Units 25-27 Flashcards
1) When a person acts in a manner that is unacceptable to himself or those around him, this would be considered which of the following?
A) Mental illness B) Psychotic episode C) Behavioral emergency D) Psychosomatic reaction
C) Behavioral emergency
2) Your patient is exhibiting bizarre and aggressive behavior; he starts shouting and becomes violent. He has extra strength and appears insensitive to pain. Drug paraphernalia is visible on-scene. This behavior is known as:
A) chemical delirium. B) excited delirium. C) sensory excitement. D) delusions.
B) excited delirium
3) EMTs may come across a situation where a patient begins to act extremely agitated or psychotic. Uncontrolled psychiatric illness and sometimes drug intoxication may be present. The patient may suddenly cease struggling, and often within minutes the patient develops inadequate or absent respirations and subsequently dies. It is important for the EMT to be alert for this sequence of events in a patient who exhibits this behavior and monitor the patient constantly throughout the call. This condition is called:
A) excited or agitated delirium. B) psychotic delirium. C) excited psychosis. D) bipolar disorder.
A) excited or agitated delirium
4) It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether someone who is showing unusual behavior is having a psychological emergency or is showing an altered mental status due to a physical issue. Which of the following statements are true?
1. Consider patients who are exhibiting crisis or unusual behavior to be having an altered mental status from a nonpsychiatric cause until proven otherwise.
2. Many medical and traumatic conditions are likely to alter a patient’s behavior.
3. Lack of oxygen may cause restlessness and confusion, cyanosis (blue or gray skin), and altered mental status.
4. Stroke or inadequate blood to the brain may cause confusion or dizziness and what appears to be erratic behavior.
A) 1, 2 B) 1, 2, 3 C) 1, 3, 4 D) 1, 2, 3, 4
D) 1, 2, 3, 4
5) When a patient or bystander at the scene of an emergency displays fear, anger, or grief, this is best described as which of the following?
A) Neurosis B) Stress reaction C) Post-traumatic stress disorder D) Catharsis
B) Stress reaction
6) Which of the following statements concerning behavioral emergencies is true?
A) Emotional outbursts are considered behavioral emergencies.
B) The person with a behavioral emergency requires prolonged institutionalization.
C) A person with a behavioral emergency is mentally ill.
D) It may be difficult to determine what behavior is abnormal for a given person in a given situation.
D) It may be difficult to determine what behavior is abnormal for a given person in a given situation.
7) According to coworkers, your 25-year-old female patient suddenly began acting aggressively and being verbally abusive. She tells you she is “starving” and you notice that she is pale and diaphoretic. Which of the following would be an appropriate general impression?
A) Alcoholic intoxication B) An underlying physical illness
C) Sudden onset of schizophrenia D) Alcohol withdrawal
B) An underlying physical illness
8) Which of the following may cause a patient to exhibit abnormal behavior?
A) Hypoxia B) Allergic reaction C) Gastroenteritis D) Snakebites
A) Hypoxia
9) Which of the following statements regarding behavioral emergencies is false?
A) Patients experiencing a behavioral emergency are not always dangerous to themselves or others.
B) It is unusual to find a person with schizophrenia outside a mental health facility.
C) Cultural differences may cause a patient’s behavior to initially appear abnormal to the EMT.
D) Apparent behavioral emergencies may be due to an underlying medical cause.
B) It is unusual to find a person with schizophrenia outside a mental health facility.
10) Which of the following medical conditions could be the underlying cause of an apparent behavioral emergency?
A) Mental illness B) Stroke C) Hypoglycemia D) All of the above
D) All of the above
11) Which of the following traumatic conditions could account for signs and symptoms of a behavioral emergency?
A) Fractured lumbar vertebra B) Partial thickness burn C) Fractured tibia D) Hemorrhage
D) Hemorrhage
12) You are confronted with a patient experiencing personality changes ranging from irritability to irrational behavior, altered mental status, amnesia or confusion, irregular respirations, elevated blood pressure, and decreasing pulse. It appears to be a psychiatric emergency. What else could cause this behavior?
A) Low blood sugar B) Head injury C) Lack of oxygen D) Stroke
B) Head injury
13) Which of the following actions is the most appropriate for the EMT to take when managing a patient with a behavioral emergency?
A) Find out if the patient’s insurance covers psychiatric treatment.
B) Remain calm and reassure the patient.
C) Establish control of the situation by a show of force.
D) Quickly perform a head-to-toe exam and transport without delay.
B) Remain calm and reassure the patient.
14) When managing a patient who may hurt himself or others, you should do all of the following except:
A) make sure only you and the patient are in the room. B) keep bystanders a safe distance away.
C) watch for sudden changes in the patient’s behavior. D) retreat if the patient becomes threatening.
A) make sure only you and the patient are in the room.
15) Which of the following communication strategies should be used when dealing with a patient with a behavioral emergency?
A) Stay 2 to 3 inches from the patient at all times to make him feel secure.
