Chapter 3 - Medical, Legal, And Ethical Issues

Question 1

As an EMT, the standards of emergency care are often partially based on:
Select one:
A. a consensus among paramedic supervisors.
B. locally accepted protocols.
C. the wishes of the general public.
D. the priorities of the medical director.

Answer 1

B. locally accepted protocols.

Question 2

In order for a do not resuscitate (DNR) order to be valid, it must:
Select one:
A. clearly state the patient’s medical problem.
B. be updated a minimum of every 6 months.
C. be signed by a local lawyer.
D. be dated within the previous 24 months.

Answer 2

A. clearly state the patient’s medical problem.

Question 3

Maintaining the chain of evidence at the scene of a crime should include:
Select one:
A. quickly moving any weapons out of the patient’s sight.
B. not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons.
C. making brief notes at the scene and then completing them later.
D. placing the patient in a private area until the police arrive.

Answer 3

B. not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons.

Question 4

The EMT's scope of practice within his or her local response area is defined by the:
Select one:
A. state EMS office. Incorrect
B. local health district.
C. medical director.
D. EMS supervisor.

Answer 4

C. medical director.

Question 5

To help protect patients, EMS agencies are required to have __________.
Select one:
A. an anonymous reporting system Incorrect
B. online access to patient records
C. public forums with their medical director
D. a privacy officer to answer questions

Answer 5

D. a privacy officer to answer questions

Question 6

Which of the following general statements regarding consent is MOST correct?
Select one:
A. Expressed consent is valid only if given in writing by a family member.
B. Patients who are intoxicated are generally allowed to refuse treatment.
C. All patients older than 18 years can legally refuse treatment or transport.
D. A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated.

Answer 6

D. A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated.

Question 7

Which of the following situations requires you to notify the appropriate authorities?
Select one:
A. cardiac arrest
B. accidental knife wound
C. drug overdose Incorrect
D. attempted suicide

Answer 7

D. attempted suicide

Question 8

While transporting a stable patient with chest pain to the hospital, you encounter a major motor vehicle crash involving several critically injured patients. Your MOST appropriate action should be to:
Select one:
A. stop and triage the patients while your partner remains in the ambulance.
B. ask a bystander to remain with your patient as you treat the crash victims.
C. continue transporting your patient and notify the dispatcher of the crash.
D. remain at the scene until law enforcement personnel and another ambulance arrive.

Answer 8

C. continue transporting your patient and notify the dispatcher of the crash.