessively thirsty B) has low blood sugar C) is unable to swallow D) urinates frequently
A
After applying a tourniquet, the injury from a patient;s leg stops bleeding. This is called: A) hemostasis B) hemiplegia C) hemolysis D) hematemesis
A
American Heart Association protocols are based on _____________. A) evidence-based research B) trends in the EMS community C) theories ready for field trial D) opinions from a core group of cardiologists
A
An EMT may injure his or her back, even if it is straight, if the: A) back is bent forward at the hips B) hands are held close to the legs C) shoulder is aligned over the pelvis D) force is exerted straight down the spine
A
Children of which age group are considered toddlers? Select one: A. 1-3 years B. 3-6 years C. 1 month to 1 year D. Over 6 years
A
Common factors that influence how a patient reacts to the stress of an illness or injury include all of the following, EXCEPT: A) assessment by the EMT B) mental disorders C) history of chronic disease D) fear of medical personnel
A
Effective therapeutic communication skills require _________________. A) verbal and nonverbal communication techniques B) English-speaking patients or family members C) supervision by advanced life support personnel D) correct use of complex medical terminology
A
General adaption syndrome is characterized by which of the following phases? A) Alarm response, reaction and resistance, and recovery B) Delayed reaction, alarm response, and physical recovery C) Reaction and resistance, euphoria, and physical exhaustion D) Immediate reaction, psychological exhaustion, and recovery
A
If a patient's chest barely moves during inhalation, even if the patient's respiratory rate is normal, you should expect that: A) minute volume is decreased B) inspiratory reserve is increased C) overall tidal volume is increased D) expiratory reserve volume is decreased
A
Putrefaction is defined as: A) decomposition of the body's tissues B) profound cyanosis to the trunk and face C) blood settling to the lowest point of the body D) separation of the torso from the rest of the body
A
Quid pro quo, a type of sexual harassment, occurs when the harasser: A) requests sexual favors in exchange for something else B) touches another person without his or her consent C) stares at certain parts of another person's anatomy D) makes rude remarks about a person's body parts
A
Reassessment is performed to determine all of the following, EXCEPT: A) the reason why the patients 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 EMT's first priority is ___________________. A) personal safety B) rapid response C) treatment and transport D) empathy for all patients
A
The EMT's scope of practice within his or her local response area is defined by the: A) medical director B) state EMS office C) EMS supervisor D) local health district
A
The __________ of the heart is the inferior portion of the ventricles. A) apex B) base C) dorsum D) septum
A
The ______________ is made up of the maxilla and zygoma, as well as the frontal bone of the cranium. A) orbit B) occiput C) mastoid D) sphenoid
A
The determination that prompt surgical care in the hospital is more important than performing time-consuming procedures in the field on a major trauma patient is based MOSTLY on: A) EMS research B) local protocols C) the lead EMT's decision D) regional trauma guidelines
A
The proper technique for using the power grip is to: A) lift with your palms up B) rotate your palms up C) hold the handle with your fingers D) position your hands about 6" apart
A
The respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute in an infant is ________. Select one: A. normal B. too fast C. too slow D. too shallow
A
Upon arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you find a single patient still seated in his car. There are no scene hazards. As you approach the vehicle, you note that the patient is semiconscious and has a large laceration to his forehead. You should: A) direct your partner to apply manual in-line support of the patient's head B) apply a cervical collar and quickly remove the patient with a clothes drag C) apply a vast-style extrication device before attempting to move the patient D) slide a long backboard under his buttocks and lay him sideways on the board
A
Vector-borne transmission of an infectious organism occurs via: A) animals or insects B) stroke or dust C) direct contact D) inanimate objects
A
What is an EMT's primary service area? A) The main area in which the EMS agency operates B) The only area the EMT is certified to provide patient care C) The area serviced by the EMT's medical director D) The location where the EMT provides essential care during a 9-1-1 call
A
What is the normal respiratory rate for an adult? A) 12-20 breaths/min B) 15-30 breaths/min C) 25-50 breaths/min D) 40-60 breaths/min
A
When decontaminating the back of your ambulance after a call, you should: A) Allow surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions B) Use a bleach and water solution at a 1:2 dilution ratio to thoroughly wipe all surfaces C) Clean all surfaces and patient contact areas with a mixture of alcohol and water D) spray the contaminated areas and then immediately wipe them dry with a towel
A
When relaying patient information via radio, communications should be: A) brief and easily understood B) coded and scripted C) spoken in a loud voice D) lengthy and complete
A
When you inspect a patient's pupils with a penlight the pupils should normally react to the light by: A) constricting B) enlarging C) dilating D) fluttering
A
Where would you MOST likely find information regarding a patient's wishes to be an organ donor? A) Driver's license B) Insurance card C) Social Security card D) Voter registration card
A
Which of the following courses requires about 150 hours of training? A) EMT B) EMR C) AEMT D) Paramedic
A
Which of the following general statements regarding consent is correct? A) A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated B) Patients who are intoxicated are generally allowed to refuse treatment C) Expressed consent is valid only if given in writing by a family member D) All patients older than 18 years can legally refuse treatment or transport
A