B) Interrupt the patient if he appears to be going off on a tangent about something not concerning the immediate situation.
C) Play along with any visual or auditory hallucinations the patient is experiencing.
D) Acknowledge the patient’s feelings.
D) Acknowledge the patient’s feelings.
16) Which of the following is acceptable when managing the patient with a behavioral or psychiatric emergency?
A) Make supportive statements such as, “That must have been very hard for you.”
B) Sit as close to the patient as you can to reassure him that you will not abandon him.
C) Allow family members to confront the patient about his behavior.
D) Go along with the patient’s hallucinations or false beliefs.
A) Make supportive statements such as, “That must have been very hard for you.”
17) When dealing with a psychiatric emergency, which one of the following would generally be inappropriate behavior on your part?
A) Be as hurried as you can. It is extremely important to resolve the call and get the patient to the hospital as soon as possible.
B) Act in a calm manner, giving the patient time to gain control of his emotions.
C) Let the patient know that you are listening to what he is saying, and explain things to the patient honestly.
D) Stay alert for sudden changes in behavior.
A) Be as hurried as you can. It is extremely important to resolve the call and get the patient to the hospital as soon as possible.
18) There are general rules for dealing with psychiatric emergencies. Which of the following is not one of those rules and would not be considered appropriate?
A) Identify yourself and your role.
B) Speak slowly and clearly, using a calm and reassuring tone.
C) Never make eye contact with the patient, as it will just increase his nervousness.
D) Listen to the patient. You can show you are listening by repeating part of what the patient says back to him.
C) Never make eye contact with the patient, as it will just increase his nervousness.
19) You are on the scene of a possible overdose. You find a 30-year-old man pacing around his living room. There is evidence of illicit drug use and the apartment is in disarray. The patient seems agitated and nervous. Attempts at calming the patient should include which of the following?
A) Speak quickly to give the patient all of the important information without delay.
B) Repeat part of what the patient is saying to show that you are listening to him.
C) Stand still with your arms crossed to instill a sense of control and authority.
D) Sit close to him with your arm around his shoulders to show that you are truly concerned.
B) Repeat part of what the patient is saying to show that you are listening to him.
20) Which of the following is appropriate when assessing an emotionally disturbed patient?
A) Establish eye and verbal contact. B) Listen to the patient without being judgmental.
C) Use assertive body language to show you are in control. D) Both A and B
D) Both A and B
21) Neurotransmitters are chemicals within the body that transmit the message from the distal end of one neuron (presynaptic neuron) to the proximal end of the next neuron (postsynaptic neuron). While it sounds like a complicated process, it takes only milliseconds. Which one of the following sentences is false?
A) Neurotransmitters are released from a neuron, then travel across the synapse to the next neuron.
B) The receptors on the postsynaptic neuron receive the neurotransmitter.
C) This is the mechanism by which the impulse is moved along the nervous system.
D) After the impulse is transmitted, the neurotransmitter goes through a process called reuptake, in which the neurotransmitter is returned to the postsynaptic neuron.
D) After the impulse is transmitted, the neurotransmitter goes through a process called reuptake, in which the neurotransmitter is returned to the postsynaptic neuron.
22) When providing emergency care to an aggressive or hostile patient, what is the highest priority?
A) Checking the patient for possible physical causes of the behavior
B) Finding out if the patient is oriented to person, time, and place
C) Calming the patient down
D) Performing a scene size-up
D) Performing a scene size-up
23) You are dispatched to a psychiatric emergency for a 68-year-old male. Dispatch provides no other information and, when questioned by you, they do not have any more information. Although all steps are important for dealing with this situation, which step is the most important?
A) Scene size-up B) Primary assessment C) Vital signs and SAMPLE history D) Secondary assessment
A) Scene size-up
24) Once you have established with reasonable certainty that your patient is suffering from a behavioral emergency, which of the following is the best course of action?
A) Establish the best way to restrain the patient before he has the opportunity to become violent.
B) Begin intense individual counseling with the patient.
C) Attempt to determine whether there is a possible physical cause for the patient’s behavior.
D) There is no need to assess for medical conditions if the patient does not have a history of past medical problems.
C) Attempt to determine whether there is a possible physical cause for the patient’s behavior.
25) Which of the following must be treated by the EMT if present in a patient with an apparent behavioral emergency?
A) Acute alcohol intoxication B) Hypoglycemia C) Suicidal ideology D) Severe clinical depression
B) Hypoglycemia
26) Your patient is a 15-year-old female who has been diagnosed with a personality disorder. She has no history of violent behavior. The staff at her residential care facility wants her to be transported for evaluation of a possible urinary tract infection. Which of the following is the best way to handle this situation?
A) Have a female EMT attend to the patient.
B) Transport the patient, but do not speak to her or perform an assessment.
C) Refuse to transport the patient without a police escort.
D) Ask that the patient be given a tranquilizer injection prior to transport.
A) Have a female EMT attend to the patient.
