unit 8 exam

Question 1

When assessing or providing care to a patient with an intellectual disability, you should:

Select one:

a. explain procedures while in the process of performing them
b. move swiftly and deliberately to quickly accomplish the task
c. be observant for signs of fear or reluctance from the patient
d. frequently reassure him or her that everything will be okay

Answer 1

c. be observant for signs of fear or reluctance from the patient

Question 2

By the 20th week of pregnancy, the uterus is typically at or above the level of the mother’s:

Select one:

a. superior diaphragm
b. xiphoid process
c. pubic bone
d. belly button

Answer 2

d. belly button

Question 3

The leading cause of death in the geriatric patient is:

Select one:

a. heart disease
b. arthritis
c. hypertension
d. altered mental status

Answer 3

a. heart disease

Question 4

Sedentary behavior while healing from a hip fracture would MOST likely predispose the older patient to:

Select one:

a. heart failure
b. osteoporosis
c. pneumonia
d. ischemic stroke

Answer 4

c. pneumonia

Question 5

The first month of life after birth is referred to as the:

Select one:

a. neonatal period
b. toddler period
c. start of infancy
d. premature phase

Answer 5

a. neonatal period

Question 6

When immobilizing a patient with a kyphotic spine to a long backboard, the EMT would MOST likely have to:

Select one:

a. use a scoop stretcher instead of a log roll
b. force the head into a neutral alignment
c. secure the patient’s head before the torso
d. place blankets behind the patient’s head

Answer 6

d. place blankets behind the patient’s head

Question 7

Blood levels of medications may rise in the elderly, sometimes to toxic levels. This is MOST likely due to:

Select one:

a. renal insufficiency
b. splenic dysfunction
c. pancreatic failure
d. intentional overdose

Answer 7

a. renal insufficiency

Question 8

The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid indicates:

Select one:

a. that full newborn resuscitation will be needed
b. that the baby’s airway may be obstructed
c. that the fetus is at least 4 weeks premature
d. an expected finding in full-term infants

Answer 8

b. that the baby’s airway may be obstructed

Question 9

A 2-year-old female has experienced a seizure. When you arrive at the scene, the child is conscious, crying, and clinging to her mother. Her skin is hot and moist. The mother tells you that the seizure lasted approximately 5 minutes. She further tells you that her daughter has no history of seizures, but has had a recent ear infection. You should:

Select one:

a. allow the mother to drive her daughter to the hospital
b. place the child in cold water to attempt to reduce her fever
c. suspect that the child has meningitis and transport at once
d. cool the child with tepid water and transport to the hospital

Answer 9

d. cool the child with tepid water and transport to the hospital

Question 10

A 5-year-old child has had severe vomiting and diarrhea for 4 days. Which of the following assessment findings would be the MOST indicative of decompensated shock?

Select one:

a. Capillary refill time of 4 seconds
b. Blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg
c. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min
d. Pulse rate greater than 120/min

Answer 10

b. Blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg

Question 11

A surgical procedure that creates an opening between the intestine and the surface of the body that allows for elimination of waste products is called aNo:

Select one:

a. intestinal shunt
b. colostomy
c. gastrostomy
d. gastric stoma

Answer 11

b. colostomy

Question 12

When assessing an 8-year-old child, you should:

Select one:

a. talk to the child, not just the caregiver
b. refrain from taking a blood pressure
c. rely solely on the parent for information
d. use a toe-to-head assessment approach

Answer 12

a. talk to the child, not just the caregiver

Question 13

EMTs are dispatched for a fall. The patient, a 16-year-old female with Down syndrome, is experiencing difficulty walking and says that her fingers “feel like needles.” The EMTs should suspect:

Select one:

a. hydrocephalus
b. a seizure
c. a cervical spine injury
d. an intracranial hemorrhage

Answer 13

c. a cervical spine injury

Question 14

A specific legal document that directs relatives and caregivers regarding the medical treatment that may be given to patients who cannot speak for themselves is called aNo:

Select one:

a. advance directive
b. statute of care
c. physician directive
d. power of attorney

Answer 14

a. advance directive

Question 15

You are assessing a 440-lb man who complains of shortness of breath and lower back pain. The patient is conscious and alert, his blood pressure is 148/98 mm Hg, and his heart rate is 120 beats/min. Your MOST immediate action should be to:

Select one:

a. notify the receiving facility and advise them of the patient’s weight and status
b. ask a member of your team to locate the best route to move him to the ambulance
c. avoid placing him in a supine position if possible and administer oxygen
d. perform a secondary assessment, focusing on his respiratory system and back

Answer 15

c. avoid placing him in a supine position if possible and administer oxygen

Question 16

From what internal female organ is the fetus expelled during delivery?

