Medical Knowledge Assessments
Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) would MOST likely be contraindicated in which of the following situations? a. Shortness of breath and a blood pressure of 76/56 mm Hg b. Conscious and alert patient with an oxygen saturation of 85% c. Difficulty breathing, two-word dyspnea, and tachycardia d. Pulmonary edema, history of hypertension, and anxiety
a
A patient with atherosclerotic heart disease experiences chest pain during exertion because: a. the lumen of the coronary artery is narrowed and cannot accommodate increased blood flow. b. tissues of the myocardium undergo necrosis secondary to a prolonged absence of oxygen. c. the coronary arteries suddenly spasm and cause a marked reduction in myocardial blood flow. d. the ragged edge of a tear in the coronary artery lumen causes local blood clotting and arterial narrowing.
A
Before giving activated charcoal, you should: a. obtain approval from medical control. b. have the patient drink a glass of milk. c. mix the suspension by stirring the bottle. d. mix it with an equal amount of water.
A
Common causes of acute psychotic behavior include all of the following, EXCEPT: a. Alzheimer's disease. b. mind-altering substance use. c. intense stress. d. schizophrenia.
A
Common signs and symptoms of acute hyperventilation syndrome include: a. tachypnea and tingling in the extremities. b. anxiety, dizziness, and severe bradypnea. c. unilateral paralysis and slurred speech. d. altered mental status and bradycardia.
A
EMTs receive a call for a possible sexual assault. The patient is a young female who is conscious and alert and has no apparent injuries. She states, "I can't remember anything, but I know I was raped." The EMTs should suspect that: a. the patient was given a drug prior to the incident. b. the traumatic experience has created a mental block. c. an underlying head injury is causing her amnesia. d. the patient knew her attacker, but is afraid to say.
A
Naloxone (Narcan) would reverse the effects of: a. temazepam (Restoril). b. hydromorphone (Dilaudid). c. phenobarbital (Luminal). d. diazepam (Valium).
B
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes experience polyuria because: a. high blood sugar levels cause permanent kidney damage. b. excess glucose in the blood is excreted by the kidneys. c. they drink excess amounts of water due to dehydration. d. low blood glucose levels result in cellular dehydration.
B
When caring for a woman who is experiencing a gynecologic emergency, the EMT's main focus should be to: a. keep assessment and treatment to a minimum. b. maintain her ABCs and transport without delay. c. determine the underlying cause of her problem. d. ask questions related to her gynecologic history.
B
When obtaining a SAMPLE history from a patient with diabetes who has an altered mental status, it would be MOST important to determine: a. the name of the physician who prescribed his or her insulin. b. if he or she has had any recent illnesses or excessive stress. c. approximately how much water the patient drank that day. d. if there is a family history of diabetes or related conditions.
B
A 59-year-old male presents with sudden-onset severe lower back pain. He is conscious and alert, but very restless and diaphoretic. Your assessment reveals a pulsating mass to the left of his umbilicus. You should: a. administer oxygen and prepare for immediate transport. b. vigorously palpate the abdomen to establish pain severity. c. place the patient in a sitting position and transport at once. d. request a paramedic unit to give the patient pain medication.
A
In contrast to inhalation, exhalation: a. is a passive process caused by increased intrathoracic pressure. b. requires muscular effort to effectively expel air from the lungs. c. occurs when the diaphragm lowers and expels air from the lungs. d. is an active process caused by decreased intrathoracic pressure.
A
Low pithed, rattling sound is inspiratory sounds are characteristic of: a. rhonchi. b. stridor. c. rales. d. wheezing.
A
Muscle control and body coordination are controlled by the: a. cerebellum. b. cerebral cortex. c. cerebrum. d. brain stem.
A
Signs and symptoms of a hypertensive emergency would MOST likely be delayed in patients who: a. have chronic hypertension. b. regularly take illegal drugs. c. are older than 40 years of age. d. have had a stroke in the past.
A
The MOST important treatment for a patient with severe abdominal pain and signs of shock is: a. transporting the patient without delay. b. giving oral fluids to maintain perfusion. c. positioning the patient on his or her side. d. administering high-flow oxygen.
