EMT Practice final

Question 1

A 10 year old male complains of a stiff neck and a fever. He is very confused and complains of extreme fatigue and headache. You should suspect

a. meningitis.
b. epilepsy.
c. febrile seizure.
d. diabetic reaction.

Answer 1

a. meningitis

Question 2

A 11 year old male has crashed his bicycle. The patient’s baby sitter is requesting to know the extent of his injuries. You should reply

a. “I cannot tell you, this would be a violation of patient privacy and confidentiality.”
b. “His leg appears to be broken, do you have a phone number for his parents.”
c. “Please discuss this matter with the police, when they arrive.”
d. “You will have to wait and talk with his parents.”

Answer 2

d. “You will have to wait and talk with his parents.”

Question 3

A 16 year old football player received a blow to his left femur. You can see deformity and the patient is in extreme pain. He does not remember how the injury happened. You should

a. apply a traction splint to the injured leg.
b. apply a board splint.
c. immediately stabilize the cervical spine.
d. apply a long spine board and rapidly transport.

Answer 3

c. immediately stabilize the cervical spine.

Question 4

A 17 year old patient has been assaulted. He is lying prone and responds only to painful stimuli. There is a screwdriver impaled in his shoulder. He is breathing at a rate of 12 and deep. You should

a. stabilize the screwdriver and roll the patient onto his side.
b. carefully remove the screwdriver and roll the patient onto his back.
c. begin ventilations with a bag-valve mask.
d. insert an oral airway without moving the patient.

Answer 4

a. stabilize the screwdriver and roll the patient onto his side.

Question 5

A 19 year old sexual assault victim is bleeding from an external vaginal laceration. You should

a. keep anything from touching the injury.
b. apply direct pressure to the wound and transport in the Fowler’s position.
c. pack the vagina with sterile dressing moistened with saline.
d. have the patient apply a sterile, dry dressing to the wound.

Answer 5

d. have the patient apply a sterile, dry dressing to the wound.

Question 6

A 2 year old boy has a circumferential burn to his hand up to the wrist. The mother tells you a pot of boiling water spilled onto the boy. You should

a. confront the boy’s mother about possible abuse.
b. talk to the boy separately and ask if he is being abused.
c. transport and inform the ER that you suspect abuse.
d. reassure the mother and treat the burn with moist dressing.

Answer 6

c. transport and inform the ER that you suspect abuse.

Question 7

A 2 year old patient who has been sick all day, now has a barking cough. You should suspect

a. asthma.
b. epiglottitis.
c. croup.
d. chronic laryngospasm

Answer 7

c. croup.

Question 8

A 2-year-old conscious and alert patient has ingested an unknown quantity of aspirin. You call medical control and may be advised to

a. assist with the patient’s prescribed epinephrine.
b. adminster syrup of ipecac by mouth.
c. adminster activated charcoal by mouth.
d. perform several abdominal thrusts.

Answer 8

c. adminster activated charcoal by mouth.

Question 9

A 20 year old female complains of severe abdominal pain. She is in the fetal position. After your primary assessment, you should

a. transport immediately to hospital.
b. obtain baseline vital signs.
c. ask if she was assaulted.
d. palpate all 4 quadrants of abdomen.

Answer 9

b. obtain baseline vital signs.
Unsure on this. poss A

Question 10

A 22 year old male was hit in the head with a shovel. He has the following signs and symptoms: altered mental status, increasing blood pressure, decreased pulse and unequal pupils. What should you suspect?

a. Blowout orbital fracture
b. Decompensated hemorrhagic shock
c. Basilar skull fracture
d. Increased intracranial pressure

Answer 10

d. Increased intracranial pressure

Question 11

A 23 year old construction worker twisted his foot climbing up a ladder. He has an obvious deformity on the right leg just below the knee. The lower leg and foot are cyanotic and pulseless. You should

a. Pull gentle traction and apply a splint
b. Apply spinal immobilization and elevate the leg
c. Apply an air splint and transport
d. Apply a traction splint and transport

Answer 11

a. Pull gentle traction and apply a splint

Question 12

A 23 year old patient is lethargic. The patient just finished mowing the lawn. He is drooling and sweating profusely. You should suspect

a. hypoglycemia.
b. hyperglycemia.
c. heat stroke.
d. intoxication.

Answer 12

a. hypoglycemia.

Question 13

A 24 year old female has been stabbed and police state she is deceased. You note blood all over her clothing. You should

a. get permission from the police to move the patient.
b. remove her clothing and determine the extent of the wounds.
c. do not disturb the crime scene.
d. asses the airway and check for a pulse.

Answer 13

c. do not disturb the crime scene.

Question 14

A 24 year old male has been stabbed in the right chest. Which of the following signs should you expect?

a. Increased respiratory effort
b. Spontaneous pneumothorax
c. Decreased heart rate
d. Paradoxical chest movement

Answer 14

a. Increased respiratory effort

Question 15

A 24 year old male with a history of asthma has stopped breathing. Which ventilation rate would be most appropriate?

a. 20 breaths per minute
b. 10 breaths per minute
c. 24 breaths per minute
d. 30 breaths per minute

Answer 15

a. 20 breaths per minute

Question 16

A 28 year old female who is 12 weeks pregnant has twisted her left knee while walking. She states the pain is 10/10 in severity. You should

a. transport on her left side and hold manual stabilization until she gets to the hospital.
b. splint using board splints and cravats and transport sitting.
c. splint with the stretcher and straps and transport her on her left side.
d. apply a traction splint and immobilize with a long spine board.

Answer 16

b. splint using board splints and cravats and transport sitting.

Question 17

A 30 year old male has been struck by a car. You note a contusion and pain to his left hip. There is no crepitus on exam. Vital signs are: BP 110/60, P 72, R 12; You should suspect

a. fractured pelvis.
b. neurogenic shock.
c. ecchymosis.
d. long bone contusion.

Answer 17

a. fractured pelvis.

Question 18

A 30 year-old female is experiencing vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. She is drowsy. Her skin is pale, cool, and clammy. Her vital signs are BP 90/60, P 120 and R. 20. You estimate that she may have lost 500 cc of blood. Which of the following should concern you the MOST?

a. Hypovolemic shock due to blood loss.
b. Septic shock due to a serious infection.
c. Neurogenic shock due to blood vessel dilation
d. Cardiogenic shock due to lack of perfusion.

Answer 18

a. Hypovolemic shock due to blood loss

Question 19

A 32-year-old female amputated her index finger in a table-saw accident. How should you care for the amputated finger?

a. Wrap it with moist, sterile gauze, place in a plastic bag and keep it cool
b. Place the finger in a plastic bag and place the bag in icy water
c. Wrap an occlusive dressing around the finger and place it in a bag
d. Soak the part in saline and place in a bag of ice

Answer 19

a. Wrap it with moist, sterile gauze, place in a plastic bag and keep it cool

Question 20

A 4 year old female tracheostomy patient has pulled out her tracheostomy tube. The opening is partially obstructed with skin. You should

a. wipe the area clean and perform mouth to stoma ventilation.
b. use a soft tip catheter and suction until clear.
c. cut the skin away from the stoma.
d. insert a nasal airway into the stoma.

Answer 20

b. use a soft tip catheter and suction until clear

Question 21

A 40 year old male complains of abdominal pain after being assaulted. His abdomen is rigid and tender on assessment. Vital signs are BP 108/68, P 116, and R 26. You should suspect

a. a ruptured diaphragm.
b. a pneumothorax.
c. compensated shock.
d. decompensated shock

Answer 21

c. compensated shock

Question 22

A 45 year old female patient complaining of left sided chest discomfort. Her vital signs are BP 108/68, P 104, R 20, and her fingers are blue. You should

a. ventilate using the bag-valve-mask at 15 L/minute.
b. administer oxygen by nonrebreather at 15L/minute.
c. administer oxygen by nasal cannula a 4L/minute.
d. use flow restricted positive pressure ventilation.

Answer 22

b. administer oxygen by nonrebreather at 15L/minute

Question 23

A 45 year old male farmer has been working with dry lime. The patient has large amounts of this powder on both legs. You should

a. wash off the powder with water and transport.
b. use milk to dilute and cocoon the patient.
c. gently brush off excess powder and transport.
d. use vinegar to dilute and transport.

Answer 23

c. gently brush off excess powder and transport.

