Chapter 41 - Terrorism Response & Disaster Management

Question 1

__________ rays easily penetrate through the human body and require lead or several inches of concrete to prevent penetration.

Select one:

A. Beta

B. Alpha

C. Neutron

D. Gamma

Answer 1

D. Gamma

Question 2

After eating at a local restaurant, a 20-year-old male complains of blurred vision, difficulty speaking, and difficulty breathing. He is conscious; however, his respirations are profoundly labored and producing minimal tidal volume. You should:

Select one:

A. position him supine and elevate his legs.

B. assist his ventilations with high-flow oxygen.

C. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

D. request a paramedic to administer atropine.

Answer 2

B. assist his ventilations with high-flow oxygen.

Question 3

All of the following are vesicant agents, EXCEPT:

Select one:

A. phosgene oxime.

B. sulfur mustard.

C. lewisite.

D. sarin.

Answer 3

D. sarin.

Question 4

An attack on an abortion clinic would MOST likely be carried out by a(n):

Select one:

A. single-issue group.

B. extremist political group.

C. violent religious group.

D. doomsday cult.

Answer 4

A. single-issue group.

Question 5

As you and your partner report for duty, you check your ambulance and begin talking about the possibility of a terrorist attack. The MOST effective and appropriate way to determine the likelihood of this happening is to:

Select one:

A. check with local businesses to see if they have received any terrorist threats.

B. ask your immediate supervisor if he or she has been watching the local news.

C. ascertain the current situation overseas with regard to the number of casualties.

D. know the current threat level issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

Answer 5

D. know the current threat level issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

Question 6

At present, the likelihood of a nuclear attack against the United States is very low because:

Select one:

A. terrorist nations do not have the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon via missile or bomb.

B. the United States has an effective early warning system to detect an incoming nuclear missile.

C. all nuclear devices or weapons that different countries are in possession of are currently accounted for.

D. other than the United States, no other countries are currently in possession of nuclear weapons.

Answer 6

A. terrorist nations do not have the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon via missile or bomb.

Question 7

Continual reassessment of the scene at a suspected terrorist or weapon of mass destruction incident is MOST important because:

Select one:

A. weather conditions may change quickly.

B. terrorists are often at the scene after an attack.

C. a secondary explosive device may detonate.

D. bystanders may destroy the evidence.

Answer 7

C. a secondary explosive device may detonate.

Question 8

In determining the potential for a terrorist attack, you should routinely observe all of the following on every call, EXCEPT:

Select one:

A. the location type.

B. the type of call.

C. weather conditions.

D. victim’s statements.

Answer 8

C. weather conditions.

Question 9

Most cases of anthrax begin with:

Select one:

A. respiratory distress.

B. pulmonary edema.

C. flulike symptoms.

D. signs of shock.

Answer 9

C. flulike symptoms.

Question 10

Multiple people in a small town began experiencing abdominal cramps, excessive salivation and urination, and muscle twitching shortly after a small crop duster plane made several passes over the community. As you are assessing the patients, you further determine that most of them are bradycardic and have miosis. In addition to high-flow oxygen, the MOST appropriate treatment for these patients includes:

Select one:

A. amyl nitrate and naloxone.

B. activated charcoal and glucose.

C. atropine and pralidoxime chloride.

D. epinephrine and hyperbaric oxygen.

Answer 10

C. atropine and pralidoxime chloride.

Question 11

Points of distribution (PODs) are strategically placed facilities where:

Select one:

A. chemical and biologic weapons are stockpiled.

B. chemical weapons are manufactured and distributed.

C. antidotes, antibiotics, and vaccines are distributed.

D. weapons of mass destruction are distributed.

Answer 11

C. antidotes, antibiotics, and vaccines are distributed.

Question 12

The Centennial Park bombing during the 1996 Summer Olympics is an example of:

Select one:

A. domestic terrorism.

B. an ecoterrorist attack.

C. apocalyptic violence.

D. state-sponsored terrorism.

Answer 12

A. domestic terrorism.

Question 13

The EMT should expect that a patient who was exposed to cyanide will have:

Select one:

A. an abnormally slow pulse rate.

B. skin that is cherry red and hot.

C. an abnormally slow respiratory rate.

D. a normal pulse oximetry reading.

Answer 13

D. a normal pulse oximetry reading.

Question 14

The incubation period for Ebola can be up to:

Select one:

A. 21 days.

B. 6 months.

C. 1 week.

D. 72 hours.

Answer 14

A. 21 days.

Question 15

The means by which a terrorist will spread a particular agent is called:

Select one:

A. weaponization.

B. dissemination.

C. incubation.

D. aerosolization.

Answer 15

B. dissemination.

Question 16

The type and severity of wounds sustained from incendiary and explosive devices primarily depend on the:

Select one:

A. type of material used to manufacture the device.

B. size of the structure that was involved in the explosion.

C. patient’s distance from the epicenter of the explosion.

D. pressure that is generated from the explosion itself.

Answer 16

C. patient’s distance from the epicenter of the explosion.

Question 17

To date, the preferred weapons of mass destruction for terrorists have been:

Select one:

A. chemical weapons.

B. explosive weapons.

C. biologic weapons.

D. nuclear weapons.

Answer 17

B. explosive weapons.

Question 18

Unlike viral agents, bacterial agents:

Select one:

A. are usually not treatable.

B. are far less infectious.

C. do not replicate in the body.

D. respond to antibiotics.

Answer 18

D. respond to antibiotics.

Question 19

Which of the following statements regarding blast injuries is correct?

Select one:

A. Solid organs are relatively protected from shock wave injury but may be injured during the secondary or tertiary blast phase.

B. Solid organs such as the middle ear, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract are the most susceptible to pressure changes.

C. Tertiary blast injuries are penetrating or nonpenetrating injuries that result from flying debris, such as ordnance projectiles.

D. The gastrointestinal tract is the organ system most sensitive to blast injuries and is the leading cause of death following an explosion.

Answer 19

A. Solid organs are relatively protected from shock wave injury but may be injured during the secondary or tertiary blast phase.

Question 20

You and your partner arrive at the scene of a fire at a large office complex. Witnesses tell you that they heard a loud explosion shortly before the building caught fire. You should:

Select one:

A. tell the witnesses that you suspect that the explosion was the work of a terrorist.

B. carefully document the witnesses’ statements and report them immediately.

C. ensure that your ambulance is parked upwind and uphill from the building.

D. take standard precautions and begin searching for critically injured patients.

Answer 20

C. ensure that your ambulance is parked upwind and uphill from the building.

Question 21

Signs and symptoms of exposure to a nerve agent include:

A. dry mouth, dilated pupils, and headache.

B. salivation, pinpoint pupils, and diarrhea.

C. hypertension and severe pulmonary edema.

D. tachycardia, flushed skin, and unequal pupils.

Answer 21

B. salivation, pinpoint pupils, and diarrhea.

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Question 22

Pulmonary hemorrhage and inner ear damage are examples of __________ blast injuries.

A. primary
B. secondary
C. tertiary
D. miscellaneous

Answer 22

A. primary

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Question 23

Exposure to _________ would MOST likely result in immediate respiratory distress.

A. tabun
B. soman
C. lewisite
D. chlorine

Answer 23

D. chlorine

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Question 24

The chemical attacks that occurred in Tokyo between 1994 and 1995 were carried out by a(n):

A. violent religious group.
B. extremist political group.
C. single-issue terrorist group.
D. group of domestic terrorists.

Answer 24

A. violent religious group.

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Question 25

A persistent or nonvolatile chemical agent can:

A. evaporate quickly when left on a surface.
B. remain on a surface for more than 24 hours.
C. explode without warning and releases gases.
D. remain in the environment for many weeks

Answer 25

B. remain on a surface for more than 24 hours.

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Question 26

The process performed to artificially maximize the target population’s exposure to a biologic agent, thereby exposing the greatest number of people and achieving the desired effect, is called:

A. potentiation.
B. alkalinization.
C. dissemination.
D. weaponization.

Answer 26

D. weaponization

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Question 27

You are dispatched to the scene of a building explosion. Upon arrival, you see people frantically fleeing the building, screaming, “Everyone is passing out!” You should:

A. carefully assess the situation and ensure your own safety.
B. assist with the evacuation and begin triaging the patients.
C. notify dispatch and state that a terrorist attack has occurred.
D. contact the FBI immediately and report the current situation.

Answer 27

A. carefully assess the situation and ensure your own safety.

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Question 28

Early signs and symptoms of smallpox include all of the following, EXCEPT:

A. body aches.
B. skin blisters.
C. high fever.

D. headaches.

Answer 28

B. skin blisters.

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Question 29

You are treating a patient who experienced a significant exposure to cyanide. He is semiconscious and is breathing inadequately. The MOST appropriate method of providing assisted ventilations to this patient is to:

A. use a bag-mask device.
B. perform mouth-to-mask ventilations.
C. request a paramedic unit to intubate.
D. perform mouth-to-mouth ventilations.

Answer 29

A. use a bag-mask device.

Page: 1438

Question 30

Which of the following would you expect to encounter in a patient with moderate radiation toxicity?

A. Hair loss and first-degree burns

B. Nausea, dizziness, and headache

C. Second- and third-degree burns

D. White blood cell death and cancer

Answer 30

A. Hair loss and first-degree burns

Question 31

Cross-contamination occurs when:

A. an EMT provides care to a victim after the victim has been decontaminated.
B. two EMTs are exposed to the same agent after being decontaminated.
C. an EMT has direct contact with a chemical agent at a terrorist incident.
D. an EMT is exposed to a victim who has not yet been decontaminated.

