Test Bank Ch 24-32

Question 1

When palpating the anterior portion of a patient’s abdomen, you note tenderness in the left upper quadrant. As a knowledgeable OEC Technician, you would recognize that which of the following organs may be involved?

Answer 1

c. The spleen

Question 2

A patient complains of severe and sharp pain in the right lower abdominal quadrant. Based on this location, what organ or structure is most likely involved?

Answer 2

d. appendix.

Question 3

You have been called to aid a patient with abdominal pain. The patient states that he recently had his gall bladder removed. As an OEC Technician, you realize that the gallbladder is located in the:

Answer 3

b. right upper abdominal quadrant.

Question 4

The spleen of a patient has ruptured. Because it is a solid organ, an OEC Technician recognizes that the primary threat to life is:

Answer 4

a. blood loss.

Question 5

An OEC Technician would recognize which of the following situations as acute abdominal emergency?

Answer 5

d. A ski racer who hit a tree and has significant left flank pain.

Question 6

An OEC Technician knows that the abdomen is located between the:

Answer 6

a. diaphragm and the top of the pelvis.

Question 7

The pancreas is best described as a(n):

Answer 7

c. solid organ.

Question 8

An OEC Technician understands the major function of most organs in the abdomen when she makes which of the following statements?

Answer 8

d. “The fundamental role of the organs in the abdomen is the cleansing and filtering of blood.”

Question 9

Upon entering the room of a 62-year-old woman who has an unknown medical complaint, which of the following clues observed during the scene size-up would increase an OEC Technician’s suspicion that the patient is suffering from an acute abdominal condition?

Answer 9

c. She is lying on her side with her knees drawn up to her chest.

Question 10

Which of the following statements indicates that an OEC Technician correctly understands the goal of assessing a patient who has abdominal pain?

Answer 10

c. “It is more important to recognize a possible abdominal emergency than it is to identify the exact cause.”

Question 11

A crying 42-year-old woman states that she has sharp abdominal pain that she localizes to her right lower quadrant. When assessing this patient’s abdomen, an OEC Technician would:

Answer 11

a. start the exam by palpating the abdomen in the left upper quadrant.

Question 12

With which of the following assessment findings for a patient complaining of abdominal and back pain would an OEC Technician be most concerned?

Answer 12

b. A pulsating mass above the umbilicus

Question 13

You suspect that a patient with right lower quadrant pain may have appendicitis. The patient states that he has no health insurance and wants to refuse care and transport. He asks you what can happen if he does have appendicitis and he does not go to the hospital. Which of the following statements would you make in reply?

Answer 13

a. “Your appendix could rupture, causing a major infection and shock.”

Question 14

A patient informs you that he was recently diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). He states that the surgeon did not want to operate on it immediately because he felt the situation was stable and that surgery was not worth the risks it posed. Tonight the patient states that he suddenly developed abdominal pain. Given this history, which of the following findings would cause an OEC Technician to suspect that AAA is the cause of the abdominal pain?

Answer 14

a. A complaint of “tearing” pain in the patient’s back

Question 15

The structures within the abdomen are:

Answer 15

d. poorly protected.

Question 16

Blunt trauma to the upper right abdominal quadrant can injure the:

Answer 16

c. liver.

Question 17

Blunt trauma to the upper left abdominal quadrant can injure the:

Answer 17

a. spleen.

Question 18

The most common injury to the pancreas results from:

Answer 18

c. bicycle accidents in which the abdomen strikes the handlebar.

Question 19

In which of the following injuries can the abdominal cavity migrate into the thoracic cavity?

Answer 19

d. A tear in the diaphragm

Question 20

A tear in the abdominal wall that results in protruding organs is called a(n):

Answer 20

b. evisceration.

Question 21

As is the case for any rescue situation, management of abdominopelvic trauma must first center on:

Answer 21

b. keeping the patient and all rescuers safe.

Question 22

If a scene becomes unsafe for a patient with abdominopelvic trauma, OEC Technicians should:

Answer 22

c. move the patient to a safer place, so long as doing so does not place rescuers at risk.

Question 23

Because abdominopelvic trauma can result in serious internal injury, OEC Technicians should call for:

Answer 23

d. EMS as soon as possible.

Question 24

In most cases, the position of comfort in abdominopelvic trauma is:

Answer 24

a. supine, with the knees bent.

Question 25

In treating an evisceration, OEC Technicians should:

Answer 25

c. not put the protruding organs back inside the abdominopelvic cavity.

Question 26

To prepare a patient with a pelvic fracture for transportation, OEC Technicians should:

Answer 26

a. apply a pelvic binder.

Question 27

Because pelvic fractures can result in large blood losses, OEC Technicians should:

Answer 27

d. call for ALS to begin IV treatment to replace lost body fluids.

Question 28

You have finished teaching a class on cold emergencies and want to assess if the class understands the concepts. You ask a student to discuss the regulation of temperature in the human body. You know that she understands when she makes which of the following statements?

Answer 28

a. “If the body becomes too hot or too cold, the brain sends instructions so that the body either retains or loses heat.”

Question 29

You are assessing a conscious but confused hiker who became lost in the woods on a cold day. Your assessment shows that he has an open airway, adequate breathing, and a weak radial pulse. His skin is cold to the touch and he is shivering. OEC Technicians should recognize that the:

Answer 29

c. shivering is a protective means by which the body is attempting to warm itself.

Question 30

A young man who was angry with friends wandered away from a party and spent the night outside uncovered in 40–50 degree temperatures. He is confused, has decreased but adequate breathing, and has a weak radial pulse. His skin is cool, and capillary refill is delayed. When looking to see if he is shivering, you note that he is not. Based on this presentation, OEC Technicians can safely conclude that the:

Answer 30

b. patient’s body temperature is most likely dangerously low.

Question 31

You and your friends are camping on a 20-degree day. Which of the following assessment findings best illustrates that your bodies are no longer compensating for the effects of the cold?

Answer 31

b. Loss of fine motor coordination

Question 32

Which of the following processes may account for as much as 60 percent of heat loss from the body?

Answer 32

c. Radiation

Question 33

Which of the following actions should you take to decrease a patient’s heat loss due to radiation?

Answer 33

a. Put a hat on the patient’s head.

Question 34

Which of the following patients is losing body heat by the mechanism of convection?

Answer 34

d. A 30-year-old male exposed to a light breeze in a cool environment

Question 35

A patient who is conscious and breathing has been pulled from a stream of cold water. To decrease her loss of heat via the mechanism of conduction, an OEC Technician should immediately:

Answer 35

b. remove her wet clothing.

Question 36

Based on your OEC training, which of the following patients is most likely suffering from generalized hypothermia?

Answer 36

a. A 21-year-old female who was trapped in cold water for 10 minutes before being rescued

Question 37

You are scheduled to give a presentation on cold-related emergencies to an OEC class. In preparing the talk, which of the following points should you emphasize?

Answer 37

a. Prevention of heat loss is crucial in the care of all cold injury patients.

Question 38

Which of the following signs would you observe earliest in a hypothermic patient?

Answer 38

c. Shivering

Question 39

Which of the following statements about immersion hypothermia is false?

Answer 39

b. Immersion hypothermia typically does not occur until the water temperature is below 35°F.

Question 40

Your friend, who is a paramedic, is describing an emergency call he was on last weekend. He tells you that he cared for a 78-year-old woman who had slipped while getting out of her bathtub and had been lying on a tile floor for almost 24 hours. When your friend arrived he found the woman confused and cold to the touch. Although it was 80 degrees outside, the temperature in the apartment was only 68 because she had her air conditioner running on high. Based on your OEC training, you recognize that this patient was probably suffering from:

Answer 40

c. hypothermia due to heat loss caused by conduction.

Question 41

A young boy complains of pain in his fingers after spending several hours outside riding a sled in cold temperatures. After ensuring that he has no life-threatening conditions, you turn your attention to his hands and note that his fingers are cold to the touch. Which of the following signs or symptoms would help confirm your suspicion that he is suffering from early or superficial frostbite?

