Chapters 15-24

Question 1

1. Which of the following will MOST reliably allow you to determine the nature of a patient’s illness?

Refraining from asking open-ended questions

Asking questions related to the chief complaint

Focusing solely on how the call is dispatched

Trending of the patient’s vital signs over time.

Answer 1

Asking questions related to the chief complaint

Question 2

2. Which of the following statements regarding hepatitis A is correct?

Infection with hepatitis A causes chronic illness with a high mortality rate.

Although there is no vaccine against hepatitis A, treatment is usually successful.

Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted via contact with blood or other body fluids.

Hepatitis A can only be transmitted by a patient who has an acute infection.

Answer 2

Hepatitis A can only be transmitted by a patient who has an acute infection.

Question 3

3. The two processes that occur during respiration are:

inspiration and expiration

ventilation and diffusion.

diffusion and oxygenation.

oxygenation and ventilation

Answer 3

inspiration and expiration

Question 4

4. Which of the following conditions would be LEAST likely to result in hypoxia?

Severe anxiety

Pulmonary edema

Pleural effusion

Narcotic overdose

Answer 4

Severe anxiety

Question 5

5. Asthma is caused by a response of the:

cardiovascular system.

immune system.

respiratory system.

endocrine system.

Answer 5

immune system.

Question 6

6. When auscultating the lungs of a patient with respiratory distress,you hear adventitious sounds. This means that the patient has:

normal breath sounds.

diminished breath sounds.

abnormal breath sounds.

an absence of breath sounds.

Answer 6

abnormal breath sounds.

Question 7

7. When the myocardium requires more oxygen:

the AV node conducts fewer impulses.

the heart contracts with less force.

the heart rate decreases significantly.

the arteries supplying the heart dilate.

Answer 7

the arteries supplying the heart dilate.

Question 8

8. You are dispatched to a convenience store for a patient who passed out. Upon arriving at the scene, you fing two off-duty EMTS performing CPR on the patient, a 58-year-old male. Your initial action should be to:

have the EMTS stop CPR and assess for a pulse

request a paramedic unit and quickly attach the AED.

feel for a pulse while compressions are ongoing.

quickly attach the AED and push the analyze button.

Answer 8

feel for a pulse while compressions are ongoing.

Question 9

9. Major risk factors for AMI include all of the following, EXCEPT:

Hypertension.

hypoglycemia.

diabetes mellitus.

elevated cholesterol.

Answer 9

hypoglycemia.

Question 10

10. You are assessing a 49-year-old man who, according to his wife, experienced a sudden, severe headache and then passed out. He is unresponsive and has slow, irregular breathing. His blood pressure is 190/94 mm Hg, and his pulse rate is 50 beats/min. His wife tells you that he has hypertension and diabetes. He has MOST likely experienced:

a complex partial seizure.

an occluded cerebral artery.

acute hypoglycemia.

a ruptured cerebral artery.

Answer 10

a ruptured cerebral artery.

Question 11

11. Which of the following is characteristic of a focal-onset aware seizure?

Generalized twitching of all muscles

No change in vision, smell, or taste

Normal level of consciousness

Absence of breathing

Answer 11

Normal level of consciousness

Question 12

12. You arrive at a grocery store shortly after a 35-year-old male stopped seizing. Your assessment reveals that he is confused and incontinent of urine. The patient’s girlfriend tells you that he has a history of seizures and takes topiramate (Topamax). When obtaining further medical history from the girlfriend, it is MOST important to:

obtain a description of how the seizure developed.

determine when he was last seen by his physician.

ask her how long the patient has been taking his medication.

determine if the patient is a known alcohol abuser.

Answer 12

obtain a description of how the seizure developed.

Question 13

13. Your patient opens his eyes, moans, and pulls away from you when you pinch his trapezius muscle. You should assign a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of:

9

8

7

6

Answer 13

8

Question 14

14. Which of the following statements regarding the acute abdomen is correct?

An acute abdomen almost always occurs as the result of blunt trauma to solid abdominal organs.

The parietal peritoneum is typically the first abdominal layer that becomes inflamed or irritated.

The most common cause of an acute abdomen is inflammation of the gallbladder and liver.

The initial pain associated with an acute abdomen tends to be vague and poorly localized.

Answer 14

The initial pain associated with an acute abdomen tends to be vague and poorly localized.

Question 15

15. Patients with acute abdominal pain should not be given anything to eat or drink because:

food will rapidly travel through the digestive system.

digestion prevents accurate auscultation of bowel sounds.

substances in the stomach increase the risk of aspiration.

it will create referred pain and obscure the diagnosis.

