Chapter 21 Quiz

Question 1

A 49 year old male presents with confusion, sweating, and visual hallucinations. The patient's wife tells you that he is a heavy drinker, and she thinks he had a seizure shortly before your arrival. This patient is MOST likely experiencing:
A. delirium tremens
B. acute schizophrenia
C. alcohol intoxication
D. acute hypovolemia

Answer 1

A. delirium tremens

Question 2

Activated charcoal is given to patients who have ingested certain substances because it:
A. is a direct antidote for many toxic substances
B. decreases absorption of poisons into the lungs
C. binds to the substance and prevents absorption.
D. induces vomiting and empties the stomach

Answer 2

C. binds to the substance and prevents absorption

Question 3

As you enter the residence of a patient who has possibly overdosed, you should:
A. be alert for personal hazards
B. look for drug paraphernalia
C. observe the scene for drug bottles
D. quickly gain access to the patient

Answer 3

A. be alert for personal hazards.

Question 4

How do poisons typically act to harm the body?
A. By causing burns and damage to either external or internal organs.
B. By changing the normal metabolism of cells or by destroying them
C. By interfering with normal neurologic function
D. By causing a slowing of nearly all bodily functions

Answer 4

B. By changing the normal metabolism of cells or by destroying them.

Question 5

If the victim of a toxicologic emergency vomits, an EMT should ____________.
A. safely dispose of the vomitus as soon as possible and decontaminate the vehicle as necessary.
B. use appropriate personal protective equipment and examine the vomitus for pill fragments or other clues for patient care.
C. not approach the vomitus
D. have the patient enclose the vomitus in a container and take it to the emergency department

Answer 5

B. use appropriate personal protective equipment and examine the vomitus for pill fragments or other clues for patient care.

Question 6

Most poisonings occur via the \_\_\_\_\_\_ route.
A. absorption
B. inhalation
C. injection
D. ingestion

Answer 6

D. ingestion

Question 7

The recommended treatment for absorbed or contact poisons includes __________.
A. transporting the patient to the emergency department with the poisonous substance in place.
B. safely removing or diluting the poisonous substance.
C. neutralizing the poisonous substance
D. collecting and transporting the poisonous substance to the emergency department for identification

Answer 7

B. safely removing or diluting the poisonous substance

Question 8

Which of the following questions would be LEAST pertinent during the initial questioning of a patient who ingested a substance?
A. How much of the substance was taken?
B. Why was the substance ingested?
C. How long ago was the substance taken?
D. What type of substance was taken?

Answer 8

B. Why was the substance ingested?

Question 9

Which of the following sets of vital signs would the EMT MOST likely encounter in a patient with acute cocaine overdose?
A. BP, 190/90 mmHg; pulse, 40 beats/min
B. BP, 180/100 mmHg; pulse, 50 beats/min
C. BP, 60/40 mmHg; PULSE, 140 beats/min
D. BP, 200/100 mmHg; pulse, 150 beats/min

Answer 9

D. BP, 200/100 mmHg; pulse, 150 beats/min

Question 10

You receive a call to a residence where a man found his wife unresponsive on the couch. The patient’s respiratory rate is 8 breaths/min, her breathing is shallow, her heart rate is 40 beats/min, and her pulse is weak. The husband hands you an empty bottle of hydrocodone (Vicodin), which was refilled the day before. You should:
A. contact poison control center
B. perform a rapid head-to-toe exam.
C. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.
D. ventilate her with a BVM.

Answer 10

D. Ventilate her with a BVM