Answer 41

a. Soft but numb skin on the fingers

Question 42

When assessing the vital signs of a severely hypothermic patient, OEC Technicians should:

Answer 42

b. monitor the patient’s pulse and respirations for ten seconds.

Question 43

Which of the following instructions is most appropriate when moving a patient who has severe generalized hypothermia?

Answer 43

“I want everyone to take extra care in moving her very gently to the stretcher; we do not want her to go into cardiac arrest.”

Question 44

Which of the following findings best indicates that a patient with cold skin is suffering from moderate hypothermia?

Answer 44

c. A heart rate of 52 beats per minute

Question 45

When obtaining a history of a five-year-old boy with generalized hypothermia, which of the following questions should an OEC Technician ask first?

Answer 45

b. “Does he have any medical conditions?”

Question 46

An OEC Technician can most accurately assess a patient’s core temperature by using a(n):

Answer 46

b. low-temperature rectal thermometer.

Question 47

A severely hypothermic patient is in cardiac arrest. Most studies indicate that for patients who have been submerged in cold water for more than one hour, you should:

Answer 47

b. focus on rewarming and rapidly transporting the patient.

Question 48

You have been called to aid an alert and oriented male patient whose friends state he spent several hours locked out of his house in cold temperatures. Given that the primary and secondary assessments have ruled out immediately life-threatening conditions, you have decided to rewarm the patient. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate for this patient?

Answer 48

b. Apply hot packs to the patient’s chest, groin, and armpits.

Question 49

You need to begin rewarming an unresponsive patient who has a core temperature of 93°F. Which of the following measures would most benefit this patient?

Answer 49

c. Wrap the patient in several warm blankets.

Question 50

Which of the following statements indicates that an OEC Technician understands the care of a patient with a localized cold injury to the foot?

Answer 50

a. “After rewarming the foot you should elevate it above the level of the heart.”

Question 51

You are facilitating a talk on cold emergencies in the backcountry. You are asked when one should attempt to rewarm a hand or foot that is frostbitten. Which of the following statements would be your best response?

Answer 51

d. “Rewarming should take place only when there is no chance that the tissue will refreeze.”

Question 52

One of your friends on a hunting trip in Montana has suffered a severe localized cold injury to his hand and fingers. He does not have any life-threatening conditions and you elect to rewarm the affected areas. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for your friend?

Answer 52

d. Thaw and rewarm the tissue as quickly as possible.

Question 53

After successfully rewarming a foot that has frozen toes, an OEC Technician should:

Answer 53

a. cover the foot and toes with dry dressings.

Question 54

You have initiated the rewarming of a local cold injury in a patient’s hand and fingers. On scene the patient had no sensation in his hand or fingers. Which of the following statements is a cause of concern when made by the patient?

Answer 54

c. “I still can’t feel my fingers when I rub them with my other hand.”

Question 55

The continued drop in core body temperature after removal from exposure to the cold is known as:

Answer 55

a. afterdrop.

Question 56

To prevent a continued drop in core body temperature after treatment for hypothermia has begun, the patient should:

Answer 56

d. remain quiet and in a supine position.

Question 57

It has taken you 45 minutes to extricate an avalanche victim. Based on your knowledge of hypothermia and avalanche victims, you know that:

Answer 57

b. the threat of severe hypothermia is greater after extrication than before extrication.

Question 58

A patient who has diabetes and is unresponsive after being in cold temperatures for several hours has ________ hypothermia.

Answer 58

a. secondary

Question 59

Which of the following statements concerning immersion hypothermia is false?

Answer 59

b. Death will occur within a few minutes.

Question 60

A patient with moderate hypothermia will have a:

Answer 60

b. slow pulse and/or slow respirations.

Question 61

Which of the following findings is not a sign of severe hypothermia?

Answer 61

c. A palpable radial pulse

Question 62

You are with a candidate OEC Technician who is attending to snowboarder who has fallen. The candidate is very concerned that the snowboarder is shivering vigorously and asks you what this indicates. Which of the following statements would be your best response?

Answer 62

a. Shivering is a sign of mild hypothermia.

Question 63

The major cause of death in avalanche victims is:

Answer 63

c. asphyxiation.

Question 64

A person is in a hot environment, and his body is trying to compensate. He is beginning to exhibit signs of heat exhaustion. Which of the following signs/symptoms would you expect to see?

Answer 64

b. Warm and very sweaty skin, elevated body temperature, headache

Question 65

Which of the following processes is the body’s most important cooling mechanism?

Answer 65

d. Evaporation

Question 66

You are at a football practice on a very hot summer day. A young player is panting and lying under a tree. His skin is flushed, and his teammates are continually wiping the sweat off his face, arms, and chest with towels and offering him fluids to drink. Which of the following statements is most appropriate for this situation?

Answer 66

c. “It’s OK for him to sweat. It is helping his body cool down.”

Question 67

You recognize that heat cramps are the probable cause of a patient’s problem when the patient makes which of the following statements?

Answer 67

c. “I have pain in my belly and legs.”

Question 68

At an in-service, your medical director asks if anyone can tell her the cause of heat cramps. Which of the following responses would be most appropriate?

Answer 68

b. They are caused when a patient’s electrolytes have been lost and he becomes dehydrated.

Question 69

An OEC Technician indicates that he understands the danger of heat stroke when he makes which of the following statements?

Answer 69

a. “In heat stroke, the body loses its ability to lose excess heat, causing the body’s core temperature to rise.”

Question 70

Which of the following patients would have the highest priority for transport?

Answer 70

d. A 19-year-old who is lethargic, has hot dry skin, and has tachycardia

Question 71

You are at a park with your family when you hear a call for help. There is a teenager who is “sick.” On scene you find a 16-year-old boy who is mildly confused. Friends state that they have been playing basketball for most of the morning and afternoon. The temperature is in the 90s and the humidity is high. The boy’s airway is patent and his breathing rate is elevated but adequate. His pulse is weak and rapid. Observation of his skin reveals it to be pale, cool, and moist. Which of the following would you do first for this patient?

Answer 71

a. Lay him in the shade in a supine position, and elevate his feet.

Question 72

The primary assessment of a male teenager who is unresponsive and has skin that is hot, moist, and flushed reveals that his airway is open, his breathing is shallow, and his radial pulse is weak. You have placed him on high-flow oxygen. Which of the following actions should you take next?

Answer 72

b. Call for an ALS ambulance.

Question 73

When cooling a patient with a possible heat stroke, which of the following findings would be of most concern to a rescuer?

Answer 73

d. Observing your partner giving the patient two aspirin to bring down his temperature

Question 74

You are in the aid room with a patient who is unresponsive and has hot, dry skin. His friends state that he has been drinking and passed out in the hot sun for several hours. A patroller is ventilating the patient with a bag-valve mask attached to high-flow oxygen. Which of the following actions would be most beneficial to this patient at this time?

Answer 74

c. Place cold packs on the patient’s groin and armpits.

Question 75

Your friend, who is a landscaper, tells you that he got really sunburned at work today. He describes his torso and face as being very red, and he has blisters on his back. He asks you what to do. Based on his description, your recommendation would be to:

Answer 75

a. apply cool compresses and consult a physician.

Question 76

You are treating a patient with suspected heat cramps. Which of the following treatments is the usual recommended treatment?

Answer 76

b. Have the patient drink a mixture of ¼ to ½ teaspoon of table salt in a quart of cool water.

Question 77

A man has been struck by lightning at a picnic. As you arrive on scene, his friend states that the patient was in cardiac arrest after the strike, but after one minute of CPR he has a heartbeat and weak respirations. The patient remains unresponsive. Which of the following actions should you take immediately?

Answer 77

b. Perform the jaw-thrust maneuver.

Question 78

A group of three golfers have been struck by lightning on a golf course. Two of the golfers are responding; the third is in cardiac arrest. You are the lone witness. When deciding which patient to treat first, you should remember that:

Answer 78

c. in a lightning strike, patients who are apparently dead should be treated first.

Question 79

You are teaching a basic OEC class and need to explain toxins. Which of the following statements is the best description of a toxin?

Answer 79

a. It is a poison made by a living creature, including plants and animals.

