Ch. 6

Question 1

Which of the following can provide important information about MOST patients?

A) Ask the patient to look up.
B) Speak clearly and loudly.
C) Maintain eye contact.
D) Use medical terminology.

Answer 1

C) Maintain eye contact.

Page Ref: 116
Objective: 6.2 Describe the components of the communication process, including factors that can interfere with effective communication; 6.3 Identify the impact of nonverbal behaviors on communication.

Question 2

Your female patient has been injured in a vehicle crash that has critically injured her husband. Her condition is stable, but she is obviously distraught over the condition of her husband. Which of the following would be MOST appropriate in this circumstance?

A) Tell her that she will find out more when you get to the hospital.
B) Place your hand on her shoulder and tell her that he is receiving the very best care available.
C) Tell her that you will go check on him, and you will be right back.
D) Advise her that it is unlikely that he will survive because he was injured so badly.

Answer 2

B) Place your hand on her shoulder and tell her that he is receiving the very best care available.

Page Ref: 117
Objective: 6.3 Identify the impact of nonverbal behaviors on communication.

Question 3

Which of the following is TRUE regarding the use of gloves as per OSHA requirements?

A) You should apply your gloves prior to leaving the ambulance.
B) Gloves should be put on before making patient contact.
C) You should wear gloves at all times when examining patients.
D) Glove need only be worn if there is a likelihood of exposure.

Answer 3

D) Glove need only be worn if there is a likelihood of exposure.

Page Ref: 117
Objective: 6.2 Describe the components of the communication process, including factors that can interfere with effective communication.

Question 4

One of the MOST important professional characteristics impacting communication is the ________ others perceive you have.

A) credibility
B) expertise
C) professionalism
D) trustworthiness

Answer 4

A) credibility

Page Ref: 108
Objective: 6.1 Define key terms introduced in this chapter; 6.3 Identify the impact of nonverbal behaviors on communication.

Question 5

You are treating a 32-year-old man who is deaf. You need to find out why he called for an ambulance. Of the following, which is the BEST way to communicate with this patient?

A) Use hand gestures to act out what you are trying to say.
B) Consider writing out your questions.
C) Call for an interpreter to meet you at the hospital.
D) Speak very loudly in case he has a little hearing.

Answer 5

B) Consider writing out your questions.

Page Ref: 119
Objective: 6.18 Given a scenario, demonstrate modifications in communication in challenging situations.

Question 6

You are treating a patient with a suspected fractured ankle. The patient appears to be in a lot of pain and is uneasy. As you are getting ready to splint the patient’s leg, he asks you if it is going to hurt. Which of the following is the BEST response?

A) “If you are stressed out like this, it is going to hurt a lot more.”
B) “Relax, this is not a painful procedure.”
C) “I will do my best, but it may hurt while we put the splint on.”
D) “It does not matter; we have to do it anyway.”

Answer 6

C) “I will do my best, but it may hurt while we put the splint on.”

Page Ref: 109
Objective: 6.14 Explain the importance of establishing rapport with patients and their families in the therapeutic communication process.

Question 7

Your crew is called for a man with chest pain. When you arrive, you find a 78-year-old man in obvious distress. At his side is his wife of 55 years, who is blind. He repeatedly tells you that he does not want to go to the hospital. You are concerned about his welfare and continue to try to convince him to go to the hospital. To help you determine why he does not want to go to the hospital when he attempts to explain, you should employ:

A) feedback.
B) interference.
C) active listening.
D) verbal cues.

Answer 7

C) active listening.

Page Ref: 109
Objective: 6.2 Describe the components of the communication process, including factors that can interfere with effective communication.

Question 8

As you assess your patient, whose chief complaint is dizziness, you ask him if he takes medicine for hypoglycemia. He does not answer; he just looks at you quizzically. If you know this patient does not have a hearing impairment, you should assume that:

A) you need to adjust the language you use to be less technical.
B) he needs to be able to read your lips, so you should stand in front of him.
C) you need to repeat the question a little louder.
D) the patient is experiencing a behavioral emergency.

Answer 8

A) you need to adjust the language you use to be less technical.

age Ref: 110
Objective: 6.4 Demonstrate effective communications that promote continuity and safety in patient care; 6.14 Explain the importance of establishing rapport with patients and their families in the therapeutic communication process.

Question 9

Your crew is called for a patient with chest pain. When you arrive you find a large gathering of people watching an important football game. Your patient is reluctant to move from the TV room, but the watchers are loud and the television is blaring. The environment is making it difficult to communicate with your patient. The primary problem effecting communication is:

A) empathy.
B) confrontation.
C) facilitation.
D) interference.

