Chapter 40 - ALS Assist

Question 1

A 12-lead ECG:
Select one:
A. is only performed in the hospital setting.
B. does not indicate the heart’s primary pacemaker.
C. may identify myocardial ischemia or injury.
D. is used by the EMT to diagnose a heart attack.

Answer 1

C. may identify myocardial ischemia or injury.

Question 2

A 50-year-old male develops acute respiratory distress and cyanosis shortly after an IV line has been established. You should administer high-flow oxygen and:
Select one:
A. position him supine with his head elevated 45°.
B. position him supine with his legs elevated.
C. place him on his right side with his head elevated.
D. place him on his left side with his head down.

Answer 2

D. place him on his left side with his head down.

Question 3

Although you should carry a variety of endotracheal (ET) tube sizes, a \_\_\_\_\_ ET tube will adequately fit most adults.
Select one:
A. 8.5-mm
B. 7.5-mm
C. 9.0-mm
D. 6.0-mm

Answer 3

B. 7.5-mm

Question 4

Leads V1 and V2 in a 12-lead ECG should be positioned:
Select one:
A. on each side of the sternum at the fourth intercostal space.
B. on each side of the upper sternum at the first intercostal space.
C. 2² away from both sides of the xiphoid process.
D. approximately 1² apart, directly over the sternum.

Answer 4

A. on each side of the sternum at the fourth intercostal space.

Question 5

To avoid obscuring your view of the vocal cords during intubation, you should:
Select one:
A. not pass the ET tube down the center of the laryngoscope blade.
B. ensure that the straight blade is in the vallecular space before lifting.
C. direct your assistant to apply firm pressure to the thyroid cartilage.
D. gently pry against the patient’s teeth to achieve adequate leverage.

Answer 5

A. not pass the ET tube down the center of the laryngoscope blade.

Question 6

When applying the 4-lead ECG electrodes to a patient, the white (negative) lead should be placed:
Select one:
A. on the right arm.
B. on the left side of the abdomen.
C. on the left upper arm.
D. to the left of the sternum.

Answer 6

A. on the right arm.

Question 7

Which of the following is the MOST reliable indicator of successful endotracheal intubation?
Select one:
A. the presence of mist or vapor in the tube during exhalation
B. when the paper in the end-tidal CO2 detector turns yellow
C. visualization of the tube passing between the vocal cords
D. the presence of bilaterally clear and equal breath sounds

Answer 7

C. visualization of the tube passing between the vocal cords

Question 8

You have attempted to intubate a 66-year-old male twice without success. Medical control is unable to be contacted. Your MOST appropriate action should be to:
Select one:
A. continue intubation attempts until medical control has been contacted.
B. have your partner attempt to successfully intubate the patient.
C. preoxygenate with a bag-mask device and insert a multilumen airway.
D. insert an oral airway, ventilate with a bag-mask device, and transport.

Answer 8

D. insert an oral airway, ventilate with a bag-mask device, and transport.