Answer 15

substances in the stomach increase the risk of aspiration.

Question 16

16. The principal symptom in both infectious and noninfectious gastroenteritis is:

dysuria.

high fever.

diarrhea.

vomiting.

Answer 16

diarrhea.

Question 17

17. Injury to a hollow abdominal organ would MOST likely result in:

impairment in the blood’s clotting abilities.

pain secondary to blood in the peritoneum.

leakage of contents into the abdominal cavity.

profound shock due to severe internal bleeding.

Answer 17

leakage of contents into the abdominal cavity.

Question 18

18. Patients with type 2 diabetes usually control their disease with all of the following, EXCEPT:

supplemental insulin.

tolbutamide (Orinase).

glyburide (Micronase).

diet and exercise.

Answer 18

supplemental insulin.

Question 19

19. You respond to a movie theater for a 70-year-old male who is confused. His wife tells you he has type 2 diabetes but refuses to take his pills. Your assessment reveals that the patient is diaphoretic, tachycardic, and tachypneic. Initial management for this patient should include:

performing a rapid exam and obtaining vital signs.

applying a nonrebreathing mask at 15 L/min.

administering one to two tubes of oral glucose.

assisting the patient with his diabetic medication.

Answer 19

applying a nonrebreathing mask at 15 L/min.

Question 20

20. Which of the following statements regarding glucose is correct?

The brain requires insulin to allow glucose to enter the cells.

The brain requires glucose as much as it requires oxygen.

Blood glucose levels decrease in the absence of insulin.

Most cells will function normally without glucose.

Answer 20

The brain requires glucose as much as it requires oxygen.

Question 21

21. Chemicals that are responsible for the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction to a bee sting include:

leukocytes and epinephrine.

the bee venom itself.

histamines and leukotrienes.

adrenaline and histamines.

Answer 21

histamines and leukotrienes.

Question 22

22. Which of the following physiologic actions does epinephrine produce when given for an allergic reaction?

Bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction

Bronchodilation and vasodilation

Blocking of further histamine release

Vasoconstriction and bronchodilation

Answer 22

Vasoconstriction and bronchodilation

Question 23

23. You have administered one dose of epinephrine to a 40-year-old female to treat an allergic reaction that she developed after being stung by a scorpion. Your reassessment reveals that she is still having difficulty breathing, has a decreasing mental status, and has a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg. You should:

monitor her en route to the hospital and call medical control if she worsens.

request permission from medical control to give another dose of epinephrine.

administer a nebulized bronchodilator to improve the status of her breathing.

crush up an antihistamine tablet and place it in between her cheek and gum.

Answer 23

request permission from medical control to give another dose of epinephrine.

Question 24

24. Your unit is dispatched to the county jail for an intoxicated inmate. Upon arrival, you find the patient, a 33-year old male, lying supine in a jail cell. He is responsive to painful stimuli only and has slow, shallow respirations. You should be most concerned that this patient:

might experience a seizure.

might become violent.

is severely hypoglycemic.

might vomit and aspirate.

Answer 24

might vomit and aspirate.

Question 25

25. As you enter the residence of a patient who has possibly overdosed, you should:

quickly gain access to the patient.

observe the scene for drug bottles.

look for drug paraphernalia.

be alert for personal hazards.

Answer 25

be alert for personal hazards.

Question 26

26. An EMT’s primary responsibility to the patient who has been poisoned is to:

administer 25 g of activated charcoal.

recognize that a poisoning occurred.

administer the appropriate antidote.

contact poison control immediately.

Answer 26

recognize that a poisoning occurred.

Question 27

27. The single most significant factor that contributes to suicide is:

advanced age.

a chronic illness.

drug abuse.

depression.

Answer 27

depression.

Question 28

28. You are assessing a 45-year-old female who is severely depressed. She states that it seems as though her entire world is crashing down around her. She further states that she has had frequent thoughts of suicide, but is not sure if she can actually go through with it. How should you manage this situation?

Encourage the patient to remain quiet during transport.

Ask the patient if she has developed a suicidal plan.

Have law enforcement place her in protective custody.

Leave the scene and have a neighbor check in on her.

Answer 28

Ask the patient if she has developed a suicidal plan.

Question 29

29. During your assessment of a young female with nontraumatic vaginal bleeding, you note that her level of consciousness is decreased, her respirations are rapid and shallow, her skin is cool and moist, and her pulse is rapid and weak. You should:

assess her blood pressure and elevate her legs.

perform a visual assessment of her vaginal area.

assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device.

perform a rapid secondary assessment.

