Chapter 13 quiz

Question 0

You are instructing an Emergency Medical Responder course. One of the students asks you how the head-tilt, chin-lift airway maneuver works to open the airway. Your response is:
A) “It creates an open airway by separating the lips, thus allowing air to enter.”
B) “It opens the airway by relaxing and expanding the size of the throat.”
C) “It opens the airway by lifting the tongue from the back of the throat.”
D) “It stimulates the patient to begin taking deeper breaths, thus moving air into the lungs.”

Answer 0

C) “It opens the airway by lifting the tongue from the back of the throat.”

Question 1

A 31-year-old male breathing at a rate of 6 times per minute can best be described as:
A) hyperventilating. 
B) bradypneic. 
C) tachypneic. 
D) bradycardic.

Answer 1

B) bradypneic.

Question 2

When you assess the lower back of an elderly patient who fell, he grimaces and tells you that it hurts when you palpate the injury site. You should recognize which one of the following conditions?
A) Ecchymosis 
B) Tenderness 
C) Pain 
D) Crepitus

Answer 2

B) Tenderness

Question 3

An 18-year-old female with a history of diabetes twisted her right ankle while playing volleyball. She is alert and oriented and states that the pain is excruciating. The primary assessment is complete and yields no life-threatening conditions. Which of the following would you do next?
A) Perform a head-to-toe exam. 
B) Check her blood sugar. 
C) Apply ice to the ankle. 
D) Assess the right ankle and foot.

Answer 3

D) Assess the right ankle and foot.

Question 4

A 41-year-old male patient has fallen from a second-story roof. He is complaining of right leg pain and pain to his pelvic region. When performing the secondary assessment on this patient, which one of the following should the EMT intentionally not perform?
A) Transporting the patient supine 
B) Immobilization to a long spine board 
C) Palpation of the patient's abdomen 
D) Palpation of the pelvic region

Answer 4

D) Palpation of the pelvic region

Question 5

You are performing a secondary assessment on the unrestrained adult passenger involved in a motor vehicle collision, in which the car rolled end over end several times at a high rate of speed. The patient is responsive to painful stimuli and in a state of shock. When assessing the head, which one of the following is appropriate?
A) Performing a blind finger sweep to check the airway
B) Applying pressure to a depressed area of the skull
C) Cleaning a laceration to the scalp
D) Checking the pupils with a penlight

Answer 5

D) Checking the pupils with a penlight

Question 6

An alert and oriented 69-year-old female is complaining of low, right-sided abdominal pain. She describes the pain as “knife-like” and states that it started suddenly 1 hour ago. Her only medical history is hypertension for which she takes the medication lisinopril. Which of the following assessment findings shows that the EMT is appropriately assessing this patient?
A) No deformity to the upper extremities
B) No trauma noted to the head
C) No abdominal guarding is noted
D) No pain on palpation to the chest

Answer 6

C) No abdominal guarding is noted

Question 7

The "S" in SAMPLE stands for:
A) Seriousness 
B) Sign 
C) Significance 
D) Severity

Answer 7

B) Sign

Question 8

Which one of the following assessment findings indicates that the patient has intact motor function in his lower extremities?
A) The skin of his toes is pink and warm.
B) He states that he can feel you touching his toe.
C) He does not complain of pain to his lower extremities.
D) He can wiggle his toes when instructed.

Answer 8

D) He can wiggle his toes when instructed.

Question 9

The EMT recognizes that for a trauma patient who is alert and oriented, he should obtain the history during what component of patient assessment?
A) Scene size-up 
B) Reassessment 
C) Secondary assessment 
D) Primary assessment

Answer 9

C) Secondary assessment

Question 10

You are by the side of a 64-year-old male patient who collapsed at home. After assessing his level of consciousness, airway, and breathing, you determine that he is unresponsive with an open airway, but not breathing. What instruction should you immediately give your partner?
A) “Go ahead and apply the automated external defibrillator.”
B) “Let’s place an oral airway and start ventilations.”
C) “Please check his blood pressure and skin temperature.”
D) “We will need to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.”

Answer 10

B) “Let’s place an oral airway and start ventilations.”

Question 11

While performing the secondary assessment on a male patient who was ejected from his motorcycle, he suddenly states that it has become very hard to breathe. You would:
A) stop your exam and evaluate the patient’s new complaint.
B) make a mental note and continue with your exam.
C) reassess the patient, beginning with the head.
D) reconsider the mechanism of injury and look for a chest injury.

Answer 11

A) stop your exam and evaluate the patient’s new complaint.

Question 12

When assessing the breath sounds (during a rapid secondary exam) of a critical trauma patient, it is best to auscultate each lung in at least how many places?
A) 2 
B) 4 
C) 6 
D) 8

Answer 12

A) 2

Question 13

Assessment of a patient's neck reveals that the trachea is deviated to the left. Based on this assessment finding, the EMT should suspect an injury located to the patient's:
A) chest. 
B) abdomen. 
C) cervical spine. 
D) head.