Select one:

a. Perineum
b. Cervix
c. Vagina
d. Uterus

Answer 16

d. uterus

Question 17

A pregnant trauma patient may lose a significant amount of blood before showing signs of shock because:

Select one:

a. pregnant patients have an overall increase in blood volume
b. pregnancy causes vasodilation and a lower blood pressure
c. pregnant patients can dramatically increase their heart rate
d. blood is shunted to the uterus and fetus during major trauma

Answer 17

a. pregnant patients have an overall increase in blood volume

Question 18

If a baby is born at 7:52, the second Apgar score should be calculated at:

Select one:

a. 7:53
b. 7:59
c. 7:57
d. 8:00

Answer 18

c. 7:57

Question 19

When questioning the parent of a child who ingested a poisonous substance, which of the following questions would be of LEAST pertinence initially?

Select one:

a. Have you noticed any signs or symptoms?
b. Do you know what substance was ingested?
c. Why did your child ingest the poison?
d. What time did the ingestion occur?

Answer 19

c. Why did your child ingest the poison?

Question 20

Because hearing-impaired patients typically have more difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds, it is important for you to:

Select one:

a. lower the pitch of your voice speak in a monotone voice
b. increase the pitch of your voice
c. try basic sign language first
d. speak in a monotone voice

Answer 20

a. lower the pitch of your voice speak in a monotone voice

Question 21

A 13-year-old child is on a home ventilator. The parents called because the mechanical ventilator is malfunctioning and the child has increasing respiratory distress. You should:

Select one:

a. reset the ventilator by unplugging it for 30 to 60 seconds
b. disconnect the ventilator and apply a tracheostomy collar
c. attempt to troubleshoot the mechanical ventilator problem
d. place a call to the home health agency treating this patient

Answer 21

b. disconnect the ventilator and apply a tracheostomy collar

Question 22

The stooped posture of some older people, which gives them a humpback appearance, is called:

Select one:

a. kyphosis
b. arthritis
c. miosis
d. scoliosis

Answer 22

a. kyphosis

Question 23

An 84-year-old male fell a week ago and has been bedridden since then. Today, he presents with an altered mental status. His skin is pale and cold and his respirations are rapid and shallow. The EMT should suspect:

Select one:

a. hypovolemic shock
b. a subdural hematoma
c. a systemic infection
d. acute hyperglycemia

Answer 23

c. a systemic infection

Question 24

During your visual inspection of a 25-year-old woman in labor, you see the baby’s head crowning at the vaginal opening. What should you do?

Select one:

a. Apply gentle pressure to the baby’s head as it delivers
b. Maintain firm pressure to the head until it completely delivers
c. Tell the mother not to push and transport her immediately
d. Place your fingers in the vagina to assess for a nuchal cord

Answer 24

a. Apply gentle pressure to the baby’s head as it delivers

Question 25

A 77-year-old female presents with an acute onset of altered mental status. Her son is present and advises that she has a history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, and glaucoma. He further advises that she takes numerous medications and that she is normally alert. When you assess this patient, it is important to note that:

Select one:

a. the patient is experiencing delirious behavior, which suggests a new health problem
b. her mental status is likely the result of hypoglycemia and you should give her sugar
c. because of her age and medical history, you should suspect Alzheimer disease
d. dementia typically presents as an acute onset of deterioration of cognitive function

Answer 25

a. the patient is experiencing delirious behavior, which suggests a new health problem

Question 26

You are dispatched to a residence for a child with respiratory distress. The patient, an 18-month-old female, is tachypneic, has sternal retractions, and is clinging to her mother. Her skin is pink and dry, and her heart rate is 120 beats/min. The MOST appropriate treatment for this child includes:

Select one:

a. allowing the child to remain with her mother and applying a nasal cannula
b. separating the child from her mother and providing ventilatory assistance
c. administering blow-by oxygen and transporting the child with her mother
d. requesting a paramedic ambulance to insert an advanced airway device

Answer 26

c. administering blow-by oxygen and transporting the child with her mother

Question 27

By placing one hand on your head and the other hand over your abdomen, you are asking a hearing-impaired patient if he or she:

Select one:

a. is nauseated
b. is sick
c. needs help
d. is hurt

Answer 27

b. is sick

Question 28

When caring for a patient who is visually impaired, it is important to:

Select one:

a. tell him or her what is happening, identify noises, and describe the situation and surroundings.
b. leave items such as canes and walkers at the residence if the patient will be carried on a gurney.
c. stand to the side of the patient when speaking if his or her peripheral vision is impaired.
d. allow a service dog to remain with the patient at all times, even if the patient is critically ill.

Answer 28

a. tell him or her what is happening, identify noises, and describe the situation and surroundings.