Question 24

A 45-year-old diabetic patient is experiencing left arm pain and is sweating profusely. You should

a. administer oral glucose.
b. administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
c. administer oxygen via bag-valve-mask.
d. administer sub-lingual nitroglycerine.

Answer 24

a. administer oral glucose.

Question 25

A 46 year old female was involved in bar fight and has an obvious open neck wound. You should dress this wound with a/an

a. occlusive dressing.
b. pressure dressing.
c. sterile gauze dressing.
d. moist gauze dressing.

Answer 25

a. occlusive dressing.

Question 26

A 56 year old male is complaining of severe chest pain. He took Viagra two hours ago and has been physically active. You should

a. assure an open airway and continue gathering a history.
b. administer oxygen and request an advanced life support intercept.
c. assist the patient in taking his nitroglycerin and apply oxgyen.
d. monitor vitals signs, if blood pressure is above 100 systolic administer nitroglycerin and apply oxygen.

Answer 26

a. assure an open airway and continue gathering a history.

Question 27

A 60 year old female has chest pain. She has not taken her prescribed nitroglycerin. You should

a. administer aspirin only and withhold the prescribed nitroglycerin.
b. immediately attach the AED and begin transportation to the nearest hospital.
c. consult medical direction with regard to assisting the patient in taking the nitroglycerin.
d. determine what type of cardiac problem the patient has, and assist her with taking the nitroglycerin.

Answer 27

d. determine what type of cardiac problem the patient has, and assist her with taking the nitroglycerin.

unsure on answer

Question 28

A 60 year old patient with a stoma is apneic. You have been suctioning pink frothy sputum for 10 seconds and you continue to get more material. You should

a. suction until the airway is clear.
b. continue suctioning and have a partner ventilate through the patient’s mouth.
c. use a saline solution to moisten secretions and continue suctioning.
d. stop suctioning and give a breath.

Answer 28

d. stop suctioning and give a breath.

Question 29

A 62 year old female is complaining of crushing chest pain that radiates to between her shoulder blades. She is very pale, diaphoretic, and feels nauseous. You should suspect a/an

a. cerebrovascular event.
b. hypoglycemic reaction.
c. asthma attack.
d. cardiac event.

Answer 29

d. cardiac event.

Question 30

A 62 year old female patient is clutching her chest inside a local restaurant. She is unable to breathe. You should

a. Apply oxygen and assess her pulse
b. Perform a series of abdominal thrusts
c. Perform a blind finger sweep
d. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Answer 30

b. Perform a series of abdominal thrusts

Question 31

A 62 year old female who has been drinking alcoholic beverages is feeling dizzy. She cannot walk and she complains of a severe headache. You should suspect

a. hemorrhagic stroke.
b. delirium tremens.
c. severe migraine.
d. acute alcohol intoxication.

Answer 31

a. hemorrhagic stroke

Question 32

A 66 year old male is confused. He has a history of substance abuse and falls. His breath smells of alcoholic beverage. He is alert and refusing service. You should

a. document his refusal and recommend that he see his doctor.
b. speak calmly to him and convince him to accept transport.
c. obtain consent from his family and transport.
d. have the police transport the patient to a detox unit.

Answer 32

b. speak calmly to him and convince him to accept transport.

Question 33

A 67 year old female just had a syncopal episode while using the toilet. Vitals are: BP 100/60, P 110 irregular, R 12. She is weak and dizzy. You should suspect a

a. gastrointestinal obstruction.
b. cerebral vascular accident.
c. acute myocardial infarction.
d. cardiac rhythm disturbance.

Answer 33

d. cardiac rhythm disturbance.

Question 34

A 7 year old female fell out of the tree and was unconscious for 2 minutes. The patient is very scared and combative. You should

a. obtain parental consent prior to transport.
b. place patient on stretcher.
c. apply a c-collar and backboard.
d. apply four point restraints and transport rapidly.

Answer 34

.c. apply a c-collar and backboard.

Question 35

A 72 year old female patient is unresponsive following an ejection from a vehicle crash. She has an open jaw fracture and a dilated right pupil. What is the best way to open this patient’s airway?

a. Perform a jaw thrust
b. Insert an oral airway
c. Perform a modified head-tilt chin-lift
d. Insert a nasal airway

Answer 35

d. Insert a nasal airway

Question 36

A 72 year old patient is suddenly unable to speak and begins staring off towards the right. You should first

a. administer oral glucose.
b. insert an oral airway.
c. transport the patient in the supine position.
d. note the time and apply oxygen.

Answer 36

d. note the time and apply oxygen.

Question 37

A 72 year old with heart problems fell out of bed. He is confused and has pale and sweaty skin. You should

a. perform a detailed physical examination.
b. take spinal precautions and rapidly transport.
c. interview the neighbors to get a detailed history.
d. check vital signs and apply an AED.

Answer 37

b. take spinal precautions and rapidly transport.

Question 38

A 73 year old male is sitting in the tripod position. As you approach, he motions for assistance in using his inhaler. What should you do?

a. Administer his prescribed inhaler
b. Administer oxygen via nonrebreather
c. Ventilate with a bag-valve mask
d. Assess his airway status

Answer 38

d. Assess his airway status

Question 39

A 75 year old female patient has a partial thickness, thermal burn on her right forearm. You should

a. place a moist dressing over the burn.
b. place the patient on oxygen by nasal cannula at 2 lpm.
c. place a dry sterile dressing or sheet over the burn.
d. pour water over the burn to cool the site.

Answer 39

a. place a moist dressing over the burn.

Question 40

A 75 year old patient is complaining of shortness of breath. Vital signs are BP 160/88, P 130, and R 22 with crackles in the bases of the lungs. You should

a. administer oxygen via mask.
b. assist the patient with their prescribed inhaler.
c. perform a detailed chest assessment.
d. obtain a complete SAMPLE history.

Answer 40

a. administer oxygen via mask.

Question 41

A 84 year old female is anxious and complaining shortness of breath. She has been a smoker for “most of her life.” Upon examination, you find she has pedal edema. She is coughing up pink frothy sputum. You should suspect

a. complication of emphysema.
b. chronic bronchitis.
c. acute myocardial infarction.
d. congestive heart failure.

Answer 41

d. congestive heart failure.

Question 42

A common symptom of cardiac compromise is chest pain or discomfort known as

a. myocardial infarction
b. angina
c. ischemia
d. fibrillation

Answer 42

b. angina

Question 43

A conscious 7 year old patient has chemical burns around her mouth from ingesting drain cleaner. Her breathing is adequate. You should

a. administer activated charcoal.
b. evaluate patient’s airway.
c. contact medical control.
d. flush burns with water.

Answer 43

c. contact medical control

Unsure on this answer

Question 44

A diabetic patient was reported missing last evening. He is found unresponsive, lying in a ditch along the road in approximately two inches of water. Vital signs are BP 96/40. P 38, R 6. You should

a. place the patient in Trendelenburg position.
b. place glucose between the patient’s cheek and gum.
c. place heat packs on the patient’s groin, neck and armpits.
d. wrap the patient in blankets and transport.

Answer 44

d. wrap the patient in blankets and transport.

Question 45

A father has dialed 911 because his 5 year old daughter is choking. She is coughing vigorously. You should

a. sweep the mouth with gloved fingers
b. encourage the patient to keep coughing
c. perform abdominal thrusts until the object clears
d. suction with a bulb syringe

Answer 45

b. encourage the patient to keep coughing

Question 46

A five year old female with asthma is having intercostal retractions. She cannot hold her head up to talk. You should

a. administer oxygen via blow-by at 6 lpm.
b. ventilate via bag-valve mask at 15 lpm.
c. administer oxygen via nonrebreather mask at 15 lpm.
d. contact medical control before assisting patient with prescribed inhaler.

Answer 46

b. ventilate via bag-valve mask at 15 lpm.

Question 47

A four year old patient has hot, dry skin after being inside a car with the windows rolled up on a hot day. You should

a. pour water on patient and fan them vigorously.
b. rapidly cool the patient with ice packs everywhere.
c. cover with wet blankets to prevent rapid cooling.
d. call the police to report suspected child abuse.

Answer 47

b. rapidly cool the patient with ice packs everywhere.

Question 48

A four year old patient is experiencing breathing difficulty and is not tolerating an oxygen mask. You should

a. ventilate using a bag-valve-mask device with supplemental oxygen.
b. have the mother hold the mask near the patient’s face.
c. have the mother hold the mask over the patient’s face.
d. place the patient on the stretcher and hold the mask on the face.

