Sick Vs Not Sick

Question 1

What is the first step in patient assessment?

Answer 1

Ensure scene safety

This is crucial to prevent further harm to the patient or responders.

Question 2

What should be determined about the patient during scene size-up?

Answer 2

Mechanism of injury/nature of illness

Understanding the mechanism helps in anticipating the patient’s needs.

Question 3

What precautions should be taken during patient assessment?

Answer 3

Take standard precautions

Standard precautions are essential to minimize the risk of infection.

Question 4

During scene size-up, what should be determined regarding the patient count?

Answer 4

Determine number of patients

This helps in resource allocation and management.

Question 5

What additional resources should be considered during scene size-up?

Answer 5

Consider additional/specialized resources

This may include advanced medical personnel or equipment.

Question 6

What is the first component of the primary survey?

Answer 6

Form a general impression

This helps in quickly assessing the patient’s condition.

Question 7

What should be assessed in the primary survey?

Answer 7

Responsiveness/level of consciousness

This is critical for determining the patient’s neurological status.

Question 8

What are the key components to assess in the primary survey?

Answer 8

A - Airway, B - Breathing, C - Circulation

These are vital signs that indicate the patient’s immediate health status.

Question 9

What does the term ‘OPQRST’ refer to in patient history taking?

Answer 9

Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time

This acronym is used to assess the history of present illness.

Question 10

What does ‘SAMPLE’ stand for in patient history taking?

Answer 10

Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events leading up to present illness/injury

This helps in gathering comprehensive patient history.

Question 11

What should be assessed to determine if a patient is medical or trauma?

Answer 11

Is the patient medical or trauma?

This distinction guides the treatment approach.

Question 12

What additional assessment should be performed regarding the patient’s condition?

Answer 12

Assess Disability

This includes evaluating neurological function.

Question 13

What vital signs should be assessed during the primary survey?

Answer 13

Obtain vital signs

Vital signs provide critical information about the patient’s condition.

Question 14

What is the purpose of the secondary assessment?

Answer 14

Identify and treat changes in the patient’s condition

This ensures ongoing evaluation and management of the patient’s status.

Question 15

How often should unstable patients be reassessed?

Answer 15

Every 5 minutes

Frequent reassessment is critical for unstable patients.

Question 16

How often should stable patients be reassessed?

Answer 16

Every 15 minutes

This interval ensures that any changes in condition are monitored.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The primary survey sequence is _____, Airway, Breathing, Disability, Exposure.

Answer 17

Circulation

This sequence prioritizes critical life functions.

Question 18

What type of physical exam can be performed during the secondary assessment?

Answer 18

Systematic physical exam or rapid focused exam

The choice depends on the patient’s condition and presentation.

Question 19

What body systems should be focused on during the secondary assessment?

Answer 19

Respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic, reproductive, etc.

This ensures a thorough evaluation of the patient’s health.

Question 20

What is the most important assessment skill to acquire?

Answer 20

Quickly determine whether the patient is sick or not sick

Question 21

What factors are used in the quick early assessment of a patient?

Answer 21

Chief complaint, respiration, pulse, mental status, skin color, temperature, condition (CTC)

Question 22

Which three critical systems balance the body?

Answer 22

Respiratory, cardiovascular, neurologic systems

Question 23

What analogy is used to describe the balance of the body’s systems?

Answer 23

Like a three-legged stool

Question 24

What happens if one leg of the stool is kicked out?

Answer 24

The other two systems will only momentarily support the body before all systems collapse

Question 25

What additional factors should be considered for trauma patients?

Answer 25

Mechanism of injury (MOI) and obvious signs of trauma

Question 26

What is the first step after determining a patient is sick?

Answer 26

Determine how sick the patient is

Question 27

What indicates a non-life-threatening sickness?

Answer 27

A miserable sinus infection

Question 28

What indicates a life-threatening event?

Answer 28

Blue lips, drenched in sweat, struggling to answer questions, short of breath

Question 29

What must you assess every time you evaluate a patient?

Answer 29

Whether the patient is sick or not sick

Question 30

What does it mean to quantify how sick a patient is?

Answer 30

Assessing the severity of the sickness, e.g., respiratory distress is ‘sick’ and accessory muscle use indicates ‘severe’

Question 31

Fill in the blank: A patient in respiratory distress is considered to be _______.

Answer 31

sick

Question 32

What decision must be made after assessing a patient’s sickness?

Answer 32

What care must be provided at the scene versus in the ambulance en route to the hospital