EMS exam flashcards

1
Q

Sign of increased intracrainial pressure

A

Non-reactive pupils

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2
Q

What position is used to place a patient in respiratory distress

A

Fowler position

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3
Q

What can epinephrine treat

A

Counteracts allergic reactions/anaphylaxis and is used when there are signs of stridor, angiodema and wheezing

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4
Q

What drug type would cause a unconsciousness with shallow breeding, slow pulse and constricted pupils and cyanosis

A

Narcotics

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5
Q

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)

A

group of symptoms caused by myocardial ischemia: Most notable symptom is chest pain pressure

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6
Q

Hypertensive emergency

A

defined as systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg with impending organ damage.

Signs and symptoms include
Bounding pulse
Altered mental status
Ringing of the ears
Severe headaches
Warm skin

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7
Q

Emergency conditions that may be a result of scuba diving?

A

Arterial Gas Embolism (AGE),

decompression sickness (the “bends”),

descent pains (the “squeeze”)

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8
Q

A full-term pregnant female is delivering her baby. What may be required to deliver the lower (second) shoulder?

A

Upward guidance of the head

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9
Q

Hypervolemia

A

When you have too much fluid volume in your body

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10
Q

Main purpose of the OPA

A

Keep tongue from blocking upper airway

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11
Q

Stable angina pectoris

A

Temporary cardiac chest pain relieved by rest, supplemental oxygen and nitroglycerin

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12
Q

Unstable angina pectoris

A

Characterized by cardiac chest pain that is not relieved by rest or taking a nitroglycerin tablet

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13
Q

Acute myocardial infarction

A

Medical emergency that includes heart muscle being damaged within 30 minutes. Can cause chest pain/discomfort and go on for several hours

3 treatments for AMI is aspirin, nitroglycerin, and oxygen

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14
Q

Pulmonary embolism

A

blockage of an artery in the lungs

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15
Q

What method of airway opening is suited for an unknown mechanism of injury

A

Jaw-thrust maneuver

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16
Q

What organ is involv3ed in costovertebral angle pain

A

Kidneys

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17
Q

What is a cause of angina pectoris

A

Lack of adequate oxygenation to the heart

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18
Q

Postictal state

A

Altered state of consciousness following a seizure, commonly lasts from 5 to 30 minutes

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19
Q

Nitroglycerin

A

vasodilator for patients with cardiac chest pain. Contrindicted for patients who have a systolic blood pressure below 100 mm, patients with heart rate below 50/min and heart rate above 110 a min.

Should be assessed before the administration of initial or repeated nitroglycerin

Common side-effect is headaches

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20
Q

Seizure

A

Burst of uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells

The common cause of seizures is poisoning

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21
Q

What is considered altitude illnesses

A

AMS, HACE, HAPE

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22
Q

Causes of hypovolemic shock

A

Inadequate fluid intake, diarrhea, vomiting

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23
Q

Septic shock

A

Type of shock that begins with an infection in the bloodstream

Common cause is severe infections

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24
Q

Diastole

A

Period when the ventricles are relaxed and filling with blood

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25
Q

Systole

A

Contraction period of the cardiac cycle

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26
Q

Perfusion

A

Circulation of blood in an organ or tissue adequately

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27
Q

Epiglottitis

A

Life threatening infection of the soft tissue above the vocal cords. Swells to 2-3 times its normal size

More common in infants and children
Bacterial infections are the common cause

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28
Q

Asthma

A

Condition in which bronchioles are inflames and swollen and produce excessive mucus.

Characterized by wheezing

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29
Q

Appropriate method of immobilizing a shoulder injury

A

Sling and swathe

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30
Q

THREAT mnemonic

A

Threat suppression
Hemorrhage control
Rapid Extrication to safety
Assessment by medical providers
Transport to definitive care

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31
Q

Parasympathetic nervous system

A

Part of the autonomic nervous system and generally slows the body down.

This causes bradycardia and a decreased force of heart contraction

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32
Q

Sympathetic nervous system

A

fight or flight response

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33
Q

Ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia

A

Shock will be advised for these rhythms

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34
Q

Asystole

A

Pulseless electrical activity

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35
Q

Stroke Chain of Survival

A

Rapid recognition and reaction to stroke warnings
Rapid use of 911 and EMS dispatch
Rapid EMS recognition of stroke, triage, transport and pre-hospital notification to the receiving hospital
Rapid diagnosis and treatment in the hospital

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36
Q

Hyperventilation

A

Over breathing that causes arterial carbon dioxide to fall below normal levels.