Answer 31

D. an EMT is exposed to a victim who has not yet been decontaminated.

Question 32

The LEAST harmful form of ionizing radiation is:

A. beta.
B. alpha.
C. gamma.
D. neutron.

Answer 32

B. alpha.

Question 33

Unlike viruses and bacteria, neurotoxins:

A. cause high fever.
B. are not contagious.
C. cause skin blistering.
D. have a slow onset of symptoms.

Answer 33

B. are not contagious.

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining how to protect oneself against the effects of radiation?

A. time
B. distance
C. shielding
D. body size

Answer 34

D. body size

Question 35

As the first-arriving emergency responder at the scene of a suspected terrorist or weapon of mass destruction incident, you should request additional resources as needed and then:

A. remain where you are until additional ambulances arrive at the scene.

B. function as the incident commander until additional personnel arrive.

C. direct your partner to begin triaging patients as you call medical control.

D. carefully inspect the area for the presence of secondary explosive devices.

Answer 35

B. function as the incident commander until additional personnel arrive.

Question 36

Which of the following terrorist groups poses the LEAST threat to a person’s physical safety?

A. Doomsday cults

B. Single-issue groups

C. Cyber terrorists

D. Extremist political groups

Answer 36

C. Cyber terrorists

Question 37

When introduced into the body, ricin causes:

A. intestinal obstruction and severe sepsis.

B. enlarged lymph nodes and extreme pain.

C. pulmonary edema and circulatory failure.

D. necrosis of muscle tissue and cell destruction.

Answer 37

C. pulmonary edema and circulatory failure.

Question 38

A weapon of mass destruction is MOST accurately defined as:

A. a device or agent used to destroy a specific area or region within a given geographic location.

B. any agent used to bring about mass death, casualties, or massive infrastructural damage.

C. a nuclear or chemical weapon that can be launched from one country to another country.

D. any device used for the express purpose of creating carnage in an effort to make a particular point.

Answer 38

B. any agent used to bring about mass death, casualties, or massive infrastructural damage.

Question 39

Most terrorist attacks are:

A. covert.

B. impulsive.

C. unplanned.

D. nuclear attacks.

Answer 39

A. covert.

Question 40

You are assessing a 30-year-old female who presents with respiratory distress and tachycardia after she opened a package that was delivered to her home. The patient tells you that there was a fine white powder on the package, but she did not think it was important. This patient has MOST likely been exposed to:

A. Ebola.
B. anthrax.
C. botulinum.
D. a neurotoxin.

Answer 40

B. anthrax.

Question 41

Phosgene (CG) has an odor that resembles:

A. Cut grass

B. Bleach

C. Garlic

D. Almonds

Answer 41

A. Cut grass

Question 42

Initial signs and symptoms associated with viral hemorrhagic fevers include:

A. joint pain and unequal pupils.
B. acute onset of double vision.
C. severe abdominal muscle spasms.
D. headache and sore throat.

Answer 42

D. headache and sore throat.

Question 43

Nerve agents, a class of chemicals called organophosphates, were first discovered while in search of a superior:

Choose one answer.

A. vaccine.
B. antibiotic.
C. pesticide.
D. detergent.

Answer 43

C. pesticide.

Question 44

Symptoms of both inhaled and ingested ricin include:

Choose one answer.

A. fever and headache.
B. joint pain and bradycardia.
C. liver necrosis and diarrhea.
D. dehydration and convulsions.

Answer 44

A. fever and headache.

Question 45

Which of the following statements regarding anthrax is correct?

A. Anthrax is a deadly virus that replicates.
B. Cutaneous anthrax has a 90% mortality rate.
C. Pulmonary anthrax is the most deadly form.
D. There is presently no vaccine against anthrax.

Answer 45

C. Pulmonary anthrax is the most deadly form.

Question 46

The skin lesions associated with smallpox:

A. initially form on the lower trunk.
B. are of different shapes and sizes.
C. develop early during the disease.
D. are identical in their development.

Answer 46

D. are identical in their development.

Question 47

When multiple patients present with an acute onset of difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and hoarseness or stridor, you should be MOST suspicious of exposure to:

A. a nerve agent.
B. sarin or soman.
C. a vesicant agent.
D. phosgene or chlorine.

Answer 47

D. phosgene or chlorine.

Question 48

A disease vector is defined as:

A. the spectrum of signs that define a disease.
B. any agent that acts as a carrier or transporter.
C. the period of time between exposure and illness.
D. the ability of a virus or bacterium to be spread.