27) You are dispatched to a local fast-food restaurant for a “nature unknown” call. You arrive on-scene and find a 47-year-old male in front of the counter repeatedly singing “Happy Birthday” to himself. Police are on-scene and the scene is safe. Which of the following would be considered appropriate care?
A) Quickly approach the patient and take charge. Tell him he has to come with you to be evaluated.
B) Quietly and carefully evaluate the situation and keep your emotions under control. Be as unhurried as you can.
C) Have the police take charge, restrain the patient, and have him brought into your ambulance.
D) Have your partner join you in approaching the patient and explain to him that he has to stop singing or you will have him arrested.
B) Quietly and carefully evaluate the situation and keep your emotions under control. Be as unhurried as you can.
28) All of the following are general rules for dealing with a psychiatric patient except:
A) speak slowly and clearly, and use a calm and reassuring tone.
B) make eye contact with the patient.
C) listen to the patient, showing you are listening by repeating part of what the patient says back to him.
D) do not be judgmental; instead, show pity, because he needs to know that you understand him.
D) do not be judgmental; instead, show pity, because he needs to know that you understand him.
29) Concerning attempted suicide, which of the following statements is true?
A) Truly suicidal patients nearly always leave a note.
B) All suicide attempts must be taken seriously.
C) There is always an indication that a suicide attempt is imminent.
D) Attempted suicide is a matter for law enforcement, not EMS.
B) All suicide attempts must be taken seriously.
30) Which of the following factors suggest that a patient is at risk for suicide?
A) Recent emotional trauma B) Sudden improvement in depression
C) Alcohol and drug abuse D) All of the above
D) All of the above
31) Which of the following patients would be considered to be at the greatest risk for suicide?
A) 22-year-old man who has lost his job and is getting divorced
B) 35-year-old female who has a child with a serious illness
C) 30-year-old married man who has just learned that his employer is transferring him to a different state
D) 44-year-old woman who has just recovered from a serious illness
A) 22-year-old man who has lost his job and is getting divorced
32) Why is it important to gather a detailed medical history when dealing with a psychiatric emergency?
A) It is not. You want to get the call resolved as quickly as possible and this will just delay it.
B) It will alert you to past issues as well as medication.
C) It will help you to determine whether the police are needed.
D) It will help you to determine whether you need to restrain the patient.
B) It will alert you to past issues as well as medication.
33) When responding to an attempted suicide, which of the following is the EMT’s primary concern?
A) Personal safety B) Determining whether the patient suffers from clinical depression
C) Contacting law enforcement because suicide is illegal D) Managing the patient’s airway
A) Personal safety
34) You are called to the scene of an attempted suicide. You arrive to find a 25-year-old man sitting on the sofa who apparently cut his wrists. Family members have bandaged them, and there does not appear to be any bleeding risk at this time. The scene is secure. Which action would not be appropriate in treating this patient?
A) As soon as possible, perform a history and physical exam and provide emergency care on the wrist, if necessary.
B) Watch for sudden changes in the patient’s behavior and physical condition.
C) Contact the receiving hospital and report on current mental status and other essential information.
D) Take charge of the situation; let the patient know that what he has done is wrong and tell him he is coming with you whether he likes it or not.
D) Take charge of the situation; let the patient know that what he has done is wrong and tell him he is coming with you whether he likes it or not.
35) Which of the following statements concerning people who have made prior suicide attempts is true?
A) They are at an increased risk for a subsequent successful suicide.
B) They do not require psychological counseling like a person who is depressed.
C) They should be allowed to sign a release if their injuries are not serious.
D) They are usually just making a cry for help but do not want to die.
A) They are at an increased risk for a subsequent successful suicide.
36) You are on the scene where a 23-year-old female has attempted suicide by cutting her forearms with a razor. She is sitting in the front yard and has lost a large amount of blood. She is conscious and holding a small razor blade, and she tells you to get away from her. Which of the following should not be done?
A) Use Standard Precautions. B) Keep bystanders away from the patient.
C) Call law enforcement for assistance. D) Take the razor blade away from her by force.
D) Take the razor blade away from her by force.
37) You are dispatched to a suicide attempt. You arrive to find a 16-year-old who is extremely agitated and pacing up and down in the living room of his house. Apparently, he threatened to go out, get a gun, and shoot himself. His parents called it in as an attempted suicide. The scene is safe and there are apparently no weapons accessible to the patient. Which of the following would not be appropriate in caring for this patient?
A) Do not take any action that may be considered threatening by the patient; doing so may bring about hostile behavior directed against you or others.
B) Always be on the watch for weapons. C) Do not isolate yourself from your partner or other sources of help.
D) Make certain the patient gets between you and the door. The patient should always feel he has an escape route.
D) Make certain the patient gets between you and the door. The patient should always feel he has an escape route.
38) Which of the following does not indicate that a patient may be about to become violent?