Happens in response to buildup of acid within the body (metabolic acidosis) hypoxia from asthma and from a panic attack

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37
Q

Subdural hematoma

A

Collection of blood due to rupture of bridging veins between dura mater and the arachnoid membrane (surrounding the cerebral cortex).

An sign of it is altered mental status.

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38
Q

Rule of 9s

A

Standardized measure that is used to assess how much BSA has been burned on a patient

Rule of 9s for adults: 9% for head, 18% for chest, 17% for back, 18% for each leg, and 1% for genitalia

Rule of 9s for children: 18% for head, 18% for chest, 18% for back, 9% for each arm, 13.5% for each leg, and 1% for genitalia

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39
Q

Retinal detachment

A

When the retina pulls away from the choroid. Symptoms are flashes of light

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40
Q

Deep vein thrombosis

A

Common medical problem in sedentory patients or patients who have had recent surgery

Risk factors are
Going recent joint replacement surgery
Being bed ridden
Traveling while sitting for extended periods

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41
Q

What can cause cyanosis

A

Chronic bronchitis, hypothermia and hypoxia

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42
Q

Anemia

A

Lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin in blood.

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43
Q

Myocardial contusion

A

Blunt force trauma to the anterior heart, causing damage within the myocardium.

Signs are irregular pulse, chest pain and ausculation of crackles in the lungs.

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44
Q

Hypothermia

A

Defined as core body temperature below 95 F

Signs are shivering, rapid breathing, and redness or cyanosis

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45
Q

Carbon monoxide poisioning

A

Colorless, odorless, tasteless, highly poisonous gas. High-flow oxygen is the best treatment for conscious patients once removed from the environment

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46
Q

Hypothermia

A

Caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures

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47
Q

When should CPR be given to an infant

A

Should be given to an infant without a palpable pulse and a pulse below 60 beats per minute

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48
Q

Humidified oxygen

A

Used for extended transport or specific conditions, such as a croup

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49
Q

Cardiogenic shock

A

a life-threatening condition in which your heart suddenly can’t pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs

Treatments: Emergency treatments may include delivering enriched oxygen via a tube or mask; breathing assistance, using a ventilator; and intravenous (IV) fluids and medications to support blood pressure or heart function.

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50
Q

Cardiac compromise

A

Refers to anytime the heart is not getting enough oxygen

Signs are chest pain/discomfort or bradycardia

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51
Q

Cardiac tamponade

A

Filling of blood or fluid past the pericardium into the pericardial sac

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52
Q

Cardiac chain of survival

A
  1. Recognition of early warning signs and immediate activation of EMS
  2. Immediate CPR with high quality chest compressions
  3. Rapid defibrillation
  4. Basic and advanced EMS
  5. ALS and post-arrest care
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53
Q

Which of the following may cause erroneous pulse oximeter readings

A

Bright ambient light
Low perfusion
Nail polish

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54
Q
A
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55
Q

What are the effects of positive pressure ventilation

A

Decreased blood return to the heart
Decreased blood pressure

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56
Q

Endotracheal Intubation

A

Secures airway and protects

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57
Q

HAZMAT scene

A

Hot zone: only trained responders with PPE is allowed

Warm zone: where decontamination corridor is examined

Cold zone: command zone is established here and triage as well

58
Q

CPAP and contradictions

A

CPAP provides pressure to keep alveoli open and reverse atelectasis caused by pulmonary edema.

59
Q

Pulmonary edema

A

Life threatening condition caused by too much fluid in the lungs.

If a patient is unable to maintain airway, has mental status, hypotension, closed head injury, signs of pneumothorax, or recent upper GI surgery, CPAP is contradicted.

60
Q

Spina bifida

A

Birth condition caused by incomplete closure of the spinal column during fetal development. They often have a latex allergy

61
Q

Basket stretcher

A

Used to carry a patient across an uneven terrain from a remote location

62
Q

Scoop stretcher

A

Fit around patients in the supine position

63
Q

What is early and late signs of hypoxia

A

Restlessness, irritability, tachycardia and anxiety

Late signs: Altered mental status, weak and thready pulse and cyanosis

64
Q

When facing a person with chemical burns to his hands and face what should be done first

A

Brush the remaining dry chemical from skin and clothes

65
Q

How to find how much activated charcoal to administer to a patient

A

Convert weight to grams by dividing by 2.2 lb

66
Q

Sterilization

A

Process that removes all microbial contamination

67
Q

START triage system

A

Green: Ambulatory patients can walk, minor fractures, soft tissue injuries

Yellow: If respiration, pulse and mental status are within normal limits. Burns without airway compromise, major bone injuries, back injuries with or without spinal damage

Red: Respiratory rate of <10 or >30 , pulse of > 100, or altered mental status. Severe bleeding, shock, airway breathing issue, open chest wound

Black: Non survivable injury, pulseless, cardiac arrest

68
Q

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A

A life threatening condition that happens when blood sugar levels rise above 350 mg and is caused by a complete absence of insulin.