Answer 48

c. have the mother hold the mask over the patient’s face

Question 49

A good EMS quality improvement (QI) program includes

a. education and feedback regarding patient care.
b. response to media requests for patient data.
c. annual review of ambulance fees.
d. discipline for agency policy infractions.

Answer 49

a. education and feedback regarding patient care

Question 50

A malfunction of the heart’s electrical system may result in

a. arrhythmia.
b. atherosclerosis.
c. aneurysm.
d. pericarditis.

Answer 50

a. arrhythmia.

Question 51

A patient becomes unresponsive. You find she is apneic and pulseless. You should

a. start CPR and apply the AED.
b. apply the AED and analyze.
c. request advanced life support and begin CPR.
d. apply O2 via BVM and apply the AED.

Answer 51

a. start CPR and apply the AED.

Question 52

A patient complains of left side chest discomfort. The vital signs are BP 108/68, P 104, R 24, SpO2 90%, and her hands are cyanotic. You should

a. administer oxygen by nonrebreather at 15L/minute.
b. ventilate using the bag-valve-mask at 15 L/minute.
c. administer oxygen by nasal cannula a 4L/minute.
d. use flow restricted positive pressure ventilation.

Answer 52

a. administer oxygen by nonrebreather at 15L/minute

Question 53

A patient has been kicked in the chest. One section of ribs is moving separately during respirations. You should

a. transport emergently.
b. place a sandbag on the injury.
c. listen for lung sounds.
d. initiate positive pressure ventilations.

Answer 53

d. initiate positive pressure ventilations.

unsure on answer

Question 54

A patient involved in a vehicle crash does not open his eyes, respond verbally, or move when stimulated. What is his Glasgow Coma Score?

a. 3
b. 1
c. 0
d. 15

Answer 54

a. 3

Question 55

A patient is experiencing seizure activity and a bystander has placed a spoon in the patient’s mouth to help control the airway. You should

a. restrain the patient’s movements.
b. hold the spoon in place and grab the patient’s tongue.
c. tape the spoon in place to protect the airway.
d. remove the spoon and establish an airway.

Answer 55

d. remove the spoon and establish an airway.

Question 56

A patient is in respiratory distress after eating soup brought by her neighbor. Her neighbor states: “She was eating and suddenly her throat got tight.” She is sitting bolt upright in a tripod position. You should suspect

a. choking.
b. asthma.
c. anaphylaxis.
d. emphysema.

Answer 56

c. anaphylaxis.

Question 57

A patient with chest discomfort becomes unresponsive during transportation to the hospital. What is the most appropriate action?

a. Stop vehicle, confirm pulselessness and apnea, apply an AED, and shock if necessary.
b. Confirm pulselessness, initiate CPR, stop the vehicle and apply an AED.
c. Start CPR while you assess for pulselessness and apnea, then apply AED and shock if necessary.
d. Confirm pulselessness and apnea, apply an AED, and advise partner to drive vehicle emergently.

Answer 57

b. Confirm pulselessness, initiate CPR, stop the vehicle and apply an AED

Question 58

A pulseless and apneic 68 year old male has an implanted pacemaker in his right shoulder. Without delaying defibrillation where should you apply the AED pads?

a. Left shoulder (to avoid pacemaker) and right lower chest
b. Right shoulder (directly over the pacemaker) and the left lower chest
c. Nipple line under the left and right armpits
d. Anterior chest and back (between shoulder blades)

Answer 58

d. Anterior chest and back (between shoulder blades)

Question 59

A seventeen-year old patient has ingested sleeping pills and alcohol. They are responsive only to pain. Vital signs are BP 100/60, P 58, R 8. You should

a. contact the parents for consent to transport.
b. place patient into recovery position.
c. administer activated charcoal.
d. ventilate with a bag-valve-mask.

Answer 59

d. ventilate with a bag-valve-mask.

Question 60

A victim of smoke inhalation has developed difficulty breathing. He does not like the smell of the mask you are using to deliver oxygen. You should

a. switch to a nasal cannula set to deliver oxygen at 6 L/min.
b. explain that the mask is very important and continue its use.
c. restrain the patient and continue administering oxygen via non-rebreather mask.
d. administer blow-by oxygen via simple mask.

Answer 60

b. explain that the mask is very important and continue its use.

Question 61

A 40 year old has just been struck by lightning. There are no visible wounds. You should suspect

a. spinal fracture.
b. permanent memory loss.
c. deep tissue damage.
d. significant internal bleeding.

Answer 61

c. deep tissue damage.

Question 62

How should you ventilate an apneic adult patient?

a. Ventilate once every 5-6 seconds with a bag valve mask
b. Ventilate with a flow restricted positive pressure ventilator at 12-20 breaths per minute
c. Ventilate once every 3 seconds with a bag valve mask
d. Perform mouth to mask ventilation 12 breath per minute

Answer 62

a. Ventilate once every 5-6 seconds with a bag valve mask

Question 63

Which of the following is most likely to be life-threatening

a. humerus fracture.
b. clavicle fracture.
c. lumbar vertebral fracture.
d. femur fracture.

Answer 63

c. lumbar vertebral fracture.

Question 64

According to family members, your patient has been seizing for ten minutes. You should

a. open the airway and provide oxygen.
b. place the patient in the shock position.
c. hold the patient’s arms and legs securely.
d. administer one tube of oral glucose.

Answer 64

a. open the airway and provide oxygen.

Question 65

After air passes through the vocal cords during inhalation, which structure does it reach next?

a. Epiglottis
b. Bronchus
c. Alveolus
d. Trachea

Answer 65

d. Trachea

Question 66

After delivering a shock with an AED, the patient begins to move and speak. You should

a. immediately remove the AED pads to avoid accidental shock.
b. perform a sternal rub to assess level of consciousness.
c. begin bag-valve-mask ventilations.
d. assess vital signs and begin transport.

Answer 66

d. assess vital signs and begin transport.

Question 67

Albuterol is an example of a(an)

a. vasodilator medication.
b. antihypertensive medication.
c. vasoconstrictor medication.
d. beta-agonist medication.

Answer 67

d. beta-agonist medication.

Question 68

All of the following are indications for the use of nitroglycerin EXCEPT

a. patient complains of chest pain.
b. the patient’s physician has prescribed nitroglycerin.
c. the patient’s systolic blood pressure is less than 90.
d. patient has a history of cardiac problems.

Answer 68

c. the patient’s systolic blood pressure is less than 90.

Question 69

Allowing for appropriate time on exhalation when assisting ventilations can reduce/alleviate

a. airway obstructions.
b. the amount of air required to ventilate
c. secretions when suctioning the patient’s airway.
d. gastric distention.

Answer 69

d. gastric distention.

Question 70

An 18 year old hiker has been bitten by a rattle snake. Vital Signs are: BP 140/90, P 130, R 24. You should:

a. Vigorously scrub the area with soap and water
b. Apply a tourniquet to the limb above the bite
c. Calm the patient and coach him not to moved.
d. Make an incision on the site and suction the venom out

Answer 70

c. Calm the patient and coach him not to moved.

Question 71

An 18 year old male has become increasingly shaky several minutes after administration of a prescribed bronchodilator. You should

a. contact medical control to report the patient’s response.
b. document the patient’s response to the medication.
c. assist the patient with another dose of the medication.
d. continue to reassess the patient every 5 minutes.

Answer 71

d. continue to reassess the patient every 5 minutes.

Question 72

An 18 year old soccer player is feeling disoriented. He has been playing soccer in 90 degree heat. You should

a. direct the patient to drink at least 8 oz. of orange juice
b. direct the patient to rest on the bench until he feels better.
c. move the patient somewhere cool and assess vital signs.
d. remove the patient’s clothes and pour ice cold water on him.

Answer 72

c. move the patient somewhere cool and assess vital signs.

Question 73

An AED has advised no shock be delivered to a 60 year old pulseless and apneic patient. You should

a. reposition the airway and perform a finger sweep.
b. turn off the AED and begin CPR immediately.
c. reposition the AED pads and attempt to defibrillate.
d. leave the AED pads in place and begin CPR.

Answer 73

d. leave the AED pads in place and begin CPR.