Question 29

A 70-year-old male complains of shortness of breath. During your assessment, you note that he has bilateral hearing aids. When you ask him questions related to his chief complaint, he does not answer you. You can hear a whistling sound coming from his hearing aids. You should:

Select one:

a. try repositioning the hearing aid or remove it and turn down the volume
b. remove both of his hearing aids and use pencil and paper to communicate
c. recognize that the batteries in his hearing aids are probably depleted
d. remove his hearing aids, turn up the volume, and replace them in his ears

Answer 29

a. try repositioning the hearing aid or remove it and turn down the volume

Question 30

When preparing a pregnant patient for delivery, you should position her:

Select one:

a. in a sitting position with her hips elevated 12 inches
b. on a firm surface with her hips elevated 2 to 4 inches
c. in a supine position with her legs spread
d. on her left side with the right leg elevated

Answer 30

b. on a firm surface with her hips elevated 2 to 4 inches

Question 31

When caring for a female child who has possibly been sexually abused, you should:

Select one:

a. encourage the child to urinate and take a shower
b. immediately report your suspicions to the parents
c. carefully examine the genitalia for signs of injury
d. have a female EMT remain with her if possible

Answer 31

d. have a female EMT remain with her if possible

Question 32

Your 22-year-old patient is in active labor. Upon visual inspection, you note that the infant’s leg is protruding from the vagina. Appropriate management of this situation includes:

Select one:

a. placing the mother in a recumbent position and rapidly transporting
b. gently pulling on the infant’s leg in an attempt to facilitate delivery
c. placing the mother supine with her head down and pelvis elevated
d. carefully attempting to push the infant’s leg off of the umbilical cord

Answer 32

c. placing the mother supine with her head down and pelvis elevated

Question 33

A 26-year-old female who is 34 weeks pregnant is experiencing a seizure. Her husband tells you that her blood pressure has been high and that she had been complaining of a headache for the past few days. You should:

Select one:

a. insert an oral airway and ventilate her with a bag-valve mask
b. place her on her side, administer high-flow oxygen, and transport
c. elevate her legs to improve brain perfusion and keep her warm
d. administer oral glucose for presumed hypoglycemia and transport

Answer 33

b. place her on her side, administer high-flow oxygen, and transport

Question 34

The purpose of the pediatric assessment triangle (PAT) is to:

Select one:

a. facilitate a rapid head-to-toe assessment of the child by visualization only
b. determine if the child’s vital signs are within the age-appropriate limits
c. allow you to rapidly and visually form a general impression of the child
d. gather critical data by performing a rapid hands-on assessment of the child

Answer 34

c. allow you to rapidly and visually form a general impression of the child

Question 35

Common causes of seizures in children include all of the following, EXCEPT:

Select one:

a. electrolyte imbalances
b. infection
c. hyperglycemia
d. poisonings or ingestion

Answer 35

c. hyperglycemia

Question 36

You are assessing a 70-year-old female who complains of intense thirst, frequent urination, and dizziness. She has a history of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Her blood glucose reads “high.” She is conscious, but confused. Her blood pressure is 92/52 mm Hg, her pulse rate is 130 beats/min and weak, and her respirations are 22 breaths/min and shallow. This patient’s clinical presentation is MOST consistent with:

Select one:

a. diabetic ketoacidosis
b. hyperglycemia with moderate dehydration
c. hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome Correct
d. acute renal failure with associated hyperglycemia

Answer 36

c. hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome

Question 37

While triaging patients at the scene of a motor-vehicle crash, you encounter a 5-year-old child who is unresponsive and apneic. After positioning his airway, you should:

Select one:

a. categorize him as deceased
b. deliver 5 rescue breaths
c. palpate for a carotid pulse
d. categorize him as immediate

Answer 37

c. palpate for a carotid pulse

Question 38

When caring for patients with cerebral palsy, it is important to remember that:

Select one:

a. they are unable to walk and are totally dependent upon you
b. hearing aids are usually ineffective for patients with hearing loss
c. their limbs are often underdeveloped and are prone to injury
d. most patients have the ability to walk, but have an unsteady gait

Answer 38

c. their limbs are often underdeveloped and are prone to injury

Question 39

In contrast to younger patients, older patients are more prone to a decrease in blood pressure (BP) upon standing because:

Select one:

a. the aging process results in an overall increase in blood volume
b. the body is less able to adapt the BP to rapid postural changes
c. any change in position causes blood to be shunted to the brain
d. their red blood cells are destroyed at a faster than normal rate

Answer 39

b. the body is less able to adapt the BP to rapid postural changes

Question 40

Following delivery of a full-term baby, you have properly cared for the baby and have clamped and cut the umbilical cord. During transport, you note that the mother is experiencing moderate vaginal bleeding. You should:

Select one:

a. place her legs together and position her on her left side
b. firmly massage the uterine fundus with a circular motion
c. elevate her legs 6 to 8 inches and cover her with a blanket
d. carefully insert a sterile trauma dressing into her vagina

Answer 40

b. firmly massage the uterine fundus with a circular motion