Signs are a fruity odor, increased thirst, urination, hunger, tachycardia, altered mental status

There may be deep respirations in the body’s attempt to relieve CO2

Treatment is fluids or insulin

68
Q

Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)

A

Result of elevated glucose levels of 600 mg/dl. Very similar to DKA and the only difference is that blood glucose levels are higher here and ketones are only found in DKA

69
Q

Carina

A

Cartilaginous ridge where the trachea divides into the right and left main-stem bronchi

70
Q

Terminology used to describe motor vehicle parts

A

A post, B post and C post

71
Q

Signs of overstimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system

A

Bradycardia, increased saliva, broncho spasm, bronchorrhea, sweating and abdominal pain

72
Q

SALT triage

A

(Sort, Assess, Lifesaving Interventions, Treatment/Transport)

Allows for limited interventions such as auto injector

73
Q

Diaphoresis

A

Sweating to an abnormal degree

74
Q

Nuchal Cord

A

Wrapping of umbil9ical cord around a baby’s neck on delivery

75
Q

Mechanisms of blast injury

A

Primary-type injuries: Caused by impact of a supersonic blast wave

Secondary-type injuries: Result from impact of blast debris striking the body, such as penetrating or blunt injuries

Teritiary type injuries result from being hurled by the blast onto environmental surfaces or other debris.

Quatemary-type injuries: Do not overlap with primary, secondary or tertiary blast injuries

76
Q

Where does the right side of the heart receive deoxygenated blood

A

Deoxygenated blood fows from the body to the right atrium via superior and inferior vena calva

77
Q

Inhalation phase

A

Diaphragm contracts and move down slowly, enlarging the chest cavity, creating negative pressure

78
Q

Exhalation phase

A

Diaphragm and intercostal muscles relax, decreasing chest cavity, increasing pressure within the lungs

79
Q

RICE mnemonic

A

Rest, ice, elevation, splinting

80
Q

How to determine the appropriately sized OPA for a pediatric patient

A

Measure using a length-based resuscitation tape

81
Q

Percentage of total body surface area a pediatric is considered to be severe

A

> 10% partial thickness burn

82
Q

APGAR score

A

System that is used to assess the status of a newborn. Five components scored are

A = appearance
P = pulse
G = grimace
A = activity (muscle tone)
R = respirations

83
Q

Proximal

A

Nearer to the center of the body

84
Q

Distal

A

Away from the center of the body

85
Q

Air embolism

A

When air exists in the vascular system and the vein is punctured within the neck, it can be sucked through the heart

86
Q

Trending

A

Comparison of previous and current vital signs

87
Q

AEIOU-TIPS

A

Mnemonic helpful in remembering the possible caused of altered mental status

Alcohol
Epilepsy
Insulin (hypoglycemia)
Opiates
Uremia (kidney failure)
Trauma
Infection
Poisoning
Shock, stroke, seizure, syncope

88
Q

Epiglottis

A

Flap-like structure that closes the trachea during swallowing. Protecting airway by preventing food and liquid from entering the airway

89
Q

Pericardium

A

Fibrous sac around the heart

90
Q

Sign of increased pressure within the chest, secondary to a cardiac tamponade

A

jugular vein distention

91
Q

Tension pneumothorax

A

Collapsed lung as a result of drowning or near drowning

92
Q

What do pelvic binders do

A

Provide temporary stabilization and reduce internal bleeding

93
Q

What chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood to the body

A

Left ventricle to the body via the aorta

94
Q

3 layers of the heart

A

Epicardium
Myocardium
Endocardium

95
Q

Neurogenic shock

A

Due to spinal cord damage

It can cause bradycardia and hypotension

96
Q

Opioid overdose effects

A

causes sedation/unconsciousness, bradypnea, cyanosis, hypotension and pinpoint pupils

97
Q

Cholinergic agents and their effects

A

Medications that overstimulate normal body functions controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system

Exhibit excessive salivation or drooling, excessive urination, excessive tearing of eyes, abnormal heartrate

98
Q

Larynx

A

Marks the end of the upper airway and beginning of the lower airway

99
Q

Allergic reaction

A

Occurs when the immune system overreacts to a harmless substance.