A) Tense body posture or clenched fists B) Crying
C) Rapid pulse and breathing D) Rapid speech and movement
B) Crying
39) Your patient is a 37-year-old male sitting on the kitchen floor. His wife is attempting to talk with him, but he does not look at her or answer. He is fidgeting and has apparently thrown some dishes against the wall. What should be your first consideration?
A) Ask the wife to step outside with you so you can get information from her.
B) Ask the wife to step into the other room so you can speak with the patient alone.
C) Quickly check the patient’s carotid pulse.
D) Stay a safe distance away.
D) Stay a safe distance away.
40) You respond to the scene of a private residence for a patient who is known to have insulin-dependent diabetes. The patient is combative and cursing as you approach. Should this patient be restrained?
A) Yes, he likely has a medical condition that requires treatment.
B) No, this patient is not likely experiencing a behavioral emergency.
C) Yes, he is combative and all combative patients can be restrained.
D) There is not enough information to answer this question.
D) There is not enough information to answer this question.
41) Which of the following statements concerning forcible restraint of patients is true?
A) It is easily accomplished by two EMTs with a good plan.
B) This is necessary only with mentally ill individuals.
C) It causes irreparable emotional harm to most patients.
D) This is normally considered to be within the jurisdiction of law enforcement.
D) This is normally considered to be within the jurisdiction of law enforcement.
42) When restraining a patient, which of the following is not a consideration?
A) Number of people available to carry out the required actions B) Patient’s size and strength
C) Patient’s informed consent D) How to position the patient
C) Patient’s informed consent
43) It is important that, as an EMS provider, you avoid creating a situation where positional asphyxia could occur. Which of the following is positional asphyxia?
A) Positional asphyxia is the position the person is seated in when you approach him.
B) Positional asphyxia is a birth defect that causes psychiatric issues and is initiated because of the way the fetus was positioned in the uterus.
C) Positional asphyxia is inadequate breathing or respiratory arrest caused by a body position that restricts breathing.
D) Positional asphyxia is the name for the position someone assumes after she has been hit with a taser.
C) Positional asphyxia is inadequate breathing or respiratory arrest caused by a body position that restricts breathing.
44) Which of the following is not an acceptable method or adjunct in restraining a patient?
A) Hog-tying the patient B) Placing a surgical mask over the patient’s face to prevent spitting
C) Restraining the patient face-up D) Securing all four limbs with leather restraints
A) Hog-tying the patient
45) Which of the following situations generally allows the EMT to transport a patient with a behavioral emergency against his or her wishes?
A) The patient’s personal physician gives you permission.
B) A family member gives consent and is willing to accompany the patient.
C) The patient is a threat to himself or others.
D) The patient’s insurance company agrees to pay, even though the patient has not given consent.
C) The patient is a threat to himself or others.
46) Your patient is a 24-year-old male who is severely depressed. He tells you that he can’t “handle the pressure” anymore and that he wants to die. He is refusing transport. Which of the following is the most appropriate decision regarding this patient’s care?
A) Transport the patient against his will with the assistance of law enforcement.
B) Contact the patient’s family to find out what their wishes are.
C) Leave the scene and allow law enforcement to handle the situation.
D) Respect the patient’s wishes; he is alert, oriented, and capable of giving consent.
A) Transport the patient against his will with the assistance of law enforcement.
47) Your patient is a 22-year-old male who has ingested a large amount of alcohol and is vomiting. He is conscious but uncooperative. He allows you to examine him but refuses transport to the hospital. You have sought assistance from law enforcement on scene. Which of the following is the best action?
A) Contact medical direction for further advice.
B) Stay with the patient until he has stopped vomiting.
C) Find a relative or neighbor to come over and stay with the patient.
D) Obtain a witnessed refusal.
A) Contact medical direction for further advice.
1) The term poison is best described as any substance that can do which of the following?
A) Increase cellular activity B) Deactivate nerve transmission
C) Depress the body’s respirations D) Harm the body
D) Harm the body
2) Which of the following describes any substance produced by a living organism that is poisonous to human beings? A) Antibody B) Acid C) Toxin D) Antigen
C) Toxin
3) By definition, a systemic poison causes harm to which of the following?
A) Stomach and intestines B) Localized areas of tissue C) Specific organ D) Entire body
D) Entire body
4) Volatile chemicals are agents that are able to change easily from a ________ into a ________.
A) solid; vapor B) solid; liquid C) gas; liquid D) liquid; gas
D) liquid; gas
5) Which of the following is a substance that will neutralize a poison or its effects?
A) Deactivator B) Antidote C) Antibody D) Vaccine
B) Antidote
6) Most cases of accidental poisoning involve which of the following?
A) Infants B) Adults C) Adolescents D) Young children
D) Young children
7) Which of the following groups is the most susceptible to the effects of a poison?
A) Pre-teens B) Adults C) Elderly D) Teenager
C) Elderly
8) Which of the following most affects the extent of damage a poison does to the body?