Which of the following is a physical change that typically occurs in the adolescent age group? A) Secondary sexual development begins B) Muscle and bone growth both decrease C) The normal pulse rate steadily increases D) The systolic blood pressure decreases
A
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate device to use when immobilizing a patient with a suspected spinal injury? A) long backboard B) scoop stretcher C) portable stretcher D) wheeled stretcher
A
Which of the following statements about the patient care report is correct? A) it is difficult to prove actions were performed if they are not included on the report B) EMTs are not liable for any actions that are accurately documented C) Patient care cannot be discredited based on poor documentation D) incomplete reports are common and accepted in EMS
A
Which of the following statements is NOT appropriate to document in the narrative section of a PCR? A) "General impression revealed that the patient was intoxicated" B) "Significant damage was noted to the front end of the vehicle" C) "The patient admits to smoking marijuana earlier in the day" D) "After oxygen was administered, the patient's breathing improved"
A
Which of the following statements regarding patient weight distribution is correct? A) the majority of a horizontal patient's weight is in the torso B) most of the patient's weight rests on the foot end of the stretcher C) a semi-sitting patient's weight is equally distributed on both ends D) the EMT at the patient's head will bear the least amount of weight
A
Which of the following statements regarding the secondary assessment is correct? A) the secondary assessment should focus on a certain area or region of the body as determined by the chief complaint B) the secondary assessment should be performed en route to the hospital, regardless of the severity of the patient's condition C) a secondary assessment should always be performed, even if you must continually manage life threats that were identified in the primary assessment D) during the secondary assessment, the EMT's primary focus should be on taking the patient's vital signs and obtaining a SAMPLE history
A
Which of the following suffixes means "pertaining to"? A) "-al" and "-ic" B) "-ic" and "-ology" C) "-ology" and "-oma" D) "-al" and "-ology"
A
Which of the following will help improve radio communications? A) Wait 1 second after pressing the transmit button before speaking B) Hold the radio at least 6 inches from you mouth C) Use codes to speed communication D) Answer questions with "yes" or "no"
A
You are attending to a 22-year-old female patient who has overdosed. The patient is unresponsive in an upstairs bedroom. The most appropriate way to bring the patient downstairs is: A) secured to a fracture board with the strongest provider at the head end B) secured to a fracture board with the strongest provider at the foot end C) secured to a stair chair with the stronger provider at the head end D) secured to a stair chair with the strongest provider at the foot end
A
You are caring for a driver who struck a light pole. She admits to drinking alcohol but orders you not to tell anyone. You should report the information to ___________. A) the receiving nurse or doctor B) law enforcement personnel C) the state motor vehicle department D) your medical director
A
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) assisted ventilations in infants often need to be forceful to inflate their lungs C) the infant's proportionately small tongue often causes an airway obstruction D) an infant's head should be placed in a flexed position to prevent obstruction
A
You are transporting to a 66-year-old patient with a history of heart problems. The patient chart indicates that he has hepatomegaly. The root of the term indicates that: A) the problem is with the patient's liver B) the organ involved is enlarged C) the problem is a direct consequence of the patient's heart disease D) the problem is unrelated to the patient's heart condition
A
You arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident. The patient, a 13-year-old male, is unconscious and has multiple injuries. As you are treating the child, a law enforcement officer advises you that the child's parents will be at the scene in approximately 15 minutes. What should you do? A) Transport the child immediately and have the parents meet you at the hospital B) Treat the child at the scene and wait for the parents to arrive and give consent C) Begin transport at once and have the parents meet you en route to the hospital D) Withhold treatment until the parents arrive and give you consent for treatment
A
You respond to the home of a 59-year-old man who is unconscious; has slow, shallow breathing; and has a weak pulse. The family states that patient has terminal brain cancer and does not wish to be resuscitated. They further state that there is a DNR order for this patient, but they are unable to locate it. You should: A) begin treatment and contact medical control as needed B) honor the patient's wishes and withhold all treatment C) transport the patient without providing any treatment D) decide on further action once the DNR order is produced
A
"myo" in the word myocarditis means: A) cartilage B) muscle C) bone D) vein
B
A 16-year-old female complains of vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping that began several hours ago. During your assessment interview, you should: A) obtain the majority of your information from one of her parents B) inquire about the possibility of pregnancy in private, if possible C) avoid asking questions that she will feel uncomfortable answering D) recall that patients in this age group prefer not to be treated as adults
B
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. He 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
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
A normal respiratory rate for an adult is typically: A) 5-10 breaths per minute B) 12-20 breaths per minute C) 15-30 breaths per minute D) 20-30 breaths per minute
B
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
After assessing a patient's blood glucose level, you accidentally stick yourself with the contaminated lancet. You should: A) immerse your wound in an alcohol-based solution B) report the incident to your supervisor after the call C) get immunized against hepatitis as soon as possible D) discontinue patient care and seek medical attention