Answer 13

A) chest.

Question 14

When assessing breath sounds during the secondary assessment, the EMT shows he is employing a correct technique when he listens:
A) first to the apex and base of the right lung and then to the apex and base of the left lung.
B) to the base of the lung by placing the stethoscope at the third intercostal space laterally.
C) at the left second intercostal space followed by the right second intercostal space.
D) over the left and right lateral wall while instructing the patient to breathe shallowly and fast.

Answer 14

C) at the left second intercostal space followed by the right second intercostal space.

Question 15

When assessing the chest of a patient who was shot multiple times, you find a gunshot wound to the third intercostal space on the left lateral chest. Which one of the following should you do immediately?
A) Initiate positive pressure ventilation with oxygen.
B) Cover the opening with a gloved hand.
C) Check for equality of breath sounds.
D) Roll the patient and look for an exit wound.

Answer 15

B) Cover the opening with a gloved hand.

Question 16

When performing the secondary assessment, the EMT would find which one of the following injuries first?
A) Unstable pelvis 
B) Deformity to the left thigh 
C) Decreased pulse in the left foot 
D) Bruising to the abdomen

Answer 16

D) Bruising to the abdomen

Question 17

Which of the following physical findings is least consistent with an injured extremity?
A) Contusions 
B) Burns 
C) Vomiting 
D) Deformities

Answer 17

C) Vomiting

Question 18

Which patient would be classified as unresponsive?
A) 52-year-old who cannot answer your questions
B) 70-year-old female who has suffered a stroke
C) 39-year-old-female who is confused
D) 46-year-old-male who does not respond when his fingers are pinched

Answer 18

D) 46-year-old-male who does not respond when his fingers are pinched

Question 19

Which one of the following patients is considered the lowest priority for a rapid secondary exam and immediate transport?
A) 32-year-old woman who is unresponsive
B) 7-year-old boy who has had abdominal pain for 2 hours
C) 72-year-old man complaining of leg pain for a week
D) 55-year-old woman with difficulty breathing

Answer 19

C) 72-year-old man complaining of leg pain for a week

Question 20

When assessing an adult trauma patient’s circulation status during the primary assessment, the EMT’s assessment should include:
A) pulse rate, blood pressure, capillary refill, and skin condition.
B) carotid pulse, capillary refill, blood pressure, and skin color.
C) radial pulse, skin temperature, and presence of external bleeding.
D) skin color, pulse rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature.

Answer 20

C) radial pulse, skin temperature, and presence of external bleeding.

Question 21

When assessing a sick or injured patient, which of the following indicates the appropriate order?
A) Primary assessment; reassessment, secondary assessment
B) Scene size-up, primary assessment, secondary assessment
C) Scene size-up, history, secondary assessment, primary assessment
D) Scene size-up, secondary assessment, primary assessment

Answer 21

B) Scene size-up, primary assessment, secondary assessment

Question 22

You arrive at the scene of a fall, where a 42-year-old woman fell backward off a step ladder while cleaning her kitchen windows. She is seated on the floor complaining of pain to her ankle. She tells you, “If I had just gone to work today instead of using vacation time, this would have never happened!” Based on information thus far, which of the following can you conclude?
A) She is alert with an open airway.
B) She does not have any other injuries.
C) Her pulse rate is within normal limits.
D) She does not require rapid transport.

Answer 22

A) She is alert with an open airway.

Question 23

You have been dispatched to an apartment for an elderly male complaining of shortness of breath. When do you start the process of forming a general impression about this patient?
A) As you and your partner approach him
B) Following the completion of vital signs
C) As soon as you obtain his chief complaint
D) After completing the primary assessment

Answer 23

A) As you and your partner approach him

Question 24

You are interviewing a prospective candidate for the position of EMT with your service. During the interview, you ask the applicant to describe the purpose of the primary assessment. Which statement best describes that purpose?
A) “To determine if the patient’s vital signs are stable.”
B) “Perform an exam focused on the patient’s chief complaint.”
C) “Identify and treat life-threatening conditions.”
D) “To establish a chief complaint and gather the past medical history.”

Answer 24

C) “Identify and treat life-threatening conditions.”

Question 25

You have been dispatched to a residence for an 89-year-old female with a nonspecific complaint. When assessing this patient, which of the following will you do first to develop a better understanding of the emergency?
A) Gather a medical history including allergy information.
B) Determine if the complaint is medical or trauma related.
C) Obtain the patient’s vital signs and current medications.
D) Contact medical direction for advisement.

Answer 25

B) Determine if the complaint is medical or trauma related.

Question 26

Which of the following statements made by the EMT indicates that he has appropriately initiated the first phase of the patient assessment?
A) “The scene appears to be free of hazards.”
B) “Can you tell me why you called the ambulance?”
C) “Blood pressure is 124/80 mmHg.”
D) “I have placed an oral airway in the patient.”

Answer 26

A) “The scene appears to be free of hazards.”