A
The physical examination of a sexual assault victim should be: a. limited to a brief survey for life-threatening injuries. b. performed in the presence of at least two police officers. c. as detailed as possible so all injuries can be documented. d. deferred until the patient can be evaluated by a physician.
A
When caring for a patient experiencing excited delirium, the EMT should remember that: a. sudden death can occur if the patient's violence is not controlled. b. lights and siren are effective in redirecting the patient's behavior. c. excited delirium is worsened by nervous system depressant drugs. d. most patients will have low blood pressure and hyperglycemia.
A
Which of the following is an example of a trade (brand) name of a drug? a. Tylenol b. Ibuprofen c. Nitroglycerin d. Furosemide
A
You are assessing the arm drift component of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale on a 60-year-old woman. When she holds both of her arms out in front of her and closes her eyes, both of her arms immediately fall to her sides. You should: a. repeat the arm drift test, but move the patient's arms into position yourself. b. repeat the arm drift test and ensure that her palms are facing downward. c. instruct the patient to keep her eyes open and then repeat the arm drift test. d. defer this part of the test and assess her for facial droop and slurred speech.
A
You may not be able to determine whether a person has a mental illness, but you can predict the person's likelihood of becoming: a. violent. b. psychotic. c. suicidal. d. diabetic.
A
Your priority in caring for a patient with a surface contact poisoning is to: a. avoid contaminating yourself. b. decontaminate the patient's skin. c. obtain and maintain a patent airway. d. move the patient to a safe area.
A
A 28-year-old female patient is found to be responsive to verbal stimuli only. Her roommate states that she was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and has had difficulty controlling her blood sugar level. She further tells you that the patient has been urinating excessively and has progressively worsened over the last 24 to 36 hours. On the basis of this patient's clinical presentation, you should suspect that she: a. has a urinary tract infection. b. is significantly hyperglycemic. c. has overdosed on her insulin. d. has a low blood glucose level.
B
A 37-year-old male is having a severe allergic reaction to penicillin. He does not have an epinephrine auto-injector, and your protocols do not allow you to carry epinephrine on the ambulance. How should you proceed with the treatment of this patient? a. Ask the patient if he has any diphenhydramine tablets that you can administer. b. Administer oxygen, transport at once, and request a paramedic intercept. c. Quickly determine if there are any bystanders who may carry epinephrine. d. Remain at the scene with the patient and request a paramedic ambulance.
B
A 66-year-old female with a history of hypertension and diabetes presents with substernal chest pressure of 2 hours' duration. Her blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, her pulse is 100 beats/min and irregular, her respirations are 22 breaths/min, and her oxygen saturation is 92%. The patient does not have prescribed nitroglycerin, but her husband does. You should: a. obtain a SAMPLE history and contact medical control for advice. b. administer oxygen, give her 324 mg of aspirin, and assess her further. c. give her one nitroglycerin and reassess her systolic blood pressure. d. give her high-flow oxygen, attach the AED, and transport at once.
B
A 74-year-old woman complains of heaviness in her chest, nausea, and sweating that suddenly began about an hour ago. She is conscious and alert, but anxious. Her blood pressure is 144/84 mm Hg and her heart rate is 110 beats/min. She took two of her prescribed nitroglycerin (0.4-mg tablets) before your arrival but still feels heaviness in her chest. You should: a. transport her at once and wait at least 20 minutes before you consider assisting her with a third dose of her prescribed nitroglycerin. b. recall that geriatric patients often take multiple medications and that interactions can occur with potentially negative effects. c. assist her in taking one more of her nitroglycerin tablets, reassess her blood pressure, and contact medical control for further instructions. d. give her high-flow oxygen, avoid giving her any more nitroglycerin because it may cause a drop in her blood pressure, and transport.
B
A raised, swollen, well-defined area on the skin that is the result of an insect bite or sting is called: a. urticaria. b. a wheal. c. purpura. d. a pustule.
B
After administering activated charcoal to a patient, it is most important to: a. monitor the patient's blood pressure. b. be alert for vomiting. c. document the intervention. d. call medical control.
B
Central chemoreceptors located in the medulla provide feedback to increase the rate and depth of breathing when they sense: a. decreased levels of oxygen in the blood and an increase in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid. b. slight increases in carbon dioxide or a decrease in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid. c. slight decreases in carbon dioxide and an increase in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid. d. increased levels of oxygen in the blood and a decrease in the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid.