B
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
As you and your partner are carrying a stable patient down a flight of stairs in a stair chair, you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back. You should: A) reposition your hands and continue to move the patient B) stop the move and request additional lifting assistance C) guide your partner while moving the chair backwards D) stop the move and have the patient walk down the stairs
B
Communicating with patients who are deaf or head-of-hearing can be facilitated by doing all of the following, EXCEPT: A) shining a light on your face when you are in a darkened environment B) elevating the tone of your voice and exaggerating word pronunciation C) placing yourself in a position to ensure that the patient can see you lips D) providing pen and paper if the patient prefers to write his or her response
B
During your assessment of a 20-year-old man with a severe headache and nausea, you ask him when his headache began, but he does not answer your question immediately. You should: A) repeat your question because he probably did not hear you B) allow him time to think about the question and respond to it C) ask him if he frequently experiences severe headaches and nausea D) tell him that you cannot help him unless he answers your questions
B
In which of the following situations does a legal duty to act clearly exist? A) The EMT witnesses a vehicle crash while off duty B) a call is received 15 minutes prior to shift change C) the EMT hears of a cardiac arrest after his or her shift ends D) a bystander encounters a victim who is not breathing
B
It is essential that you _________________ your equipment to prevent the spread of disease. A) throw out B) decontaminate C) incinerate D) properly store
B
Medical control gives you an order that seems inappropriate for the patient's condition. After confirming that you heard the physician correctly, you should: A) carry out the order and then carefully document it on the run form B) advise the physician that the order is unclear and ask for clarification C) state that you will not carry out the order because it is inappropriate D) obtain consent from the patient and then carry out the order as usual
B
Online medical control requires _________________. A) written protocols approved by medical control B) phone or radio contact with the medical director C) the presence of an advanced-level provider D) a physician's presence on the scene of the call
B
Prehospital patient care decisions should be based on______________. A) the opinions of physicians B) EMS research C) the experiences of EMT"s D) an EMS Agency's fiscal resources
B
Teh root "melan/o-" means: A) white B) black C) red D) gray
B
The MOST serious consequence of a poorly planned or rushed patient move is: A) unnecessarily wasting time B) injury to your or your patient C) causing your patient anxiety or fear D) confusion among team members
B
The ______ is a muscular dome that forms the inferior boundary of the thorax, separating the thorax from the abdomen. A) costal arch B) diaphragm C) mediastinum D) costovertebral angle
B
The _________ is both the mechanical weight-bearing base of the spinal column and the fused central posterior section of the pelvic girdle. A) coccyx B) sacrum C) thorax D) ischium
B
The average pulse rate of persons between 19 and 60 years of age is typically: A) 60 beats/min B) 70 beats/min C) 80 beats/min D) 90 beats/min
B
The rapid exam of a patient that occurs following the primary assessment should take no longer than: A) 30 seconds B) 60-90 seconds C) 90-120 seconds D) 120-180 seconds
B
The topographic term used to describe the location of body parts that are closer toward the midline of the body is: A) lateral B) medial C) midaxillary D) midclavicular
B
To facilitate a safe and coordinated move, the team leader should: A) be positioned at the feet so the team can hear B) use preparatory commands to initiate any moves C) speak softly but clearly to avoid startling the patient D) never become involved in the move, only direct the move
B
Urine is transported from the kidneys to the urinary bladder via the: A) prostate B) ureters C) urethra D) renal duct
B
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
When moving in a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, you should: A) secure the patient to a scoop stretcher and carry him or her headfirst down the stairs to the awaiting stretcher B) place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs and carry the patient down the stairs with a stair chair C) collapse the undercarriage of the wheeled stretcher and carefully carry the patient down the stairs on the stretcher D) assist the patient in walking down the stairs and place him or her on the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs
B
When providing a patient report via radio, you should protect the patient's privacy by: A) using coded medical language B) not disclosing his or her name C) withholding medical history data D) refraining from objective statements
B
When you are communicating with an older patient, it is important to remember that; A) your questions should focus exclusively on the patient's obvious problem B) Most older people think clearly and are capable of answering questions C) hostility and confusion should be presumed to be due to the patient's age D) speaking loudly and distinctly will ensure that the patient can hear you
B
Which aspect of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) MOST affects EMS personnel? A) controlling insurance costs B) protecting patient privacy C) preventing insurance fraud D) ensuring access to insurance
B
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 vehicle
B
Which of the following describes the Moro reflex? A) When something touches a neonate's cheek, he or she instinctively turns his or her head toward the touch B) The neonate opens his or her arms wide, spreads his or her fingers, and seems to grasp at something after being startled. C) An infant's heart rate decreases secondary to hypoxia because he or she depends heavily on the heart rate to perfuse the body. D) When the sole of the foot is stroked with a blunt object, the big toe lifts upward and the other toes fan out.