Question 27

You have been called for an adult patient who suffered a seizure. He is sitting on the floor, and looks at you as you enter the room. When questioned, he cannot remember the date or where he is. The patient's mental status can best be described as:
A) altered. 
B) lethargic and agitated. 
C) alert but confused. 
D) verbally disoriented.

Answer 27

C) alert but confused.

Question 28

What item regarding breathing rates must the EMT remember when assessing the respirations of a pediatric patient?
A) It is similar to that of an adult.
B) It is not significant in the assessment.
C) It is usually faster than that of an adult.
D) It is typically slower than that of an adult.

Answer 28

C) It is usually faster than that of an adult.

Question 29

A 28-year-old female has fallen 20 feet from the roof a house. She is lying supine and does not appear to be conscious or breathing. On arrival at her side, what should the EMT do first?
A) Apply manual in-line spinal stabilization.
B) Start positive pressure ventilation.
C) Open her airway and assess her circulation.
D) Open her airway using a head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver.

Answer 29

A) Apply manual in-line spinal stabilization.

Question 30

An Emergency Medical Responder informs you that a 59-year-old female is responsive to verbal stimuli. Which one of the following presentations should you expect?
A) She is awake, but having difficulty telling you her name and where she is.
B) Her eyes are closed, but she will wiggle her fingers if told.
C) She is able to answer all questions appropriately when asked.
D) She cannot be awakened when her name is called.

Answer 30

B) Her eyes are closed, but she will wiggle her fingers if told.

Question 31

A 36-year-old patient who has overdosed on an unknown drug presents with his eyes closed, even when his name is loudly called. Which one of the following should the EMT do first?
A) Assess for a radial pulse. 
B) Check the patient's vital signs. 
C) Check the mental status. 
D) Determine what drug was taken.

Answer 31

C) Check the mental status.

Question 32

Which of the following patients should the EMT identify as having the most adequate breathing?
A) 67-year-old female breathing 26 times per minute with good chest rise and fall
B) 34-year-old male with abdominal pain who is alert and oriented with good chest rise and fall
C) 19-year-old male breathing 16 times per minute with slight wheezing in the lungs
D) 61-year-old confused female breathing at a rate of 8 breaths per minute

Answer 32

B) 34-year-old male with abdominal pain who is alert and oriented with good chest rise and fall

Question 33

You arrive on the scene of a motor vehicle collision and are presented with a patient complaining of chest pain after striking his chest on the steering wheel. On scene Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are maintaining cervical immobilization manually. He is alert and oriented and has a patent airway. His respirations are 24 with good chest rise and fall, and his skin is warm and dry. His heart rate is 96 and SpO2 92% on room air. At this time you should:
A) start positive pressure ventilation.
B) obtain a blood pressure and medical history.
C) apply a cervical spine immobilization collar.
D) provide supplemental oxygen.

Answer 33

D) provide supplemental oxygen.

Question 34

The patient's family states that their 16-year-old daughter has a history of asthma and has been complaining of shortness of breath for the past two days. She has been taking her metered-dose inhaler with some relief, but this morning, they found her lethargic and struggling to breathe. Your assessment reveals her to be responsive to verbal stimuli with an open airway and shallow respirations of 44 per minute. You hear minimal wheezing to both lungs. Your immediate action in caring for this patient is to:
A) start positive pressure ventilation. 
B) position her on her side. 
C) apply a nonrebreather mask. 
D) insert an oral airway.

Answer 34

A) start positive pressure ventilation.

Question 35

To best evaluate the adequacy of breathing in an unresponsive adult, the EMT should:
A) look for cyanosis. 
B) observe the chest rise. 
C) assess the skin color. 
D) check the pupils.

Answer 35

B) observe the chest rise.

Question 36

You have been called to the side of a 37-year-old female whose chief complaint is confusion, anxiety, and chest tightness. Assessment shows her airway to be patent, respirations 46 per minute, heart rate 134, blood pressure 128/54 mmHg, and SpO2 at 93%. In regards to the respiratory rate, you would recognize:
A) it is not a concern because the patient is still getting oxygen.
B) it will cause damage to the lungs if not corrected.
C) it does not allow the lungs enough time to adequately fill.
D) it will result in too much air being placed in the lungs.

Answer 36

C) it does not allow the lungs enough time to adequately fill.

Question 37

You are by the side of a patient complaining of shortness of breath with a history of heart problems, including congestive heart failure (CHF). When assessing the airway, which one of the following observations best indicates that it is patent?
A) She is lethargic and confused to person, place, and time.
B) She can only speak in extremely short sentences.
C) She easily tells you that she is having chest pain.
D) She is sitting in an upright position because she cannot lie flat.

Answer 37

C) She easily tells you that she is having chest pain.

Question 38

A 26-year-old male has been ejected from a car after it rolled several times in the median of the interstate. As you perform the primary assessment, you find him prone and unresponsive. Your immediate action is to:
A) assess his breathing. 
B) apply a cervical collar. 
C) place an oral airway. 
D) log-roll him supine.