Question 74

An alert and oriented male is complaining of severe chest pain, but he refuses transportation against medical advice. You should

a. ask family to help convince him to be transported.
b. contact law enforcement for assistance.
c. insist that he be transported by ambulance.
d. accept his right to refuse care and leave the scene.

Answer 74

d. accept his right to refuse care and leave the scene.

Question 75

An infant is choking on a piece of candy. You are unable to see chest rise after numerous attempts to ventilate. You should

a. apply an automatic external defibrillator.
b. administer chest compressions
c. perform abdominal thrusts.
d. insert an oral airway and reattempt.

Answer 75

b. administer chest compressions

Question 76

An intoxicated 33 year old female was fighting with the police. You note some minor scrapes on the patient’s leg and face. The patient is being verbally abusive to you. The police want your approval to take the patient to jail. You should

a. ask the officer to transport her to the hospital in a squad car for safety.
b. restrain and transport the patient with police escort.
c. request that the officers arrest the patient prior to transport.
d. if vital signs are within normal limits, release the patient to the police.

Answer 76

b. restrain and transport the patient with police escort.

Question 77

An unbelted driver struck a tree with his vehicle. Upon examination of the chest you see bruising to the right side. Your initial vitals are BP 88/76, P 128, R 20. You should suspect

a. liver laceration.
b. multiple rib fractures.
c. cardiac tamponade.
d. neurogenic shock.

Answer 77

c. cardiac tamponade

Question 78

An unresponsive 82 year old patient is lying supine. Their airway is most likely to be obstructed by

a. loose dentures
b. swelling of the epiglottis
c. secretions
d. the tongue

Answer 78

d. the tongue

Question 79

An unresponsive female has been stabbed in the chest during a robbery. She has an open wound on her left chest. You should

a. perform a head-tilt chin-lift.
b. assess the respirations and ventilate if appropriate.
c. cover the wound with a gloved hand.
d. begin taking spinal immobilization precautions.

Answer 79

c. cover the wound with a gloved hand.

Question 80

An unresponsive patient is bleeding severely from an open wound to her head. Initial efforts to stop the bleeding have failed. Vital signs are: BP 60/40, P 122, R 16. You should

a. continue to apply pressure and transport rapidly.
b. begin positive pressure ventilations.
c. apply an occlusive dressing to the wound.
d. apply direct pressure to the carotid pressure point.

Answer 80

a. continue to apply pressure and transport rapidly.

Question 81

An unresponsive ten year old male was hit by a car and is bleeding heavily from an open leg fracture. After securing his airway and manually stabilizing his cervical spine, you should

a. immobilize the extremity using a ladder splint.
b. perform a rapid trauma assessment.
c. control bleeding from the leg wound.
d. place the patient in Trendelenburg position.

Answer 81

c. control bleeding from the leg wound.

Question 82

At the local homeless shelter, a 50 year-old male complains of fever. He is drowsy, weak, and is coughing up blood. He states that he has had this persistent cough and a fever for the past two days. You should suspect

a. HIV/AIDS.
b. tuberculosis.
c. German measles (rubella).
d. hepatitis.

Answer 82

b. tuberculosis

Question 83

Bystanders are doing CPR on a 3-month-old infant. You should

a. stop CPR and call medical control for instructions.
b. put the infant on a backboard and transport emergently.
c. attach an AED and prepare to defibrillate.
d. evaluate effectiveness of CPR while gathering information.

Answer 83

c. attach an AED and prepare to defibrillate

Question 84

Consent to treat is implied in which of the following cases?

a. 88 year old female with a DNR order
b. 18 year old female bleeding profusely
c. 21 year old unconscious male
d. 44 year old school bus driver with chest pain

Answer 84

c. 21 year old unconscious male

Question 85

Early signs and symptoms of hypo perfusion can include

a. unresponsiveness.
b. decreased blood pressure.
c. bradycardia.
d. anxiousness.

Answer 85

d. anxiousness.

Question 86

First Responders have delivered a baby. The infant is blue and lethargic. The baby’s pulse is 90. You should

a. transport and administer CPR enroute.
b. Dry, stimulate and apply oxygen.
c. transport to the closest hospital.
d. transport after placenta is delivered.

Answer 86

b. Dry, stimulate and apply oxygen.

Question 87

Five minutes after delivery of a newborn, your patient is moving all extremities, has pink skin, a weak cry, is grimacing and has a pulse of 96. The APGAR score is

a. 8.
b. 10.
c. 4.
d. 6.

Answer 87

a. 8

Question 88

For which of the following patients would an oropharyngeal airway be MOST appropriate?

a. Semi-conscious 76 year old who is gasping for air
b. 19 year old with a mandible fracture who is only responsive to pain
c. Unresponsive 25 year old with a suspected spinal injury
d. Unresponsive five year old with a suspected airway obstruction

Answer 88

c. Unresponsive 25 year old with a suspected spinal injury

Question 89

How should you open the airway of an infant?

a. Place the head in the sniffing position
b. Lift the neck and elevate the head
c. Place the head in a neutral position
d. Pad underneath the head

Answer 89

c. Place the head in a neutral position

Question 90

Immediately upon returning to the station from a scene where a child died, the crewmembers discuss the call. This is an example of

a. a defusing.
b. an informal debriefing.
c. a critical incident stress debriefing.
d. a support meeting.

Answer 90

a. a defusing.

Question 91

Initial assessment reveals an alert adult patient who is short of breath. He is seated in a tripod position using accessory muscles to breathe. Vital signs are: BP 140/80 P110, R22 with crackles, SpO2 95%. You should

a. administer oxygen via a nonrebreather mask.
b. ventilate the patient with a bag-valve-mask to slow respirations.
c. monitor pulse oximetry.
d. administer oxygen via a nasal cannula.

Answer 91

a. administer oxygen via a nonrebreather mask

Question 92

Of the following communicable diseases, which one is MOST likely to be transmitted through airborne droplets?

a. HIV/AIDS
b. German measles (rubella)
c. Salmonella
d. Hepatitis

Answer 92

b. German measles (rubella)

Question 93

One of the most problematic side effects of nitroglycerin is

a. dyspnea.
b. hypotension.
c. bradycardia.
d. angina.

Answer 93

b. hypotension.

Question 94

The first step an ambulance crew should take when approaching the scene of an emergency is to

a. take body substance isolation precautions.
b. verify the number of patients.
c. determine the scene is safe.
d. note the mechanism of injury.

Answer 94

c. determine the scene is safe

Question 95

The strongest portion of the heart that is responsible for circulating blood to the entire body is the

a. left atrium.b. right atrium.c. left ventricle.d. right ventricle.

Answer 95

c. left ventricle

Question 96

The use of a traction splint for femur fractures is important in order to

a. prevent tissue swelling.
b. reduce further nerve and blood vessel damage.
c. decrease pain by preventing bone movement.
d. facilitate easy transfer of patient to the hospital.

Answer 96

b. reduce further nerve and blood vessel damage.

Question 97

To protect yourself from injury when lifting a stretcher, you should

a. lean forward toward the stretcher.
b. wear an orthopedic back brace.
c. keep the weight close to your body.
d. use two additional people for the lift.

Answer 97

c. keep the weight close to your body

Question 98

What are the recommended dimensions of a landing zone for air medical?

a. 75ft. X 75ft.
b. 100ft. X 100ft.
c. 50ft. X 50ft.
d. 200ft. X 200ft.

Answer 98

b. 100ft. X 100ft

Question 99

What are two manual methods of opening a patient’s airway?

a. Head tilt-chin lift and Oropharyngeal Airway
b. Jaw thrust and finger sweep
c. Head tilt-chin lift and Nasopharyngeal Airway
d. Head tilt-chin lift and jaw thrust

Answer 99

d. Head tilt-chin lift and jaw thrust

Question 100

What does pulse oximetry measure?

a. The amount of plasma that is saturated (usually with oxygen).
b. The amount of hemoglobin that is saturated (usually with oxygen).
c. The percent of tissue that is saturated with oxygen.
d. Percent of carbon dioxide in the cells.

Answer 100

b. The amount of hemoglobin that is saturated (usually with oxygen)

Question 101

What is the amount of air moved with one normal breath called?

a. Tidal volume
b. Minute volume
c. Alveolar air
d. Dead air space

Answer 101

a. Tidal volume

Question 102

What is the most effective way to control the spread of infectious disease?

a. Exercise good hand washing technique.
b. Wear a face shield on all calls.
c. Wear gloves with all patients.
d. Avoid contact with all bodily fluids.