A) Patient’s race, age, and medications taken B) Patient’s genetics, height, and medications taken
C) Patient’s nutritional status, genetics, and strength of the immune system
D) Patient’s age, weight, and general health
D) Patient’s age, weight, and general health
9) Which of the following is not a way in which poisons can access the body?
A) Injection B) Inhalation C) Radiation D) Absorption
C) Radiation
10) Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs by which of the following routes?
A) Absorption B) Inhalation C) Radiation D) Aspiration
B) Inhalation
11) Which of the following is one of the most common inhaled poisons associated with fire suppression?
A) Carbon dioxide B) Chlorine gas C) Hydrogen sulfide D) Carbon monoxide
D) Carbon monoxide
12) You have just arrived on the scene of an agricultural business and see three men coming out of a building, choking and holding their heads. One of the men tells you there are two workers still inside. What should you do next?
A) Call for properly trained assistance and stay a safe distance away from the scene.
B) Cover your nose and mouth with a wet towel and check on the status of the two workers inside the building.
C) Get the assistance of the men who made it out of the building to prevent delay in finding the workers inside.
D) Evaluate the three men and administer high-concentration oxygen, then help them get a safe distance away from the scene.
A) Call for properly trained assistance and stay a safe distance away from the scene.
13) How does carbon monoxide cause toxic effects?
A) Causes red blood cells to clump together B) Prevents the blood from clotting
C) Prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen D) Prevents red blood cells from releasing carbon dioxide
C) Prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen
14) You are called to a farm for a possible insecticide poisoning of one of the workers. Your first action is to:
A) decontaminate the patient. B) bag the patient before he dies.
C) call for specialized hazardous materials units. D) call for an ALS unit.
C) call for specialized hazardous materials units.
15) Which of the following is a common sign and symptom in poisonings of all types?
A) Nausea and vomiting B) Dizziness and palpitations
C) Headache and diaphoresis D) Pain and diaphoresis
A) Nausea and vomiting
16) Which of the following is least often seen in carbon monoxide poisoning?
A) Nausea B) Cherry red lips C) Altered mental status D) Headache
B) Cherry red lips
17) Carbon monoxide poisoning should be suspected when a patient has been in an enclosed area and has which of the following signs and/or symptoms?
A) Headache, dizziness, and nausea B) Flu-like symptoms
C) Breathing difficulty and altered mental status D) All of the above
D) All of the above
18) Which of the following is the cause of the black residue found in a patient’s mouth and nose following smoke inhalation? A) Tar B) Carbon monoxide C) Cyanide D) Carbon
D) Carbon
19) Which of the following is true concerning a patient’s reaction to toxic gases from smoke inhalation?
A) If the patient is feeling fine, they do not need to see a physician.
B) Signs and symptoms may be delayed.
C) Inhalation of the toxic gases will cause cherry-red skin or lips.
D) The patient will present with vague, flulike symptoms.
B) Signs and symptoms may be delayed.
20) It is a chilly fall morning and you are called to an RV campground for three patients who are complaining of headache, dizziness, and nausea. Your primary assessment reveals that they are cyanotic and have an altered mental status. You suspect:
A) snake bite. B) bee sting. C) food poisoning. D) carbon monoxide poisoning.
D) carbon monoxide poisoning.
21) You are called to the scene of a 21-year-old female patient who is unresponsive. Her boyfriend suspects that she tried to commit suicide by overdosing on her depression medications. The patient is unresponsive to painful stimuli, with agonal respirations, and has vomited. She has a weak carotid pulse. After securing the airway and providing oxygen by bag-valve mask, what is the most important question the EMT can ask regarding the medication?
A) How many pills did she take? B) Were the medications new?
C) What medication did she take? D) Why is she on that particular depression medication?
C) What medication did she take?
22) Which of the following is not part of the treatment for a 15-year-old female who has swallowed drain cleaner?
A) Call medical control. B) Administer milk or water.
C) Maintain the airway. D) Administer activated charcoal.
D) Administer activated charcoal.
23) Which of the following is a trade name for activated charcoal?
A) Actifed B) Charcoal C) Actidose D) Mesquite
C) Actidose
24) Which patient would most likely benefit from the administration of activated charcoal?
A) Alert 16-year-old female who overdosed on Tylenol®
B) 48-year-old man who attempted suicide by drinking Drano®
C) Unresponsive 28-year-old female who overdosed on sleeping pills
D) 28-year-old male who is suffering from food poisoning after eating eggs contaminated with salmonella
A) Alert 16-year-old female who overdosed on Tylenol®
25) Which patient would most likely benefit from the administration of activated charcoal?
A) 18-year-old patient who is passed out from drinking too much beer
B) 45-year-old patient suffering from insecticide poisoning
C) 14-year-old female who overdoses on her grandfather’s cardiac medication
D) 8-year-boy who has a headache from carbon monoxide poisoning
C) 14-year-old female who overdoses on her grandfather’s cardiac medication
26) Why would an EMT give activated charcoal to a patient who overdosed on a medication?