Answer 38

D) log-roll him supine.

Question 39

On scene you find a 91-year-old female who fell down two steps after suddenly complaining of a severe headache. She is unresponsive with gurgling respirations. What instruction should you immediately give your partner?
A) “Get the suction out and clear out her airway.”
B) “Let’s move her to the stretcher and get moving to the hospital.”
C) “Check her breathing and let me know the rate.”
D) “Please perform the head-tilt, chin-lift to open the airway.”

Answer 39

A) “Get the suction out and clear out her airway.”

Question 40

On what patient should the EMT perform a rapid head-to-toe secondary assessment, as opposed to a focused secondary assessment?
A) 22-year-old male who is alert and oriented with a deformed ankle that occurred when he tripped playing basketball and landed hard
B) 46-year-old roofer with a history of coronary heart disease, complaining of a burn to his left lower leg after being splashed with hot tar
C) 24-year-old male with stable vitals who is alert and oriented and is complaining of chest pain secondary to a motor vehicle collision in which the passenger was killed
D) 36-year-old construction worker who was shot in the hand with a nail gun; the nail remains impaled in his hand and bleeding is minor

Answer 40

C) 24-year-old male with stable vitals who is alert and oriented and is complaining of chest pain secondary to a motor vehicle collision in which the passenger was killed

Question 41

You are assessing a 4-year-old patient whose panicked mother states that she cannot wake him. The child is breathing but his eyes are closed. To best determine the child’s mental status, you should first:
A) determine the child to be unresponsive.
B) apply pressure to the child’s nail beds.
C) ask the mother how long the child has been asleep.
D) say loudly, “Open your eyes!”

Answer 41

D) say loudly, “Open your eyes!”

Question 42

The EMT would recognize which one of the following patients as breathing at a normal rate?
A) 6-month-old infant breathing 52 times per minute
B) 44-year-old male breathing 6 times per minute
C) 22-year-old female breathing 26 times per minute
D) 8-year-old male breathing 26 times per minute

Answer 42

D) 8-year-old male breathing 26 times per minute

Question 43

During the primary assessment, how should you best determine the adequacy of a patient’s breathing?
A) Compare the respirations and pulse rate.
B) Examine the rise and fall of the chest.
C) Determine the patient’s mental status.
D) Calculate the number of breaths per minute.

Answer 43

B) Examine the rise and fall of the chest.

Question 44

To stabilize the cervical spine of a trauma patient while simultaneously opening the airway, how should you position her head?
A) Tilted slightly forward 
B) In the position found 
C) Neutral and in-line 
D) Tilted slightly back

Answer 44

C) Neutral and in-line

Question 45

A conscious and alert 44-year-old female complains of chest pain and mild shortness of breath. She appears to have no difficulty speaking and states that the pain suddenly started about 2 hours ago. There is a history of blood clots in the lungs in her family, and she is scared and would like to be evaluated. Which of the following should you do first?
A) Consider administering oxygen.
B) Perform a secondary assessment.
C) Determine the adequacy of her breathing.
D) Place her on the stretcher for transport.

Answer 45

C) Determine the adequacy of her breathing.

Question 46

As you arrive by the side of a 64-year-old unresponsive female, you hear snoring respirations. Your immediate action would be to:
A) perform a manual jaw-thrust maneuver.
B) determine the chief complaint.
C) suction the mouth and airway.
D) administer supplemental oxygen.

Answer 46

A) perform a manual jaw-thrust maneuver.

Question 47

While treating a patient who was assaulted by a mob of angry people in a bar, the EMT finds the patient to be confused, tachycardic, with cool skin and a poor capillary refill. Based on this information, how would you categorize this patient?
A) Potentially unstable 
B) Potential high priority 
C) Stable 
D) Unstable

Answer 47

D) Unstable

Question 48

An EMT is assessing a 9-month-old infant who is "not acting right" per his mother. Assessment reveals him to be extremely irritable, crying weakly, and shows he does not want to be touched by the EMT. Which one of the following best describes this infant's mental status?
A) Lethargic 
B) Crying 
C) Verbal 
D) Alert

Answer 48

D) Alert

Question 49

A patient has been shot once in the left hand. After performing the primary assessment, the EMT quickly focuses his attention on the left hand and begins a specific assessment of the injury. What type of exam is the EMT performing?
A) Extremity 
B) Specific 
C) Focused 
D) Rapid

Answer 49

C) Focused

Question 50

Forming the general impression is started during which phase of patient assessment?
A) Primary assessment
B) Secondary assessment
C) Reassessment
D) Care transfer in the emergency department

Answer 50

A) Primary assessment

Question 51

When teaching a group of Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) about the mechanism of injury, which one of the following points should you stress?
A) The mechanism of injury is the sole criteria by which an EMT decides whether or not immediate transport is required.
B) The mechanism of injury can be used to dictate the order in which the primary assessment is conducted.
C) The mechanism of injury should not be overly considered since this causes many patients to be over-treated.
D) The more significant the mechanism of injury, the greater the chance the patient has been injured.