Answer 9

D) interference.

Page Ref: 110
Objective: 6.2 Describe the components of the communication process, including factors that can interfere with effective communication.

Question 10

You are dispatched to 113 Atlantis Court, or at least, that is what you thought you heard. You should:

A) ask the dispatcher to repeat the transmission.
B) check the map book to see if there is an Atlantis Court.
C) repeat the address back to the dispatcher.
D) ask the dispatcher to spell the name of the street.

Answer 10

C) repeat the address back to the dispatcher.

Page Ref: 111
Objective: 6.9 Demonstrate standard rules of radio communications.

Question 11

Which of the following agencies assigns and licenses radio frequencies?

A) The United States Department of Transportation
B) The Transportation Security Administration
C) The Federal Trade Commission
D) The Federal Communications Commission

Answer 11

D) The Federal Communications Commission

Page Ref: 111
Objective: 6.6 Describe the responsibilities of the Federal Communications Commission with respect to EMS communication.

Question 12

When you are away from your ambulance but need to communicate with dispatch, you will use the ________ to communicate.

A) base station
B) portable radio
C) mobile radio
D) repeater

Answer 12

B) portable radio

Page Ref: 113
Objective: 6.7 Discuss the purpose and characteristics of each component of an EMS communication system.

Question 13

Which of the following BEST describes a repeater?

A) A two-way radio that is mounted in a vehicle
B) A two-way radio that can be carried on a belt clip
C) A device that receives and amplifies a signal that must be carried over long distances
D) A two-way radio at a fixed site

Answer 13

C) A device that receives and amplifies a signal that must be carried over long distances

Page Ref: 113
Objective: 6.7 Discuss the purpose and characteristics of each component of an EMS communication system.

Question 14

When using your portable radio, you must push the “press to talk” button and wait one second before speaking. This is essential to effective communication to:

A) ensure the entire message is transmitted.
B) improve battery life in digital equipment.
C) notify other users of your intention to broadcast.
D) activate cellular telephone links.

Answer 14

A) ensure the entire message is transmitted.

Page Ref: 113
Objective: 6.7 Discuss the purpose and characteristics of each component of an EMS communication system.

Question 15

The purpose of ________ is to establish uniform standards and processes for interoperability to ensure that communication between systems is possible.

A) radio frequencies
B) collaborative communication
C) project 25
D) the Federal Communications Board

Answer 15

C) project 25

Page Ref: 111
Objective: 6.6 Describe the responsibilities of the Federal Communications Commission with respect to EMS communication.

Question 16

An EMS base station:

A) generally uses a low output of between 50 and 75 watts of transmission power.
B) is located at a fixed site such as a dispatch center or a hospital.
C) is mounted inside a vehicle such as an quick emergency response vehicle.
D) should be located in a low-lying area, free from potentially damaging wind.

Answer 16

B) is located at a fixed site such as a dispatch center or a hospital.

Page Ref: 112
Objective: 6.7 Discuss the purpose and characteristics of each component of an EMS communication system.

Question 17

You call the hospital to give a report about your critically injured trauma patient. When you arrive, the staff is unprepared for your arrival, and the physician is angry that you did not call and alert the hospital of your impending arrival. Your BEST protection in a case such as this is to:

A) ask your supervisor to intervene on your behalf.
B) assume that the physician has a reputation for being difficult.
C) assure the staff you would never make a mistake like that.
D) find out if your communication with the hospital was recorded.

Answer 17

D) find out if your communication with the hospital was recorded.

Page Ref: 113
Objective: 6.4 Demonstrate effective communications that promote continuity and safety in patient care.

Question 18

The town where you work has a large community of non-English speaking families. In order to provide better care for these patients, you should:

A) try to bring an interpreter along on calls to that area.
B) defer calls to another crew whenever possible.
C) consider learning the language well enough to interact with patients.
D) insist that the hospital hire an interpreter who speaks that language.

Answer 18

C) consider learning the language well enough to interact with patients.

Page Ref: 115
Objective: 6.14 Explain the importance of establishing rapport with patients and their families in the therapeutic communication process.

Question 19

When interviewing a patient, you should:

A) use open-ended questions.
B) interrupt him if he talks too long.
C) suggest what could be wrong.
D) nod your head often.

Answer 19

A) use open-ended questions.