B
Which of the following descriptions MOST accurately portrays emergency medical services (EMS)? A) a vast network of advanced life support (ALS) provider definitive emergency care in the prehospital setting B) a team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured C) 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 D) a team of paramedics and emergency physicians who are responsible for providing emergency care to critically injured patients
B
Which of the following findings indicates that your patient has a patent airway? A) Audible breathing B) Forceful coughing C) Inspiratory stridor D) Unresponsiveness
B
Which of the following is NOT true of the lymphatic system? A) it relies on muscle movement to circulate lymph B) its vessels closely parallel the major arteries in the body C) it circulates oxygen, nutrients, and hormones D) it circulates waste products of metabolism away from cells
B
Which of the following is a specific example of the Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) model? A) EMTs assess a patient whose lung disease is "acting up" B) The paramedic administers a patient's flu vaccination C) EMTs respond to a woman who complains of high fever D) Paramedics pick up a patient from an acute care clinic
B
Which of the following statements regarding a "dedicated line" is correct? A) it is a frequency that is used exclusively by EMTs to communicate with one another in the field B) it is constantly open line of communication that cannot be accessed by outside users C) it is a designated frequently on a portable radio that provides direct access to medical control D) it is a constantly open line of communication that is under exclusive control of a single user
B
Which of the following statements regarding an emergency patient move is correct? A) the spine must be fully immobilized prior to performing an emergency move B) an emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment C) the patient is dragged against the body's long axis during an emergency move D) it is not possible to perform an emergency move without injuring the patient
B
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
Which of the following suffixes mean "two"? A) "primi-" and "dipl-" B) "dipl-" and "bi-" C) "bi-" and "null-" D) "primi-" and "bi-"
B
Which of the following systems is responsible for releasing chemicals that regulate body activities? A) nervous B) endocrine C) cardiovascular D) skeletal
B
Which of the following would provide the EMT with the BEST cover in a situation involving active gunfire? A) Behind a car door B) A concrete barricade C) A large cluster of shrubs D) Stacked empty barrels
B
While providing care to a patient, blood got onto the ambulance stretcher. Because the stretcher was not properly cleaned afterward, a virus was transmitted to another emergency medical technician (EMT) several days later. Which route of transmission does this scenario describe? A) Direct contact B) Indirect contact C) Airborne transmission D) Vector-borne transmission
B
With _________, the force of the injury occurs over a broad area, the skin is usually not broken. A) motor vehicle collisions B) blunt trauma C) penetrating trauma D) gunshot wounds
B
You are attending to a 34-year-old male patient who requires transport to the hospital for assessment of his chronic back pain. The patient weighs over 750 pounds. Your bariatric stretcher has a wider surface area to allow for: A) increased lifting capacity and patient weight load B) increased patient comfort and dignity C) increased stability and leverage when lifting with more than two providers D) better stability when moving the patient on uneven ground
B
You are encouraging a patient to go to the hospital by ambulance. You know that a transport will keep you on duty several hours after your regular quitting time. This is an example of _____________. A) undue hardship B) patient advocacy C) scope of practice D) abuse of authority
B
You are transporting a 54-year-old male in respiratory arrest. An EMR is driving the ambulance as you and your partner are caring for the patient. Which of the following is the MOST logical way of notifying the hospital? A) call the receiving hospital with your cell phone while providing patient care B) have the driver contact dispatch and relay the patient information to the hospital C) request that a police officer respond to the hospital to apprise the staff of you arrival D) wait until you arrive at the hospital and then quickly apprise the staff of the situation
B
You are transporting an elderly woman who has possibly experienced a stroke. She is obviously scared but is unable to talk and cannot move the entire right side of her body. In addition to providing the medical care that she needs, you should: A) reassure her that after proper treatment in the hospital, she will regain her speech in time B) acknowledge that she is scared and tell her that you will take good care of her C) maintain eye contact at all times and tell her that there is no need for her to be scared D) tell her that you understand why she is scared and that everything will likely be okay
B