Answer 51

D) The more significant the mechanism of injury, the greater the chance the patient has been injured.

Question 52

A 62-year-old female was struck by a car traveling approximately 45 miles per hour. After being struck, she was thrown 15 feet onto the sidewalk, impacting the pavement with her head and chest. The primary assessment has been completed and life threats addressed. The patient’s husband is by her side. When performing the secondary exam on this patient, which of the following should the EMT perform first?
A) Assess the patient from head to toe for additional injuries.
B) Inquire from family if the patient has any past medical history.
C) Obtain a full set of vital signs including a pulse oximeter reading.
D) Examine the head and chest for other life-threatening injuries.

Answer 52

A) Assess the patient from head to toe for additional injuries.

Question 53

A 44-year-old male was cutting limbs from high in a tree when he fell. He is found to be unresponsive with snoring respirations. His breathing is inadequate at a rate of 8 per minute and his carotid pulse is weak and difficult to locate. Following the primary assessment and initial management of life threats, which of the following actions will the EMT complete while performing the secondary assessment?
A) Start positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask.
B) Perform a trauma jaw-thrust to open the airway.
C) Place an oral airway and cervical collar on the patient.
D) Obtain vital signs and get a past medical history from the family.

Answer 53

D) Obtain vital signs and get a past medical history from the family.

Question 54

You have completed the primary assessment on a patient who was thrown from a motorcycle, impacting his head and back on the nearby sidewalk. After finding no life threats during the primary assessment, what action should you take first when starting a secondary assessment?
A) Reevaluate the mechanism of injury.
B) Reassess the patient’s mental status.
C) Apply supplemental oxygen.
D) Ensure that the airway is patent.

Answer 54

A) Reevaluate the mechanism of injury.

Question 55

You cannot locate a radial pulse on a 54-year-old male who is alert, confused, and breathing adequately. Which of the following should you do immediately?
A) Start positive pressure ventilation.
B) Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
C) Attach the automated external defibrillator (AED).
D) Check for the carotid pulse.

Answer 55

D) Check for the carotid pulse.

Question 56

As you perform the primary assessment on an unresponsive patient, you discover vomitus in her airway. Which of the following should you do next?
A) Start positive pressure ventilation. 
B) Apply supplemental oxygen. 
C) Check the breathing. 
D) Suction the airway.

Answer 56

D) Suction the airway.

Question 57

A 43-year-old male has called 911 with the complaint of difficulty breathing. On scene you note he is breathing at a rate of 18 breaths per minute. He also exhibits intercostal retractions and nasal flaring. The EMT should document this patient's breathing as:
A) tachypneic. 
B) apneic. 
C) dyspneic. 
D) bradypneic.

Answer 57

C) dyspneic.

Question 58

Which one of the following patients should receive supplemental oxygen with a nonrebreather mask or nasal cannula?
A) 18-year-old who overdosed on a drug and is unresponsive and breathing 6 times a minute
B) 39-year-old male with a sprained ankle and breathing 16 times per minute
C) 42-year-old female who is confused, weak, and dizzy, and adequately breathing 14 times per minute
D) 61-year-old male who is unresponsive with a foreign body airway obstruction that cannot be removed with abdominal thrusts

Answer 58

C) 42-year-old female who is confused, weak

Question 59

Forming a general impression is essential in the assessment of any patient because it:
A) reveals the injuries the patient has suffered.
B) determines the stability or instability of a patient.
C) helps to determine the clinical status of a patient.
D) indicates whether or not a primary assessment is required.

Answer 59

C) helps to determine the clinical status of a patient.

Question 60

Your patient is an 82-year-old and diabetic. Which one of the following assessment parameters is the least reliable sign indicating circulatory status?
A) Skin color 
B) Skin temperature 
C) Pulse strength 
D) Capillary refill

Answer 60

D) Capillary refill

Question 61

Which one of the following capillary refill times is considered normal for a 5-year-old child?
A) 4 seconds 
B) 3 seconds 
C) 6 seconds 
D) 2 seconds

Answer 61

D) 2 seconds

Question 62

Which of the following statements made by an EMT shows he correctly understands capillary refill?
A) “For a capillary refill test to be normal for a child, it must be assessed at room temperature and be less than 2 seconds.”
B) “Red flushed skin in the adult is a normal finding when assessing capillary refill.”
C) “A capillary refill of 4 or more seconds in any age patient indicates that he or she is well oxygenated.”
D) “Capillary refill is a reliable sign of perfusion in adults, but not as reliable in infants and children.”

Answer 62

A) “For a capillary refill test to be normal for a child, it must be assessed at room temperature and be less than 2 seconds.”

Question 63

A 62-year-old female patient who has been working in her garden has hot, dry skin. You should recognize this as a possible sign of:
A) heat exposure. 
B) stroke. 
C) hypoperfusion. 
D) heart problems.