A) Activated charcoal is the antidote to medication poisoning.
B) Activated charcoal prevents the patient from vomiting.
C) Activated charcoal coats the intestinal tract, preventing absorption by the body.
D) Activated charcoal binds to the medication, preventing absorption by the body.
D) Activated charcoal binds to the medication, preventing absorption by the body.
27) Your patient is a 17-year-old male who is spitting and coughing after swallowing some gasoline while siphoning from a gas tank. Which of the following should you do first?
A) Administer syrup of ipecac. B) Insert a Combitube or another blind insertion device, if you are trained to do so.
C) Have the patient drink a glass of milk. D) Contact medical control.
D) Contact medical control.
28) Your patient is a 3-year-old female who has taken an unknown quantity of aspirin. She is conscious and alert. Which of the following orders is likely to be given by medical control?
A) Administer one to two glasses of milk. B) Administer activated charcoal.
C) Induce vomiting by placing your finger in the child’s throat. D) Administer syrup of ipecac.
B) Administer activated charcoal.
29) Your patient is a 7-year-old male who ate an unknown type of mushroom on a dare by his friends. You should ask all of the following questions except:
A) When did you eat the mushroom? B) Are there any more of the mushrooms?
C) Why did you eat the mushroom? D) How much did you eat?
C) Why did you eat the mushroom?
30) Your patient is a 38-year-old male who has taken an overdose of several different medications and has consumed some household cleaning agents as well. On your arrival, the patient only responds to painful stimuli and has a heart rate of 90 beats per minute with a respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute. Medical control orders you to give the patient two to three glasses of milk to drink to dilute the contents of the stomach. Which of the following actions should you do?
A) Assist the patient in drinking only one glass of milk to reduce the risk of aspiration.
B) Ask medical control if you can substitute water for the milk since water will not damage the lungs if aspirated.
C) Refuse the order and explain why.
D) Assist the patient in drinking as much of the two to three glasses of milk as he can.
C) Refuse the order and explain why.
31) Your patient is a 3-year-old male with a stoma in his neck to assist his breathing. The patient has swallowed a household cleaner. Medical direction gives you an order for milk to dilute the stomach contents. Which of the following is the correct way of carrying out this order?
A) Administer one glass of milk through the stoma. B) Have the patient drink one glass of milk.
C) Have the patient drink a glass of milk while you plug the stoma to prevent leakage.
D) Refuse the order and explain why.
B) Have the patient drink one glass of milk.
32) Which of the following statements regarding syrup of ipecac is not true?
A) It has an immediate action. B) It can cause a patient to aspirate stomach contents into the lungs.
C) It removes only about one-third of stomach contents. D) It causes vomiting in all patients with a single dose.
A) It has an immediate action.
33) When a poison attaches to the chemical structure of activated charcoal, which of the following best describes this mechanism of action?
A) Absorption B) Inactivation C) Incorporation D) Adsorption
D) Adsorption
34) Regarding activated charcoal, which of the following is not true?
A) Ingestion of strong acids or alkalis is a contraindication to its use.
B) It is an antidote to many poisons.
C) It can reduce the amount of poison absorbed by the gastrointestinal system.
D) It does not work on all poisons.
B) It is an antidote to many poisons.
35) Which of the following substances may be ordered by medical control to dilute a poison?
A) Milk of magnesia or magnesium citrate B) Milk or water
C) Milk or milk of magnesia D) Water with syrup of ipecac
B) Milk or water
36) Your patient is a conscious 16-year-old female who has ingested an unknown number of sleeping pills. Which of the following questions is least pertinent to the care of this patient?
A) How much do you weigh? B) Who do these sleeping pills belong to?
C) Over what period of time did you take the pills? D) Has anyone tried to treat you with anything?
B) Who do these sleeping pills belong to?
37) You are called to the residence of a 78-year-old widow who lives alone with no children. She was found by neighbors on the floor of the living room. She has fallen and fractured her left humerus. She is disoriented and responds to verbal stimuli only. She has a blood pressure of 78/40 and a pulse of 48. She has a history of high blood pressure and takes medication for it. She also takes medication for high cholesterol and a medication to slow down a fast heart rate. Emergency Medical Responders find the medication bottles in the medicine cabinet and they are empty. Your partner suspects that she overdosed on her medications. Do you agree or disagree?
A) Agree. The vital signs agree with this hypothesis.
B) Disagree. The patient’s vital signs are related to her broken arm.
C) Agree. It is obvious that the broken arm is causing the decreased heart rate.
D) Disagree. The vital signs indicate that she has not taken her medication in several days.
A) Agree. The vital signs agree with this hypothesis.
38) Why should an EMT utilize a local poison control center in managing a poisoning patient?
A) It places any legal liability on the poison control center.
B) They can activate a specialty team to come and treat the patient.
C) It prevents the EMT from having to do training on poisons.
D) They can assist in finding out important information about the poison.
D) They can assist in finding out important information about the poison.