As an EMT, you may be authorized to administer aspirin to a patient with chest pain based on: A) the patient's condition B) medical director approval C) an order from a paramedic D) the transport time to the hospital
B (unless in the written protocols in which you do not need the medical director's approval)
"Chondro" in the word chondritis means: A) tendon B) rib C) cartilage D) joint
C
"Gastro" in the word "gastroenteritis" means: A) intestine B) tongue C) stomach D) bowel
C
A patient has a large accumulation of blood in the sac surrounding the heart. What type of shock would this condition cause? A) Cardiogenic B) Neurogenic C) Obstructive D) Hypovolemic
C
A patient has fractured both femurs. Anatomically, these injuries would be described as being: A) medial B) proximal C) bilateral D) unilateral
C
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
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
A patient has a blood pressure of 130/70 mm Hg. The "130" in this measurement represents: A) atrial contraction B) ventricular filling C) ventricular contraction D) ventricular relaxation
C
An intoxicated 40-year-old male is found lying face down. How would you document his body's position? A) Dorsal B) Supine C) Prone D) Recumbent
C
Atherosclerosis is defined as ____________. A) constriction of the blood vessels B) the blockage of a coronary artery C) the buildup of plaque inside blood vessels D) dilation of the arteries
C
In contrast to typical wheeled ambulance stretchers, features of a bariatric stretcher include: A) a collapsible undercarriage B) weight capacity of up to 650 lbs C) increased stability from a wider wheelbase D) two safety rails on both sides of the stretcher
C
In preconventional reasoning, children: A) make decisions based on their conscience B) look for approval from their peers and society C) act almost purely to avoid punishment and to get what they want D) blame their actions on what they have observed in older children
C
Large amounts of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) are generated when: A) the cells function without oxygen B) circulating blood glucose levels fall C) the cells function with adequate oxygen D) carbon dioxide levels in the blood are high
C
Pathophysiology is the study of the functional changes that occur when the body reacts to a particular: A) medication B) assessment C) disease D) protocol
C
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
Scene size-up consists of all of the following, EXCEPT: A) determining the mechanism of injury B) requesting additional assistance C) determining level of responsiveness D) using personal protective equipment (PPE) and standard precautions
C
The EMT is legally obligated to protect a patient's privacy according to __________________. A) DCAP B) APGAR C) HIPAA D) CQI
C
The ability to handle multiple tasks based on their priority is called ______________. A) patient advocacy B) integrity C) time management D) patient empathy
C
The best indicator of brain function is the patient's: A) pulse rate B) papillary response C) mental status D) respiratory rate and depth
C
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
The simplest, yet most effective method of preventing the spread of an infectious disease is to: A) undergo an annual physical examination B) ensure that your immunization are up-to-date C) wash your hands in between patient contacts D) undergo annual testing for tuberculosis and hepatitis
C
The term "pericardiocentesis" means: A) a surgical opening made in the heart B) a surgical repair of the sac around the heart C) the removal of fluid from around the heart D) narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart
C
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
Vaccination against the hepatitis A virus is unnecessary if you: A) are older than 35 years of age B) have a weak immune system C) have been infected with hepatitis in the past D) received a hepatitis B vaccination
C
What should an EMT do to limit errors in the field? A) Carry an EMT text for reference at all times B) Deviate from established standards when necessary C) Follow the agency's written protocol D) Contact medical direction before initiating any treatments
C
When is forcible restraint permitted? A) any time that the EMT feels threatened B) only if consent to restrain is given by a family member C) when the patient poses a significant threat to self or others D) only if law enforcement personnel have witnessed threatened behavior
C
When pulling a patient, you should extend your arms no more than ___________ in front of your torso. A) 5 to 10 inches B) 10 to 15 inches C) 15 to 20 inches D) 20 to 30 inches
C
When you are communicating with an older patient, it is important to remember that: A) deafness and blindness are a normal part of the process of aging B) most older patients are confused due to a decrease in brain cells C) age-related changes diminish the effectiveness of the eyes and ears D) the majority of older patients experience a loss of low-frequency hearing
C
Which of the following incidents does NOT require a report to be filed with local authorities? A) spousal abuse B) animal bites C) cardiac arrest D) gunshot wounds
C
Which of the following conditions would be LEAST likely to cause an altered level of consciousness? A) drug overdose B) inadequate perfusion C) acute anxiety D) poisoning