Answer 29

assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device.

Question 30

30. When documenting a call in which a female was sexually assaulted, you should:

translate the patient’s words or statements using proper medical terminol

only use quotation marks when recording any statements made by witnesses.

keep the report concise and record only what the patient stated in her own words.

record your opinion only if you have reasonable proof to justify the statement.

Answer 30

keep the report concise and record only what the patient stated in her own words.

Question 31

31. A 26-year-old female presents with heavy vaginal bleeding. She is conscious, but restless. Her blood pressure is 84/54 mm Hg, her pulse is 120 beats/min and weak, and her respirations are 22 breaths/min with adequate depth. She tells you that she inserted a tampon about 2 hours ago. You should:

assist her ventilations with a bag-valve mask, place one sterile dressing into her vagina, perform a rapid secondary assessment, and transport.

administer high-flow oxygen, ask her to remove the tampon, perform a detailed secondary assessment, and transport promptly.

administer high-flow oxygen, perform a detailed assessment of her vaginal area for signs of trauma, place her on her side, and transport.

administer high-flow oxygen, place a sterile pad over her vagina, keep her warm, elevate her lower extremities, and transport without delay.

Answer 31

administer high-flow oxygen, place a sterile pad over her vagina, keep her warm, elevate her lower extremities, and transport without delay.

Question 32

32. In contrast to bleeding caused by external trauma to the vagina, bleeding caused by conditions such as polyps or cancer;

often presents with acute pain.

is typically not as severe.

can be controlled in the field.

may be relatively painless.

Answer 32

may be relatively painless.

Question 33

33. A 59-year-old male with a history of emphysema complains of an acute worsening of his dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain following a forceful cough. Your assessment reveals that he has a barrel-shaped chest, unilaterally diminished breath sounds, and tachycardia. What is the MOST likely cause of this patient’s condition?

Rupture of the diaphragm

Acute-pulmonary embolism

Exacerbation of his COPD

Spontaneous pneumothorax

Answer 33

Spontaneous pneumothorax

Question 34

34. A 30-year-old male presents with acute shortness of breath, widespread hives, and facial swelling. He denies past medical history and takes no medications. During your assessment, you hear wheezing over all lung fields His blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg, and his heart rate is 110 beats/min. In addition to giving him high-flow oxygen, the MOST important treatment for this patient is:

an antihistamine.

albuterol.

beta antagonist.

Epinephrine.

Answer 34

Epinephrine.

Question 35

35. The posterior tibial pulse can be palpated:

behind the medial malleolus, on the inside of the ankle.

in the fossa behind the knee.

on the dorsum of the foot.

between the trachea and the neck muscle.

Answer 35

behind the medial malleolus, on the inside of the ankle.

Question 36

36. A 67-year-old female presents with difficulty breathing and chest discomfort that awakened her from her sleep. She states that she has congestive heart failure, has had two previous heart attacks, and has been prescribed nitroglycerin. She is conscious and alert with adequate breathing. Her blood pressure is 94/64 mm Hg and her heart rate is 120 beats/min. Treatment for this patient includes:

nitroglycerin for her chest pain.

placing her in an upright position.

ventilations with a BVM.

oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.

Answer 36

placing her in an upright position.

Question 37

37. The ability of cardiac muscle cells to contract spontaneously without a stimulus from a nerve source is called:
    impulsivity.

excitability.

contractility

Automaticity.

Answer 37

Automaticity.

Question 38

38. Which of the following is the MOST reliable method of estimating a patient’s cardiac output?

Connect the patient to an electrocardiogram.

Assess the heart rate and strength of the pulse.

Listen to heart sounds with a stethoscope.

Determine the average diastolic blood pressure.

Answer 38

Assess the heart rate and strength of the pulse.

Question 39

39. You are assessing the arm drift component of the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale on a 60-year-old woman. When she holds both of her arms out in front of her and closes her eyes, both of her arms immediately fall to her sides. You should:

repeat the arm drift test, but move the patient’s arms into position yourself..

instruct the patient to keep her eyes open and then repeat the arm drift test.

defer this part of the test and assess her for facial droop and slurred speech.

repeat the arm drift test and ensure that her palms are facing downward.

Answer 39

repeat the arm drift test, but move the patient’s arms into position yourself..

Question 40

40. The frontal lobe of the brain controls:
    movement.

vision.

touch.