39) Your patient is a conscious 4-year-old female who has ingested a medication prescribed for her grandfather. To determine appropriate treatment, which of the following information is not necessary to provide to medical control?
A) Patient’s weight and the amount of medication taken
B) Patient’s vital signs and the time the medication was taken
C) Any home remedies attempted by the patient’s family
D) Grandfather’s name and the name of the physician who prescribed the medication
D) Grandfather’s name and the name of the physician who prescribed the medication
40) Which of the following is the best initial intervention for a patient who has inhaled a poison?
A) Provide plenty of fresh air and monitor pulse oximetry readings.
B) Perform abdominal thrusts to clear the airway, followed by high-concentration oxygen.
C) Transport in a position of comfort and provide oxygen for patients with a decreased level of consciousness.
D) Provide a patent airway, ventilation, and high-concentration oxygen.
D) Provide a patent airway, ventilation, and high-concentration oxygen.
41) Which of the following is the most important means of managing a patient who has inhaled a poison, after the airway has been established?
A) Hyperventilation B) High concentrations of oxygen
C) Monitoring pulse oximetry D) Administering a specific antidote
B) High concentrations of oxygen
42) Smoke inhalation can result in all of the following except:
A) carbon monoxide poisoning. B) cardiac arrest. C) lung contusion. D) respiratory arrest.
C) lung contusion.
43) Your patient is an 18-year-old male who fell into a neighbor’s swimming pool but was pulled out by bystanders. The neighbors report that the patient wandered into their yard and that he said he had a “funny numb feeling” in his head and his chest hurt before stumbling into the pool. As you are performing CPR, you notice that the mucous membranes in his mouth and nose are swollen. Which of the following would account for the patient’s behavior and current condition? A) Volatile chemicals B) GHB C) Methamphetamine D) Carbon monoxide poisoning
A) Volatile chemicals
44) What clinical finding is most suggestive of an inhaled poison?
A) Altered mental status B) Tachypnea C) Black-colored sputum D) Swollen tongue
C) Black-colored sputum
45) When a substance enters the body through unbroken skin, it has entered the body by which of the following routes? A) Absorption B) Ingestion C) Injection D) Consumption
A) Absorption
46) Your patient is a 48-year-old male who has been exposed to a toxic powder that can be absorbed through the skin. Which of the following measures should be taken by the EMT?
A) Wipe the powder away with a damp cloth.
B) Brush off the powder and flush the patient’s skin with a solution of baking soda and water.
C) Flush the patient’s skin with copious amounts of water.
D) Brush off the powder and flush the patient’s skin with copious amounts of water.
D) Brush off the powder and flush the patient’s skin with copious amounts of water.
47) Your patient has come in contact with a strong acid substance. Using an alkaline solution to treat the patient may result in which of the following?
A) Production of heat when the acid and alkali interact B) Further damage to the patient’s tissues
C) Neutralization of the acid substance D) All of the above
D) All of the above
48) A patient has a dry powder poison covering both upper extremities and chest. You should:
A) cover the patient’s arms with a burn sheet to preserve the powder for the emergency room.
B) immediately wash the powder off to prevent further exposure.
C) brush the powder off and irrigate the contaminated area with large amounts of water.
D) flush the area with large amounts of water and then brush the remaining poison off.
C) brush the powder off and irrigate the contaminated area with large amounts of water.
49) Immediate effects of alcohol are due to effects on which body system?
A) Respiratory system B) Gastrointestinal system C) Central nervous system D) Cardiovascular system
C) Central nervous system
50) Which of the following effects may occur due to chronic abuse of alcohol?
A) Abnormal blood sugar levels B) Poor nutrition C) Potential for gastrointestinal bleeding D) All of the above
D) All of the above
51) Which of the following is an injury that commonly occurs in alcoholic patients with even minor head injuries?
A) Subdural hematoma B) Concussion C) Intracerebral hematoma D) Skull fracture
A) Subdural hematoma
52) Your patient is a 50-year-old female with a history of alcoholism. She is found unresponsive in bed by her son. Which of the following possibilities should you keep in mind during your assessment?
A) Low blood sugar B) Head injury C) Heart attack D) All of the above
D) All of the above
53) Which of the following conditions can mimic the signs of alcohol intoxication?
A) Epilepsy B) Head injuries C) Diabetes D) All of the above
D) All of the above
54) Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse include all of the following except:
A) swaying and unsteadiness of movement. B) confusion.
C) nausea and vomiting. D) an acetone or ketone odor to the breath.
D) an acetone or ketone odor to the breath.
55) Which of the following is a sign or symptom of withdrawal from alcohol?
A) Seizures B) Sweating C) Hallucinations D) All of the above
D) All of the above
56) You are treating a 61-year-old who is a chronic alcohol abuser. He is complaining of “snakes slithering around his ankles,” and he tells you that he had only two drinks tonight. You notice that he is sweating, trembling, and anxious. Before you can complete your assessment, he begins to have a seizure. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this situation?