Answer 102

a. Exercise good hand washing technique

Question 103

What should you initially do to open the airway of a eight month old?

a. Place the head in an extended position.
b. Pad under the head of the child.
c. Turn the patient onto their left side.
d. Place the head in a neutral position.

Answer 103

b. Pad under the head of the child.

Question 104

When driving the ambulance, operators must drive with the safety of others in mind. This is known as driving

a. offensively.
b. with privileges.
c. defensively.
d. with due regard.

Answer 104

d. with due regard.

Question 105

When infants or children experience breathing difficulties, their pulse may

a. decrease early, then increase significantly.
b. increase early, then decrease significantly.
c. increase significantly, then return to normal.
d. decrease significantly, then return to normal.

Answer 105

b. increase early, then decrease significantly.

Question 106

When lifting a patient on a stretcher you should

a. bend at the waist.
b. keep the weight away from your body.
c. coordinate your moves with your partner.
d. twist from the hips to better maneuver.

Answer 106

c. coordinate your moves with your partner

Question 107

When opening the airway of an unconscious patient found lying in bed, you should

a. place one hand on the forehead with the fingertips of the other hand on the angle of the jaw.
b. place right hand on the base of the neck and left hand under the angle of the jaw and tip head backward.
c. place one hand on the forehead with the fingertips of the other hand pinching the nose.
d. place both hands at base of neck and tip head backward to fully extend the neck.

Answer 107

a. place one hand on the forehead with the fingertips of the other hand on the angle of the jaw.

Question 108

When responding to an incident involving an unidentified hazardous material, the most appropriate place to position the ambulance is

a. downwind and downhill from the incident.
b. upwind and at the level of the incident.
c. downwind and uphill from the incident.
d. upwind and uphill from the incident.

Answer 108

d. upwind and uphill from the incident.

Question 109

When suctioning a patient you should

a. suction on the way in for no more than 5 seconds.
b. suction on the way in for no more than 15 seconds.
c. suction on the way out for no more than 5 seconds.
d. suction on the way out for no more than 15 seconds.

Answer 109

b. suction on the way in for no more than 15 seconds

Question 110

When ventilating with a mouth-to-mask you notice the presence of increasing gastric distention. You should

a. immediately suction the oropharynx.
b. decompress the stomach manually.
c. increase the depth of ventilations.
d. manually reposition the airway.

Answer 110

d. manually reposition the airway.

Question 111

When you assess a pulse you are feeling the

a. relaxation of the atria.
b. relaxation of both ventricles.
c. contraction of the left ventricle.
d. contraction of the left atrium.

Answer 111

c. contraction of the left ventricle

Question 112

Which following best describes a bipolar patient?

a. They do not generally function normally in society.
b. They often have hallucinations.
c. They appear psychotic during manic phases.
d. They do not have a history of manic-depressive disorder.

Answer 112

c. They appear psychotic during manic phases.

Question 113

Which of the following indicates the correct flow range and delivery percentage for a nasal cannula?

a. 10-15 lpm / 95%
b. 2-4 lpm / 35%
c. 1-6 lpm / 40%
d. 2-8 lpm / 28%

Answer 113

c. 1-6 lpm 40%

Question 114

Which of the following is a positive method to reduce stress?

a. developing regular exercise habits
b. drinking alcoholic beverages
c. ignoring feelings of anxiety or stress
d. eating foods rich in sugar

Answer 114

a. developing regular exercise habits

Question 115

Which of the following is an anatomical difference between an adult and an infant airway?

a. The adult’s tongue is proportionally larger
b. The infant’s trachea is softer
c. the adult’s mouth is proportionally smaller
d. The infant’s trachea is more rigid

Answer 115

b. The infant’s trachea is softer

Question 116

Which of the following is an essential component of your oral report?

a. The patient’s social security number
b. The EMT assessment of the chief complaint
c. The name of the patient’s personal physician
d. History related to the current illness

Answer 116

b. The EMT assessment of the chief complaint

Question 117

Which of the following is the best definition of hypoperfusion?

a. lowered heart rate and blood pressure.
b. less blood reaching capillary beds.
c. inadequate oxygen delivery to cells.
d. blood vessel dilation causing distal pooling.

Answer 117

c. inadequate oxygen delivery to cells

Question 118

Which of the following is the build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of an artery?

a. Atherosclerosis
b. Coronary Artery Disease
c. Aneurysm
d. Thrombus

Answer 118

a. Atherosclerosis

Question 119

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to measure for an oropharyngeal airway adjunct?

a. From the tip of the patient’s nose to the earlobe
b. From the patient’s earlobe to the angle of the jaw
c. From the corner of the patient’s mouth to the earlobe
d. From the center of the patient’s mouth to the earlobe

Answer 119

c. From the corner of the patient’s mouth to the earlobe

Question 120

Which of the following is TRUE about the insertion of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)?

a. The OPA is measured between the patient’s earlobe and nose.
b. The OPA should be inserted until the flange rests below the patient’s teeth.
c. The OPA is always rotated 360 degrees as it is inserted.
d. If properly inserted, the OPA will keep the tongue out of the airway.

Answer 120

d. If properly inserted, the OPA will keep the tongue out of the airway.

Question 121

Which of the following patients is MOST at risk for hypovolemic shock?

a. A tuberculosis patient with a fractured tibia
b. A hemophilia patient with a nose bleed
c. A leukemia patient with a fractured left arm
d. An H.I.V. patient with a urinary tract infection

Answer 121

b. A hemophilia patient with a nose bleed

Question 122

Which of the following statements regarding suctioning of an adult is TRUE?

a. You should start ventilations if suction cannot clear the airway.
b. You should only suction for a maximum of 30 seconds.
c. You should insert the suction catheter only as far as you can visualize.
d. You should remove the suction catheter with the suction machine turned off.

Answer 122

a. You should start ventilations if suction cannot clear the airway.

Question 123

Which of the following symptoms would indicate a SIGNIFICANT localized cold injury?

a. Tissue below the surface is soft
b. Skin appears blue and is diaphoretic
c. Mottled or blotchy skin
d. Skin appears white and is hard

Answer 123

d. Skin appears white and is hard

Question 124

Which patient would benefit the MOST from helicopter transport?

a. 38 year old male burn patient with first degree burns to 55% of his body
b. 28 year old female in labor, crowning; the hospital is 45 minutes away
c. 30 year old male pulseless and apneic with a history of asthma
d. 15 year old female motor vehicle crash victim still trapped BP 78/42

Answer 124

d. 15 year old female motor vehicle crash victim still trapped BP 78/42

Question 125

Which strap should you place first when securing a patient onto a long spine board?

a. Leg straps
b. Chest strap
c. Head straps
d. Abdominal strap

Answer 125

b. Chest strap

Question 126

While transporting a bleeding patient you followed good infection control procedures, including wearing gloves, a mask, protective clothing and eye protection. Further precautions include

a. open doors of ambulance to air out patient compartment.
b. place a mask on your patient’s face.
c. washing your hands with soap and water.
d. inspecting your face mask for dried blood before discarding.

Answer 126

c. washing your hands with soap and water.

Question 127

While ventilating a near-drowning patient, you suddenly feel increased resistance in the airway. You should

a. attempt to reposition the head.
b. apply firm pressure to the abdomen.
c. perform abdominal thrusts.
d. place patient in lateral recovery position.

Answer 127

a. attempt to reposition the head

Question 128

You are alone when you witness a 57 year old woman suddenly collapse and become unresponsive. She is not breathing. After calling for help you find she has no pulse. You should

a. perform a blind finger sweep.
b. begin chest compressions.
c. leave patient to obtain an AED.
d. continue rescue breathing.

Answer 128

b. begin chest compressions.

Question 129

You are at the scene of a car crash. Which of the following situations would require rapid extrication?

a. Your patient blocks access to a critical patient.
b. Your patient complains of arm tingling.
c. There are multiple patients at the scene.
d. Your patient complains of blurred vision.

Answer 129

a. Your patient blocks access to a critical patient.

Question 130

You are called to a local beach for a ten year old possible drowning patient. The patient’s parents have pulled the victim from the water and he is sitting on a blanket coughing up small amounts of water. The parents state they do not want him to go to the hospital and thinks he only swallowed small amount of water. His vital signs are BP 100/50, P 72 and R 20. What should you do?

a. Request that the parents transport the victim to the nearest emergency department.
b. Agree with the parents, because your assessment indicates that the child is fine.
c. Ignore the parents’ concerns, load the patient, and rapidly transport to the nearest emergency department.
d. Explain the complications of near drowning and the necessity of transport via ambulance.

