emt exam 3

During your assessment of a patient who experienced blunt trauma to the abdomen, you notice bruising around the umbilicus. This is a sign of: Answers:
A. intra-abdominal bleeding.
B. a severe liver laceration.
C. rupture of a hollow organ.
D. a ruptured spleen.

A

A patient who presents with profound cyanosis following a chest injury: Answers:
A. is most likely experiencing severe blood loss. B. should be placed in Trendelenburg position. C. requires prompt ventilation and oxygenation. D. has most likely experienced a ruptured aorta.

C

An organ or tissue may be better able to resist damage from hypoperfusion if the: Answers:
A. systolic arterial blood pressure is at least 60 mm Hg. B. heart rate is maintained at more than 100 beats/min. C. body's temperature is considerably less than 98.6°F (37.0°C). D. body's demand for oxygen is markedly increased.

C

The phrenic nerves control the diaphragm and exit the spinal cord at: Answers:
A. C1 and C2. B. C3, C4, and C5. C. C3 and C4. D. C1, C2, and C3.

B

Patients with full-thickness (third-degree) burns generally do not complain of pain because: Answers:
A. subcutaneous vessels are usually clotted. B. the nerve endings have been destroyed. C. blister formation protects the burn. D. they are generally not conscious.

B

In a patient with a head injury, hypertension, bradycardia, and Biot respirations indicate: Answers:
A. herniation of the brain stem. B. internal bleeding in the chest. C. an underlying skull fracture. D. decreased cerebral blood flow.

A

Which of the following is a severe burn in a 2-year-old child? Answers:
A. Superficial burn that covers 25% of the BSA B. Any full-thickness burn, regardless of its location on the body C. Partial-thickness burn that covers 10% of the BSA D. Any burn that involves the arms, legs, or posterior part of the body

B

Which of the following sets of vital signs depicts Cushing triad? Answers:
A. Blood pressure, 200/100 mm Hg; pulse, 140 beats/min; respirations, 28 breaths/min B. Blood pressure, 80/40 mm Hg; pulse, 30 beats/min; respirations, 32 breaths/min C. Blood pressure, 190/110 mm Hg; pulse, 55 beats/min; respirations, 30 breaths/min D. Blood pressure, 90/50 mm Hg; pulse, 120 beats/min; respirations, 10 breaths/min

C

When immobilizing a seated patient with a short backboard or vest-style immobilization device, you should apply a cervical collar: Answers:
A. after the torso has been adequately secured. B. after assessing distal neurovascular functions. C. after moving the patient to a long backboard. D. before manually stabilizing the patient's head.

B

A 39-year-old male sustained a large laceration to his leg during an accident with a chainsaw and is experiencing signs and symptoms of shock. You should first: Answers:
A. place the patient on high-flow oxygen. B. follow appropriate standard precautions. C. perform a rapid head-to-toe assessment. D. apply direct pressure to the wound.

B

Which of the following statements regarding the rule of nines is correct? Answers:
A. The anterior trunk of an adult is equal to 18% of the BSA. B. The posterior of a child's leg is equal to 13.5% of the BSA. C. A child's head is equal to 14% of his or her total BSA. D. The anterior arm in the adult is equal to 9% of the total BSA.

A

Which of the following organs can tolerate inadequate perfusion for 2 to 3 hours? Answers:
A. Skeletal muscle B. Kidneys C. Brain D. Heart

A

A utility worker was trimming branches and was electrocuted when he accidentally cut a high-power line. He fell approximately 20 feet and is lying unresponsive on the ground; the power line is lying across his chest. You should: Answers:
A. quickly but carefully move the patient away from the power line. B. apply insulated gloves and assume manual control of his c-spine. C. rapidly assess the patient after ensuring that the power line is not live. D. manually stabilize his head as your partner assesses for breathing.

C

A 77-year-old woman slipped and fell on a throw rug and landed on her left hip. She denies striking her head or losing consciousness. Assessment of her left leg reveals that it is shortened and externally rotated. Distal pulses, sensory, and motor functions are intact. You should: Answers:
A. place her onto a scoop stretcher, pad around her left hip with pillows, and secure her to the scoop with straps. B. bind both of her legs together with triangular bandages and carefully secure her onto the ambulance stretcher. C. manually stabilize her left leg, apply a traction splint, and then secure her to a long backboard or scoop. D. carefully slide a long backboard underneath her, keep her in a supine position, and apply a splint to her leg.

A

Atrophy is a condition that occurs when: Answers:
A. increased use of skeletal muscle causes an increase in its strength. B. the tendons that attach muscle to bone become stretched or injured. C. carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and other wastes accumulate in the muscle. D. muscle decreases in size and function.

D

If you do not have the appropriate-size cervical collar, you should: Answers:
A. defer cervical immobilization and apply lateral head blocks. B. ask the patient to keep his or her head in a neutral position. C. use rolled towels to immobilize the patient's head. D. place sandbags on either side of the patient's head.

C

Which of the following is a severe burn in a 35-year-old patient? Answers:
A. Full-thickness burn to 5% of the body surface area B. Partial-thickness burn to 20% of the body surface area C. Circumferential partial-thickness burn to the chest D. Superficial burn covering 50% of the body surface area

C

When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated: Answers:
A. hormones are released that prepare the body for stress. B. the heart rate decreases and the blood vessels dilate. C. heart rate and blood pressure increase. D. blood is shunted away from the digestive organs.

B

A young female experienced a laceration to her left eyeball from flying glass when her boyfriend broke a soda bottle against a wall. There is moderate bleeding and the patient states that she cannot see out of the injured eye. You should: Answers:
A. avoid applying pressure to the globe when you are covering the eye. B. apply firm direct pressure to the injured eye and cover the opposite eye. C. ask her to move the injured eye to assess the integrity of the optic nerve. D. carefully examine her eye and remove any foreign objects if needed.

