Chapter 30 - Environmental Emergencies

Question 1

A person's ability to shiver is lost when his or her body temperature falls below:
Select one:
A. 94°F (34°C).
B. 95°F (35°C).
C. 92°F (33°C). 
D. 90°F (32°C).

Answer 1

D. 90°F (32°C).

Question 2

Breath-holding syncope is caused by a decreased stimulus to breathe and occurs when:
Select one:
A. a swimmer breathes shallowly before entering the water.
B. a swimmer hyperventilates prior to entering the water.
C. a diver holds his or her breath during a staged ascent.
D. a diver holds his or her breath for a long period of time.

Answer 2

B. a swimmer hyperventilates prior to entering the water.

Question 3

Compared to adults, infants and children are at higher risk for hypothermia for all of the following reasons, EXCEPT:
Select one:
A. a smaller overall muscle mass.
B. a decreased ability to shiver. 
C. a relatively small surface area.
D. a smaller amount of body fat.

Answer 3

C. a relatively small surface area.

Question 4

Signs of late heatstroke include:
Select one:
A. a weak, rapid pulse.
B. hot, moist skin.
C. nausea and vomiting.
D. a change in behavior.

Answer 4

A. a weak, rapid pulse.

Question 5

The diving reflex may allow a person to survive extended periods of submersion in cold water secondary to:
Select one:
A. tachycardia and a lowering of the blood pressure.
B. bradycardia and a slowing of the metabolic rate.
C. increases in the metabolic rate and oxygen demand.
D. laryngospasm that protects the lungs from water.

Answer 5

B. bradycardia and a slowing of the metabolic rate.

Question 6

The MOST prominent symptom of decompression sickness is:
Select one:
A. difficulty with vision.
B. dizziness and nausea. 
C. abdominal or joint pain.
D. tightness in the chest.

Answer 6

C. abdominal or joint pain.

Question 7

The venom of a black widow spider is toxic to the:
Select one:
A. renal system.
B. cardiovascular system.
C. respiratory system.
D. nervous system.

Answer 7

D. nervous system.

Question 8

To assess a patient's general temperature, pull back on your glove and place the back of your hand on his or her skin at the:
Select one:
A. neck.
B. chest.
C. forehead. 
D. abdomen.

Answer 8

D. abdomen.

Question 9

Which of the following MOST accurately describes hyperthermia?
Select one:
A. The core body temperature exceeds 99.5°F (37°C).
B. The body eliminates more heat than it can generate.
C. The body is exposed to more heat than it can lose.
D. Heat evaporates a significant amount of body water.

Answer 9

C. The body is exposed to more heat than it can lose.

Question 10

Which of the following statements regarding lightning strikes is correct?
Select one:
A. Victims who are struck by lightning often experience severe full-thickness burns.
B. Cervical spine fractures are the most common cause of lightning-related deaths.
C. The tissue damage pathway caused by lightning usually occurs through the skin. Incorrect
D. Lightning often results in a brief period of asystole that resolves spontaneously.

Answer 10

D. Lightning often results in a brief period of asystole that resolves spontaneously.

Question 11

While drinking beer with his friends near a creek, a 31-year-old male was bitten on the leg by an unidentified snake. The patient is conscious and alert and in no apparent distress. Your assessment of his leg reveals two small puncture marks with minimal pain and swelling. In addition to administering oxygen and providing reassurance, further care for this patient should include:
Select one:
A. supine positioning, splinting the leg, and transporting.
B. applying ice to the wound and transporting quickly.
C. elevating the lower extremities and giving antivenin.
D. transporting only with close, continuous monitoring.

Answer 11

A. supine positioning, splinting the leg, and transporting.

Question 12

You receive a call to a residence for a sick patient. Upon your arrival, you find the patient, a 53-year-old diabetic male, lying down on his front porch. His wife tells you that he had been mowing the lawn in the heat for the past 3 hours. The patient is confused and has hot, moist skin. His pulse is weak and thready, and his blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg. In addition to administering 100% oxygen, you should:
Select one:
A. perform a rapid assessment and look for signs of trauma.
B. load him into the ambulance and begin rapid cooling interventions.
C. place him in a sitting position and have him drink 1 L of water.
D. administer one tube of oral glucose and reassess his mental status.

Answer 12

B. load him into the ambulance and begin rapid cooling interventions.