A) The patient could not find an alcoholic beverage and drank antifreeze instead.
B) The patient is suffering from alcohol withdrawal.
C) The patient drank mouthwash instead of beverage alcohol.
D) The patient is suffering from acute alcohol poisoning.
B) The patient is suffering from alcohol withdrawal.
57) You respond to the county jail for a 48-year-old inmate arrested two days ago for public intoxication. Guards state the patient is a known alcoholic and “frequent flier.” The guards state that for several hours the patient was “acting crazy” and seeing “bugs on the walls.” The patient then began seizing and they called for an ambulance. You notice the patient is no longer seizing, diaphoretic, or confused. What condition do you suspect?
A) Acute episode of paranoid schizophrenia B) Alcohol poisoning
C) LSD abuse D) Delirium tremens
D) Delirium tremens
58) When a chemical substance is taken for reasons other than therapeutic use, this action is called:
A) tolerance. B) psychological dependence. C) substance abuse. D) addiction.
C) substance abuse.
59) Which of the following types of drugs may induce sleep or stupor?
A) Tranquilizers B) Narcotics C) Hallucinogens D) Both A and B
D) Both A and B
60) Barbiturates may be referred to as which of the following?
A) Downers B) Meth C) Acid D) Uppers
A) Downers
61) OxyContin is an example of which of the following types of drugs?
A) Narcotic B) Antidepressant C) Appetite suppressant D) Barbiturate
A) Narcotic
62) Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an example of which of the following types of drugs?
A) Cannabis B) Stimulant C) Volatile spirit D) Depressant
D) Depressant
63) The opioid triad includes all of the following except:
A) hypertension. B) pinpoint pupils. C) coma. D) respiratory depression.
A) hypertension.
64) Cleaning fluid, glue, and model cement are common examples of which of the following?
A) Hallucinogens B) Narcotics C) Volatile chemicals D) Roofies
C) Volatile chemicals
65) The drug ecstasy is classified as what type of drug?
A) Depressant B) Hallucinogen C) Barbiturate D) Tranquilizer
B) Hallucinogen
66) You respond to assist law enforcement with a 35-year-old male patient who, according to them, is “high as a kite.” The patient is anxious, tachycardic, and angry. What condition do you suspect?
A) GHB overdose B) Marijuana overdose C) Alcohol overdose D) Cocaine overdose
D) Cocaine overdose
67) Your patient is a 23-year-old male who is unresponsive in the restroom of a bar. His respirations are slow and shallow, he has a heart rate of 50 beats per minute, he is sweating profusely, and he has constricted pupils. Which of the following substances is most likely responsible for the patient’s condition?
A) Heroin B) Ecstasy C) LSD D) PCP
A) Heroin
68) A patient who has abused “uppers” will display which of the following signs and symptoms?
A) Dilated pupils, excessive salivation, and food cravings B) Excessive talkativeness, dilated pupils, and dry mouth
C) Constricted pupils, hypotension, and blurred vision D) Slurred speech, constricted pupils, and frequent urination
B) Excessive talkativeness, dilated pupils, and dry mouth
70) You are called to the scene of a 17-year-old female patient who is unresponsive. Her mother suspects that she tried to commit suicide by taking her pain pills. The patient is unresponsive to painful stimuli, has agonal respirations, and has vomited. She has a weak carotid pulse. After securing the airway and providing oxygen by bag-valve mask, what is your next action?
A) Perform a secondary assessment of the patient. B) Ask the mother the name of her pain medication.
C) Question the mother about the patient’s suicidal tendencies. D) Perform a focused assessment.
A) Perform a secondary assessment of the patient.
69) You are called to the scene of a 14-year-old female patient who is unresponsive. Her mother states she has been teased and bullied at school and she suspects that she tried to commit suicide by taking her pain pills. The patient is unresponsive to painful stimuli, with agonal respirations, and has vomited. She has a weak carotid pulse. Your first action is to:
A) administer oxygen by bag-valve mask (BVM). B) administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask (NRB).
C) administer an oropharyngeal airway (OPA). D) suction the patient’s airway.
D) suction the patient’s airway.
71) What is the most important treatment for a patient who has inhaled a poison?
A) Administer the correct antidote. B) Administer high-concentration oxygen.
C) Administer activated charcoal. D) Administer epinephrine via auto-injector.
B) Administer high-concentration oxygen.
72) You are called to the scene of a local night club for a 21-year-old female patient who is bradycardic and in respiratory arrest. The patient’s airway is patent and the chest easily rises with bag-valve-mask ventilation. The patient’s friends state the patient had only one or two drinks when she suddenly complained of dizziness and “seeing things.” Her friends state that she then passed out, started twitching like she was seizing, and then stopped. Her friends adamantly state that she does not do drugs. What situation do you suspect?
A) Alcohol overdose B) GHB overdose
C) Anaphylactic reaction to the alcoholic drink D) Cocaine overdose
B) GHB overdose