100
Q

Anaphylaxis

A

Serious life-threatening allergic reaction. Presented with tachycardia, bronchospasms, wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, dyspnea

101
Q

Incident Command System (ICS)

A

Command, operations, planning, logistics and finance/administration

102
Q

What can be caused by upper GI bleeding

A

Mallory-Weiss syndrome and esophageal rupture

103
Q

What are complications of CPAP

A

Hypotension, Gastric distention and Claustrophobia

104
Q

What is oral glucose indicated for

A

hypoglycemia

105
Q

Signs and symptoms of cholecystitis

A

Vomiting referred pain to the right shoulder, upper-right-quadrant abdominal pain

106
Q

Standard-sized O2 cylinders and their constant flow rates

A

D = 0.16
E = 0.28
M = 1.56
G = 2.41
H= 3.14
K = 3.14

107
Q

Normal blood glucose range for an adult

A

80-120 mg/dL

108
Q

Thromboembolism

A

Portion of a blood clot that breaks from its original position and occludes a smaller vein or artery

109
Q

Infarction

A

Death of a body tissue

110
Q

How many liters of blood is in an average adult’s body

A

Six liters

111
Q

Treatments for pulmonary edema from congestive heart failure

A

Nitroglycerin, CPAP, Supplemental oxygen

112
Q

Where does oxygenated blood return from the lungs from?

A

Left atrium via the pulmonary veins

113
Q

Antidote kits that may be used after exposure to a nerve agent

A

DuoDote
Anitdote Treatment Nerve Agent Auto-Injector

114
Q

Splenic injury

A

Left upper abdominal pain can indicate this

115
Q

Gallbladder injury

A

Causes pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen

116
Q

What is indicative of a kidney injury

A

Hematuria (blood in the urine)

117
Q

Dependent lividity

A

When blood settles at the lowest point of the body, causing a decoloration of the skin. This is a definitive sign of death

118
Q

Endotracheal tube complications

A

Sudden drop in end-tidal CO2 levels
Increased resistance when ventilating

119
Q

What blood vessel provides oxygenated blood to the heart muscle

A

Coronary arteries provide oxygenated blood to the heart. They are the branches from the aorta

120
Q

Aorta

A

Main artery of the body, supplying oxygenated blood to the circulatory system

121
Q

Ecchymosis

A

Buildup of blood in the dermis

122
Q

Compensated shock

A

Occurs when one or more of the three fundamentals of perfusion can adequately adjust to maintain major organ perfusion

Signs and symptoms are tachycardia, tachypnea, and cool, pale, diaphoretic skin

Blood pressure may be within the normal range during compensated shock
Mental status is also normal

123
Q

Decompensated shock

A

Occurs when the compensation mechanisms fail, creating a deterioration in the patient’s condition

A hallmark sign is a significant reduction in blood pressure

124
Q

What are signs of inadequate breathing

A

Adventitious breathing sounds, nasal flaring and inadequate chest expansion

125
Q

What to do is attempted ventilation is unsuccessful

A

Reposition the head and if that does not work check for an airway obstruction

126
Q

Three opioid drugs used to treat pain

A

Oxycodone, Morphine, Fentanyl

127
Q

Sign of a ruptered spleen

A

Kehr’s sign

128
Q

Sympathomimtic substances

A

Cocaine, MDMA, Methamphetamine

129
Q

Signs of endotracheal tube complications

A

Sudden drop in end-tidal CO2 levels and increased resistance when ventilating

130
Q

Pleural effusion

A

accumulation of fluid between the viscerol and parietal pleura, making it difficult to ausculate breath sounds

131
Q

hemothorax

A

accumulation of blood in the pleural space

132
Q

Signs of increased chest pressure

A

jugular vein distention, hypotension, collapse of the lung

133
Q

Which of the following conditions is often associated with an increased likelihood of a latex allergy

A

Spina bifida

134
Q

SOAP

A

subjective, objective, assessment, and patient care

135
Q

Normal oxygen saturation

A

ACS: 90%
Stroke: 95% to 98%
Post-cardiac-arrest core: 92% to 98%

136
Q

Three effects of overventilation

A

Barotrauma, vomiting, gastric distention

137
Q

What conditions can cause changes in breath sounds

A

Hemothorax, pleural effusion, tension, pn eumothorax

138
Q

What is the ideal position in which to place a child’s head for the delivery of adequate ventilation?

A

neutral sniffing position

139
Q

Types of cranial fractures

A

Depressed, Linear, Basilar

140
Q
A