Emotion.

Answer 40

Emotion.

Question 41

41. A patient whose speech is slurred and difficult to understand is experiencing:
    aphasia.

dysphasia.

dysarthria.

Dysphagia.

Answer 41

dysarthria.

Question 42

42. You arrive at a local grocery store approximately 5 minutes after a 21-year-old female stopped seizing. She is confused and disoriented; she keeps asking you what happened and tells you that she is thirsty. Her brother, who witnessed the seizure, tells you that she takes valproate (Depakote) for her seizures, but has not taken it in a few days. He also tells you that she has diabetes. In addition to administering oxygen, you should:

. administer one tube of oral glucose and prepare for immediate transport.

place her in the recovery position and transport her with lights and siren.

monitor her airway and breathing status and assess her blood glucose level.

give her small cups of water to drink and observe for further seizure activity.

Answer 42

monitor her airway and breathing status and assess her blood glucose level.

Question 43

43. When transporting a stable stroke patient with a paralyzed extremity, place the patient in a:

recumbent position with the paralyzed side down.

sitting position with the head at a 45 to 90° angle.

supine position with the legs elevated 6” to 12”.

recumbent position with the paralyzed side up.

Answer 43

recumbent position with the paralyzed side down.

Question 44

44. In the presence of ileus, the only way the stomach can empty itself is by:

muscular contraction.

spontaneous rupture.

Diarrhea.

Vomiting.

Answer 44

Vomiting.

Question 45

45. Classic signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

warm, dry skin; irritability; bradycardia; and rapid respirations.

cool, clammy skin; weakness; tachycardia; and rapid respirations.

warm, dry skin; hunger; abdominal pain; and deep, slow respirations.

cold,-clammy skin, bradycardia; hunger; and deep, rapid-respirations.

Answer 45

cool, clammy skin; weakness; tachycardia; and rapid respirations.

Question 46

46. Symptomatic hypoglycemia will MOST likely develop if a patient:

markedly overeats and misses an insulin dose.

takes too much of his or her prescribed insulin.

misses one or two prescribed insulin injections.

eats a regular meal followed by mild exertion.

Answer 46

takes too much of his or her prescribed insulin.

Question 47

47. Immediately after giving an epinephrine injection, you should:

record the time and dose given.

properly dispose of the syringe.

reassess the patient’s vital signs.

notify medical control of your action,

Answer 47

properly dispose of the syringe.

Question 48

48. Most patients who die of anaphylaxis do so within the first _____ minutes following exposure.

5

60

30

90

Answer 48

30

Question 49

49. A 48-year-old male is found unconscious in the garden by his wife. When you arrive at the scene and assess the man, you find that he is unresponsive, has labored breathing, and has hives over his entire trunk. You should:

perform a detailed secondary assessment.

maintain his airway and assist his ventilations.

ask his wife if he has any known allergies

administer oxygen and position him on his side.

Answer 49

maintain his airway and assist his ventilations.

Question 50

50. A hypnotic drug is one that:

increases the pulse.

increases the senses.

prevents amnesia.

induces sleep.

Answer 50

induces sleep

Question 51

51. Most poisonings occur via the _____ route.

Absorption

Injection

Inhalation

Ingestion

Answer 51

Ingestion

Question 52

52. The term “behavioral crisis” is MOST accurately defined as:

a sudden, violent outburst of an otherwise mentally stable person toward a family member.

a medical illness with psychological symptoms that may lead o limited motor functioning.

a situation in which a patient of any age exhibits agitated, violent, or uncooperative behavior.

a period of severe depression that lasts longer than 2 weeks and cannot be controlled with medications.

Answer 52

a situation in which a patient of any age exhibits agitated, violent, or uncooperative behavior.

Question 53

53. Law enforcement personnel request your assistance for a 30-year-old man who was pulled over for erratic driving. The patient became acutely violent while he was being questioned, which required one of the officers to subdue him with a Taser. When you arrive and assess the patient, you find that he is very agitated and is experiencing apparent hallucinations. His skin is flushed and diaphoretic. You should:

suspect that he is acutely hypoglycemic, consider giving him one tube of oral glucose, and transport with lights and siren.

limit physical contact with the patient as much as possible and avoid interrupting him if he attempting to communicate with you.

recognize that he is experiencing a complex psychiatric crisis, quickly load him into the ambulance, and transport without delay

quickly rule out any life-threatening conditions and then perform a detailed secondary assessment as he is being restrained.

