EMT Mt. SAC Exam 5 (31,32,33,35,36)

Assuming that no obvious signs of intra-abdominal injury are present, which of the following injuries would most likely cause an injury to the liver or spleen to be overlooked?

A. Lumbar spine fracture

B. Pelvic fracture

C. Femur fracture

D. Shoulder fracture

D. shoulder fracture

The mesentery is:

A. a membranous fold that attaches the intestines to the walls of the body.

B. a layer of thick skeletal muscles that protects the abdominal organs.

C. the point of attachment between the small and large intestines.

D. a complex network of blood vessels that supply blood to the liver.

A. a membranous fold that attaches the intestines to the walls of the body

Peritonitis usually occurs when:

A. hollow abdominal organs are damaged and spill their contents.

B. solid abdominal organs bleed secondary to penetrating trauma.

C. bacteria or viruses invade the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.

D. the vessels that supply the abdominal organs become inflamed.

A. hollow abdominal organs are damaged and spill their contents

While assessing a 21-year-old female who struck a tree head-on with her small passenger car, you note that her airbag deployed. You should:

A. extricate her immediately and transport to a trauma center.

B. perform a head-to-toe assessment while she is in the car.

C. carefully assess her upper chest for seatbelt-related injuries.

D. lift the airbag and look for deformity to the steering wheel.

D. lift the airbag and look for deformity to the steering wheel

A 22-year-old male was kicked in the abdomen several times. You find him lying on his left side with his knees drawn up. He is conscious and alert and complains of increased pain and nausea when he tries to straighten his legs. His blood pressure is 142/82 mm Hg, his pulse rate is 110 beats/min and strong, and his respirations are 22 breaths/min and regular. In addition to administering high-flow oxygen, you should:

A. apply full spinal motion restriction precautions.

B. place him supine but allow him to keep his knees bent.

C. keep him on his side but gently straighten his legs.

D. transport him in the position in which you found him.

D. transport him in the position in which you found him

Which of the following statements regarding rebound tenderness is correct?

A. It should be assessed for by vigorously palpating the abdomen.

B. The absence of rebound tenderness rules out intra-abdominal injury.

C. Rebound tenderness is a specific sign found with a spleen injury.

D. It is often discovered when the patient is jarred or moved suddenly.

D. it is often discovered when the patient is jarred or moved suddenly

Bruising to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen after blunt trauma is most suggestive of injury to the:

A. liver.

B. kidney.

C. spleen.

D. stomach.

A. liver

Contraction or tensing of the abdominal muscles to ease pain is called:

A. referring.

B. withdrawing.

C. flexing.

D. guarding.

D. guarding

Which of the following organs is at most risk for injury as the result of a pelvic fracture?

A. Urinary bladder

B. Liver or spleen

C. Fallopian tubes

D. Pancreas

A. urinary bladder

Difficulty breathing and a sunken appearance of the anterior abdominal wall is mostindicative of a ruptured:

A. aorta.

B. stomach.

C. spleen.

D. diaphragm.

D. diaphragm

Which of the following organs would most likely bleed profusely when injured?

A. Liver

B. Stomach

C. Bladder

D. Intestine

A. liver

Your presence is requested by law enforcement to assess a 33-year-old female who was sexually assaulted. The patient is conscious and obviously upset. As you are talking to her, you note an impressive amount of blood on her clothes in the groin area. Her blood pressure is 98/58 mm Hg, her pulse is 130 beats/min, and her respirations are 24 breaths/min. You should:

A. arrange for a rape crisis center representative to speak with the patient.

B. allow her to change her clothes and take a shower before you transport.

C. visualize the vaginal area and pack the vagina with sterile dressings.

D. control any external bleeding, administer oxygen, and transport at once.

D. control any external bleeding, administer oxygen, and transport at once

You are transporting a patient with blunt abdominal trauma. The patient is unstable and is experiencing obvious signs and symptoms of shock. Your estimated time of arrival at the hospital is less than 10 minutes. After treating the patient appropriately, you should:

A. closely monitor him and reassess him frequently.

B. forgo the hospital radio report because of his condition.

C. begin documenting the call on the patient care form.

D. perform a comprehensive secondary assessment.

A. closely monitor him and reasses him frequently

Compression injuries to the abdomen that occur during a motor vehicle crash are typically the result of:

A. a poorly placed lap belt.

B. airbag deployment.

C. rapid vehicle deceleration.

D. failure to wear seat belts.

A. a poorly placed lap belt

The presence of tachycardia following a significant abdominal injury:

A. indicates a state of decompensated shock.

B. is most commonly caused by severe pain.

C. should be assumed to be a sign of shock.

D. is always accompanied by hypotension.

C. should be assumed to be a sign of shock

Accumulation of blood in the abdominal cavity will most likely cause:

A. distention.

B. referred pain.

C. nausea or vomiting.

D. diffuse bruising.

A. distention

Early bruising following abdominal trauma often manifests as:

A. dark purple marks.

B. red areas of skin.

C. localized pain.

D. gross distention.

B. red areas of skin

When worn properly, a seat belt should lie:

A. below the anterior superior iliac spines of the pelvis and against the hip joints.

B. above the anterior posterior iliac spines of the pelvis and below the hip joints.

C. across the abdominal wall at the level of the umbilicus and against the hip joints.

D. across the abdominal wall at the level of the diaphragm and below the hip joints.

A. below the anterior superior iliac spines of the pelvis and agains the hip joints

A 40-year-old male presents with severe abdominal pain after blunt trauma. He is diaphoretic, intensely thirsty, and has a weak and rapid pulse. Appropriate treatment for this patient includes all of the following, except:

A. giving him small sips of plain water.

B. promptly transporting him to the hospital.

C. covering him with a warm blanket.

D. administering supplemental oxygen.

A. giving him small sips of plain water

A 20-year-old male was accidentally shot in the right upper abdominal quadrant with an arrow during an archery contest. Prior to your arrival, the patient removed the arrow. Your assessment reveals that he is conscious and alert with stable vital signs. The entrance wound is bleeding minimally and appears to be superficial. You should:

A. clean the wound and apply a dry, sterile dressing.

B. assume that the arrow injured an internal organ.

C. carefully probe the wound to determine its depth.

D. transport only if signs of shock begin to develop.

B. assume that the arrow injured the internal organ

An unresponsive trauma patient has a large open abdominal wound with massive external bleeding. You should:

Select one:

A. open the patient's airway.

B. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

C. ventilate the patient with a bag-mask device.

D. apply direct pressure to the wound.

d apply direct pressure to the wound

Which of the following statements regarding abdominal trauma is correct?

Select one:

A. The absence of abdominal pain does not rule out intra-abdominal bleeding.

B. The liver is well protected and is rarely injured during a traumatic event.

C. Hollow abdominal organs are vascular and bleed profusely when injured.

D. Most of the vital abdominal organs lie within the retroperitoneal space.

a the absence of abdominal pain does not rule out intra-abomdinal bleeding

You are dispatched to a residence for a young female who was kicked in the abdomen. While en route to the scene, you should ask the dispatcher if:

Select one:

A. there are other patients involved.

B. the severity of the injury is known.

C. the patient is conscious.

D. law enforcement is at the scene.

d law enforcement is at the scene

A football player was struck by another player in the right flank area just below the posterior rib cage. He complains of severe pain and point tenderness to the area. Your assessment reveals that there is a small amount of blood in his underwear. You should be most suspicious for:

Select one:

A. external genitalia injury.

B. blunt injury to the kidney.

C. a ruptured urinary bladder.

D. a lacerated liver or spleen.

b blunt injury to the kidney

A man has a large laceration across his lower abdominal wall and a loop of bowel is protruding from the wound. He is conscious and alert and there is minimal bleeding from the wound. You should:

Select one:

A. cover the exposed bowel with a moist sterile dressing and then secure it in place with a dry bandage.

B. gently irrigate the exposed bowel with sterile saline and then cover the wound with a dry sterile dressing.

C. make one attempt to replace the bowel back into the abdomen and then cover the wound with a sterile dressing.

D. cover the bowel with a dry sterile dressing, elevate his lower extremities, and cover him with a blanket.

A. cover the exposed bowel with a moist sterile dressing and then secure it in place with a dry bandage.

When a hollow organ is punctured during a penetrating injury to the abdomen:

Select one:

A. peritonitis might not develop for several hours.

B. it commonly protrudes through the injury site.

C. the abdomen will become instantly distended.

D. it will bleed profusely and rapidly cause shock.

A. peritonitis might not develop for several hours

All of the following are hollow abdominal organs, except the:

Select one:

A. bladder.

B. spleen.

C. stomach.

D. ureters.

B. spleen.

A 66-year-old male presents with dark red rectal bleeding and abdominal pain. He is conscious and alert; however, his skin is cool and clammy and his pulse is rapid. Further assessment reveals that his blood pressure is 112/60 mm Hg. Which of the following questions would be most pertinent to ask him?

Select one:

A. Has blood soaked through your undergarments?

B. Have you experienced recent abdominal trauma?

C. What does your blood pressure normally run?

D. Do you take any over-the-counter medications?

B. Have you experienced recent abdominal trauma?

A sign of kidney damage after blunt trauma is:

Select one:

A. hemoptysis.

B. hematuria.

C. hematochezia.

D. hematemesis.

B. hematuria.

Which of the following statements regarding abdominal eviscerations is correct?

Select one:

A. The organs should be replaced carefully to avoid heat loss.

B. Most eviscerations occur to the left upper quadrant.

C. The protruding organs should be kept warm and moist.

D. Adherent material is preferred when covering an evisceration.

C. The protruding organs should be kept warm and moist.

A 54-year-old male experienced an avulsion to his penis when his foreskin got caught in the zipper of his pants. He was able to unzip his pants and remove the foreskin prior to your arrival. Your assessment reveals that he is in severe pain and that the avulsion is bleeding moderately. The most appropriate treatment for this patient includes:

Select one:

A. requesting a paramedic to administer pain medication.

B. covering the avulsion with moist, sterile dressings.

C. applying direct pressure with a dry, sterile dressing.

D. administering 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

C. applying direct pressure with a dry, sterile dressing.

You are transporting a 42-year-old male who experienced blunt abdominal trauma. He is receiving oxygen at 12 L/min via a nonrebreathing mask, and full spinal precautions have been applied. During your reassessment, you note his level of consciousness has decreased and his respirations have become shallow. You should:

Select one:

A. insert an airway adjunct if he will tolerate it and begin assisting his ventilations with a bag valve mask.

B. reassess his vital signs and then notify the receiving hospital of the change in his clinical status.

C. suction his oropharynx to ensure it is clear of secretions and then increase the oxygen flow rate to 15 L/min.

D. perform a comprehensive secondary assessment to determine why his clinical status has changed.

A. insert an airway adjunct if he will tolerate it and begin assisting his ventilations with a bag valve mask.

During your assessment of a patient who experienced blunt trauma to the abdomen, you notice bruising around the umbilicus. This is a sign of:

Select one:

A. rupture of a hollow organ.

B. a ruptured spleen.

C. intra-abdominal bleeding.

D. a severe liver laceration.

C. intra-abdominal bleeding.

When documenting a call involving a female patient who was sexually assaulted, the EMT should:

Select one:

A. avoid speculation and document only factual data.

B. theorize as to why the sexual assault occurred.

C. include a description of the suspected perpetrator.

D. include the results of the internal vaginal exam.

A. avoid speculation and document only factual data.

Because the depth of an open abdominal wound is often difficult to determine:

Select one:

A. prompt transport to the hospital is essential.

B. vital signs should be monitored frequently.

C. the EMT must perform a thorough exam.

D. the abdomen must be vigorously palpated.

A. prompt transport to the hospital is essential.

Placing a pregnant patient in a supine position during the third trimester of pregnancy:

Select one:

A. might decrease the amount of blood that returns to the heart.

B. often causes hypotension secondary to cardiac compression.

C. is recommended if the patient has severe abdominal discomfort.

D. results in spontaneous urinary incontinence if the bladder is full.

A. might decrease the amount of blood that returns to the heart.

Which of the following organs is at most risk for injury as the result of a pelvic fracture?