C
Which of the following is NOT a common factor that would affect a 75-year-old patient's vital signs? A) Medications B) Overall health C) Increased weight D) Medical Conditions
C
Which of the following is NOT a function of the skin? A) Sensory reception B) temperature regulation C) metabolic coordination D) pressure and pain perception
C
Which of the following statements regarding a patient refused is correct? A) a patient who consumed a few beers will likely be able to refuse EMS treatment B) advice given to a patient who refuses EMS treatment should not be documented C) a mentally competent adult has the legal right to refuse EMS care and transport D) documentation of proposed care is unnecessary if the patient refuses treatment
C
Which of the following statements regarding stridor is correct? A) It is a whistling sound heard in the lower airway B) It is caused by incorrect airway positioning C) It is a high-pitched, crowing upper airway sound D) It suggests the presence of fluid in the lungs
C
Which of the following statements regarding the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is correct? A) the ADA applies to only to individuals with a diagnosed and well-documented physical disability B) the minimum number of hours required to successfully complete an EMT course is less for candidates who are disabled C) the ADA prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment to those who are disabled D) according to the ADA, EMT candidates with a documented disability are exempt from taking the NREMT exam
C
Which of the following statements regarding the different stages of the grieving process is correct? A) the grieving process typically begins with severe depression B) it is rare that people will jump back and forth between stages C) the stages of the grieving process may occur simultaneously D) bargaining is the most unpleasant of the grieving process
C
Which of the following structures does NOT contain smooth muscle? A) Blood vessels B) Urinary system C) skeletal system D) gastrointestinal system
C
Which of the following systems is responsible for releasing hormones that regulate body activities? A) Skeletal B) Nervous C) Endocrine D) Reproductive
C
Which of the following types of questions allow for the most detailed response? A) Yes or no questions B) Closed-ended questions C) Open-ended questions D) Multiple questions asked at once
C
Why do middle adults commonly experience financial concerns? A) They are typically receiving social security and must budget with a fixed income B) Most people in the middle adult age group have chronic illnesses and cannot work C) They are preparing for retirement but must still manage everyday financial demands. D) the majority of middle adults still have small children who live at home with them.
C
You are attending to a 26-year-old female who is 34 weeks pregnant with her first child. Your patient has been having lower abdominal pains and cramping for the past two hours. In placing your patient on the stretcher and preparing for transport, you should place her: A) supine with her legs elevated B) in the Fowler position C) on her left side D) in a position of comfort
C
You are caring for a 56-year-old male patient complaining of abdominal pain. Your service has recently switched to an electronic PCR system (ePCR). When completing the ePCR, it is important to be aware that: A) the ePCR is relatively unsecured and should not contain patient-specific information B) the ePCR does not contain the same level of information as the written version and your verbal report should be expanded C) the ePCR allows patient information to be transmitted directly to the receiving hospital's computers D) a written patient care record will need to be completed on arrival at the hospital
C
You are dispatched to the county jail for an inmate who is "sick". When you arrive, you find the patient, a 33-year-old male, unresponsive. His airway is patent and his respirations are rapid and shallow. Your initial action should be to: A) apply a pulse oximeter B) request a paramedic unit C) provide assisted ventilation D) assess his blood pressure
C
You are providing care to a 61-year-old female complaining of chest pain that is cardiac in origin. Your service utilizes a multiplex communication system. You wish to transmit the patient's electrocardiogram to the hospital. In order to accomplish this, you must: A) send the electrocardiogram from the back of the ambulance B) be aware that only audio or data transmissions can be sent at any one time C) use the multiplex system to transmit the information D) wait until you reach the hospital to transmit the information
C
You could be sued for _____ if your radio report to the hospital describes the patient in a manner that injures his or her reputation. A) libel B) assault C) slander D) negligence
C
You should suspect that a patient is experiencing respiratory failure if her or she: A) is restless and is working hard to breathe B) has an increased heart rate and retractions C) has bradycardia and diminished muscle tone D) is anxious, tachycardic, and leaning forward
C
The reason a patient called for help.