B
Components of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale include: a. facial droop, speech, and pupil size. b. arm drift, speech, and facial droop. c. arm drift, memory, and grip strength. d. speech, pupil reaction, and memory.
B
General guidelines for managing a patient with a behavioral emergency include: a. allowing the patient to be alone if he or she wishes. b. being prepared to spend extra time with the patient. c. placing the patient between yourself and an exit. d. firmly identifying yourself as an EMS provider.
B
General treatment for a woman with vaginal bleeding and shock following sexual assault includes all of the following, EXCEPT: a. refraining from placing any dressings into the vagina. b. carefully removing any foreign bodies from the vagina. c. supplemental oxygen and keeping the patient supine. d. treating external lacerations with sterile compresses.
B
Harsh, high-pitched inspiratory sounds are characteristic of: a. rhonchi. b. stridor. c. rales. d. wheezing.
B
Which of the following MOST accurately defines an allergic reaction? a. A direct negative effect on the body by an external substance b. An exaggerated immune system response to any substance c. A release of erythrocytes in response to a foreign substance d. Destruction of the immune system by an external substance
B
Which of the following conditions would affect the "Q" portion of the V/Q ratio? a. Pulmonary edema b. Pulmonary embolism c. Slow, shallow breathing d. Airway obstruction
B
Which of the following is an example of a generic of a drug? a. Excedrin b. Aspirin c. Bayer d. Advil
B
Which of the following is an example of a rules-based medication error? a. The EMT administers a drug that is contraindicated for the patient. b. The EMT administers a drug that is not approved by the medical director. c. The EMT accidentally gives a higher drug dose than what is indicated. d. The EMT administers the correct drug, but gives it by the wrong route.
B
You are dispatched to a local nursery for a 39-year-old female who is sick. When you arrive, you find the patient lying on the floor. She is semiconscious, has copious amounts of saliva coming from her mouth, and is incontinent of urine. You quickly feel her pulse and note that it is very slow. Immediate management for this patient should include: a. performing a rapid secondary assessment. b. thoroughly suctioning her oropharynx. c. requesting a paramedic to give her atropine. d. assisted ventilation with a bag-mask device.
B
You respond to the residence of a 70-year-old male who complains of weakness and severe shortness of breath. His wife tells you that he is a dialysis patient, but has missed his last two treatments. After applying oxygen, you auscultate his lungs and hear diffuse rhonchi. The patient is conscious, but appears confused. His blood pressure is 98/54 mm Hg, his pulse rate is 120 beats/min and irregular, and his respirations are 24 breaths/min and labored. You should: a. treat for shock and request a paramedic unit to respond to the scene and assist you. b. leave him in a sitting position, keep him warm, and prepare for immediate transport. c. perform a detailed secondary assessment and then transport him to a dialysis center. d. place him in a supine position, elevate his lower extremities, and transport at once.
B
A 19-year-old female is found unconscious by her roommate. Your primary assessment reveals that her breathing is inadequate. As you insert an oropharyngeal airway, she begins to gag violently. You should: a. select a smaller oropharyngeal airway and attempt to insert it. b. insert the airway no further but leave it in place as a bite block. c. remove the airway and be prepared to suction her oropharynx. d. continue to insert the airway as you suction her oropharynx.
C
A 30-year-old male experienced a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure, which stopped before you arrived at the scene. The patient is conscious, is answering your questions appropriately, and refuses EMS transport. Which of the following would be the MOST compelling reason to disagree with his refusal of transport? a. His wife states that this was his "usual" seizure. b. He has experienced seizures since he was 20. c. He is currently not prescribed any medications. d. His Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score is 15.
C
A 30-year-old woman with a history of alcoholism presents with severe upper abdominal pain and is vomiting large amounts of bright red blood. Her skin is cool, pale, and clammy; her heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak; and her blood pressure is 70/50 mm Hg. Your MOST immediate action should be to: a. give her high-flow supplemental oxygen. b. keep her supine and keep her warm. c. protect her airway from aspiration. d. rapidly transport her to the hospital.