Select one:

A. Pancreas

B. Fallopian tubes

C. Urinary bladder

D. Liver or spleen

C. Urinary bladder

Which of the following statements regarding rebound tenderness is correct?

Select one:

A. The absence of rebound tenderness rules out intra-abdominal injury.

B. It should be assessed for by vigorously palpating the abdomen.

C. It is often discovered when the patient is jarred or moved suddenly.

D. Rebound tenderness is a specific sign found with a spleen injury.

C. It is often discovered when the patient is jarred or moved suddenly.

The mesentery is:

Select one:

A. the point of attachment between the small and large intestines.

B. a layer of thick skeletal muscles that protects the abdominal organs.

C. a complex network of blood vessels that supply blood to the liver.

D. a membranous fold that attaches the intestines to the walls of the body.

D. a membranous fold that attaches the intestines to the walls of the body.

A 40-year-old male presents with severe abdominal pain after blunt trauma. He is diaphoretic, intensely thirsty, and has a weak and rapid pulse. Appropriate treatment for this patient includes all of the following, except:

Select one:

A. promptly transporting him to the hospital.

B. giving him small sips of plain water.

C. administering supplemental oxygen.

D. covering him with a warm blanket.

B. giving him small sips of plain water.

If a dislocated shoulder has spontaneously reduced before your arrival, the only way to confirm the injury is by noting:

A. distal circulation.

B. the presence of deformity.

C. bruising to the shoulder.

D. the patient history.

D. the patient history

A 22-year-old female was ejected from her car after striking a tree head-on. As you approach her, you note obvious closed deformities to both of her femurs. She is not moving and does not appear to be conscious. You should:

A. administer oxygen and perform a rapid assessment.

B. assess for a carotid pulse and assist her ventilations.

C. apply manual stabilization to both of her femurs.

D. stabilize her head and perform a primary assessment.

D. stabilize her head and perform a primary assessment

A person who experiences a calcaneus fracture after jumping and landing on his or her feet would most likely experience an accompanying fracture of the:

A. coccygeal spine.

B. lumbar spine.

C. thoracic spine.

D. symphysis pubis

B. lumbar spine

A "hip" fracture is actually a fracture of the:

A. proximal femur.

B. pelvic girdle.

C. pubic symphysis.

D. femoral shaft.

A. proximal femur

Care for a patient with a fractured tibia and suspected compartment syndrome includes:

A. immobilizing the leg with an air splint.

B. applying traction to maintain distal pulses.

C. applying chemical hot packs to the leg.

D. keeping the leg at the level of the heart.

D. keeping the leg at the level of the heart

In moving joints, the ends of the bones are covered with:

A. synovial tendons.

B. articular cartilage.

C. gliding cartilage.

D. muscular fascia.

B. articular cartilage

Bone marrow produces:

A. blood cells.

B. lymphocytes.

C. electrolytes.

D. platelets.

A. blood cells

In which of the following situations should the EMT splint an injured limb in the position of deformity?