Answer 53

limit physical contact with the patient as much as possible and avoid interrupting him if he attempting to communicate with you.

Question 54

54. If a woman with vaginal bleeding reports syncope, the EMT should assume that she:

is pregnant.

has an infection.

has an ectopic pregnancy.

is in shock

Answer 54

is in shock

Question 55

55. A 58-year-old man complains of chest discomfort and nausea. He is conscious and alert; his blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg, his pulse is 104 beats/min, and his respirations are 16 breaths/min. Your partner has applied supplemental oxygen. Prior to assisting the patient with one of his prescribed nitroglycerin tablets, you ask him if he takes medication to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), and he tells you that he does. You should:

recall that erectile ED drugs can cause significant hypertension.

ask him what he takes, how much, and when he last took it.

avoid giving him nitroglycerin and transport him at once..

administer his nitroglycerin and then reassess his blood pressure.

Answer 55

ask him what he takes, how much, and when he last took it.

Question 56

56. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) would MOST likely be contraindicated in which of the following situations?

Conscious and alert patient with an oxygen saturation of 85%.

Pulmonary edema, history of hypertension, and anxiety

Difficulty breathing, two-word dyspnea, and tachycardia

Shortness of breath and a blood pressure of 76/56 mm Hg

Answer 56

Shortness of breath and a blood pressure of 76/56 mm Hg

Question 57

57. A 60-year-old male presents with acute respiratory distress. He is conscious and alert, has pink and dry skin, and has respirations of 22 breaths/min with adequate depth. Which of the following treatments is MOST appropriate for this patient?

Oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and a focused secondary assessment.

Oxygen via a nasal cannula, vital signs, and prompt transport to the hospital

Positive-pressure ventilations and immediate transport to the closest hospital

Assisted ventilation with a bag-valve mask and a head-to-toe exam

Answer 57

Oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and a focused secondary assessment.

Question 58

58. Narrowing of the coronary arteries caused by a buildup of fatty deposits is called:

Arteriosclerosis.

acute ischemia.

angina pectoris.

Atherosclerosis.

Answer 58

Atherosclerosis.

Question 59

59. Which of the following is LEAST important when obtaining a medical history from a patient complaining of chest discomfort?

Presence of personal risk factors

Family history of hypertension

History of cigarette smoking

History of previous heart attack.

Answer 59

Family history of hypertension

Question 60

60. When obtaining a 12-lead ECG, the patient should be:

in a semi-Fowler’s position with legs crossed

in a semi-Fowler’s position with arms raised.

in a supine position with legs elevated.

in a supine position with legs uncrossed.

Answer 60

in a supine position with legs uncrossed.

Question 61

61. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when:

a small clot in a cerebral artery causes temporary symptoms.

signs and symptoms resolve spontaneously within 48 hours.

medications are given to dissolve a cerebral blood clot.

a small cerebral artery ruptures and causes minimal damage.

Answer 61

a small clot in a cerebral artery causes temporary symptoms.

Question 62

62. An area of swelling or enlargement in a weakened arterial wall is called:

an aneurysm.

a thrombus.

an embolism..

Atherosclerosis.

Answer 62

an aneurysm.

Question 63

63. The kidneys help to regulate blood pressure by:

accommodating a large amount of blood volume.

eliminating toxic waste products from the body.

removing sodium and water from the body.

retaining key electrolytes, such as potassium

Answer 63

removing sodium and water from the body.

Question 64

64. Functions of the liver include:

secretion of bile and filtration of toxic substances.

production of hormones that regulate blood sugar levels.

absorption of nutrients and toxins.

release of amylase, which breaks down starches into sugar.

Answer 64

secretion of bile and filtration of toxic substances.

Question 65

65. A 37-year-old female with a history of diabetes presents with excessive urination and weakness of 2 days’ duration. Her blood glucose level reads 320 mg/dL. If this patient’s condition is not promptly treated, she will MOST likely develop:

acidosis and dehydration.

severe insulin shock.

hypoxia and overhydration.

irreversible renal failure.

Answer 65

acidosis and dehydration.

Question 66

66. Common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include all of the following, EXCEPT:

persistent dry cough.

flushing of the skin.

drying of the eyes.

abdominal cramps.

Answer 66

drying of the eyes.

Question 67

67. Two of the MOST common signs of anaphylaxis are:

urticaria and angioedema.

hypertension and swollen hands.

expiratory stridor and tachycardia.

watery eyes and localized itching.

Answer 67

urticaria and angioedema.