Answer 63

A) heat exposure.

Question 64

Which one of the following capillary refill times is considered the upper limit of normal for an adult female?
A) 6 seconds 
B) 3 seconds 
C) 2 seconds 
D) 4 seconds

Answer 64

B) 3 seconds

Question 65

A 5-year-old boy has been vomiting profusely for two days. Your assessment indicates that his airway is open, respirations adequate, and radial pulse fast and weak. His skin is cool and capillary refill time is 5 seconds. The EMT should understand that the patient is:
A) malnourished. 
B) feverous. 
C) poorly perfused. 
D) hypoxic.

Answer 65

C) poorly perfused.

Question 66

When performing the primary assessment of a 45-year-old patient, which one of the following skin findings should concern the EMT?
A) Skin that is warm to the touch 
B) 1-second capillary refill 
C) Cool and moist skin 
D) Pink color to the nail beds

Answer 66

C) Cool and moist skin

Question 67

An unresponsive 54-year-old male was found by family in his bed. They state that he has not been feeling well and complained of chest pain before going to bed approximately 1 hour ago. According to family, he has no prior medical history and does not take any medications. The primary assessment reveals no life-threatening conditions. When performing the secondary assessment on this patient, the EMT should:
A) contact the patient’s family doctor.
B) focus the examination on the chest.
C) start by examining the patient’s head.
D) determine if the chest pain still exists.

Answer 67

C) start by examining the patient’s head.

Question 68

During your primary assessment, you note the patient's skin to be warm, pink, and dry. This should seemingly indicate:
A) possible shock. 
B) possible fever. 
C) normal circulation. 
D) poor oxygenation.

Answer 68

C) normal circulation.

Question 69

At a nursing home, you find an elderly patient extremely short of breath. To best determine if the patient is cyanotic, you should:
A) inspect the skin on the fingers and nail beds.
B) press and release the skin on the palm.
C) examine the lining of the lips and mouth.
D) look at and feel the skin on the back of the hand.

Answer 69

C) examine the lining of the lips and mouth.

Question 70

A patient has called 911 for abdominal pain and generalized weakness. On arrival you note that the patient's skin is a yellow-orange color. Which one of the following diseases revealed to you during the history would best correlate to this patient's skin?
A) Lung cancer 
B) Diabetes 
C) Stroke 
D) Liver disease

Answer 70

D) Liver disease

Question 71

An intoxicated 19-year-old female has fallen through a large plate glass window. As you approach, you note her to be sitting up and holding her hand over a large laceration that is spurting bright red blood. In this situation, you would immediately:
A) provide high-concentration oxygen and treat for shock.
B) determine the presence and rate of the carotid pulse.
C) assess the airway for patency and breathing for adequacy.
D) apply direct pressure to the laceration.

Answer 71

D) apply direct pressure to the laceration.

Question 72

As you approach a patient who was involved in a motor vehicle crash, you note that he has dark, oozing blood coming from an open fracture to his lower left tibia. The patient was removed from the car by bystanders and is being held by a family member. Which of the following should you do immediately?
A) Provide supplemental oxygen.
B) Apply direct pressure to the bleeding.
C) Assess and open the airway.
D) Take manual in-line spinal stabilization.

Answer 72

D) Take manual in-line spinal stabilization.

Question 73

You must check the circulation of an 8-year-old child with a high fever who has been vomiting for the past 2 hours. The child is very frightened and crying. Given the situation, you should:
A) feel for a brachial pulse.
B) palpate the radial artery.
C) obtain a carotid pulse.
D) listen to the heart with a stethoscope.

Answer 73

B) palpate the radial artery.

Question 74

You have been called for a 6-month-old male with a high fever who has seized. Currently, he is not seizing and appears to be sleeping. When performing the primary assessment on this patient, which of the following is appropriate?
A) Obtain a blood pressure when checking the patient’s circulation status.
B) Evaluate the pulse before examining the breathing.
C) Check for the presence of a pulse in the brachial artery.
D) Move the baby to the ambulance before performing the primary assessment.

Answer 74

C) Check for the presence of a pulse in the brachial artery.

Question 75

When performing the primary assessment of a conscious adult, you typically palpate which pulse first?
A) Femoral 
B) Brachial 
C) Radial 
D) Carotid

Answer 75

C) Radial

Question 76

What is the purpose of assessing the pulse on an unresponsive patient during the primary assessment?
A) Establish if the patient requires oxygen.
B) Determine the presence of a heartbeat.
C) Decide if the breathing is adequate.
D) Calculate the precise heart rate.

Answer 76

B) Determine the presence of a heartbeat.

Question 77

During assessment of a responsive medical patient, you gather a medical history using the memory aid SAMPLE. To obtain information related to “M,” which one of the following questions should you ask?
A) “Are you allergic to any medications?”
B) “Do you have any past medical problems?”
C) “Can you point to where it hurts the most?”
D) “Are you currently taking any medications?”