Question 80

You have been doing some spring cleaning in your yard, and the next day you notice a red, itchy rash developing on your arms. Your doctor tells you that you have poison ivy. You recognize that this reaction occurs because:

Answer 80

c. a toxic substance came in contact with your skin.

Question 81

You and your friends have been examining cactus plants when your friend gets stuck by one of the plant’s spines. You recognize that a cactus spine can:

Answer 81

b. get stuck in the skin and cause a local reaction.

Question 82

On a camping trip with your family, your children ask if they can pick some plants for part of their wilderness dinner. Based on your OEC training, you explain to your children that they need to be careful picking wild plants and flowers, and that:

Answer 82

d. some plants can be very toxic, so it is best not to eat anything unless you are sure what it is.

Question 83

Your girlfriend tells you that she has heard about a very fragrant plant that grows in the woods. She describes the plant as having bright green leaves and small white flowers. Based on your OEC knowledge of toxic plants, you believe that your girlfriend is describing:

Answer 83

a. lily of the valley.

Question 84

Some plants can have very toxic effects on the body but can act medicinally when given in measured doses. Which of the following is not an example of such plants?

Answer 84

c. Monkshood

Question 85

You are at a cookout with friends when one of the adults starts yelling excitedly that her 4 year old appears to have been nibbling on the azalea bush in the front yard. Based on your knowledge of this plant’s toxicity, you would say which of the following things to the parent?

Answer 85

d. “Ingested azaleas can be very toxic. You should have your child checked right away.”

Question 86

A specific toxin or poisonous secretion of an animal that is usually transmitted by a bite or sting is known as:

Answer 86

a. venom.

Question 87

Which of the following groups are not main groups of mushrooms?

Answer 87

d. Little white mushrooms

Question 88

It’s early fall and you have been backpacking on part of the Appalachian Trail with some friends. One member of the group comes up to you holding some bright orange mushrooms and asks if you think they are safe to eat. Based on your training, you would respond with which of the following statements?

Answer 88

b. “Those mushrooms can cause some pretty severe abdominal upsets.”

Question 89

Plants most commonly cause toxic reactions through which of the following routes?

Answer 89

c. Ingestion and topical contact

Question 90

A spider bite that can resemble a “bull’s-eye target” is most often caused by a:

Answer 90

a. black widow spider.

Question 91

The bite of which of the following spiders that are indigenous to Australia may produce significant toxicity and thus should be treated as potentially life threatening?

Answer 91

c. Funnel web spider

Question 92

You will be taking a group of scouts on a weekend camping trip. You recognize that ticks are typically active at this time of year, so you want to teach the scouts about them. Which of the following statements about ticks is false?

Answer 92

d. Tick bites are painful, so you will know when you have been bitten.

Question 93

Which of the following signs and symptoms is not a characteristic of a bee, wasp, or hornet sting?

Answer 93

a. Nausea and vomiting

Question 94

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is quite often effective as a(n):

Answer 94

c. repellent for mosquitoes.

Question 95

Most reptile-related injuries are caused by:

Answer 95

b. snakes.

Question 96

You are creating a Power Point presentation on rattlesnakes. Which of the following statements would not be included in your bullet points?

Answer 96

d. Rattlesnake attacks are typically unprovoked.

Question 97

The phrase “red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack” is helpful in identifying which of the following kind of poisonous snakes?

Answer 97

a. Coral snakes

Question 98

Attacks by which of the following creatures do not cause both soft-tissue injuries and fractures?

Answer 98

c. Sea turtles

Question 99

Marine life can cause varying degrees of injury and illness. Which of the following marine creatures can cause respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse in humans?

Answer 99

a. Jellyfish

Question 100

Which of the following statements regarding mammals is correct?

Answer 100

d. Wild dogs, wolves, and coyotes usually attack humans only when they are sick or injured.

Question 101

You are working at the first-aid station at the local scout camp. A counselor brings in two young boys that he thinks were playing in an area where poison oak was found. Which of the following actions would not be a part of your treatment for the possible exposure to poison oak?

Answer 101

c. Applying a topical cream such as bacitracin to the boys’ hands and arms

Question 102

Your neighbor has been cleaning up the wooded area around his yard and burning brush and weeds. He tells you that he is trying to rid the area of poison ivy. You recognize that his actions could:

Answer 102

a. cause significant respiratory problems for anyone exposed to the smoke.

Question 103

When a young child at a neighborhood cookout cries out that he was stung by a bee on his forearm, you should:

Answer 103

b. apply ice to reduce the swelling and pain.

Question 104

You are reviewing care for snake bites before your wilderness trip with friends. You note that appropriate treatment would include:

Answer 104

d. immobilizing the affected extremity and placing it at the level of the heart.

Question 105

Which of the following actions is not an appropriate treatment measure for a sting by a marine creature?

Answer 105

c. Rubbing the affected area to remove any spines

Question 106

When caring for someone who has been attacked by a large animal such as a moose or bear, you should assume that:

Answer 106

a. the potential for spinal injury exists.

Question 107

You are working at a mountain resort and are presented with a 50-year-old woman who states that she does not feel well. From your assessment, which of the following findings would seemingly indicate that the patient is being adversely affected by the high altitude?

Answer 107

d. A complaint of dyspnea on exertion

Question 108

A patient at a mountain ski resort has notable shortness of breath. She denies any past medical history and takes no medications. After applying oxygen, you realize that the key to helping this patient improve is to:

Answer 108

a. descend to a lower altitude.

Question 109

You are accompanying a team of hikers up a high mountain. The next morning you are summoned to a tent and find one of the climbers confused and complaining of a headache. His airway is patent and his respirations are adequate. He has no medical history and was in good health until found ill this morning by his friend. Suspicious of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), which of the following actions should you take?

Answer 109

b. Provide high-flow oxygen.

Question 110

The height or vertical elevation above a fixed point is known as:

Answer 110

c. altitude.

Question 111

As altitude increases:

Answer 111

b. the partial pressure of oxygen decreases.

Question 112

The concentration of oxygen at sea level is approximately:

Answer 112

d. 21 percent.

Question 113

Your family is planning a ski trip to a resort that is at about 10,000 feet of elevation. You suggest that you spend the first two nights of the trip at a hotel where the elevation is about 6,500 feet. When your children protest that they are in good shape and want to go immediately to the resort, you explain that you are concerned about altitude sickness and that:

Answer 113

a. “physical fitness does not necessarily prevent altitude sickness.”

Question 114

You are teaching a class on acute mountain sickness. When one of your students asks you to explain the term acclimatization in relation to AMS, your best response would be which of the following statements?

Answer 114

d. “Physiologic adjustments that increase the delivery of oxygen to cells.”

Question 115

Which of the following processes does not occur during acclimatization?

Answer 115

b. Dilation of pulmonary blood vessels

Question 116

In an otherwise healthy individual, the presence of a headache and feelings of sickness at high altitude is known as:

Answer 116

c. acute mountain sickness.

Question 117

The most common cause of death related to high altitude is:

Answer 117

a. HAPE.

Question 118

You are with a group of hikers on the third day of an 11,000-foot mountain ascent. One of the hikers has not been feeling well for a couple of days. Today, members of the group notice that he is having difficulty getting dressed and speaking. From your training in outdoor emergency care, you recognize that these signs and symptoms are most often associated with:

Answer 118

d. HACE.

Question 119

You are teaching a class to OEC candidates and explain that a pre-existing illness may be complicated by the effects of high altitude. In teaching this concept to your class, you explain that the reason for this effect is that:

Answer 119

b. less oxygen is available to vital organs at high altitude.

Question 120

High-altitude pulmonary edema most commonly affects:

Answer 120

a. young healthy individuals.

Question 121

Labored breathing at rest and audible chest congestion herald the development of a serious, potentially life-threatening stage of what altitude-related condition?

Answer 121

c. HAPE

Question 122

The most effective method for preventing high-altitude illness is to:

Answer 122

a. make gradual ascents.

Question 123

You are working at the summit of a 9,000-foot mountain. A 60-year-old woman is brought to you complaining of headache, fatigue, and shortness of breath. You prepare to do your assessment and recognize that your goal is to:

Answer 123

b. determine whether this is an emergent condition so that you can initiate life-saving treatment.