Question 68

68. An overdose of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, will most likely cause:

liver damage and failure.

central nervous system depression.

acute kidney failure.

bleeding gastric ulcers.

Answer 68

liver damage and failure.

Question 69

69. You receive a call for a domestic dispute. When you arrive at the scene, you find a young male standing on the front porch of his house. You notice that an adjacent window is broken. The patient has a large body, is clenching his fists, and is yelling obscenities at you. Which of the following findings is LEAST predictive of this patient’s potential for violence?

The broken window

His large body size

His shouting of obscenities

His clenched fists.

Answer 69

His large body size

Question 70

70. A 38-year-old male with a history of schizophrenia is reported by neighbors to be screaming and throwing things.in his house. You are familiar with the patient and have cared for him in the past for unrelated problems, Law enforcement officers escort you into the residence when you arrive. The patient tells you that he sees vampires and is attempting to ward them off by screaming and throwing things at them. He has several large lacerations to his forearms that are actively bleeding. The MOST appropriate way to manage this situation is to:

restrain the patient with appropriate force in order to treat his injuries.

try to gain the patient’s trust by telling him that you see the vampires too.

request that the police officers arrest him and take him to the hospital.

approach the patient and calm him by placing your hand on his shoulder.

Answer 70

restrain the patient with appropriate force in order to treat his injuries.

Question 71

71. Each ovary produces an ovum in alternating months and releases it into the

cervical os.

fallopian tube.

uterus.

Vagina.

Answer 71

fallopian tube.

Question 72

72. The secondary assessment of a medical patient:

should routinely include a comprehensive examination from head to toe.

should be performed at the scene, especially if the patient is critically ill.

is not practical if the patient is critically ill or your transport time is short.

is typically limited to a focused exam for patients who are unconscious.

Answer 72

is not practical if the patient is critically ill or your transport time is short.

Question 73

73. Common signs and symptoms of acute hyperventilation syndrome include:

unilateral paralysis and slurred speech.

tachypnea and tingling in the extremities.

altered mental status and bradycardia.

anxiety, dizziness, and severe bradypnea.

Answer 73

tachypnea and tingling in the extremities.

Question 74

74. The descending aorta divides into the two iliac arteries at the level of the:

iliac crest.

umbilicus.

pubic symphysis.

nipple line.

Answer 74

umbilicus.

Question 75

75. When an electrical impulse reaches the AV node, it is slowed for a brief period of time so that:

blood returning from the body can fill the atria.

the impulse can spread through the Purkinje fibers.

blood can pass from the atria to the ventricles:

the SA node can reset and generate another impulse.

Answer 75

blood returning from the body can fill the atria

Question 76

76. You are caring for a 68-year-old man with sudden onset of left-sided paralysis and slurred speech. His airway is patent, his respirations are 14 breaths/min with adequate depth, and his oxygen saturation is 98%. Treatment for this patient should include:

ventilatory assistance and transport.

high-flow oxygen and transport

recovery position and transport.

oral glucose gel and transport.

Answer 76

recovery position and transport.

Question 77

77. A 40-year-old patient without a history of seizures experiences a generalized (tonic-clonic) seizure. The LEAST likely cause of this seizure is:

a brain tumor.

a serious infection.

intracranial bleeding.

Epilepsy.

Answer 77

Epilepsy.

Question 78

78. A 31-year-old male with a history of diabetes had a seizure that stopped prior to EMS arrival. He is unresponsive and has rapid, shallow breathing. His pulse is rapid and weak, and his skin is cyanotic. The EMT should:

assist the patient’s ventilations with a bag-valve mask.

administer oxygen by nasal cannula and assess his blood glucose level.

place a thin layer of oral glucose between his cheek and gums.

position the patient on his side and give oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.

Answer 78

assist the patient’s ventilations with a bag-valve mask.

Question 79

79. Signs of absorbed poison exposure include all of the following, except:

redness of skin in light-skinned people.

severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

liquid or powder on a patient’s skin.

burns, itching, or irritation to the skin.

Answer 79

severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Question 80

80. Signs of excited delirium include:

diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hallucinations.

subdued behavior, crying, and suicidal thoughts.

slurred speech, bradycardia, and a high fever.

pallor, hypotension, and constricted pupils.

Answer 80

diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hallucinations.

Question 81

81. After ensuring his or her own safety, the EMT’s next priority when caring for a patient with a behavioral emergency is to:

transport the patient directly to a specialized psychiatric facility.

determine the underlying cause of the problem and offer advice.

diagnose the patient’s problem and provide definitive treatment.

assess the patient’s response to his or her environment.

