Overview

Question 1

What is one of the most important skills a paramedic will develop?

Answer 1

The ability to assess a patient.

Question 2

What are the steps involved in patient assessment?

Answer 2

Assessing the scene, obtaining the patient’s chief complaint and medical history, performing a secondary assessment.

Question 3

What is the chief complaint?

Answer 3

The reason the patient called for help.

Question 4

Is there a limit to how good patient assessment skills can be?

Answer 4

No, there is no limit.

Question 5

What additional tools do physicians and nurses have in a hospital setting?

Answer 5

X-rays, ultrasound, and lab work.

Question 6

What must most paramedics rely on for patient assessment?

Answer 6

Their ability to obtain an accurate patient history and perform a physical exam.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: One of the steps in patient assessment is performing a _______.

Answer 7

secondary assessment.

Question 8

True or False: Paramedics have the same resources as hospital physicians and nurses.

Answer 8

False.

Question 9

What is one of the most important skills a paramedic will develop?

Answer 9

The ability to assess a patient.

Question 10

What are the steps involved in patient assessment?

Answer 10

Assessing the scene, obtaining the patient’s chief complaint and medical history, performing a secondary assessment.

Question 11

What is the chief complaint?

Answer 11

The reason the patient called for help.

Question 12

What tools do physicians and nurses use in a hospital setting that paramedics typically do not have?

Answer 12

X-rays, ultrasound, lab work.

Question 13

What diagnostic tools can paramedics use?

Answer 13

Cardiac monitor, capnography, glucometry.

Question 14

What should the assessment process appear like to the patient?

Answer 14

Seamless.

Question 15

What varies from patient to patient during the assessment?

Answer 15

The number and types of questions asked and the extent of the physical exam.

Question 16

What is a differential diagnosis?

Answer 16

The list of possible diagnoses based on the patient’s assessment findings.

Question 17

What is the working diagnosis?

Answer 17

The one diagnosis from the differential list on which you are basing your treatment plan.

Question 18

Why is it important for paramedics to develop experience in prioritizing patients?

Answer 18

Some patients must be evaluated quickly and transported immediately.

Question 19

What does the primary survey focus on?

Answer 19

Identifying and correcting life threats.

Question 20

What should be done after completing the primary survey?

Answer 20

Perform the remaining components of the patient history and secondary assessment.

Question 21

What is key to making prehospital practice successful?

Answer 21

Developing and cultivating your own assessment style and overall strategy.

Question 22

What does the acronym SOAP stand for in the context of assessment?

Answer 22

Subjective information (symptoms), Objective information (signs), Assessment (differential diagnosis), Plan (treatment for working diagnosis).

Question 23

Fill in the blank: The entire patient assessment process should be organized and thorough, yet be _______.

Answer 23

Flexible.

Question 24

What can paramedics personalize within the parameters of applicable standards of care?

Answer 24

Which gear to take on a call or how to position themselves during patient interviews.

Question 25

What is the overall job of a paramedic?

Answer 25

Quickly identify the patient’s problem(s), set care priorities, develop a patient care plan, and execute it efficiently.