A. If a traction splint will be used to immobilize the injured extremity

B. When distal circulation and neurological functions are absent

C. If resistance is encountered or the patient experiences severe pain

D. If transport time to the hospital is greater than 20 to 30 minutes

C. if resistance is encountered or the patient experiences severe pain

A 76-year-old male experienced sudden pain to his left thigh when he was standing in line at the grocery store. Your assessment reveals ecchymosis and deformity to the distal aspect of his left femur, just above the knee. Distal circulation and sensory and motor functions are intact. You should:

A. apply a traction splint to realign the deformity.

B. bind the legs together and elevate them six feet to eight feet.

C. flex the knee slightly and apply a formable splint.

D. apply padded board splints to both sides of the leg.

D. apply padded board splints to both sides of the leg

The most reliable indicator of an underlying fracture is:

A. severe swelling.

B. obvious bruising.

C. point tenderness.

D. guarding.

C. point tenderness

An open fracture is most accurately defined as a fracture in which:

A. a bullet or other projectile shatters the underlying bone.

B. fractured bone ends protrude through the skin.

C. the bone is broken but does not penetrate the skin.

D. an external wound is present over the fracture site.

D. an external wound is present over the fracture site

Applying ice to and elevating an injured extremity are performed to:

A. reduce pain and swelling.

B. prevent further injury.

C. enhance tissue circulation.

D. maintain extremity perfusion.

A. reduce pain and swelling

During your secondary assessment of a 30-year-old male who fell 25 feet, you note crepitus when palpating his pelvis. Your partner advises you that the patient's blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg, and his heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak. After completing your assessment, you should:

A. perform a focused physical exam with emphasis on the pelvis.

B. defer spinal immobilization and transport to a trauma center.

C. log roll the patient onto a long backboard and transport at once.

D. stabilize the pelvis with a pelvic binder and protect the spine.

D. stabilize the pelvis with a pelvic binder and protect the spine

The most common and significant complication associated with fractures or dislocations of the knee is:

A. internal bleeding and shock.

B. total depletion of synovial fluid.

C. ligament and cartilage damage.

D. neurovascular compromise.

D. neurovascular compromise

The pectoral girdle consists of the:

A. sternum and scapulae.

B. clavicles and rib cage.

C. scapulae and clavicles.

D. acromion and clavicles.

C. scapulae and clavicles

Skeletal muscle is also referred to as __________ muscle.

A. involuntary

B. smooth

C. connective

D. striated

D. striated

Which of the following statements regarding shoulder dislocations is correct?

A. They are caused by forced arm adduction.

B. Posterior dislocations are most common.

C. They involve the acromion process and humerus.

D. Most shoulder dislocations occur anteriorly.

D. most shoulders dislocations occur anteriorly

A ____________ is a musculoskeletal injury in which there is partial or temporary separation of the bone ends as well as partial stretching or tearing of the supporting ligaments.

A. Dislocation

B. Sprain

C. Fracture

D. Strain

B. sprain

You and your partner are preparing to apply a traction splint to a patient's deformed thigh. As you apply manual traction, the patient resists your efforts and states that the pain is getting worse. You should:

A. flex the knee and place a pillow under the thigh.

B. stop and splint the leg in the deformed position.

C. assess distal pulses and continue pulling traction.

D. gently massage the thigh muscles to relax them.

B. stop and splint the leg in the deformed position

The disruption of a joint in which the bone ends are no longer in contact is called a:

A. sprain.

B. dislocation.

C. fracture.

D. strain.

B. dislocation

Traction splints primarily immobilize and secure fractures of the:

A. humerus.

B. femur.

C. hip.

D. pelvis.

B, femur

Common signs and symptoms of a sprain include all of the following, except:

A. swelling.

B. deformity.

C. guarding.

D. ecchymosis.

B, deformity

In general, musculoskeletal injuries should be splinted before moving the patient unless:

Select one:

A. deformity and swelling are present.

B. the patient is clinically unstable.

C. transport time is less than 15 minutes.

D. the patient is in severe pain.

B the patient is clinically unstable

When splinting a possible fracture of the foot, it is most important for the EMT to:

Select one:

A. leave the toes exposed.

B. observe for tissue swelling.

C. apply a pneumatic splint.

D. use a pillow as a splint.

a. leave the toes exposed

A 17-year-old female dislocated her patella while playing soccer. Her knee is flexed, and she complains of severe pain. You should:

Select one:

A. make one attempt to return the patella to its normal position.

B. gently straighten her knee and apply a padded board splint.

C. flex her knee slightly more and assess for distal circulation.

D. keep her knee flexed and secure it with padded board splints.

D. keep her knee flexed and secure it with padded baord splints

Which of the following fractures has the greatest potential for internal blood loss and shock?