Answer 81

assess the patient’s response to his or her environment.

Question 82

82. Law enforcement personnel request your assistance to assess a 31-year-old female who was sexually assaulted. When you arrive at the scene, you find the patient sitting on a curb outside her apartment. She is conscious, alert, and crying. When you ask her what happened, she tells you that she does not want to be treated or transported to the hospital. She further tells you that all she wants to do is clean up. You should:

defer any physical assessment so that you do not destroy potential evidence.

ask her if there is anyone you can contact, such as a friend or relative.

advise her that she cannot clean herself up because this will destroy evidence.

provide emotional support and visually assess her for obvious trauma.

Answer 82

provide emotional support and visually assess her for obvious trauma.

Question 83

83. A 49-year-old male presents with an acute onset of crushing chest pain and diaphoresis. You should:

obtain vital signs and a SAMPLE history.

assess the adequacy of his respirations.

administer up to three doses of nitroglycerin.

administer up to 324 mg of baby aspirin.

Answer 83

assess the adequacy of his respirations.

Question 84

84. A 42-year-old male is found unresponsive on his couch by a neighbor. During your assessment, you find no signs of trauma, and the patient’s blood glucose level is 75 mg/dL. His blood pressure is 168/98 mm Hg, his heart rate is 45 beats/min and bounding, and his respirations are 8 breaths/min and irregular. The patient is wearing a medical alert bracelet that states he has hemophilia. You should:

suspect that he has internal bleeding and is in shock, administer high-flow oxygen, and transport at once.

administer high-flow oxygen, perform a detailed secondary assessment at the scene, and transport promptly.

suspect that he has intracranial bleeding, assist his ventilations, and transport rapidly to an appropriate hospital

administer oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask, apply oral glucose in between his cheek and gum, and transport.

Answer 84

suspect that he has intracranial bleeding, assist his ventilations, and transport rapidly to an appropriate hospital

Question 85

85. Which of the following conditions is the diabetic patient at an increased risk of developing?

Blindness

Depression

Alcoholism

Hepatitis B

Answer 85

Blindness

Question 86

86. You are assessing a young male who was stung on the leg by a scorpion. He is conscious and alert, his breathing is regular and unlabored, and his blood pressure is 122/64 mm Hg. Assessment of his leg reveals a wheal surrounded by an area of redness. He states that he had a “bad reaction” the last time he was stung by a scorpion, and carries his own epinephrine auto-injector. You should:

a apply oxygen as needed, clean the area with soap and water or a mild antiseptic, and transport him to the hospital.

apply high-flow oxygen, apply a chemical cold pack directly to the injection site, and transport at once.

assess his ABCs and vital signs in 15 minutes and allow him to drive himself to the hospital if he remains stable.

apply high-flow oxygen, obtain approval from medical control to assist him with his epinephrine, and transport.

Answer 86

a apply oxygen as needed, clean the area with soap and water or a mild antiseptic, and transport him to the hospital.

Question 87

87. A 3-year-old female ingested several leaves from a plant in the living room. The child’s mother is not sure what type of plant it is, stating that she bought it simply because it was pretty. After completing your primary assessment of the child, you should:

contact the regional poison control center.

administer 25 g of activated charcoal.

induce vomiting with syrup of ipecac.

immediately transport the child to the hospital.

Answer 87

contact the regional poison control center.

Question 88

88. The poison control center will provide you with the most information regarding the appropriate treatment for a patient with a drug overdose if the center:

knows why the patient overdosed on the drug.

knows the location of the closest hospital.

is aware of the patient’s age and gender.

is aware of the substance that is involved.

Answer 88

is aware of the substance that is involved.

Question 89

89. Your priority in caring for a patient with a surface contact poisoning is to:

avoid contaminating yourself.

decontaminate the patient’s skin.

move the patient to a safe area.

obtain and maintain a patent airway.

Answer 89

avoid contaminating yourself.

Question 90

90. Which of the following conditions would MOST likely lead to pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated?

Ovarian cysts

Genital herpes

Chlamydia

Ectopic pregnancy

Answer 90

Chlamydia

Question 91

91. Which of the following conditions is NOT categorized as a psychiatric condition?

Schizophrenia

Alzheimer’s disease

Depression

Substance abuse

Answer 91

Substance abuse

Question 92

92. When caring for a patient with an altered mental status and signs of circulatory compromise, you should:

transport immediately and begin all emergency treatment en route to the hospital.

limit your time at the scene to 10 minutes or less, if possible.

have a paramedic unit respond to the scene if it is less than 15 minutes

perform a detailed secondary assessment prior to transporting the patient away.