Answer 48

B. any agent that acts as a carrier or transporter

Question 49

The primary route of exposure of vesicant agents is the:

A. skin.
B. nervous system.
C. vascular system.
D. respiratory tract.

Answer 49

A. skin.

Question 50

Which of the following chemicals is a nerve agent?

A. phosgene
B. soman
C. lewisite
D. chlorine

Answer 50

B. soman

Question 51

As you and your partner report for duty, you check your ambulance and begin talking about the possibility of a terrorist attack. The MOST effective and appropriate way to determine the likelihood of this happening is to:

A. check with local businesses to see if they have received any terrorist threats.
B. ask your immediate supervisor if he or she has been watching the local news.
C. know the current threat level issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
D. ascertain the current situation overseas with regard to the number of casualties.

Answer 51

C. know the current threat level issued by the Department of Homeland Security.

Question 52

The primary clinical feature associated with exposure to phosgene oxime is:

A. miosis.
B. a red rash.
C. bradycardia.
D. skin blistering.

Answer 52

D. skin blistering.

Question 53

Botulinum is:

A. an acute viral infection.
B. a disease of the leukocytes.
C. rarely associated with death.
D. a potent bacterial neurotoxin.

Answer 53

D. a potent bacterial neurotoxin.

Question 54

A 52-year-old male presents with a fever of 102.5°F and a severe headache. As you assess him, you note the presence of multiple blisters on his face and chest, which are all identical in shape and size. This patient’s clinical presentation is MOST consistent with:

A. smallpox.
B. sarin toxicity.
C. yellow fever virus.
D. cutaneous anthrax

Answer 54

A. smallpox.

Question 55

Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF), such as Ebola, cause the blood to:

A. become thick and spontaneously clot.
B. seep out of the blood vessels and tissues.
C. attack the bone marrow and destroy cells.
D. engorge the brain and cause hemorrhaging.

Answer 55

B. seep out of the blood vessels and tissues.

Question 56

Which of the following agents blocks the body’s ability to use oxygen and possesses an odor similar to almonds?

A. hydrogen cyanide
B. phosgene oxime
C. organophosphates
D. carbon monoxide

Answer 56

A. hydrogen cyanide

Question 57

Which of the following statements regarding the persistency and volatility of a chemical agent is correct?

A. Sarin, a powerful nerve agent, is nonvolatile and can remain on a surface for long periods.
B. Sulfur mustard, a vesicant agent, is generally considered to have a low level of persistence.
C. Lewisite, a vesicant agent, is nonvolatile and evaporates quickly in an optimum temperature.
D. VX, a highly persistent nerve agent, can remain in the environment for weeks to months

Answer 57

D. VX, a highly persistent nerve agent, can remain in the environment for weeks to months

Question 58

All of the following biologic agents or diseases can be transmitted from person to person, EXCEPT:

A. ricin.
B. smallpox.
C. pneumonic plague.
D. inhalation anthrax.

Answer 58

A. ricin.

Question 59

If the incident command system (ICS) is already established at the scene of a WMD or terrorist attack, the EMT should:

A. locate the medical staging officer to obtain his or her assignment.
B. begin triaging patients and start treating the most critical ones.
C. remain in the rehabilitation area until he or she is assigned a task.
D. contact the EMS medical director and obtain further instructions.

Answer 59

A. locate the medical staging officer to obtain his or her assignment.

Question 60

Most terrorist attacks:

A. are carried out by fewer than three people.
B. occur within the continental United States.
C. involve the use of nuclear explosive devices.
D. require multiple terrorists working together.

Answer 60

D. require multiple terrorists working together.

Question 61

To date, the preferred weapons of mass destruction for terrorists have been:

A. nuclear weapons.
B. chemical weapons.
C. biologic weapons.
D. explosive weapons.

Answer 61

D. explosive weapons.

Question 62

Continual reassessment of the scene at a suspected terrorist or weapon of mass destruction incident is MOST important because:

A. bystanders may destroy the evidence.
B. weather conditions may change quickly.
C. a secondary explosive device may detonate.
D. terrorists are often at the scene after an attack.

Answer 62

C. a secondary explosive device may detonate.

Question 63

As the first arriving emergency responder at the scene of a suspected terrorist or WMD incident, you should request additional resources as needed and then:

Choose one answer.

A. remain where you are until additional ambulances arrive at the scene.
B. function as the incident commander until additional personnel arrive.
C. direct your partner to begin triaging patients as you call medical control.
D. carefully inspect the area for the presence of secondary explosive devices.

Answer 63

B. function as the incident commander until additional personnel arrive.

Question 64

Unlike bacterial agents, viral agents:

Choose one answer.

A. are far less infectious.
B. respond to antibiotics.
C. are usually not treatable.
D. do not replicate in the body.

Answer 64

C. are usually not treatable.