Page Ref: 117
Objective: 6.14 Explain the importance of establishing rapport with patients and their families in the therapeutic communication process; 6.16 Give examples of the appropriate use of specific therapeutic communication behaviors.

Question 20

An example of an open-ended question would be:

A) “What medical problems have you had?”
B) “Do you have a history of high blood pressure?”
C) “How long have you had this cough?”
D) “Do you have a history of heart problems?”

Answer 20

A) “What medical problems have you had?”

Page Ref: 117
Objective: 6.16 Give examples of the appropriate use of specific therapeutic communication behaviors.

Question 21

An example of a closed-ended question would be:

A) “Tell me about your chest pain.”
B) “What other surgeries have you had?”
C) “Have you taken your medications today?”
D) “Where does it hurt?”

Answer 21

C) “Have you taken your medications today?”

Page Ref: 117
Objective: 6.16 Give examples of the appropriate use of specific therapeutic communication behaviors.

Question 22

A common cause of poor listening in any communication but particularly in patient assessment is:

A) paying attention to what the patient is telling you.
B) asking the same question in a different way.
C) focusing on what you want to say next.
D) repeating back what the patient has told you.

Answer 22

C) focusing on what you want to say next.

Page Ref: 117
Objective: 6.14 Explain the importance of establishing rapport with patients and their families in the therapeutic communication process.

Question 23

When interviewing a patient with a medical emergency, an AEMT is using the technique of “summarization” when she says:

A) “With one finger, can you point to where it hurts?”
B) “So, the nausea and vomiting started two days ago.”
C) “Did you also have diarrhea with your nausea and vomiting?”
D) “I know how you feel; I had the same thing last week.”

Answer 23

B) “So, the nausea and vomiting started two days ago.”

Page Ref: 118
Objective: 6.16 Give examples of the appropriate use of specific therapeutic communication behaviors; 6.17 Analyze your communication to avoid common pitfalls.

Question 24

When you do NOT find a sign or symptom that you would expect to find under the circumstances, this is a:

A) pertinent negative.
B) chief negative.
C) false negative.
D) double negative.

Answer 24

A) pertinent negative.

Page Ref: 121
Objective: 6.1 Define key terms introduced in this chapter.

Question 25

A communication channel is the same thing as:

A) feedback.
B) interference.
C) a medium.
D) therapeutic communication.

Answer 25

C) a medium.

Page Ref: 110
Objective: 6.1 Define key terms introduced in this chapter.

Question 26

A general term that means information about a system’s output is returned to its source to modify further output is:

A) interoperability.
B) empathy.
C) pertinent negative.
D) feedback.

Answer 26

D) feedback.

Page Ref: 122
Objective: 6.1 Define key terms introduced in this chapter.

Question 27

Information contained in a PCR can be used to improve patient care by:

A) providing patient billing information.
B) indicating who provided patient care.
C) providing data for research.
D) determining who the ordering physician was.

Answer 27

C) providing data for research.

Page Ref: 119
Objective: 6.19 Explain the purposes and importance of documenting patient care.

Question 28

Most dispatch services use military time to establish times. Which of the following time conversions is CORRECT?

A) 0000 is midnight.
B) 1500 is 3 A.M.
C) 2250 is 8:30 P.M.
D) 0130 is 1:30 P.M.

Answer 28

A) 0000 is midnight.

Page Ref: 112
Objective: 6.13 Convert back and forth between standard clock and 24-hour (military) time.

Question 29

Which of the following patient care report narrative formats has a prompt for Evaluation?

A) CHART
B) CHEATED
C) SOAP
D) CCHART

Answer 29

B) CHEATED

Page Ref: 122
Objective: 6.24 Describe the SOAP, CHART, and CHEATED methods of PCR narrative documentation.

Question 30

The statement, “Pt. says the pain has been increasing in severity and becoming more constant over the past two hours,” belongs in what section of the PCR?

A) Chief complaint
B) Assessment
C) Treatment
D) History

Answer 30

D) History

Page Ref: 122
Objective: 6.22 Give examples of each of the following types of PCR narrative data: chief complaint, pertinent history, subjective information, and objective information.

Question 31

An advantage to asking closed-ended questions is:

A) an opportunity to get a detailed response from the patient.
B) the ability to get medical information very quickly.
C) a chance to get a significant amount of information.
D) an opportunity for the patient to elaborate about his condition.

Answer 31

B) the ability to get medical information very quickly.

Page Ref: 117
Objective: 6.16 Give examples of the appropriate use of specific therapeutic communication behaviors.