Answer 130

d. Explain the complications of near drowning and the necessity of transport via ambulance.

Question 131

You are called to an elderly male who is having trouble breathing. Respirations are at a rate of 24 and labored and the patient is cyanotic. Your patient is conscious but unable to speak in full sentences. Enroute to the hospital your patient goes into respiratory arrest. You should

a. use a pocket mask and begin chest compressions.
b. assist ventilations with BVM and 100% O2.
c. start oxygen at 15 liters/minute via non-rebreather.
d. assist ventilations with BVM and room air.

Answer 131

b. assist ventilations with BVM and 100% O2.

Question 132

You are called to an elderly patient who had a syncopal episode. The patient has had blood-tinged vomiting and general fatigue for the last few days. You suspect

a. an abdominal aneurysm.
b. a cerebral vascular accident.
c. congestive heart failure.
d. a gastrointestinal bleed.

Answer 132

d. a gastrointestinal bleed.

Question 133

You are called to an elementary school for a 10 year old who fell at the playground. When you arrive you find the school nurse and a teacher’s aide performing CPR. What is the most appropriate action for you to take?

a. Place the patient on a long spine board with a c-collar.
b. Perform a rapid head-to-toe trauma survey.
c. Obtain a history from the school nurse.
d. Ask the nurse to stop CPR while you check for breathing and a pulse.

Answer 133

d. Ask the nurse to stop CPR while you check for breathing and a pulse.

Question 134

You are called to the scene of a motor vehicle crash, where you find a three year old female sitting in an unsecured car seat. She has abrasions to her forehead and right arm. She is alert to voice, her skin is pink and dry, and she appears to breathing normally. You should

a. remove the child from the car seat and place her on a long spine.
b. secure the child in the car seat using towels and tape to immobilize her head and chest.
c. rapidly extricate the child and place her in a supine position.
d. place a short back board behind the child and gently extricate her from the car seat.

Answer 134

b. secure the child in the car seat using towels and tape to immobilize her head and chest.

Question 135

You are completing a patient care report for a patient injured in a car crash. You notice the smell of alcohol and empty beer cans in the vehicle. The best way to document your findings in the patient care report is to

a. discount these findings because your patient may not have been the driver.
b. describe the smell of alcohol and empty beer cans which were noted at the scene.
c. omit any reference to alcohol because you are not certain if the patient was drinking.
d. indicate that the patient was under the influence of alcohol.

Answer 135

b. describe the smell of alcohol and empty beer cans which were noted at the scene.

Question 136

You are conducting a physical exam on a responsive female toddler. You should

a. use a toes-to-head approach for the examination.
b. place the girl on her back as her parents help hold her.
c. examine the girl upright as her parents hold her.
d. use a head-to-toe approach for the examination.

Answer 136

a. use a toes-to-head approach for the examination.

Question 137

You are dispatched to a 68 year old female complaining of discomfort in her upper back. She is nauseous and appears to be sweaty. Based on these symptoms, which of the following possible causes is most life-threatening?

a. Cardiac compromise
b. Diabetic reaction
c. Indigestion
d. Stroke

Answer 137

a. Cardiac compromise

Question 138

You are dispatched to a patient who has intentionally overdosed on pain medication. The patient is refusing transport. You should

a. request law enforcement assistance with this patient.
b. convince the patient that they should be transported and can return home after seeing a doctor.
c. ask a family member for assistance in convincing the patient to accept transport.
d. give the patient a few minutes to change their mind.

Answer 138

b. convince the patient that they should be transported and can return home after seeing a doctor.

Question 139

You are evaluating a disoriented 27 year old female who is 32 weeks pregnant. Her husband states, “her arms and legs just got stiff, and she had a blank stare”. She has no prior medical history. You should suspect

a. placental abruption.
b. eclampsia.
c. ectopic pregnancy.
d. epilepsy.

Answer 139

b. eclampsia.

Question 140

You are giving a verbal report to the hospital during transport. You should

a. cover only the pertinent facts and be brief.
b. use a radio since it is more private.
c. use a cellular phone since it is faster.
d. use codes and abbreviations to simplify communication.

Answer 140

a. cover only the pertinent facts and be brief.

Question 141

You are helping a 21 year old patient to self-administer her epinephrine via auto-injector. She has been stung by a bee. You should

a. hold injector in place at least 10 seconds.
b. check the patient’s blood pressure.
c. immediately inject and release.
d. inject it into the antecubital fossa.

Answer 141

a. hold injector in place at least 10 seconds.

Question 142

You are inserting an oropharyngeal airway into a 4 year old patient. You should

a. insert with the tip pointing toward the roof of the mouth.
b. use an airway that measures one size too small and rotate.
c. use a tongue depressor to keep the tongue out of the way.
d. use a head tilt chin lift.

Answer 142

c. use a tongue depressor to keep the tongue out of the way.

Question 143

You are responding to a 23 year old pedestrian who is 7-months pregnant and was struck by a motor vehicle. She is complaining of abdominal pain, her skin is pale and cool, heart rate is 110, respirations are 20. You should

a. position the patient on her left side, administer oxygen and transport emergently.
b. place the patient on her right side, elevate the bottom of the cot, apply oxygen and transport emergently.
c. position the patient in Trendelenburg, administer oxygen and transport routine.
d. place the patient on her back, administer oxygen and transport routine.

Answer 143

a. position the patient on her left side, administer oxygen and transport emergently.

Question 144

You are transporting a 62-year-old patient complaining of chest pain. Vital signs are: BP 88/40, P 90, R 12. Online medical control orders you to assist the patient in taking his prescribed nitroglycerin. You should

a. check the expiration date of the medication and administer the medication.
b. assist the patient with administering his nitroglycerin.
c. repeat the vital signs and confirm the order.
d. wait until the patient’s respirations improve, then follow the order.

Answer 144

c. repeat the vital signs and confirm the order.

Question 145

You are transporting a 68-year-old female from a nursing home to the hospital. She has a valid DNR. During transportation, she begins to have trouble breathing. You should

a. provide supportive reassurance only.
b. ventilate the patient with a BVM.
c. return the patient to the nursing home.
d. provide oxygen and position the patient for comfort.

Answer 145

d. provide oxygen and position the patient for comfort.

Question 146

You are transporting a patient who has been restrained due to hostile behavior. He is complaining that he has no feeling in his hands, and is threatening to sue you if you don’t remove the restraints. He has been very cooperative since the restraints were placed. You should

a. place padding between the restraint and the patient’s skin.
b. assess the patient’s distal circulation frequently.
c. loosen the restraints.
d. remove the restraints.

Answer 146

b. assess the patient’s distal circulation frequently

Question 147

You are transporting a patient with chest pain, when she suddenly becomes unresponsive. You should

a. immediately apply an AED and analyze.
b. insert an oral airway and ventilate twice.
c. start CPR and transport more rapidly.
d. stop the ambulance and confirm absence of pulse.

Answer 147

d. stop the ambulance and confirm absence of pulse.

Question 148

You are treating a 23 year old patient in a car crash. He is complaining of neck, back and leg pain. He has a cut above his left eye. You should

a. apply a C-collar and perform rapid extrication.
b. immediately place oxygen on the patient.
c. take manual stabilization of the spine.
d. remove the patient from the vehicle as soon as possible.

Answer 148

c. take manual stabilization of the spine.

Question 149

You are treating a 50 year old male with chest pain. Your written protocol indicates that you should give nitroglycerin. This is known as

a. an on-line medical directive.
b. scope of practice.
c. a standing order.
d. license to practice.

Answer 149

b. scope of practice

Question 150

You are treating an unconscious 50 year old diabetic patient. You should

a. insert a dual lumen airway adjunct.
b. immediately administer oral glucose.
c. assist a family member in administering insulin.
d. transport the patient as soon as possible.

Answer 150

d. transport the patient as soon as possible.

Question 151

You are using a bag valve mask and oral airway on a 72 year old apneic female. Suddenly it becomes difficult to ventilate. What should you suspect?

a. Her diaphragm has contracted
b. Her lungs have collapsed.
c. She has an airway obstruction.
d. She is becoming more responsive.