Question 124

Given that 50 percent of patients with HAPE also have symptoms of AMS, it is important that you ask patients if they have had which of the following groups of signs/symptoms?

Answer 124

d. Fatigue, nausea, difficulty sleeping

Question 125

What percentage of patients who have HAPE do not develop AMS first?

Answer 125

d. 50 percent

Question 126

In order to assess for a key symptom of HACE, you would ask patients to:

Answer 126

a. walk a straight line heel to toe.

Question 127

You have a 32-year-old male patient who just arrived at the aid room on the top of a 9,000-foot peak. You think he may be exhibiting signs of altitude sickness. You recognize that the key to a successful outcome of treatment is to:

Answer 127

d. recognize the patient’s signs and descend to a lower elevation.

Question 128

Your group of climbers has reached an elevation of 8,500 feet. One of the climbers is increasingly short of breath and now has audible chest congestion. Your party has a limited supply of oxygen, which you immediately apply to the climber at 15 LPM via a nonrebreather mask. Based on your assessment that the climber has HAPE, you recognize that the next necessary treatment is:

Answer 128

a. a rapid descent of at least 1,500 to 3,000 feet.

Question 129

In order to enjoy their upcoming skiing trip, your family has gathered information about risk factors for high-altitude illnesses. Contributing factors that could make altitude illness worse include:

Answer 129

b. a diet that is high in carbohydrates.

Question 130

You are asked to speak to a college group that is planning a ski trip to the Alps. In order to help them plan for reducing their risks for developing altitude-related illnesses, you suggest all of the following except:

Answer 130

c. do a lot of heavy physical exertion early in the trip to help them acclimate.

Question 131

The final event in the series of events in drowning is:

Answer 131

b. cardiac arrest.

Question 132

The distinction between dry drowning and wet drowning involves:

Answer 132

a. how much fluid enters the lungs.

Question 133

The mammalian diving reflex is most prominent in:

Answer 133

d. young children.

Question 134

The two submersion injuries are:

Answer 134

b. drowning and near-drowning.

Question 135

Drowning is defined as:

Answer 135

d. suffocation by submersion in a liquid.

Question 136

In a water emergency, drowning asphyxia leads to:

Answer 136

c. relaxation of the airway.

Question 137

Patients who die 24–72 hours after a water emergency are said to die from:

Answer 137

a. secondary drowning.

Question 138

Two of the most important conditions that can complicate drowning and near-drowning are:

Answer 138

d. water temperature and salinity.

Question 139

Salt water, which has a higher tonicity than body tissues, shifts fluids:

Answer 139

a. out of the bloodstream and into the lungs.

Question 140

In drowning or near-drowning, pathogens such as bacteria or giardia may be aspirated, which can cause:

Answer 140

c. local or systemic infections.

Question 141

Decompression sickness (DSC) or the “bends” is a(n):

Answer 141

d. buildup of nitrogen bubbles in the body.

Question 142

Decompression sickness can cause:

Answer 142

b. severe muscle and joint pain.

Question 143

Large nitrogen bubbles can act as a(n):

Answer 143

b. embolus that blocks blood flow.

Question 144

When arterial gas embolism (AGE) occurs, the gas within the lungs:

Answer 144

d. expands, rupturing alveoli.

Question 145

The cause of AGE is:

Answer 145

b. a rapid ascent by a diver.

Question 146

Boyle’s law states that the volume of a gas is proportional to the pressure exerted by that gas when the temperature is constant. Thus, as one descends:

Answer 146

b. pressure in the chest cavity increases.

Question 147

Trauma from a dive injury that results in tissue damage within any air-filled structure of the body is called:

Answer 147

d. barotrauma.

Question 148

Squeeze is a term for excessive external pressure on various parts of the body. Reverse squeeze:

Answer 148

a. is too much pressure from within a body compartment or organ.

Question 149

Nitrogen narcosis is a condition that affects divers at depths greater than 100 feet. Which of the following signs and symptoms is typical of nitrogen narcosis?

Answer 149

b. Altered consciousness/impaired judgment

Question 150

The structure that is most commonly injured accidentally in and around water is:

Answer 150

d. soft tissue.

Question 151

The second most common injury in and around water involves:

Answer 151

a. the cervical or upper thoracic spine.

Question 152

Which of the following strategies does not limit or mitigate risk in water-based activities?

Answer 152

d. Entering swiftly moving water accompanied by a buddy

Question 153

Assessment of patients with water-related emergencies is not remarkably different from assessment of patients with other emergencies. In addition to BSI, OEC Technicians may:

Answer 153

c. need to don a personal floatation device.

Question 154

During assessment of the water-related emergency for any submersion injury, care should be taken to:

Answer 154

c. protect the patient’s spine to prevent additional neurological injury.

Question 155

For any submersion injury that is not a life-threatening water-related emergency, a complete secondary assessment is performed using:

Answer 155

a. DCAP-BTLS.

Question 156

Patients with arterial gas embolism or decompression sickness should be transported by ground to a facility that:

Answer 156

b. has a hyperbaric chamber.

Question 157

A patient who appears dead due to a deep cold-water drowning should be:

Answer 157

c. transported to a medical facility while being given CPR.

Question 158

A patient who is conscious and breathing has been pulled from a cold stream. To decrease the patient’s loss of heat via the mechanism of conduction, OEC Technicians should immediately:

Answer 158

b. thoroughly dry the patient and then apply a blanket.

Question 159

Pure water without salt is referred to as:

Answer 159

a. hypotonic.

Question 160

Which of the following statements is most appropriate concerning dealing with caregivers and children during a medical emergency?

Answer 160

a. “I try to include caregivers in all that I do with their child so that the child and the caregivers are more comfortable.”

Question 161

An adolescent is defined as someone who is:

Answer 161

c. 13–18 years old.

Question 162

You have been called to care for a 21-month-old girl who has been bitten by a dog. Given the patient’s age, you would appropriately classify the patient as:

Answer 162

d. a toddler.

Question 163

You are reviewing psychosocial development of a preschooler in your OEC class. You recognize that “preschooler” includes children who are:

Answer 163

b. 3–5 years old.

Question 164

Which of the following instructions would you give an OEC Technician who is preparing to assess a stable 9-month-old boy with a rash?

Answer 164

c. “Have the mother hold him as you do the assessment.”

Question 165

You are assessing a 2½-year-old child who was involved in a minor car collision. She is currently alert and oriented. While you are assessing her for possible injuries, which of the following actions would be considered most appropriate?

Answer 165

b. Allow the child to hold a favorite toy during the assessment.

Question 166

You are caring for a 2-year-old girl whose mother reports that the child has been ill for two days. It is important to remember that children in this age group generally:

Answer 166

a. are fearful of strangers.

Question 167

Children exhibit great bursts of energy followed by sudden profound fatigue because:

Answer 167

d. they have fewer energy reserves than adults.

Question 168

You must assess the pupils of a 5-year-old boy who fell. Which of the following statements would be most appropriate for you to make before performing the assessment?

Answer 168

b. “I am going to use this light to look into your eyes.”

Question 169

Which of the following behaviors would an OEC Technician recognize as uncharacteristic of a conscious and stable 2-year-old boy who fell and hurt his hand?

Answer 169

b. He does not cry or protest when you take him from his mother to assess him.

Question 170

A 9-month-old boy has been stung on his tongue after sucking on a bottle that had a bee on the nipple. In comparison to the same injury in an adult, why would an OEC Technician be more concerned over this child?

Answer 170

c. A child’s tongue is proportionally larger, increasing the chances of airway occlusion from even minor swelling.

Question 171

An OEC Technician asks you why you should not overextend the airway when performing a head tilt-chin lift maneuver on a pediatric patient. Which of the following replies would you make?

Answer 171

c. “The cartilage of the trachea is very soft and can compress if the neck is extended too far.”

Question 172

You are assessing a 2-week-old baby who is sick. Assessment reveals that he has a fever and difficulty breathing. Which of the following additional assessment findings would be most concerning to you given the age of this patient?