Chief complaint
A 5-year-old boy has fallen and has a severe deformity of the forearm near the wrist. He has possibly sustained a fracture of the _______________ forearm. A) proximal B) superior C) dorsal D) distal
D
A normal systolic blood pressure for a 30-year-old is between: A) 60 and 120 mm Hg B) 70 and 140 mm Hg C) 80 and 120 mm Hg D) 90 and 140 mm Hg
D
A patient who does not respond to your questions, but moves or cries out when his or her trapezius muscle is pinched, is said to be: A) conscious and alert B) completely unresponsive C) responsive to verbal stimuli D) responsive to painful stimuli
D
A patient with spontaneous respirations is breathing: A) at a normal rate B) with shallow depth C) without difficulty D) without assistance
D
After performing a head tilt-chin lift maneuver to open the airway of an unresponsive patient who has a pulse, 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
An elderly patient has fallen and hit her head. 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
An infant's blood pressure typically increases with age because: A) The infant's total blood volume decreases with age B) his or her normal heart rate usually increases with age C) As the infant gets older, his or her blood vessels dilate D) blood pressure directly corresponds to body weight
D
As you are wheeling your patient through the emergency department doors, you receive another call for a major motor vehicle crash. You should: A) place the patient in a high-visibility area and then respond to the call B) inform the admissions clerk of the situation and then respond at once C) leave a copy of the run form with a nurse and then respond to the call D) respond only after giving a verbal patient report to a nurse or physician
D
At the scene of an automobile crash, a utility pole has been broken and power lines are lying across the car. The patients inside the car are conscious. You should: A) proceed with normal extrication procedures B) remove the lines with a nonconductive object C) advise the patients to carefully get out of the car D) mark off a danger zone around the downed lines
D
Bile is produced by the liver and concentrated and stored in the: A) kidneys B) pancreas C) stomach D) gallbladder
D
During an EMS call, you should take standard precautions: A) before you load the patient into the ambulance B) after it has been determined that the patient is bleeding C) immediately after completion of your primary assessment D) before exiting the ambulance and before actual patient contact
D
Ethnocentrism is defined as: A) understanding that people from different cultural backgrounds respond to pain and stress differently B) suspecting that a person has an ulterior motive based on the tone of his or her voice when answering a question C) subconsciously forcing your cultural values onto a patient because you feel that your own values are more acceptable D) considering your own cultural values to be more important when interacting with people of a different culture
D
For children younger than 1-year-old, you should palpate the _____ artery when assessing the pulse. A) carotid B) radial C) femoral D) brachial
D
Gloves, a mask, eye protection, and a face shield should be used: A) wherever you tough nonintact skin B) during routine cleaning of the ambulance C) while handling needles or other sharps D) when performing endotracheal intubation
D
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
In relation to the chest, the back is: A) ventral B) inferior C) anterior D) posterior
D
In which of the following circumstances can the EMT legally release confidential patient information? A) a police officer requests a copy to place on file B) the family requests a copy for insurance purposes C) a media representative inquires about the patient D) the patient is competent and signs a release form
D
Maintaining the chain of evidence at the scene of a crime should include: A) quickly moving any weapons out of the patient's sight B) placing the patient in a private area until the police arrive C) making brief notes at the scene and then completing them later D) not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons
D
Supplemental oxygen without assisted ventilation would MOST likely be administered to patients: A) who are semi-conscious 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
The MOST serious consequence of drug or alcohol abuse among EMS personnel is: A) punitive action and the loss of a job B) low moral and frequently missed shifts C) tension among coworkers and supervisors D) substandard or inappropriate patient care
D
The ______________ is connected to the intestine by the bile ducts. A) stomach B) spleen C) appendix D) liver
D
The ability to take appropriate action with little direction is known as _____________. A) diplomacy B) self-confidence C) time management D) self-motivation
D
The areas of the infant's skull that have not yet fused together are called ___________________. A) ventricles B) cranial valleys C) sutures D) fontanelles
D
The brain connects to the spinal cord through a large opening at the base of the skull called the: A) foamen ovale B) vertebral foramen C) spinous foramen D) foramen magnum
D
The meaning "around" can have which of the following prefixes? A) "epi-" and "sub-" B) "sub-" and "infra-" C) "infra-" and "peri-" D) "peri-" and "circum-"
D
The risk of bleeding in the skull, which increases with age, is MOST directly related to: A) blood vessel dilation B) a decrease in neurons C) meningeal deterioration D) shrinkage of the brain
D
The suffix "-pathy" means: A) enlargement B) study of C) specialist D) disease
D
The waste products of aerobic metabolism include: A) ATP and glucose B) glucose and lactic acid C) uric acid and nitrogen D) carbon dioxide and water
D
To help protect patients, EMS agencies are required to have __________________. A) public forums with their medical director B) online access to patient records C) an anonymous reporting system D) a privacy officer to answer questions
D
To minimize the risk of injuring yourself when lifting or moving a patient, you should: A) flex at the waist instead of the hips B) avoid the use of log rolls over body drags C) use a direct carry whenever possible D) keep the weight as close to your body as possible
D
To protect a restrained patient and prevent him from using leverage to break free, the EMT should secure ________. A) both arms above the head B) both arms at the patient's side C) only the patient's torso D) one arm above the head
D
Upon arriving at a potentially unsafe scene, you should: A) remove all bystanders B) request another ambulance C) move the patient to safety D) ensure that you are safe
D