Answer 77

D) “Are you currently taking any medications?”

Question 78

At a continuing education seminar being taught by your medical director, he asks the group for one reason why the secondary assessment is beneficial to perform on the trauma patient. Which response is most appropriate?
A) “It is a good tool that allows the EMT to determine if critical interventions like positive pressure ventilation or CPR are needed.”
B) “It is an effective means to determine the exact mechanism of injury.”
C) “It is useful in finding additional injuries and guiding additional care.”
D) “It is the best assessment for detecting problems with the airway, breathing, or circulation.”

Answer 78

C) “It is useful in finding additional injuries and guiding additional care.”

Question 79

A 40-year-old male patient has crashed his motorcycle. He complains of pain to his right leg. When palpating his leg, you are assessing for:
A) sensation. 
B) rigidity. 
C) bruising. 
D) crepitation.

Answer 79

D) crepitation.

Question 80

A 66-year-old female patient was involved in a vehicle rollover. While evaluating her abdomen, which one of the following abdominal assessment parameters should you be least concerned about?
A) Bowel sounds 
B) Distention 
C) Guarding 
D) Rigidity

Answer 80

A) Bowel sounds

Question 81

A 31-year-old male is complaining of left-side flank pain that radiates into his groin. He is alert and oriented and the primary assessment reveals no life-threatening conditions. Given the patient’s status, your next step should be to:
A) perform a rapid head-to-toe exam.
B) repeat the primary assessment.
C) obtain a medical history from the patient.
D) gather medical information from the family.

Answer 81

C) obtain a medical history from the patient.

Question 82

A responsive but confused construction worker has fallen 10 feet from scaffolding, landing on his head and left shoulder. His airway is open and his breathing is adequate. Coworkers state that he was unresponsive for a period of 2 minutes following the fall and is on medications for depression and heart problems. Based on this information, the EMT should classify him as what kind of patient?
A) Medical, trauma, and behavioral 
B) Medical and trauma 
C) Trauma and behavioral 
D) Trauma

Answer 82

D) Trauma

Question 83

You have just determined that a 92-year-old female is unresponsive. Your next action would be to:
A) check for a pulse. 
B) determine the past medical history. 
C) immediate transport. 
D) open the airway.

Answer 83

D) open the airway.

Question 84

You are assessing an 8-month-old whose mother states has been vomiting for two days and not eating or drinking. When assessing the pulse, you should check which site?
A) Femoral 
B) Temporal 
C) Brachial 
D) Radial

Answer 84

C) Brachial

Question 85

The EMT shows she understands the importance and reason for forming a general impression when she states:
A) “The general impression permits a rapid diagnosis of the patient’s problem.”
B) “The general impression enables me to rule out any life-threatening conditions.”
C) “Forming a general impression allows me to fully assess the emergency situation.”
D) “Forming a general impression provides me with a rough idea of the patient’s overall status.”

Answer 85

D) “Forming a general impression provides me with a rough idea of the patient’s overall status.”

Question 86

The EMT determines the medications a patient takes during which phase of the patient assessment?
A) History 
B) Primary assessment 
C) OPQRST exam 
D) Chief complaint

Answer 86

A) History

Question 87

The EMT is using the OPQRST mnemonic to gather information from a patient with abdominal pain. Which one of the following patient statements is a response to the letter “P” in this memory aid?
A) “My pulse feels as though it is racing.”
B) “The pain started about 2 hours ago.”
C) “It hurts worse when I take a deep breath.”
D) “I have a past history of asthma.”

Answer 87

C) “It hurts worse when I take a deep breath.”

Question 88

The EMT recognizes that the best source of information for a responsive medical patient with a specific chief complaint and no known medical history is obtained from the:
A) patient. 
B) medical direction. 
C) vital signs. 
D) family.

Answer 88

A) patient.

Question 89

You are performing a secondary assessment and are assessing your patient's chest. Which one of the following findings do you associate most with fracture of the ribs?
A) Decreased breath sounds 
B) Jugular venous distention 
C) Ecchymosis to the chest wall 
D) Paradoxical chest wall motion

Answer 89

D) Paradoxical chest wall motion

Question 90

A 69-year-old male called 911 because of the sudden onset of pain and numbness to his left leg. He states that he has a history of blood clots that form in the leg and the pain feels exactly as it did the last time that this occurred. He denies any trauma to the extremity. You perform the primary assessment and find him to be alert and oriented with no life-threatening conditions to the airway, breathing, or circulation. When performing the secondary assessment on this patient, which one of the following is most appropriate?
A) Rapid head-to-toe exam 
B) Placement of a nasal airway 
C) Physical exam of the leg 
D) Immediate transport

Answer 90

C) Physical exam of the leg

Question 91

When assessing a stable patient with a medical complaint, which piece of information will be obtained first and will help to guide the type of exam after the primary assessment has been completed?
A) Level of consciousness 
B) Vital signs 
C) Past medical history 
D) Chief complaint

Answer 91

C) Past medical history

Question 92

When performing a secondary assessment on an alert and oriented female with a deformed left leg, the EMT should:
A) reassure the patient that she will be okay and the injury is nothing to worry about.
B) describe to the patient your findings and injuries as you encounter them.
C) inform the patient that if you assess her, she must submit to all treatment by EMS.
D) explain to the patient what you are doing before and during assessment.