Answer 151

c. She has an airway obstruction

Question 152

You are ventilating an apneic asthmatic patient with a BVM, but notice there is inadequate chest rise. What should you do?

a. Increase the ventilation pressure.
b. Switch to an oxygen powered ventilation device.
c. Increase the rate of the ventilations.
d. Reassess the airway for an obstruction.

Answer 152

d. Reassess the airway for an obstruction.

Question 153

You are ventilating an apneic infant. His pulse is 54. You are currently ventilating with a bag-valve-mask with supplemental oxygen. You should

a. begin chest compressions.
b. insert a pediatric combitube.
c. continue ventilations and transport.
d. obtain a complete set of vital signs.

Answer 153

a. begin chest compressions.

Question 154

You have administered six shocks to your cardiac arrest patient. She remains pulseless and is not breathing. You should next

a. continue your assessment.
b. resume CPR and transport.
c. reanalyze the rhythm and deliver as many shocks as indicated.
d. deliver two more shocks.

Answer 154

b. resume CPR and transport.

Question 155

You have an unconscious patient with blood in the airway. You should

a. use a suction unit to immediately clear the airway.
b. perform a finger sweep to remove the blockage.
c. use artificial ventilations in an attempt to clear the airway.
d. place the patient in the recovery position.

Answer 155

a. use a suction unit to immediately clear the airway.

Question 156

You have assisted a 56 year old patient in taking 1 nitroglycerin tablet. He continues to complain of chest pain. Vital signs are: BP 94/64, P 120, R 14, SaO2 98%. You should

a. re-assess his blood pressure.
b. assist him with a 2nd nitroglycerin tablet.
c. transport him to the hospital.
d. assess lung sounds and have the patient self-administer their inhaler.

Answer 156

c. transport him to the hospital

Question 157

You respond to a conscious thirty-four year old male burned in a fire with full thickness burns to both hands and forearms and partial thickness burns to his chest. You should

a. soak the burned areas in saline and wrap with a sterile dressing.
b. apply an antiseptic ointment to the burned areas.
c. carefully wrap the burned areas with a dry sterile dressing.
d. apply cool water to the burned areas.

Answer 157

c. carefully wrap the burned areas with a dry sterile dressing.

Question 158

You respond to a scene where a mentally ill adult is threatening to kill himself. He is refusing transportation to a hospital. You should

a. allow a family member to transport the patient, if they promise to follow through.
b. restrain the patient.
c. document the patient’s refusal and have him sign your form
d. ask law enforcement for assistance.

Answer 158

d. ask law enforcement for assistance.

Question 159

You respond to a twenty-two year old male with an altered mental status. His skin is warm and diaphoretic and has a known seizure history. It is likely your patient is

a. clonic.
b. postictal.
c. hypovolemic.
d. hypothermic.

Answer 159

b. postictal

Question 160

You respond to car accident on a busy city street. You are the first emergency vehicle on scene. Which of the following best describes where you should position your ambulance when arriving on scene?

a. Park beyond the wreckage to protect your truck from being struck by traffic.
b. Park immediately in front of the wreckage so you have quick access to emergency supplies.
c. Park downhill or downwind from the wreckage so you can smell any hazards.
d. Park in front of the wreckage to warn oncoming motorists.

Answer 160

a. Park beyond the wreckage to protect your truck from being struck by traffic.

Question 161

You should ventilate a newborn once every

a. four seconds.
b. two seconds.
c. five seconds.
d. three seconds.

Answer 161

d. three seconds.

Question 162

Your 18 month-old patient has pale cool skin, decreased mental status, and delayed capillary refill. The mother tells you that the child’s diaper has been dry for most of the day. First responders have applied oxygen. You should

a. ventilate with a bag valve mask and transport rapidly.
b. rapidly transport and monitor vital signs.
c. transport rapidly and apply wet towels enroute.
d. position the child on his side and transport.

Answer 162

b. rapidly transport and monitor vital signs.

Question 163

Your 23 year old male patient is acting erratically. Which of the following would be the most important to relay to the ER?

a. Last oral intake
b. Last doctor visit
c. Allergies
d. Medications

Answer 163

d. Medications

Question 164

Your 25-year-old male patient has sustained a painful, deformed shoulder, injured while playing baseball. This has happened to him before and he wants to “pop it back in”. You should

a. pull steady traction of the arm towards the patient’s leg and splint in place.
b. apply an ice pack and check vital signs.
c. assist the patient in realigning his shoulder.
d. splint the shoulder as you find it.

Answer 164

d. splint the shoulder as you find it.

Question 165

Your 26 year old female patient was involved in 30 MPH head-on collision. She complains of slight stiffness in her neck. She is 36 weeks pregnant. What action should you take?

a. Perform complete physical exam, obtain history to ensure lack of other injuries and advise patient to consult with primary doctor.
b. Evaluate the patient, c-collar, assist onto stretcher and transport in left lateral recumbant position.
c. Provide spinal stabilization, oxygen, c-collar, long spine board and transport with patient in right lateral recumbant position.
d. Provide spinal stabilization, oxygen, c-collar, long spine board and transport with patient in left lateral recumbant position.

Answer 165

d. Provide spinal stabilization, oxygen, c-collar, long spine board and transport with patient in left lateral recumbant position.

Question 166

Your 36 year old patient is unresponsive. Upon attempting to insert an oral airway, the patient gags. You should

a. insert a nasal airway
b. suction the oropharynx
c. insert a dual lumen airway
d. reattempt using a smaller oral adjunct

Answer 166

a. insert a nasal airway

Question 167

Your 54 year old patient is refusing to answer your interview questions. You should

a. document his refusal and transport.
b. ask a family member to take over your interview.
c. restrain the patient immediately.
d. make eye contact and try to gain his trust.

Answer 167

d. make eye contact and try to gain his trust.

Question 168

Your 90 year old nursing home patient is pulseless and apneic. The nurse shows you a note in the patient’s chart stating “Do not resuscitate”. The note is signed by a physician. You should

a. consult with the family.
b. call the patient’s doctor to confirm the order.
c. call on-line medical control.
d. request to see a copy of the living will.

Answer 168

c. call on-line medical control.

Question 169

Your ambulance is the first to arrive at the scene of a three-car crash. After assessing potential hazards, you should

a. determine the number of patients.
b. designate a triage officer.
c. set up immobilization equipment.
d. contact on-line medical control.

Answer 169

a. determine the number of patients.

Question 170

Your fifty-five year old patient complains of chest pain radiating to the left arm. You should first

a. place the patient on oxygen.
b. administer the prescribed nitroglycerin.
c. perform a head-to-toe assessment.
d. complete a SAMPLE history.

Answer 170

d. complete a SAMPLE history.

Question 171

Your ninety-two year old patient is short of breath, unable to speak, and cyanotic. You should first

a. administer oxygen via nonrebreather.
b. assure the patient has an open airway.
c. ventilate the patient with a bag-valve-mask.
d. administer the prescribed bronchodilator.

Answer 171

b. assure the patient has an open airway.

Question 172

Your patient complains of itching and difficulty breathing after a bee sting. He reports no known allergies. His vitals are: BP 136/86, P 118, R 20. You should

a. administer oxygen via nonrebreather and transport immediately.
b. recommend the patient take an oral antihistamine and contact his physician.
c. administer the epinephrine given to you by a relative with the same condition.
d. administer oxygen via nasal cannula and transport immediately.

Answer 172

a. administer oxygen via nonrebreather and transport immediately.

Question 173

Your patient has a 2 inch laceration at the corner of the mouth with profuse bleeding into the oropharynx. You should

a. apply high-flow oxygen.
b. suction the airway.
c. control the bleeding.
d. stabilize the c-spine.

Answer 173

b. suction the airway.

Question 174

Your patient has a fork impaled into his cheek. He is having trouble breathing. You should

a. stabilize the fork with bulky dressings.
b. have the patient pull the fork out of the cheek
c. carefully remove the fork from the cheek.
d. insert a nasal airway and apply oxygen.

Answer 174

c. carefully remove the fork from the cheek

Question 175

Your patient has a gunshot wound to the anterior thigh. You should

a. apply direct pressure and treat for shock.
b. take spinal precautions and search for an exit wound.
c. expose the wound, clean the area, and apply a sterile dressing.
d. expose the wound, control bleeding, and transport rapidly.

Answer 175

d. expose the wound, control bleeding, and transport rapidly.