C
A conscious and alert 29-year-old female with a history of asthma complains of difficulty breathing that began after her morning jog. The temperature outside is 40°F (5°C). On exam, you hear bilateral expiratory wheezing. After providing supplemental oxygen, you should: a. call medical control and ask how to proceed with treatment. b. place her in a recumbent position to facilitate breathing. c. determine if she has been prescribed a beta-agonist inhaler. d. contact medical control and administer an antihistamine.
C
A ventilation/perfusion (V/Q ratio) mismatch occurs when: a. ventilation is inadequate due to a traumatic injury or medical condition, which results in an impairment in pulmonary gas exchange. b. ventilation is compromised, resulting in the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream, alveoli, and the tissues and cells of the body. c. a disruption in blood flow inhibits the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs, even though the alveoli are filled with fresh oxygen. d. a traumatic injury or medical condition impairs the body's ability to effectively bring oxygen into the lungs and remove carbon dioxide from the body.
C
A young female presents with costovertebral angle tenderness. She is conscious and alert with stable vital signs. Which of the following organs is MOST likely causing her pain? a. Gallbladder b. Pancreas c. Kidney d. Liver
C
Chemicals that are responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include: a. the bee venom itself. b. adrenaline and histamines. c. histamines and leukotrienes. d. leukocytes and epinephrine.
C
Crackling, bubbling or popping inspiratory sounds are characteristic of: rhonchi. stridor. rales. wheezing.
C
Diabetes is MOST accurately defined as a(n): a. lack of insulin production in the pancreas. b. abnormally high blood glucose level. c. disorder of glucose metabolism. d. mass excretion of glucose by the kidneys.
C
During your assessment of a 50-year-old male who was found unresponsive in an alley, you note that he has slow, shallow respirations; bradycardia; facial cyanosis; and pinpoint pupils. As your partner begins assisting the patient's ventilations, he directs your attention to the patient's arms, which have multiple needle tracks on them. Which of the following would most likely explain the patient's presentation? a. Delirium tremens b. Alcohol intoxication c. Heroin overdose d. Closed-head injury
C
How does positive-pressure ventilation affect cardiac output? a. It decreases intrathoracic pressure, which facilitates venous return to the heart and increases cardiac output. b. It causes pressure in the chest to decrease, which increases stroke volume and cardiac output. c. It increases intrathoracic pressure, which decreases venous return to the heart and causes a decrease in cardiac output. d. There is no effect on cardiac output because positive-pressure ventilation is the act of normal breathing.
C
Insulin functions in the body by: a. metabolizing glucose to make energy. b. increasing circulating blood glucose. c. enabling glucose to enter the cells. d. producing new glucose as needed.
C
Pain that radiates to the right lower quadrant from the umbilical area, nausea and vomiting, and lack of appetite are MOST indicative of: a. cholecystitis. b. pancreatitis. c. appendicitis. d. gastroenteritis.
C
Solid abdominal organs include the: a. stomach and small intestine. b. gallbladder and large intestine. c. spleen, kidneys, and pancreas. d. urinary bladder, colon, and ureters.
C
The term "behavioral crisis" is MOST accurately defined as: a. a medical illness with psychological symptoms that may lead to limited motor functioning. b. a sudden, violent outburst of an otherwise mentally stable person toward a family member. c. a situation in which a patient of any age exhibits agitated, violent, or uncooperative behavior. d. a period of severe depression that lasts longer than 2 weeks and cannot be controlled with medications.
C
When you are obtaining medical history from the family of a suspected stroke patient, it is MOST important to determine: a. if there is a family history of a stroke. b. the patient's overall medication compliance. c. when the patient last appeared normal. d. if the patient has been hospitalized before.
C
Which of the following conditions is more common in women than in men? a. Hepatitis b. Cholecystitis c. Cystitis d. Pancreatitis
C
Which of the following drugs is commonly referred to as "roofies"? a. MDMA b. Ketamine c. Rohypnol d. GHB
C
Which of the following statements regarding the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is correct? a. Shaking an MDI prior to use will cause deactivation of the medication. b. MDIs are contraindicated for patients with asthma or emphysema. c. An MDI delivers the same amount of medication every time it is used. d. MDIs are most commonly used by patients with cardiovascular disease.