Answer 172

d. Nasal passages that are occluded by mucus

Question 173

You are immobilizing a 4-year-old boy on a long spine board. Which of the following actions would be appropriate when performing this intervention?

Answer 173

b. Place padding between the patient’s shoulders and the spine board.

Question 174

The increased pliability of the ribs of children makes them more prone to:

Answer 174

a. bruising of the lung.

Question 175

When assessing a 3-year-old child with a respiratory illness, which of the following assessment findings would be least concerning to you?

Answer 175

d. A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute

Question 176

You have been called to care for an unattended 6-year-old girl who has vomited once and is complaining of mild abdominal pain. When you are performing the physical assessment and obtaining a SAMPLE history, which of the following approaches would be considered most appropriate?

Answer 176

c. Allowing her to play with your stethoscope before listening to her lungs

Question 177

Which of the following statements regarding the treatment of a pediatric patient in a prehospital setting is true?

Answer 177

c. If a child looks sick and is not getting better with care, assume that the child is getting worse.

Question 178

An infant who is short of breath is alert and has adequate respirations at a rate of 54 per minute. His skin color is pink but slightly cool to the touch. When you place a pediatric mask on his face, he becomes very upset and begins to physically struggle to remove it. In this situation you would:

Answer 178

c. allow the mother to hold the infant and then provide blow-by oxygen therapy.

Question 179

The most common source of burns in children is:

Answer 179

a. a scalding-hot liquid.

Question 180

You are called to assist a toddler who has just had a seizure that lasted about 60 seconds. His mom reports that the child has a history of seizures. Your assessment reveals that he is now responding to painful stimuli, is breathing normally, and has a normal radial pulse. Which of the following actions would you take?

Answer 180

b. Place him in a recovery position and continue to assess him.

Question 181

You have been called to assist a panicked mother who is worried about her son. When you arrive, she tells you that her 4-year-old son has been quiet all morning and napping while the rest of her children were skiing. While napping he began to “shake all over” for about 30 seconds. The child is now resting quietly and has adequate respirations. His radial pulse is strong, and his skin is very hot and moist to the touch. Based on this presentation and information, you assume that the seizure occurred secondary to:

Answer 181

b. a fever.

Question 182

When assessing a 3-year-old child for possible injuries after the mother’s boyfriend said the child fell down a flight of stairs, which of the following findings would raise your suspicion that the child may be a victim of physical abuse?

Answer 182

d. Circumferential bruising on is apparent on the child’s arm.

Question 183

A mother brings her 3-year-old son into the aid room. She says he has a low grade fever and seems to be having slight difficulty breathing. Which of the statements by the mother would make you think the child may have croup?

Answer 183

a. “Last night, he had a barking-like cough.”

Question 184

A 4-year-old girl is sitting upright on her mother’s lap with her chin thrust forward. She looks lethargic and is drooling. Her airway is open and she appears to be breathing adequately. Her mother says she has had a fever and is complaining of a sore throat. You are very concerned that she may be developing:

Answer 184

c. epiglottitis.

Question 185

Fontanelles, which are openings in the skulls of newborns that allow brain expansion, close when the child is at approximately what age?

Answer 185

b. 18–20 months of age

Question 186

Which of the following statements about shaken baby syndrome is false?

Answer 186

a. It rarely occurs in upper-class families.

Question 187

You are treating a 3 year old that you suspect may be the victim of child abuse. As an OEC Technician, you realize that:

Answer 187

d. child abuse reporting requirements vary among states.

Question 188

You are treating a 2 year old who fell down a flight of stairs. You are concerned about a head injury and know that toddlers have a higher risk for traumatic brain injury than adults because of all of the following reasons except:

Answer 188

d. a toddler’s fontanelles will not close until the child reaches preschool age.

Question 189

Your approach to caring for a pediatric patient should vary depending on the age of the patient. Which of the following statement does not indicate an important thing to remember when treating an adolescent?

Answer 189

b. An adolescent’s decision-making skills are as advanced as her verbal skills.

Question 190

Your 18-month-old has had a worsening cough and fever for the last three days. Because it is winter, you originally assumed that it was just a cold. The child is now exhibiting difficulty breathing. As you are driving your child to be examined by his pediatrician, you are thinking about what could be causing these signs. Based on your OEC training, you realize that there are several possibilities, and that the signs could suggest any of the following conditions except:

Answer 190

c. asthma.

Question 191

Cardiac arrest in children is most commonly caused by:

Answer 191

a. anoxia.

Question 192

Among the pediatric population, poisonings most often occur in:

Answer 192

c. infants, because they routinely put things into their mouths.

Question 193

You read in the newspaper about a 9-month-old child who died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). From your training, you know that this means that the infant:

Answer 193

d. died unexpectedly and of an undetermined cause.

Question 194

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of the Pediatric Triangle to quickly determine if a child is “sick or not sick.” This method allows rescuers to quickly assess all of the following about the patient except his/her:

Answer 194

c. history of illness or injury.

Question 195

While following the Pediatric Triangle of assessment, you observe an infant and note that she is paradoxically irritable. This sign is often indicative that the child is:

Answer 195

a. very ill.

Question 196

You are night skiing when you are notified that a child has been involved in a collision on the intermediate trail. As you approach the scene you are thinking about your assessment and realize that the cold and low light may make assessing the child’s circulation difficult. In this situation, other options for assessing circulation include assessing all of the following except:

Answer 196

c. fingertip capillary refill.

Question 197

Bilateral injuries, circumferential bruising, and pattern bruises are suggestive of:

Answer 197

b. child abuse.

Question 198

You are treating a child who has a minor head laceration that is bleeding profusely. Which of the following statements would show your partner that you understand bleeding in children?

Answer 198

b. “Children have a smaller blood volume than adults, so this rate of bleeding is serious.”

Question 199

When seen in a child, the “tripod” and “sniffing” positions are usually signs of:

Answer 199

a. respiratory distress.

Question 200

You are assessing an infant who has been ill and has had a fever for the past two days. As you approach the infant you note that she has grunting respirations. Based on your OEC training you determine that grunting is:

Answer 200

b. a symptom of severe respiratory disease.

Question 201

Which of the following conditions is not a possible cause of seizures in young children?

Answer 201

b. Hypothermia

Question 202

You have been asked to deliver a talk about the geriatric population to the new OEC class. Which of the following points would you emphasize in your presentation?

Answer 202

b. Many elderly individuals have a combination of different diseases in various stages.

Question 203

A new OEC Technician asks you why the elderly are at higher risk for developing pneumonia than younger individuals. You inform him that the elderly are more susceptible to respiratory infections because of:

Answer 203

c. a reduced cough reflex.

Question 204

he son of an 88-year-old patient states that he told his mother to increase the amount of an antibiotic she was taking so she would “feel better faster.” This represents a problem because the elderly have:

Answer 204

c. decreased liver and kidney function.

Question 205

Which of the following statements shows that an OEC Technician has an accurate understanding of vital signs in relation to geriatric patients?

Answer 205

d. “Respiratory capacity is greatly reduced in geriatric patients.”

Question 206

Some elderly patients have osteoporosis, a condition that results in:

Answer 206

a. decreased bone density.

Question 207

An elderly woman has fallen down three steps and is complaining of back pain. After you perform a primary assessment, which of the following questions should you ask to illicit the next important piece of information?

Answer 207

a. “Did you become dizzy before you fell?”

Question 208

Family members tell you that three hours ago their 76-year-old mother suddenly became confused and had great difficulty speaking. However, within 15 minutes she returned to normal. Based on this description, an OEC Technician should be suspicious of:

Answer 208

d. a transient ischemic attack.

Question 209

Which of the following statements about traumatic injuries in the elderly is true?

Answer 209

d. Injuries are most commonly caused by falls.

Question 210

Which of the following statements concerning insulin pumps is false?

Answer 210

b. They are implanted in the patient’s chest.

Question 211

Which of the following strategies is best for OEC Technicians for communicating with a geriatric patient who has diminished eyesight?

Answer 211

Stand in front of the patient and talk calmly.