Question 32

The ________ provides assistance to establish local and state EMS databases and link them to a national database.

A) Federal Communications Commission
B) Department of Homeland Security
C) Department of Transportation
D) National EMS Information System

Answer 32

D) National EMS Information System

Page Ref: 121
Objective: 6.20 Describe the elements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)/National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) minimum data set for the patient care report (PCR).

Question 33

Your patient denies shortness of breath but displays signs of respiratory distress. You state, “I know you said you have no difficulty breathing, but you can hardly speak for gasping for air.” This is an example of:

A) confrontation.
B) empathy.
C) contradiction.
D) feedback.

Answer 33

A) confrontation.

Page Ref: 118
Objective: 6.16 Give examples of the appropriate use of specific therapeutic communication behaviors.

Question 34

The time an incident is reported, when the unit is notified, arrival at the scene, departure from the scene, and arrival at the destination are all part of the:

A) required dispatch information.
B) minimum data set.
C) patient care information.
D) data reported to the hospital.

Answer 34

B) minimum data set.

Page Ref: 121
Objective: 6.20 Describe the elements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)/National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) minimum data set for the patient care report (PCR).

Question 35

Functions of the prehospital care report include each of the following EXCEPT:

A) continuity of care.
B) education.
C) research.
D) hiring decisions.

Answer 35

D) hiring decisions.

Page Ref: 119
Objective: 6.19 Explain the purposes and importance of documenting patient care.

Question 36

The minimum data set for patient information includes:

A) patient demographics.
B) the time patient care was transferred.
C) names of crew members.
D) dispatched address.

Answer 36

A) patient demographics.

Page Ref: 121
Objective: 6.20 Describe the elements of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)/National EMS Information System (NEMSIS) minimum data set for the patient care report (PCR); 6.21 Accurately complete the contents of each section of a PCR.

Question 37

You are assessing a patient complaining of shortness of breath. Which of the following questions will assist you in obtaining additional information about the patient’s problem?

A) “Why did you wait two hours before calling 911?”
B) “Have you ever had a myocardial infarction before?”
C) “You are having difficulty breathing; are you also having chest pain?”
D) “Did you get diaphoretic when you started having shortness of breath?”

Answer 37

C) “You are having difficulty breathing; are you also having chest pain?”

Page Ref: 117
Objective: 6.16 Give examples of the appropriate use of specific therapeutic communication behaviors.

Question 38

Your partner accidentally uses a profane word over the radio. Which agency has the power to fine him and the EMS service?

A) County Board of Commissioners
B) Federal Communications Commission
C) State Board of Health
D) Department of Homeland Security

Answer 38

B) Federal Communications Commission

Page Ref: 111
Objective: 6.6 Describe the responsibilities of the Federal Communications Commission with respect to EMS communication.

Question 39

The length of any single transmission should NOT exceed:

A) 15 seconds.
B) 1 minute.
C) 2 minutes.
D) 30 seconds.

Answer 39

D) 30 seconds.

Page Ref: 111
Objective: 6.9 Demonstrate standard rules of radio communications.

Question 40

When giving the patient report at the hospital to the medical staff, you will:

A) repeat pertinent information from the radio report and any changes observed.
B) not provide information already given in the radio report.
C) provide the patient’s address and phone number.
D) write down the patient’s insurance information.

Answer 40

A) repeat pertinent information from the radio report and any changes observed.

Page Ref: 114
Objective: 6.4 Demonstrate effective communications that promote continuity and safety in patient care.

Question 41

Which of the following demonstrates effective communication that improves team dynamics?

A) Taking a report from the EMR on-scene before assessing the patient
B) Telling the Fire Chief that he better move his fire truck so you can park there
C) Telling the patient that he is in good hands now that you have arrived
D) Immediately going to the patient’s side rather than listening to the EMT’s report

Answer 41

A) Taking a report from the EMR on-scene before assessing the patient

Page Ref: 110
Objective: 6.5 Given a scenario, demonstrate effective communication that improves team dynamics.

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a part of effective communication of patient information in the verbal report when handing off a patient?

A) Patient treatment can be based on this information.
B) Additional information that was not given in the radio report can be provided.
C) Changes in the patient’s condition can be communicated.
D) The patient’s insurance status can be identified.

Answer 42

D) The patient’s insurance status can be identified.

Page Ref: 114
Objective: 6.16 Give examples of the appropriate use of specific therapeutic communication behaviors.

Question 43

Medical direction has requested that you administer 70 grams of activated charcoal to an overdose patient. Which of the following should you do next?