Answer 92

limit your time at the scene to 10 minutes or less, if possible.

Question 93

93. You are dispatched to an apartment complex where a 21-year-old female has apparently overdosed on several narcotic medications. She is semiconscious and has slow, shallow respirations. You should:

insert an oropharyngeal airway and perform oral suctioning.

insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation.

apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask and transport at once.

place her in the recovery position and monitor for vomiting

Answer 93

insert a nasopharyngeal airway and begin assisted ventilation.

Question 94

94. You are assessing a patient with respiratory distress and are unsure if the cause is congestive heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following clinical signs would be the MOST helpful in determining whether the patient has chronic heart failure or COPD?

Jugular vein distention

Altered mental status

Cyanosis of the skin

Rapid breathing

Answer 94

Jugular vein distention

Question 95

95. A patient with an altered mental status is

usually able to be aroused with a painful stimulus.

typically alert but is confused as to preceding events,

not thinking clearly or is incapable of being aroused.

completely unresponsive to all forms of stimuli.

Answer 95

not thinking clearly or is incapable of being aroused.

Question 96

96. Which of the following organs lies in the retroperitoneal space?

Liver

Spleen

Pancreas

Gallbladder

Answer 96

Pancreas

Question 97

97.When obtaining a SAMPLE history from a patient with diabetes who has an altered mental status, it would be MOST important to determine:

the name of the physician who prescribed his or her insulin.

if there is a family history of diabetes or related conditions.

if he or she has had any recent illnesses or excessive stress.

approximately how much water the patient drank that day.

Answer 97

if he or she has had any recent illnesses or excessive stress.

Question 98

98. Which of the following would MOST likely provide clues regarding the source of a patient’s allergic reaction?

The time of year in which the exposure occurred

The patient’s general physical appearance

The patient’s family history

The environment in which the patient is found

Answer 98

The environment in which the patient is found

Question 99

99. Potentially life-threatening consequences of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) include:

bacterial vaginosis and chlamydia.

uterine rupture with severe bleeding.

ovarian abscess and ectopic pregnancy

ovarian cysts and gonorrhea.

Answer 99

ovarian abscess and ectopic pregnancy

Question 100

100. Most patients with. abdominal pain prefer to:

sit fully upright because it helps relax the abdominal muscles

lie on their side with their knees drawn into the abdomen.

lie in a supine position with their knees in a flexed position.

sit in a semi-Fowler position with their knees slightly bent.

Answer 100

lie on their side with their knees drawn into the abdomen.

Question 101

101. Which of the following statements regarding gonorrhea is correct?

Mild infections with gonorrhea cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever.

Painful urination is a common symptom of gonorrhea in men and women.

Symptoms of gonorrhea usually appear within 3 months after being infected.

Most men who are infected with gonorrhea do not experience symptoms.

Answer 101

Painful urination is a common symptom of gonorrhea in men and women.

Question 102

102. Which of the following statements regarding gastrointestinal bleeding is correct?

Bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract is a symptom of another disease, not a disease itself.

In the majority of cases, bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract occurs acutely and is severe.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding results from conditions such as Mallory-Weiss syndrome.

Chronic bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract is usually more severe than bleeding that occurs acutely.

Answer 102

Bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract is a symptom of another disease, not a disease itself.

Question 103

103. The physical examination of a sexual assault victim should be:

limited to a brief survey for life-threatening injuries.

deferred until the patient can be evaluated by a physician.

performed in the presence of at least two police officers.

as detailed as possible so all injuries can be documented.

Answer 103

limited to a brief survey for life-threatening injuries.

Question 104

104. When performing a secondary assessment on a conscious patient with nontraumatic abdominal pain and stable vital signs, you should:

focus on his or her chief complaint.

examine the patient from head to toe.

prepare the patient for transport first.

only palpate tender areas of the abdomen.

Answer 104

focus on his or her chief complaint.

Question 105

105. A 25-year-old man overdosed on heroin and is unresponsive. His breathing is slow and shallow and he is bradycardic. He has track marks on both arms. The EMT should:

insert a nasal airway and ventilate with a bag-mask device.

administer naloxone via the intramuscular route.

position the patient on his side and transport without delay.

administer naloxone via the intranasal route.

Answer 105

insert a nasal airway and ventilate with a bag-mask device.