Question 212

A hearing-impaired patient wearing a hearing aid is having a great deal of difficulty hearing your questions. Which of the following actions should you take first?

Answer 212

a.. Ensure that their hearing aid is turned on.

Question 213

Which of the following conditions is associated with pulmonary embolism?

Answer 213

d. Hypoxia

Question 214

A 77-year-old man got out of bed, became dizzy, and fell onto the floor, hitting the right side of his face. You find him sitting on the floor with his wife next to him. His wife states that he did not lose responsiveness and that this has happened several times over the past few days, ever since the doctor put him on a new blood pressure medication. Presently, the patient is alert and oriented and complaining of dizziness and a headache. He has a history of coronary artery disease, emphysema, and hypertension. Which of the following actions should you take first?

Answer 214

b. Establish manual in-line spinal stabilization.

Question 215

You have been called by the caregiver of a 91-year-old woman with dementia. The patient is complaining of a possible fracture to her upper left arm. As you talk to the caregiver and note various bruises on the patient’s body, you become suspicious of elder abuse. Which of the following actions is most appropriate at this time?

Answer 215

d. Treat the patient for a possible broken arm.

Question 216

You and your partner respond to the lodge to aid an elderly woman who is not feeling well. When you perform a secondary assessment:

Answer 216

d. only one of you should ask the patient questions to avoid confusion.

Question 217

When communicating with a geriatric patient, OEC Technicians should:

Answer 217

a. use layman’s terms.

Question 218

An effective way to interview a geriatric patient is to:

Answer 218

b. use active listening skills.

Question 219

A geriatric patient’s cardiovascular response to stress, illness, and injury is different than that of younger patients. Which of the following statements is false?

Answer 219

b .The volume of blood in the body decreases in geriatric patients.

Question 220

The lung capacity in a healthy 90-year-old patient is ________ that of a 30-year-old patient.

Answer 220

d. half of

Question 221

By age 85, the brain of a typical geriatric patient can shrink by as much as 10 percent due to:

Answer 221

b. a decrease in brain cell numbers.

Question 222

In a typical geriatric patient, a reduction in cerebral blood flow can:

Answer 222

a. reduce the amount of glucose and oxygen that reaches the brain.

Question 223

For many geriatric patients, food is less appealing because:

Answer 223

c. their sense of smell is reduced and they have fewer taste buds.

Question 224

You have been called to an unknown medical emergency. On scene you are presented with an 84-year-old patient who is confused and does not obey commands. Which of the following action would be most useful in determining the patient’s normal mental status?

Answer 224

b. Question the patient’s family members.

Question 225

In geriatric patients, strokes can be caused by a blockage or by:

Answer 225

c. a rupture of a cerebral blood vessel.

Question 226

Over 60 percent of abdominal pain problems in geriatric patients require:

Answer 226

c. surgical intervention.

Question 227

Many elderly patients participate in a practice called “polypharmacy,” which is the:

Answer 227

b. simultaneous taking of multiple medications.

Question 228

To identify all the drugs, prescriptions, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that a patient may be taking in combination, OEC Technicians should use:

Answer 228

a. SAMPLE.

Question 229

The class of medications that is most commonly prescribed to elderly patients is:

Answer 229

d. cardiovascular medications.

Question 230

One group of drugs prescribed for geriatric patients is beta-blockers. This type of drug:

Answer 230

a. manages cardiac arrhythmias.

Question 231

Geriatric patients may also have a prescription for a diuretic such as HCTZ or Lasix. The role of this type of drug is to:

Answer 231

c. decrease the volume of fluid circulating in the cardiovascular system.

Question 232

Compared to younger patients, trauma in geriatric patients results in:

Answer 232

b. a higher mortality rate.

Question 233

Falls result in ____ percent of all deaths in the geriatric population.

Answer 233

b. 12

Question 234

Which of the following conditions must OEC Technicians consider when evaluating hypotensive geriatric patients with altered mental status who show no signs of external bleeding, chest injury, or abdominal trauma?

Answer 234

a. A hip or pelvic fracture

Question 235

Compared to younger individuals, geriatric patients who fall have a higher incidence of fractures to the _____ region of the spine.

Answer 235

d. C1–C2

Question 236

Because many elderly patients will not offer their medical history unless specifically asked to do so, OEC Technicians may have to:

Answer 236

b. ask open-ended questions.

Question 237

When taking the pulse of an elderly patient, it is recommended that OEC Technicians:

Answer 237

c. take the radial pulse on both arms and compare the two rates.

Question 238

Correcting a life-threatening condition such as external bleeding in elderly patients can be more problematic because:

Answer 238

d. many elder patients are taking warfarin or other blood thinners.

Question 239

The vital signs of elderly patients with excessive internal or external bleeding may not provide an indication of shock:

Answer 239

a. if these patients are taking beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers.

Question 240

An advance directive is a:

Answer 240

d. legal document that provides medical direction for life-saving efforts.

Question 241

Which of the following statements about a disability is false?

Answer 241

b. People with a disability prefer to be called handicapped.

Question 242

You are assessing a 12-year-old boy who was injured while running. The patient’s mother tells you that her son has Down syndrome. Based on your training, which of the following statements concerning a Down syndrome athlete is true?

Answer 242

b. They have physical and intellectual disabilities that vary widely from one individual to another.

Question 243

Attention deficit disorder and autism are examples of:

Answer 243

c. intellectual disabilities.

Question 244

It is a sunny March day and you are volunteering at a Special Olympics skiing event at your mountain. You respond to a call to aid an 8 year old who fell and hurt his knee. When you arrive the adult with the child provides a brief history. In addition to explaining how the fall occurred, she tells you that the child has attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Based on your OEC training, which of the following things would you not expect?

Answer 244

b. The child has a below normal intelligence.

Question 245

Spring is finally here, and your friend is helping you open up your summer cabin at the lake. At lunch that day, your friend tells you that his son, who is down at the lakeshore playing with your children, was recently diagnosed with autism. You are concerned about the child’s autism because:

Answer 245

d. drowning is the leading cause of death for people with autism spectrum disorders.

Question 246

A group of ski patrollers have invited you to join their team on a bike ride to raise money for multiple sclerosis (MS) research. You recall learning about MS in your OEC class, but you ask your friend to remind you of some of the key features of this condition. Which of the following statements made by your friend would be most accurate?

Answer 246

c. “MS is a progressive disease that causes degeneration of both central and peripheral nerves.”

Question 247

You are assisting a 29-year-old paraplegic skier who lost control of his sit ski and hit a tree. Even though there are no obvious signs of injury, the patient suddenly starts to feel panicky, and you become concerned about autonomic dysreflexia. Other signs/symptoms that would support this assessment include all of the following except:

Answer 247

a. hypotension.

Question 248

A 29-year-old woman with cerebral palsy has fallen and suffered a boot-top fracture of her right leg. When you examine her she tells you that the spasticity in that leg is much worse than usual. Treatment in this situation may best be accomplished by:

Answer 248

b. stabilizing the leg in a position of comfort.

Question 249

You are working with a new group of ski patrollers and instructing them on sit-skis. Which of the following statements about sit-skis is correct?

Answer 249

c. “To turn a sit-ski, the skier moves his head, shoulders, or outriggers.”

Question 250

It’s 2 pm on Saturday, and you’re out for a bike ride with friends. About halfway down a small hill, you see an adult and a child at the side of the road. It appears that the child may have fallen. As you approach, you ask if you can help, to which you hear a mom’s thankful “yes.” The child, who is about 8 years old, is sitting quietly and does not respond when you say “hi.” The mother explains that her son has atypical autism. Based on this information, which of the following techniques might you use to complete your assessment?

Answer 250

c. Give the child simple, one-step directions.

Question 251

You are assisting a 32-year-old woman whose right leg has been amputated below the knee. She is complaining of severe pain in her right thigh. You note that the knee is flexed and that there is some deformity in the middle of the femur. Your partner hands you a HARE traction splint. Which of the following statements would be your best response to your partner?

Answer 251

b. “Let’s use a Quick Splint instead.”