A) Document the order in writing before carrying it out.
B) Repeat the order back to the physician to make sure you understood correctly.
C) Administer the medication without delay and then call medical direction.
D) Prepare the medication and then call the hospital back to reconfirm the order.

Answer 43

B) Repeat the order back to the physician to make sure you understood correctly.

Page Ref: 114
Objective: 6.11 Demonstrate the ability to receive and confirm an order for medical treatment over the radio.

Question 44

You are reporting to the dispatch center that you are 10-10. After a couple of minutes, the dispatcher calls you and asks if your received her message. You respond that you told her that you were 10-10 en route to the scene. She states that she thought you said you were 10-2. Which of the following statements regarding this exchange is TRUE?

A) The dispatcher should listen more carefully.
B) Radio codes can sometimes be misunderstood.
C) The numbers should be spelled out.
D) It is not your fault that the dispatcher cannot hear.

Answer 44

B) Radio codes can sometimes be misunderstood.

Page Ref: 111
Objective: 6.12 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using radio codes.

Question 45

You are interviewing a woman of Asian descent, but she keeps avoiding your gaze and seems offended by your questions. Which of the following would be the BEST way to handle this situation?

A) Insist that she look at you when you speak to her.
B) Ask a family member to speak to the patient.
C) Consider that she may be hard of hearing.
D) Ask your questions without making eye contact.

Answer 45

D) Ask your questions without making eye contact.

Page Ref: 116
Objective: 6.15 Given a scenario, engage in effective, empathetic, culturally sensitive communication.

Question 46

You are documenting the pertinent medical history of a man with cerebral palsy who is complaining of difficulty breathing. You write this in your narrative, “Responded to a 26-year-old man with CP who has difficulty breathing.” Is anything wrong with this statement?

A) No, it is well known that CP stands for cerebral palsy.
B) Yes, it should have read SOB instead of difficulty breathing.
C) Yes, CP can stand for several other complaints including chest pain.
D) No, the patient probably has chest pain with his difficulty breathing.

Answer 46

C) Yes, CP can stand for several other complaints including chest pain.

Page Ref: 121
Objective: 6.23 Explain the importance of using proper abbreviations and terminology in the PCR.

Question 47

You forgot to apply oxygen to a patient with severe pain from a possible broken ankle. You know you should have administered the oxygen, but you know that your patient was not harmed by you not remembering it. Which of the following would be appropriate?

A) Write that your patient refused when you tried to give her oxygen.
B) Add an addendum stating that you got busy and forgot to deliver oxygen.
C) Record that you administered two liters of oxygen by nasal cannula.
D) State that in your opinion the patient did not require oxygen because her breathing was fine.

Answer 47

B) Add an addendum stating that you got busy and forgot to deliver oxygen.

Page Ref: 122-123
Objective: 6.25 Explain legal concerns with respect to the PCR.

Question 48

There has been a multiple vehicle crash on the interstate, and your service is scrambling to get enough ambulances to the scene. You have just transported a patient to the hospital and given a bedside oral report when the dispatcher calls you. Which of the following would be MOST appropriate?

A) Don’t worry about documentation; get in service as soon as possible so you can respond.
B) Leave an abbreviated copy of your PCR with the hospital staff.
C) Complete the medical record as quickly as possible and leave a copy before departing.
D) Ask the patient to give full details to the nursing staff.

Answer 48

B) Leave an abbreviated copy of your PCR with the hospital staff.

Page Ref: 123
Objective: 6.26 Discuss how to handle each of the following situations with respect to documentation: transfer of patient care when returning to service before the PCR is complete; multiple-casualty incidents; and supplemental reports for special situations, such as exposure to infectious disease and injury to a patient in the course of treatment and transport.

Question 49

Which of the following would be an example of a “leading question”?

A) “You are probably having stomach cramps, too, aren’t you?”
B) “Did you have anything to eat before the pain started?”
C) “Have you taken anything to relieve the pain?”
D) “Does your chest hurt when you cough?”

Answer 49

A) “You are probably having stomach cramps, too, aren’t you?”

Page Ref: 117
Objective: 6.17 Analyze your communication to avoid common pitfalls.

Question 50

When communicating by radio, what is the first piece of information you should provide?

A) The condition of the scene
B) Name of the entity you are calling
C) Your unit identification
D) Your location

Answer 50

B) Name of the entity you are calling

Page Ref: 113
Objective: 6.9 Demonstrate standard rules of radio communications.