C
Which of the following would MOST likely provide clues regarding the source of a patient's allergic reaction? a. The patient's general physical appearance b. The patient's family history c. The environment in which the patient is found d. The time of year in which the exposure occurred
C
You are assessing a 49-year-old man who, according to his wife, experienced a sudden, severe headache and then passed out. He is unresponsive and has slow, irregular breathing. His blood pressure is 190/94 mm Hg, and his pulse rate is 50 beats/min. His wife tells you that he has hypertension and diabetes. He has MOST likely experienced: a. an occluded cerebral artery. b. acute hypoglycemia. c. a ruptured cerebral artery. d. a complex partial seizure.
C
You are dispatched to a residence for a 40-year-old female who complains of lower abdominal pain, fever and chills, and a foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Which of the following additional assessment findings would increase your index of suspicion for pelvic inflammatory disease? a. Vaginal passage of blood clots b. A history of ectopic pregnancy c. A shuffling gait when walking d. Bright red blood in the urine
C
You respond to a call for an unknown emergency. When you arrive at the scene, the patient's husband meets you at the door and states that his wife has been depressed and has locked herself in an upstairs bedroom. He further tells you that he keeps his handgun in the bedroom. You should: a. go upstairs with caution and attempt to talk to the patient. b. get in your ambulance and leave the scene immediately. c. remain in a safe place and request law enforcement. d. ask the husband to attempt to reason with his wife.
C
A 29-year-old pregnant woman has had severe vomiting for the last 2 days. Today, she is vomiting large amounts of blood. Her skin is cool and pale, and she is tachycardic. The EMT should suspect: a. esophagitis. b. acute pancreatitis. c. esophageal varices. d. Mallory-Weiss tear.
D
A 38-year-old male with a history of schizophrenia is reported by neighbors to be screaming and throwing things in his house. You are familiar with the patient and have cared for him in the past for unrelated problems. Law enforcement officers escort you into the residence when you arrive. The patient tells you that he sees vampires and is attempting to ward them off by screaming and throwing things at them. He has several large lacerations to his forearms that are actively bleeding. The MOST appropriate way to manage this situation is to: a. approach the patient and calm him by placing your hand on his shoulder. b. try to gain the patient's trust by telling him that you see the vampires too. c. request that the police officers arrest him and take him to the hospital. d. restrain the patient with appropriate force in order to treat his injuries.
D
A 60-year-old male presents with acute respiratory distress. He is conscious and alert, has pink and dry skin, and has respirations of 22 breaths/min with adequate depth. Which of the following treatments is MOST appropriate for this patient? a. Oxygen via a nasal cannula, vital signs, and prompt transport to the hospital b. Assisted ventilation with a bag-valve mask and a head-to-toe exam c. Positive-pressure ventilations and immediate transport to the closest hospital d. Oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and a focused secondary assessment
D
A hypnotic drug is one that: a. increases the pulse. b. prevents amnesia. c. increases the senses. d. induces sleep.
D
A patient who presents with rapid breathing, nausea and vomiting, ringing in the ears, and hyperthermia should be suspected of ingesting a significant quantity of: a. cocaine. b. ibuprofen. c. acetaminophen. d. aspirin.
D
After assisting your patient with prescribed nitroglycerin, you should: a. place the patient in a recumbent position in case of fainting. b. perform a secondary assessment before administering further doses. c. avoid further dosing if the patient complains of a severe headache. d. reassess his or her blood pressure within 5 minutes to detect hypotension.
D
Common signs and symptoms of severe hyperglycemia include all of the following, EXCEPT: a. warm, dry skin. b. acetone breath odor. c. rapid, thready pulse. d. cool, clammy skin.
D
During your assessment of a young female with nontraumatic vaginal bleeding, you note that her level of consciousness is decreased, her respirations are rapid and shallow, her skin is cool and moist, and her pulse is rapid and weak. You should: a. perform a rapid secondary assessment. b. assess her blood pressure and elevate her legs. c. perform a visual assessment of her vaginal area. d. assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device.