Question 252

It is a cold, snowy Saturday afternoon, and unfortunately the chair lift has broken and a lift evacuation is required. You know that there is an adaptive skier group somewhere on the lift. As you prioritize the lift evacuation, you recognize that:

Answer 252

a. athletes with mobility problems are at increased risk of cold-exposure injuries.

Question 253

You are assessing a paraplegic patient who collided with a tree while going down an intermediate trail in her sit-ski. Which of the following statements is not correct concerning the care of adaptive athletes with spinal cord injuries?

Answer 253

a. Autonomic dysreflexia always accompanies trauma below the level of the spinal cord injury.

Question 254

When caring for a patient with dyslexia, it is important to remember that:

Answer 254

b. the patient may have difficulty processing new information.

Question 255

You are teaching a class on adaptive athletes and are asked to discuss Asperger’s syndrome. Which of the following statements is an appropriate response?

Answer 255

“Asperger’s syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder in which the person may be fearful in unfamiliar environments.”

Question 256

Which of the following statements should not be taken into consideration when assessing a patient with a cognitive disability?

Answer 256

c. Patients with cognitive disabilities usually do not have problems with coordination.

Question 257

When caring for patients with life-long intellectual disabilities:

Answer 257

b. include their caretakers in the assessment because they can help with communication.

Question 258

Cerebral palsy patients typically have some impairment of voluntary motor function and coordination. This condition can present in one of three patterns. Which of the following statements does not describe one of those patterns?

Answer 258

d. Flaccid muscles in one or more extremity

Question 259

A surgically created port used to drain the urinary system into the anterior abdomen or near the kidneys is known as a(n):

Answer 259

a. urostomy.

Question 260

One of the skiers in a group of adaptive athletes has spina bifida. If you needed to care for this patient, it is important to remember that:

Answer 260

b. they may be allergic to natural latex, so contact with latex can result in anaphylactic shock.

Question 261

You are caring for a hearing-impaired athlete and realize that in order to communicate, you:

Answer 261

d. should face the person because most hearing-impaired individuals can read lips.

Question 262

The four major groups of adaptive alpine skiers are:

Answer 262

c. sit-down skiers, three-track and four-track skiers, blind guided skiers, and two-track skiers.

Question 263

The superior and inferior boundaries of the abdominal cavity​ are:

Answer 263

The diaphragm and the pelvic brim.

Question 264

You are assessing a normally healthy​ 29-year-old patient who is complaining of abdominal​ pain, nausea, and vomiting. The​ patient’s vital signs are indicating that the patient is growing​ shock-y. Which piece of SAMPLE information would cause you the greatest​ concern?

Answer 264

The patient took a hard fall while skiing 2 days ago and landed on his chest and abdomen.

Question 265

Which of the following statements about internal abdominal injuries is​ true?

Answer 265

Blunt trauma tends to cause injury to solid​ organs, while penetrating trauma tends to injure hollow organs.

Question 266

A patient was blindsided and struck from the side by a snowboarder who left the scene. The patient is rapidly developing shock signs and symptoms and is complaining of left shoulder pain but you do not find any indication of shoulder injury. This is most likely due to​ a:

Answer 266

Ruptured spleen.

Question 267

The bones that protect the organs of the pelvic cavity include​ the:

Answer 267

Ilium, ischium, and pubis symphisis.

Question 268

The most common cause of vascular injury​ (i.e., aortal or vena cava​ rupture) within the abdominal cavity is most often caused​ by:

Answer 268

Deceleration trauma.

Question 269

Frostbite damages tissue​ by:

Answer 269

Intercellular ice​ crystals, dehydration, and cellular chemical imbalance.

Question 270

All of the following statements about cold water immersion deaths are true​ EXCEPT:

Answer 270

Immersion hypothermia is a rapid process that usually occurs in under 10 minutes.

Question 271

Which of the following processes best describes the emission of infrared​ heat?

Answer 271

Radiation

Question 272

Which of the following patients is losing body heat by the mechanism of​ convection?

Answer 272

A​ 30-year-old male exposed to a light breeze in a cold environment

Question 273

The pulse rate for a hypothermic patient should initially be checked​ for:

Answer 273

10 seconds.

Question 274

Prevention of heat loss in the care of a patient with a cold injury should​ include:

Answer 274

Carefully removing wet clothing

Question 275

All of the following statements regarding thermoregulation are true​ EXCEPT:

Answer 275

Shivering is an ineffective means of heat production and is generally more harmful than beneficial to the body.

Question 276

The two chief factors that predispose an individual to cold injury​ are:

Answer 276

Age and alcohol.

Question 277

The signs of heat exhaustion​ are:

Answer 277

Warm and very sweaty​ skin, elevated body​ temperature, headache

Question 278

Which statement is​ correct? Adaptation to heat vs. cold

Answer 278

The body can physiologically adapt better to heat than cold.

Question 279

A climber has been struck by lightning and is found pulseless and breathless. Which statement about his care is​ correct?

Answer 279

CPR is generally helpful for lightning strike​ victims, although rescue breathing may need to continue beyond compressions.

Question 280

The usual sequence of heat injury from least to most severe​ is:

Answer 280

Cramps, exhaustion, stroke.

Question 281

The heat index table is based on​ what?

Answer 281

The ambient air temperature in a​ higher-humidity environment and the concurrent health risk

Question 282

A patient grows nauseated and​ restless, begins to​ sigh, and yawns. These are warning signs of what impending​ condition?

Answer 282

​Heat-related syncope

Question 283

Multiple climbers were struck by the​ lightning, but everyone else is only suffering from burns or blindness. Per​ protocol, the​ pulseless, breathless patient should​ be:

Answer 283

Treated first.

Question 284

Camp, which consists of cottonwood​ trees, a cold running​ creek, and plenty of​ shade, is just 20 more minutes up the trail. Your best course of action for this patient is​ to:

Answer 284

Stop​ immediately, hydrate​ her, create shade from clothing or a​ tarp, cool her actively with​ water, and fan her skin. Do not proceed to camp until she recovers.

Question 285

Which statement is correct regarding adapting to a hot environment versus a cold​ one?

Answer 285

Adaption to heat depends largely on physiologic acclimatization and less on modifications in behavior.

Question 286

​Jack-O-lantern mushrooms are most likely to​ cause:

Answer 286

Violent GI effects that are rarely fatal.

Question 287

A jellyfish sting can NOT be treated​ with:

Answer 287

Baking soda.

Question 288

Ingested plants almost never​ cause:

Answer 288

Kidney failure.

Question 289

Which of the following mushrooms are least likely to cause​ death?

Answer 289

​Green-spored Lepiota

Question 290

You and your friends have been examining cactus plants when your friend gets stuck by one of the​ plant’s spines. You recognize that a cactus spine​ can:

Answer 290

get stuck in the skin and cause pain and redness in the affected area

Question 291

Which of the following diseases is transmitted by​ mosquitoes?

Answer 291

Dengue fever

Question 292

Autumn​ crocus, lily of the​ valley, yew,​ foxglove, and belladonna can all​ cause:

Answer 292

Cardiogenic effects.

Question 293

A specific toxin or poisonous secretion of an animal that is usually transmitted by a bite or sting is known​ as:

Answer 293

Venom

Question 294

Which is the most effective treatment for altitude​ illness?

Answer 294

Descent

Question 295

Which of the following is NOT a factor at high altitude that can cause altitude​ illness?

Answer 295

Reduced atmospheric humidity

Question 296

Which of these conditions at altitude should be presumed due to​ HACE?

Answer 296

Unsteadiness or inability to maintain​ one’s balance (ataxia)

Question 297

You are working at a mountain resort and are presented with a​ 50-year-old woman who states that she does not feel well. From your​ assessment, which of the following findings would seemingly indicate that the patient is being adversely affected by the high​ altitude?

Answer 297

A complaint of feeling short of breath on exertion

Question 298

Which of the following processes does not occur during​ acclimatization?

Answer 298

Dilation of pulmonary blood vessels

Question 299

Which of the following does NOT affect risk of altitude​ illness?

Answer 299

Family history

Question 300

The difference between a​ ‘dry’ versus a​ ‘wet’ drowning includes which of the​ following?