Answer 92

D) explain to the patient what you are doing before and during assessment.

Question 93

A 20-year-old female patient is found unresponsive. The first step of the secondary assessment for her is to:
A) conduct a rapid medical assessment.
B) obtain vital signs.
C) contact medical direction for advisement.
D) gather a SAMPLE history from the family.

Answer 93

A) conduct a rapid medical assessment.

Question 94

You have been called for an 83-year-old female who is having difficulty breathing. She informs you that she has congestive heart failure and feels as though she is filling up with fluid. The primary assessment shows her to be alert and oriented with inadequate breathing. Her pulse is rapid and weak, and her skin is cool and dry. When performing a secondary assessment, which one of the following signs related to heart failure would you specifically look for when examining the patient's neck?
A) Deviated trachea 
B) Bruising to the neck 
C) Posterior tenderness on palpation 
D) Jugular vein distention

Answer 94

D) Jugular vein distention

Question 95

When assessing a critically injured patient, the EMT should detect which one of the following injuries or conditions when performing the secondary assessment?
A) Inadequate respiratory effort
B) Decreased level of consciousness
C) Weak carotid pulse and clammy skin
D) Bruising and tenderness to the abdomen

Answer 95

D) Bruising and tenderness to the abdomen

Question 96

A responsive patient is complaining of a migraine headache, of which she has a known medical history. Which one of the following would be most appropriate when conducting her secondary exam?
A) Auscultate breath sounds. 
B) Assess her visual acuity. 
C) Look for jugular venous distention. 
D) Assess for pedal edema.

Answer 96

B) Assess her visual acuity.

Question 97

When you are caring for a patient with either a medical complaint or traumatic injury, you should typically perform the reassessment:
A) immediately following the primary assessment.
B) while transporting the patient to the hospital.
C) when a life-threatening condition is found.
D) before the secondary assessment.

Answer 97

B) while transporting the patient to the hospital.

Question 98

A male patient was found in cardiac arrest by coworkers. On arrival you determined him to be in cardiac arrest and you started CPR. The AED was quickly placed and you shocked him once, restoring a heartbeat. During transport, the patient remains unresponsive, but is breathing and has a pulse. When conducting the reassessment phase on this patient, you should do which one of the following?
A) Obtain a blood pressure every 20 minutes.
B) Perform a trauma assessment.
C) Recheck vital signs.
D) Remove the oropharyngeal airway.

Answer 98

C) Recheck vital signs.

Question 99

You have been summoned to a retail store where you are directed to a middle-aged woman who was found in the bathroom on the toilet. Your assessment shows her to be responsive to painful stimuli with an open airway and labored breathing. Her pulse is fast and regular and her skin is warm to the touch. The primary assessment has been completed and the appropriate care given. As the stretcher is prepared, you perform the secondary assessment. When assessing her chest, you note the presence of crackles to both lungs. What should you do next?
A) Obtain vital signs. 
B) Assess the abdomen. 
C) Evaluate the head and neck. 
D) Place the patient on the stretcher.

Answer 99

B) Assess the abdomen.

Question 100

You are transporting a 31-year-old male who was severely injured in a motor vehicle collision. He is unresponsive and being ventilated by your partner with a bag-valve mask. How will you conduct the rapid secondary assessment on this patient?
A) Focus on the chest and abdomen.
B) Perform a head-to-toe exam.
C) Palpate the body but do not auscultate.
D) Focus on the head and torso.

Answer 100

B) Perform a head-to-toe exam.

Question 101

You are transporting an 18-year-old male who has been injured in a motor-vehicle collision. He has a decreased level of consciousness and has suffered injuries to his head, chest, and lower right leg. When you are conducting the reassessment of the patient’s head and neck, which one of the following is appropriate?
A) Carefully removing the cervical collar to reassess the back of the neck
B) Placing a sterile dressing in the right ear, which is oozing blood
C) Taking time to carefully re-palpate the face and scalp
D) Maintaining an airway with the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver

Answer 101

C) Taking time to carefully re-palpate the face and scalp

Question 102

Trends in a patient's condition are best noted during what phase of patient assessment?
A) Secondary assessment 
B) Reassessment 
C) Primary assessment 
D) General impression

Answer 102

B) Reassessment

Question 103

En route to the hospital, you start the reassessment of a 22-year-old trauma patient. You should begin this assessment by:
A) checking all interventions. 
B) rechecking vital signs. 
C) repeating the primary assessment. 
D) assessing for additional injuries.

Answer 103

C) repeating the primary assessment.