Select one:

A. Hip

B. Femur

C. Humerus

D. Pelvis

D pelvis

Which of the following joints allows no motion?

Select one:

A. Sacroiliac joint

B. Skull sutures

C. Shoulder joint

D. Sternoclavicular joint

B skull sutures

A 31-year-old male fell and landed on his left elbow. Your assessment reveals that the elbow is grossly deformed, his forearm is cool and pale, and the distal pulse is barely palpable. His vital signs are stable, and he denies any other injuries. Your transport time to the closest appropriate hospital is approximately 12 minutes. You should:

Select one:

A. gently straighten the elbow and apply an air splint.

B. splint the elbow in the position found and transport.

C. gently manipulate the elbow to improve circulation.

D. apply a heat pack to the elbow to reduce swelling.

b splint the elbow in the position found and transport

Which of the following musculoskeletal injuries would most likely result in deformity?

Select one:

A. Displaced fracture

B. Severe strain

C. Moderate sprain

D. Hairline fracture

a displaced fracture

Which of the following statements regarding striated muscle is correct?

Select one:

A. Most of the body's striated muscle is found within the walls of the blood vessels.

B. Striated muscle is involuntary because you have no conscious control over it.

C. Striated muscle tissue is attached directly to the bones by tough bands of cartilage.

D. It forms the major muscle mass of the body and usually crosses at least one joint.

D it forms the major muscle amss of the body and usually crosses at least one joint

A supracondylar or intercondylar fracture is also known as a fracture of the:

Select one:

A. proximal radius.

B. radial head.

C. distal humerus.

D. olecranon process.

c distal humerus

Which of the following musculoskeletal injuries would pose the greatest threat to a patient's life?

Select one:

A. Bilateral femur fractures

B. Pelvic fracture with hypotension

C. An amputated extremity

D. Nondisplaced long bone fractures

b pelvic fracture with hypotension

A 30-year-old man complains of severe pain to his right tibia after an injury that occurred the day before. The patient's leg is pale, and he is unable to move his foot. The EMT should suspect that:

Select one:

A. a severe infection has developed in the muscle.

B. the nerves supplying the foot have been severed.

C. the nerves behind the knee are compromised.

D. pressure in the fascial compartment is elevated.

d pressure in the fascial compartment is elevated

Of the following musculoskeletal injuries, which is the least severe?

Select one:

A. Nondisplaced pelvic fracture

B. Open fractures of a long bone

C. Multiple closed long bone fractures

D. An amputation of an extremity

a nondisplaced pelvic fracture

A 45-year-old female was the unrestrained passenger of a small car that rear-ended another vehicle at a moderate rate of speed. She is conscious and alert but complains of pain to both of her knees. There is visible damage to the dashboard on the passenger's side of the vehicle. In addition to fractures or dislocations of the knees, you should be mostsuspicious for:

Select one:

A. a thoracic spine fracture.

B. fracture of the tibia or fibula.

C. posterior hip dislocation.

D. anterior hip dislocation.

c posterior hip dislocation

Which of the following scenarios is an example of a direct injury?

Select one:

A. A skier dislocates his knee after a twisting injury to the ankle.

B. A child dislocates his elbow after falling on his outstretched arm.

C. A person lands on his or her feet and fractures the lumbar spine.

D. A passenger fractures her patella after it strikes the dashboard.

d a passenger fractures her patella after its strikes the dashboard

Bones are connected to other bones by bands of tough fibrous tissues called:

Select one:

A. tendons.

B. bursa.

C. ligaments.

D. cartilage.

c ligaments

When assessing a patient with a possible fracture of the leg, the EMT should:

Select one:

A. compare it to the uninjured leg.

B. carefully move it to elicit crepitus.

C. ask the patient to move the injured leg.

D. assess proximal circulation.

a compare it to the uninjured leg

Crepitus and false motion are:

Select one:

A. indicators of a severe sprain.

B. positive indicators of a fracture.

C. most common with dislocations.

D. only seen with open fractures.

b positive indicators of a fracture

The most commonly fractured bone(s) in the body is the:

Select one:

A. midshaft femur.

B. scapula.

C. clavicle.

D. radius and ulna.

c clavicle

You and your partner respond to a park where several people were reportedly struck by lightning. When you arrive, you find three patients. The first patient is lying supine on the ground; he is unresponsive and does not appear to be breathing. The second patient is ambulatory, appears confused, and is holding his arm against his chest. The third patient is sitting on the ground holding the sides of his head. After calling for backup, you should:

A. recognize that the patients who are conscious are at high risk for developing cardiac arrest and quickly assess them for potentially life-threatening injuries.

B. assess the unresponsive patient's pulse, begin CPR starting with chest compressions if he is pulseless, and attach the automated external defibrillator as soon as possible.

C. focus your initial treatment efforts on the patients who are conscious because the unresponsive patient is likely in irreversible cardiac arrest.

D. immediately begin CPR on the unresponsive patient, but cease resuscitation efforts if there is no response after five minutes of treatment.

B. assess the unresponsive patient's pulse, begin CPR starting with chest compressions if he is pulseless, and attach the automated external defibrillator as soon as possible

You are transporting a 28-year-old man with a frostbitten foot. The patient's vital signs are stable, and he denies any other injuries or symptoms. The weather is treacherous, and your transport time to the hospital is approximately 45 minutes. During transport, you should:

A. administer oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

B. rewarm his foot in 102°F to 104°F (38.9°C to 40°C) water.

C. protect the affected part from further injury.

D. cover his foot with chemical heat compresses.

C. protect the affected part from further injury

Your assessment of a 23-year-old female reveals a core body temperature of 93.4°F (34°C). She is conscious, answers your questions appropriately, is shivering, and complains of nausea. Her skin is cold and pale, her muscles appear rigid, and her respirations are rapid. You should:

A. apply the automated external defibrillator in case she develops cardiopulmonary arrest, cover her with layers of blankets, and transport carefully.

B. place heat packs to her groin, axillae, and behind her neck; cover her with warm blankets; and avoid rough handling.

C. sit her up and give her small sips of warm water to drink, place heat packs to her axillae and groin, and cover her with blankets.

D. cover her with warm blankets and let her move about on the stretcher to generate body heat and increase her temperature.

B. place heat packs to her groin, axillae, and behind her neck; cover her with warm blankets; and avoid rough handling

Which of the following statements regarding drowning is correct?

A. Artificial ventilations can easily be performed in patients with a laryngospasm.

B. Patients with a submersion injury might deteriorate rapidly because of pulmonary injury and cerebral hypoxia.

C. Hypoxia in the drowning victim initially occurs due to water in the lungs.

D. Large amounts of water enter the lungs in a small number of drowning victims.

B. Patients with a submersion injury might deteriorate rapidly because of pulmonary injury and cerebral hypoxia

An air embolism associated with diving occurs when:

A. high water pressure forces air into the mediastinum.

B. the alveoli completely collapse due to high pressure.

C. the diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent.

D. the diver hyperventilates prior to entering the water.

C. the diver holds his or her breath during a rapid ascent

A person's ability to shiver is lost when his or her body temperature falls below:

A. 92°F (33°C).

B. 94°F (34°C).

C. 95°F (35°C).

D. 90°F (32°C).

D. 90ºF (32ºC)

To obtain the most accurate reading of a patient's core body temperature, you should place a special hypothermia thermometer:

A. under the patient's armpit.

B. into the patient's rectum.

C. under the patient's tongue.

D. behind the patient's knee.

B. into the patient's rectum

Burns associated with lightning strikes are typically:

A. partial-thickness.

B. superficial.

C. third-degree.

D. full-thickness.

B. superficial

You are dispatched to a local high school track and field event for a 16-year-old male who fainted. The outside temperature is approximately 95°F (35°C) with high humidity. Upon your arrival, the patient is conscious, alert, and complains of nausea and a headache. His skin is cool, clammy, and pale. You should:

A. apply chemical ice packs to his axillae.

B. give him a liquid salt solution to drink.

C. move him into the cooled ambulance.

D. administer 100% supplemental oxygen.

C. move him into the cooled ambulance

The transfer of heat to circulating air, such as when cool air moves across the body's surface, is called:

A. convection.

B. radiation.

C. conduction.

D. evaporation.

A. convection

Heat loss from the body through respiration occurs when:

A. warm air is exhaled into the atmosphere.

B. cool air is inhaled and displaces warm air.

C. air temperature is greater than body temperature.

D. the core body temperature is greater than 98°F (37°C).

A. warm air is exhaled into the atmosphere

Patients with generalized hypothermia are at an increased risk of a local cold injury because:

A. the major muscles of the body become rigid during hypothermia.

B. peripheral vasodilation brings warm blood to the skin's surface.

C. the patient is usually unable to escape the cold ambient temperature.

D. blood is shunted away from the extremities to the body's core.

D. blood is shunted away from the extremities to the body's core

Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature falls below:

A. 88°F (31°C).

B. 90°F (32°C).

C. 98°F (37°C).

D. 95°F (35°C).

D. 95ºF (35ºC)

Compared to adults, infants and children are at higher risk for hypothermia for all of the following reasons, except:

A. a relatively small surface area.

B. a smaller amount of body fat.

C. a smaller overall muscle mass.

D. a decreased ability to shiver.

A. a relatively small surface area

The venom of a brown recluse spider is cytotoxic, meaning that it:

A. suppresses the respiratory drive.

B. weakens the structure of the bones.

C. destroys the body's red blood cells.

D. causes severe local tissue damage.

D. causes severe local tissue damage

To assess a patient's general body temperature, pull back on your glove and place the back of your hand on his or her skin at the:

A. neck.

B. forehead.

C. abdomen.

D. chest.

C. abdomen

Drowning is most accurately defined as:

A. water in the lungs following submersion in water.

B. temporary survival after submersion in water.

C. death beyond 24 hours after submersion in water.

D. death from suffocation after submersion in water

D. death from suffocation after submersion in water

A 30-year-old male was rescued after being lost in the woods for approximately 18 hours. The outside temperature is 30°F (−1°C). He is immediately placed in the warmed ambulance, where you perform a primary assessment. He is unresponsive, pale, and apneic. You should:

A. open his airway and give two rescue breaths.

B. apply an automated external defibrillator and assess his cardiac rhythm.

C. assess for a carotid pulse for up to 60 seconds.

D. apply chemical heat packs to his groin and axillae.

C. assess for a carotid pulse for up to 60 seconds

A patient with a core body temperature of 95°F (35°C) will most likely experience:

A. muscle stiffness.

B. loss of consciousness.

C. a slow pulse.

D. rapid breathing.

D. rapid breathing

You respond to a local lake where a diver complains of difficulty breathing that occurred immediately after rapidly ascending from a depth of approximately 30 feet. On assessment, you note that he has cyanosis around his lips and pink froth coming from his nose and mouth. You should:

A. suction his mouth and nose, apply high-flow oxygen, monitor the patient's breath sounds for a pneumothorax, and contact medical control regarding transport to a recompression facility.

B. place him in a semi-sitting position, suction his mouth and nose, apply a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, and transport to the closest emergency department.

C. position him supine with his head elevated 30°, suction his mouth and nose, hyperventilate him with a bag-valve mask, and contact medical control for further guidance.

D. suction his mouth and nose, keep him supine and elevate his legs to prevent air bubbles from entering his brain, administer high-flow oxygen, and transport to a hyperbaric chamber.

A. suction his mouth and nose, apply high-flow oxygen, monitor the patient's breath sounds for a pneumothorax, and contact medical control regarding transport to a recompression facility