Answer 300

​Laryngospasm, which seals the​ airway, versus inhalation of fluid into the lungs

Question 301

A teenager suffered what appeared to be a dry drowning and was successfully resuscitated. He appears to be fine. The next best course of action would be​ to:

Answer 301

Arrange for immediate transport to the nearest medical facility for​ follow-up care and observation.

Question 302

Drowning is best defined​ as:

Answer 302

Suffocation by submersion in​ liquid, resulting in death within 24 hours following removal from the liquid.

Question 303

Barotrauma is best defined​ as:

Answer 303

Tissue damage within any of the​ air-filled structures of the body.

Question 304

What is the​ “mammalian diving​ reflex”?

Answer 304

A protective response during which the blood vessels​ constrict, blood is shunted to the heart and​ brain, and the metabolic and heart rate slow considerably

Question 305

A diver returns to the beach and you notice that the sclera of his eyes are bright red and bloodshot. This is due​ to:

Answer 305

Mask reverse squeeze.

Question 306

A diver is exhibiting impaired​ judgment, irrational​ berhavior, and altered levels of consciousness. This is most likely symptomatic​ of:

Answer 306

Nitrogen narcosis or​ “rapture of the​ deep.”

Question 307

The mammalian diving reflex is most prominent among which segment of the​ population?

Answer 307

Pediatric

Question 308

​Boyle’s law explains which complication of​ diving?

Answer 308

Ruptured lungs

Question 309

OECTs should be familiar with the varying aspects of child growth and development for all of the following reasons​ EXCEPT:

Answer 309

Your OEC instructors are sadists.

Question 310

When assessing a​ child’s breathing, the most important information to determine​ is:

Answer 310

Whether or not air is moving well.

Question 311

The best method of assessing a​ 2-year-old includes:

Answer 311

Having the parent hold and distract the child during examination.

Question 312

A​ child’s head is proportionally larger and heavier than an​ adult’s, which can cause which of the following​ problems?

Answer 312

Greater heat​ loss, greater risk of head​ injury, and greater risk for airway management with a​ spine-boarded patient.

Question 313

Which statement about children and cardiac arrest is​ correct?

Answer 313

Children generally have very strong cardiovascular​ systems; cardiac arrest is usually precipitated by respiratory arrest and exhaustion.

Question 314

Which statement regarding pediatric patients is​ correct?

Answer 314

There are inherent differences in intellectual​ capacity, size,​ proportion, and metabolism that make pediatric patients unique.

Question 315

All of the following concerning hypovolemic shock in children are true​ EXCEPT:

Answer 315

Hypovelmia in children can only be caused by direct blood loss and not indirect fluid loss such as through vomiting or diarrhea.

Question 316

The most appropriate method to get a​ 6-year-old child to cooperate with treatment would be​ to

Answer 316

Ask the child if he or she would prefer you or your partner to splint the arm.

Question 317

The number one cause of death in children​ is:

Answer 317

Trauma.

Question 318

You suspect that a child you are examining may be the victim of abuse by the parent. Your best course of action is​ to:

Answer 318

Alert law enforcement or child protection authorities.

Question 319

A​ newborn’s ability to breathe is unique in what​ way?

Answer 319

A newborn breathes only through the nose.

Question 320

Which of the following pediatric trauma patients should cause rescuers the most​ concern?

Answer 320

The​ 5-year-old who is lying quietly and whimpering

Question 321

The most important physiologic​ difference(s) between an adult and pediatric patient that an OECT needs to keep in mind​ is:

Answer 321

The size of the airway and the mechanism of breathing.

Question 322

A​ child’s tongue is proportionally larger and more bulbous in relation to the oral cavity until about what​ age?

Answer 322

8

Question 323

Which statement about blunt chest trauma and children is​ true?

Answer 323

A​ child’s ribs are less likely to fracture than an​ adult’s but can generate force inward and cause internal injuries.

Question 324

Which statement about​ seniors’ neurologic,​ cardiovascular, and/or respiratory systems is​ true?

Answer 324

The brain and peripheral nerves are less effective at transmitting​ data, the ventricular walls are stiffer and less efficient at pumping​ blood, and the lungs are less elastic with less vital capacity.

Question 325

The son of an​ 88-year-old patient states that he told his mother to increase the amount of an antibiotic she was taking so she would​ “feel better​ faster.” This represents a problem because the elderly​ have:

Answer 325

Decreased liver and kidney function

Question 326

A​ 68-year-old patient takes a channel​ blocker, warfarin, and Lopressor. What affect could these medications be likely to have on this​ patient’s pulse and blood​ pressure?

Answer 326

Normal blood pressure and bradycardia

Question 327

A​ 74-year-old skier falls​ hard, landing belly first on compact snow. He tells you he thinks he is​ fine; that his​ ‘belly hurts a​ little,’ but he thinks he can just ski that off. His pulse is​ 64, respirations​ 24, and BP is​ 116/80. He tells you he takes Coumadin and a beta blocker. Your best course of action is​ to:

Answer 327

Maintain a high index of suspicion and urge him to seek immediate medical care for follow up and assessment.

Question 328

Which statement concerning the physiology of a​ senior’s body is​ true?

Answer 328

It is inherently different than that of a younger individual.

Question 329

An elderly woman has fallen down three steps and is complaining of back pain. After you perform a primary​ assessment, which of the following questions should you ask to illicit the next important piece of​ information?

Answer 329

​”Did you become dizzy before you​ fell?”

Question 330

All but which of the following may make assessment and care of an elderly patient​ difficult?

Answer 330

Seniors’ knowledge or beliefs are generally outdated and their ability to process cognitive information reduces their level of understanding and intelligence.

Question 331

A paraplegic​ mono-skier has collided with a lift tower and suffered an obvious femur fracture. Which of the following statements regarding this patient is​ true?

Answer 331

The patient is at high risk of developing autonomic dysreflexia

Question 332

A patient with cognitive and verbal disabilities grows increasingly frustrated and angry during your assessment. The most likely cause for this is​ that:

Answer 332

The patient is frustrated over her inability to communicate with you.

Question 333

A patient with Down Syndrome falls hard while​ ice-skating. During your assessment of her she becomes angry and combative. This is most likely due​ to:

Answer 333

A traumatic brain injury​ (TBI).

Question 334

Autonomic dysreflexia can be caused by all but which of the following in a paraplegic​ skier?

Answer 334

The pain of a lower extremity fracture

Question 335

You are assisting a​ 29-year-old spinal injury paraplegic skier who lost control of his sit ski and hit a tree. Even though there are no obvious signs of​ injury, the patient suddenly starts to feel​ panicky, and you become concerned about autonomic dysreflexia. Other​ signs/symptoms that would support this assessment include all of the following except​:

Answer 335

Hypotension

Question 336

Which of the following statements is NOT​ true?

Answer 336

Mental retardation is an acceptable term for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Question 337

A patient suffering from ASD is most likely to die from which type of​ accident?

Answer 337

Drowning

Question 338

A patient presents with​ weakness, inability to keep up with her hiking​ group, headache,​ confusion, nausea, slightly elevated body​ temperature, cool skin and is sweating profusely. This patient is most likely suffering​ from:

Answer 338

Heat Exhaustion

Question 339

You have stopped a male skier and a female skier who were racing down a closed trail.​ Initially, the man was​ calm, but suddenly he becomes angered and says that​ “you can’t tell me what to​ do.” When you try to talk with​ him, he pulls out a knife and tells you to​ “get away or​ I’ll kill​ you.” The female skier is frightened and states that her friend sometimes gets very aggressive when he drinks. You put in a call for security and additional​ staff, but you know it will be a few minutes before they arrive. Which of the following statements describes your best course of action in the​ interim?

Answer 339

Remain a safe distance from the man and let him know you are there to help

Question 340

The two most common causes of altered mental state​ are:

Answer 340

Hypoxia and hypoglycemia.

Question 341

The mother of a missing​ 5-year-old becomes hysterical. She screams at you and berates you for not doing more to find her​ child, then threatens you with everything from bodily harm to a lawsuit if you do not find her child. This behavior is considered to​ be:

Answer 341

A strong but understandable response, given the situation