Upon arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you note that two small cars collided head-on; the occupants are still in their vehicles. The fire department is in the process of stabilizing the vehicles and law enforcement personnel are directing traffic. After parking the ambulance at a safe distance, you and your partner should: A) quickly begin the triage process B) assist with vehicle stabilization C) report to the incident commander D) put on high-visibility safety vests
D
What happens when blood volume is lost from the body? A) Arterial blood is diverted to the skin and muscles B) the veins dilate to increase systemic perfusion C) widespread vasodilation causes blood pressure to decrease D) the arteries contract to increase the blood pressure
D
What is the function of the fallopian tubes? A) to connect the ovaries B) to supply blood to the uterine lining C) to produce progesterone and estrogen D) to transport a mature egg to the uterus
D
When performing his or her duties, the EMT is generally expected to: A) consistently exceed the standard of care B) contact medical control on every EMS call C) function above his or her scope of practice D) exercise reasonable care and act prudently
D
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
Which of the following components are needed to prove negligence? A) Abandonment, breach of duty, damages, and causation B) Duty to act, abandonment, breach of duty, and causation C) Duty to act, breach of duty, injury/damages, and causation D) Breach of duty, injury/damages, abandonment, and causation
D
Which of the following conditions or situations presents the MOST unique challenge to the EMT when immobilizing an elderly patient on a long backboard? A) joint flexibility B) patient disorientation C) naturally deformed bones D) abnormal spinal curvature
D
Which of the following interventions is used by all levels of EMS providers? A) Multilumen airways B) Needle decompression C) Automatic transport ventilators D) Automated external defibrillator
D
Which of the following is an effective stress management strategy? A) Frequently reflecting on troublesome calls B) Requesting overtime to occupy your mind C) Modestly increasing caffeine consumption D) Developing a social network outside of EMS
D
Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reaction? A) An EMT which many years of field experience becomes irritable with her coworkers and experiences headaches and insomnia B) A newly certified EMT becomes extremely nauseated and diaphoretic at the scene of an incident involving grotesque injuries C) An EMT is emotionally exhausted and depressed after a school bus crash involving critical injuries and the death of several children D) An EMT becomes distracted at the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving the same type of car in which a child was previously killed
D
Which of the following scenarios does NOT involve the presence of any symptoms? A) A 44-year-old male with abdominal pain and severe dizziness B) A 49-year-old female with blurred vision and ringing in the ears C) A 55-year-old male with a severe headache and 2 days of nausea D) A 61-year-old female who is unconscious with facial cyanosis
D
Which of the following statements regarding HIV is correct? A) HIV is far more contagious than hepatitis B B) HIV is easily transmittable in the EMS field C) HIV is transmitted exclusively via blood D) There is no vaccine against HIV infection
D
Which of the following statements regarding the NREMT is correct? A) The NREMT is a governmental agency that certifies EMTs B) EMS training standards are regulated by the NREMT C) the NREMT is the exclusive certifying body for EMTs D) the NREMT provides a national standard for EMS training
D
Which organ lies in the lateral and posterior portion of the upper left quadrant of the abdomen? A) Liver B) Stomach C) Cecum D) Spleen
D
Which 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) Formal B) Implied C) Informed D) Expressed
D
You and our partner arrive at the scene of a major motor vehicle crash. The driver, a young male, is severely entrapped in his car. He has an open head injury and massive facial trauma He is unresponsive, is not breathing, and does not have a palpable carotid pulse. You should: A) stop any active bleeding and advise dispatch to send a paramedic crew B) ventilate the patient for 5 minutes and then stop if there is no response C) request the fire department to extricate the patient so you can begin CPR D) have your partner check for a pulse to confirm that the patient is deceased
D
You are assessing a 72-year-old man with abdominal pain. The patient is sitting in a chair; he is conscious, alert, and calm. As you are talking to the patient, your partner discreetly directs your attention to a handgun, which is located at a nearby table. You should: A) immediately cease all patient care, carefully back out of the residence, and request law enforcement assistance B) direct your partner to move the gun to a safe area then advise the patient that his weapon has been secured C) document the presence of the weapon, including its specific location, and continue your assessment of the patient D) position yourself in between the patient and the gun and ask your partner to request law enforcement assistance
D
You are called to attend to an elderly patient with an extensive medical history who is now in cardiac arrest. The patient's family tells you that the patient has a DNR order. There is no paperwork available but the patient does have a MedicAlert bracelet indicating Do Not Resuscitate. You should: A) initiate resuscitation in the absence of paperwork B) confirm the patient's identity and honor the DNR order C) transport with minimal care D) confirm the patient's identity and then confirm the DNR by calling the MedicAlert Foundation number on the bracelet
D
You are transporting a 67-year-old female patient to the hospital for investigation of abdominal pain. The patient care record indicates that the patient has a history of AAA. Based on this information, the patient care record includes an abbreviation for: A) acute abdominal assessment B) against ambulance advice C) acute abdominal aneurysm D) abdominal aortic aneurysm
D
The mental status of a patient.
Orientation
If a patient seems to develop difficulty breathing after your primary assessment, you should immediately reevaluate the ___________.
airway
Skin that is cool, clammy, and pale in your primary assessment typically indicates ________.
hypoperfusion
_____________ is the circulation of blood within an organ or tissue.
perfusion
A brassy, crowing sound that is prominent on inspiration and suggests a mildly occluded airway is referred to as _________.
stridor
The process of establishing treatment and transport priorities.
triage
The movement of air between the lungs and the environment is called _____________.
ventilation