Question 176

Your patient has been submerged underwater for an unknown period and is in cardiac arrest. After taking c-spine precautions, you should

a. dry the patient off.
b. apply pressure to the abdomen.
c. ventilate the patient.
d. begin CPR immediately.

Answer 176

d. begin CPR immediately.

Question 177

Your patient has spilled a dilute alkali solution into his eyes. You should first

a. irrigate with dilute ammonia.
b. irrigate with clean water.
c. cover both eyes and transport.
d. cover the affected eye and transport.

Answer 177

b. irrigate with clean water.

Question 178

Your patient has the following signs and symptoms: increased heart rate, narrowing pulse pressure, rapid respirations, weak peripheral pulses, thirst, and cool, clammy skin. The patient also states a feeling of impending doom. This patient is most likely exhibiting which type of shock?

a. compensated.
b. decompensated.
c. controlled.
d. irreversible.

Answer 178

b. decompensated.

Question 179

Your patient is a 56 year old male who collapses while mowing the lawn. He is apneic and pulseless immediately following collapse. What is the patient most likely experiencing?

a. Cardiac arrest
b. Stroke
c. Heart attack
d. Angina pectoris

Answer 179

a. Cardiac arrest

Question 180

Your patient is a 65 year old male complaining of chest pain. Which of the following would be a contraindication for assisting with the administration of sublingual nitroglycerin?

a. Systolic blood pressure <100
b. Heart rate >100
c. Systolic blood pressure >100
d. Heart rate <100

Answer 180

c. Systolic blood pressure <100

Question 181

Your patient is allergic to bee stings. She suddenly began having watery eyes and itching in her arms. She does not remember being stung. Vital signs: BP 130/80, P 110, R 16. You should

a. apply oxygen and transport the patient to a hospital.
b. assist the patient in self-administering her Epi-pen.
c. monitor airway, encourage the patient’s family to transport.
d. attempt to find the stinger and remove immediately.

Answer 181

a. apply oxygen and transport the patient to a hospital.

Question 182

Your patient is an alert and oriented adult who is speaking in a foreign language. You cannot communicate with the patient. You should

a. determine whether to transport the patient.
b. load the patient into the ambulance and transport.
c. look for a family member who can speak that language.
d. check your supplies for a translation manual.

Answer 182

c. look for a family member who can speak that language

Question 183

Your patient is an unresponsive 44-year-old found indoors after working in the garden on a hot day. Her vital signs are R 32, P 128, BP 88/56 with hot, dry skin. You should

a. administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
b. place a wet sheet over her and fan vigorously.
c. administer oxygen with a simple face mask.
d. cover the patient with ice and transport to a trauma center.

Answer 183

b. place a wet sheet over her and fan vigorously.

Question 184

Your patient is in labor. As the baby’s head delivers, you notice the amniotic sac has not broken. You should

a. use your gloved finger to puncture the membrane.
b. have the mother pant to delay delivery.
c. place mother on her knees to take pressure off the sac.
d. place mother on oxygen to prevent fetal distress.

Answer 184

a. use your gloved finger to puncture the membrane.

Question 185

Your patient is nine months pregnant with her first child. Her contractions are 10 minutes apart, lasting for 20 seconds. She tells you that she is “having this baby now”. You should

a. transport the patient in a supine position and monitor.
b. coach her to calm down and have her husband transport.
c. transport the patient on her left side and monitor.
d. prepare for an imminent on scene delivery.

Answer 185

c. transport the patient on her left side and monitor.

Question 186

Your patient is pale and seems anxious but is speaking in full sentences. You should administer oxygen using a

a. nonrebreather mask at 15 L/minute.
b. nasal cannula at 4 L/minute.
c. bag-valve-mask device at 15 L/minute.
d. flow restricted oxygen powered ventilation device.

Answer 186

a. nonrebreather mask at 15 L/minute.

Question 187

Your patient is pale, diaphoretic, and complains of chest pressure. Her vitals are R 18, P 58, and BP 88/50. You should suspect

a. unstable angina.
b. a pulmonary embolism.
c. a thoracic aneurysm.
d. cardiogenic shock.

Answer 187

d. cardiogenic shock.

Question 188

Your patient is short of breath, wheezing, and is cyanotic after eating shrimp. He has a known allergy to shellfish. What should you do?

a. Apply high-flow oxygen
b. Ventilate with a BVM
c. Administer his EpiPen
d. Obtain a SAMPLE history

Answer 188

c. Administer his EpiPen

Question 189

Your patient is unresponsive and is wearing a Medic Alert bracelet stating he is a diabetic. You should

a. check for a regular carotid pulse.
b. ventilate with a bag-valve mask.
c. establish and maintain an airway.
d. administer one tube of oral glucose.

Answer 189

c. establish and maintain an airway.

Question 190

Your patient was exposed to an unknown chemical that has soaked their clothing. You should immediately

a. administer oxygen by non-rebreather.
b. flush patient’s body with a large amount of water.
c. have the patient remove all clothing.
d. contact the poison control center.

Answer 190

c. have the patient remove all clothing

Question 191

Your patient was involved in a motor vehicle crash. He is unresponsive and you hear snoring respirations when he breathes. You should perform a

a. head tilt-chin lift with c-spine stabilization.
b. tongue-jaw lift with c-spine stabilization.
c. jaw-thrust with c-spine stabilization.
d. head tilt-neck lift with c-spine stabilization.

Answer 191

c. jaw-thrust with c-spine stabilization.

Question 192

Your patient was on a third floor balcony which collapsed. The patient is semi-conscious, has an impaled piece of wood in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, an obvious femur fracture and multiple cuts and bruises. You should

a. assist ventilations with bag-valve-mask and splint femur fracture.
b. establish c-spine protection, open the airway and assess breathing.
c. stabilize impaled object with a bulky dressing and establish c-spine protection.
d. apply oxygen and prepare patient for rapid transport to a trauma center.

Answer 192

b. establish c-spine protection, open the airway and assess breathing

Question 193

Your patient was struck on the right side of the head by a baseball. Which sign or symptom would indicate a significant head injury?

a. decreasing mental status.
b. bleeding from the mouth.
c. increasing heart rate.
d. right-sided weakness.

Answer 193

a. decreasing mental status.

Question 194

Your patient’s pulse returns after the use of the AED. You should first

a. turn off the AED and remove the defibrillator pads.
b. continue performing compressions if BP is too low.
c. continue ventilations.
d. reanalyze the rhythm.

Answer 194

c. continue ventilations.

Question 195

Your pregnant patient has a history of asthma. She started having difficulty breathing 15 minutes prior to calling 911. She has used her inhaler three times with no relief. You should

a. start oxygen therapy at high flow and transport.
b. start oxygen therapy at high flow, administer a nebulizer, reassess to determine if transport is required.
c. encourage her to use her inhaler until she feels relief.
d. start oxygen therapy at high flow, transport and contact medical control for orders to administer a nebulizer.

Answer 195

a. start oxygen therapy at high flow and transport.

Question 196

Your twelve-year-old patient has a penetrating wound to the abdomen. You may provide care based on

a. expressed consent.
b. mutual consent.
c. implied consent.
d. informed consent.

Answer 196

c. implied consent.

Question 197

Your unresponsive patient is slumped over the kitchen table. A friend tells you that she was “fine one minute and started acting abnormally the next”. She moans in response to painful stimuli and her skin is pale, cool and clammy. Her medical alert bracelet denotes “Diabetes”. You should suspect

a. hypoglycemia.
b. diabetic ketoacidosis.
c. hyperglycemia.
d. a stroke.

Answer 197

a. hypoglycemia.

Question 198

_______________ is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by a complete disorganization of electrical activity.

a. Pulseless electrical activity
b. Atrial fibrillation
c. Ventricular fibrillation
d. Ventricular tachycardia

Answer 198

c. Ventricular fibrillation

Question 199

A 67 year old female is short of breath and sitting in a tripod position. She is on home oxygen and has had a productive cough over the last few days. During your exam, you note that she is wheezing and breathing with pursed lips. SpO2 is 93%. What should you suspect?

a. Anaphylactic reaction
b. Acute myocardial infarction
c. Pulmonary embolism
d. Obstructive pulmonary disease

Answer 199

d. Obstructive pulmonary disease

Question 200

During a birth the baby’s head has delivered. You should

Answer 200

a. suction the nose and mouth with a bulb syringe.