D
Epinephrine is indicated for patients with an allergic reaction when: a. the patient is anxious and tachycardic. b. a paramedic is present at the scene. c. the reaction produces severe urticaria. d. wheezing and hypotension are present.
D
Gas exchange in the lungs is facilitated by: a. pulmonary capillary constriction. b. water or blood within the alveoli. c. surfactant-destroying organisms. d. adequate amounts of surfactant.
D
Inhalation occurs when the: a. diaphragm ascends and the intercostal muscles contract, causing a decrease in intrathoracic pressure. b. diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax and cause an increase in intrathoracic pressure. c. diaphragm and intercostal muscles ascend and cause an increase in intrathoracic pressure. d. diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract and cause a decrease in intrathoracic pressure.
D
It is MOST important for the EMT to remember that suicidal patients may: a. be self-destructive. b. inject illicit drugs. c. have a definitive plan. d. be homicidal as well.
D
Ketone production is the result of: a. rapid entry of glucose across the cell membrane. b. blood glucose levels higher than 120 mg/dL. c. acidosis when blood glucose levels are low. d. fat metabolization when glucose is unavailable.
D
Organic brain syndrome is defined as: a. a disorder that cannot be traced to the abnormal structure or function of an organ. b. bizarre behavior secondary to a chemical imbalance or disturbance in the brain. c. a change in behavior or mental status secondary to decreased cerebral blood flow. d. a dysfunction of the brain caused by abnormal physical or physiological function.
D
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) typically does NOT affect the: a. fallopian tubes. b. uterus. c. ovaries. d. urinary bladder.
D
Signs of absorbed poison exposure include all of the following, except: a. liquid or powder on a patient's skin. b. burns, itching, or irritation to the skin. c. redness of skin in light-skinned people. d. severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
D
The kidneys help to regulate blood pressure by: a. retaining key electrolytes, such as potassium. b. eliminating toxic waste products from the body. c. accommodating a large amount of blood volume. d. removing sodium and water from the body
D
Two of the MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are: a. hypertension and swollen hands. b. watery eyes and localized itching. c. expiratory stridor and tachycardia. d. urticaria and angioedema.
D
When assessing a patient with a behavioral crisis, you should: a. spend as little time with the patient as possible. b. frisk the patient for the presence of weapons. c. ask the police to handcuff the patient for safety. d. be direct and clearly state your intentions.
D
When assessing for arm drift of a patient with a suspected stroke, you should: a. expect to see one arm slowly drift down to the patient's side. b. observe movement of the arms for approximately 2 minutes. c. ask the patient to hold his or her arms up with the palms down. d. ask the patient to close his or her eyes during the assessment.
D
When caring for a female patient who has been sexually assaulted, you should: a. allow law enforcement to take her statement before you begin treatment. b. advise her that she will not be allowed to shower or change her clothes. c. ask the patient for a concise, detailed report of what happened to her. d. place any bloodstained clothing or other articles in separate paper bags.
D
When documenting a call in which a female was sexually assaulted, you should: a. only use quotation marks when recording any statements made by witnesses. b. record your opinion only if you have reasonable proof to justify the statement. c. translate the patient's words or statements using proper medical terminology. d. keep the report concise and record only what the patient stated in her own words.
D
Which of the following MOST accurately describes the cause of an ischemic stroke? a. Narrowing of a carotid artery b. Acute atherosclerotic disease c. Rupture of a cerebral artery d. Blockage of a cerebral artery
D
With the flowmeter set at 6 L/min, the nasal cannula will deliver up to _______ oxygen. a. 34% b. 24% c. 14% d. 44%
D
You are dispatched to an apartment complex where a 21-year-old female has apparently overdosed on several narcotic medications. She is semiconscious and has slow, shallow respirations. You should: a. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask and transport at once. b. place her in the recovery position and monitor for vomiting. c. insert an oropharyngeal airway and perform oral suctioning. d. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation.
D
You receive a call for a 70-year-old female with respiratory distress. Her husband tells you that she has congestive heart failure; however, he does not think that she has been taking her medications as prescribed. The patient is laboring to breathe, appears tired, and has cyanosis around her lips. You should: a. obtain a complete list of all of her medications. b. apply a pulse oximeter and assess her vital signs. c. administer oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask. d. assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device.
D