A

The mesentery is: Answers:
A. a layer of thick skeletal muscles that protects the abdominal organs. B. a membranous fold that attaches the intestines to the walls of the body. C. the point of attachment between the small and large intestines. D. a complex network of blood vessels that supply blood to the liver.

B

If one or more occupants in the same vehicle are killed in a crash, the EMT should: Answers:
A. transport the survivors only if they have injuries or complain of pain. B. allow the survivors to refuse transport if they have no obvious injuries. C. suspect that all living occupants experienced the same serious trauma. D. rapidly assess only the survivors who have experienced obvious trauma.

C

Elevation of the rib cage during inhalation occurs when: Answers:
A. the intercostal muscles contract. B. the diaphragm descends. C. abdominal contents descend. D. intrathoracic pressure decreases.

A

A 20-year-old male collided with another player during a hockey game and complains of severe pain to the left shoulder. Assessment reveals that the clavicle is bulging anteriorly at the shoulder. The EMT should suspect: Answers:
A. multiple fractures of the proximal humerus. B. dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. C. separation of the acromioclavicular joint. D. posterior dislocation of the shoulder.

C

Early bruising following abdominal trauma often manifests as: Answers:
A. localized pain. B. red areas of skin. C. gross distention. D. dark-purple marks.

B

A 39-year-old female experienced a severe closed head injury. She is unresponsive with her eyes slightly open; her pupils are bilaterally dilated and slow to react. In addition to managing problems with airway, breathing, and circulation, you should: Answers:
A. inspect her eyes and gently remove impaled objects. B. irrigate her eyes with water to prevent mucosal drying. C. secure her eyes open so you can reassess her pupils. D. close her eyes and cover them with a moist dressing.

D

During your assessment of a patient with blunt chest trauma, you note that the patient has shallow breathing and paradoxical movement of the left chest wall. You should: Answers:
A. assist ventilations with a bag-valve mask. B. request a paramedic to decompress the chest. C. make note of it and continue your assessment. D. apply high-flow oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.

A

When immobilizing a patient on a long backboard, you should: Answers:
A. ensure that you secure the torso before securing the head. B. secure the torso and then center the patient on the board. C. have the patient exhale before fastening the torso straps. D. follow the commands of the person at the patient's torso.

A

The effectiveness of positive-pressure ventilations when treating a head-injured patient can ONLY be determined by: Answers:
A. noting a decrease in the heart rate during ventilations. B. immediate reassessment following the intervention. C. a neurosurgeon or emergency department physician. D. reassessing the patient's blood pressure after 10 minutes.

B

The inner surface of the eyelids and the exposed surface of the eye itself are covered by a delicate membrane called the: Answers:
A. cornea. B. retina. C. conjunctiva. D. sclera.

C

When a motor vehicle strikes a tree while traveling at 40 mph, the unrestrained occupant: Answers:
A. remains in motion until acted upon by an external force. B. will decelerate at the same rate as the motor vehicle. C. will most likely be thrown over the steering column. D. is thrust under the steering column onto the floorboard.

A

The frontal and parietal bones of the skull are especially susceptible to: Answers:
A. nondisplaced skull fractures. B. linear skull fractures. C. basilar skull fractures. D. depressed skull fractures.

D

A 37-year-old male was pinned between a flatbed truck and a loading dock. On exam, you find bruising to the chest, distended neck veins, bilaterally diminished breath sounds, and bilateral scleral hemorrhaging. You should: Answers:
A. aggressively manage his airway. B. request a paramedic ambulance. C. suspect a severe hemopneumothorax. D. perform a secondary assessment.

A

You receive a call to a local gymnasium for a basketball player with a dislocated shoulder. Upon arrival, you find the patient, a 17-year-old male, sitting on the ground. He is holding his left arm in a fixed position away from his body. There is an obvious anterior bulge to the area of injury. You should: Answers:
A. gently attempt to move his arm toward his body. B. flex his arm at the elbow and then apply a sling. C. place a pillow under his arm and apply a swathe. D. assess distal pulse, motor, and sensory functions.

D

A 17-year-old male was shot in the right anterior chest during an altercation. As your partner is applying oxygen, you perform a rapid assessment and find an open chest wound with a small amount of blood bubbling from it. You should: Answers:
A. place a sterile dressing over the wound and apply direct pressure. B. direct your partner to assist the patient's ventilations with a BVM. C. control the bleeding from the wound and prepare to transport at once. D. apply an occlusive dressing to the wound and continue your assessment.

D

A 45-year-old male was working on his roof when he fell approximately 12 feet, landing on his feet. He is conscious and alert and complains of an ache in his lower back. He is breathing adequately and has stable vital signs. You should: Answers:
A. perform a rapid head-to-toe exam and immobilize his spine. B. obtain a Glasgow Coma Score value and give him oxygen. C. allow him to refuse transport if his vital signs remain stable. D. immobilize his spine and perform a focused secondary exam.

D

During an altercation in a bar, two patrons got into a fist fight. The first patient, a 44-year-old female, was struck in the mouth and refuses EMS care. The second patient, a 39-year-old female, has a small laceration to her left knuckle and also refuses EMS care. Which of the following statements regarding this scenario is correct? Answers:
A. The 39-year-old female is at high risk for an infection. B. You should contact the police and have the patients arrested. C. The 44-year-old female is at high risk for an infection. D. The patient struck in the mouth should be immobilized.

A

In nontrauma patients, an early indicator of internal bleeding is: Answers:
A. a rapid, thready pulse. B. rapid, shallow breathing. C. dizziness upon standing. D. a decreasing blood pressure.

C

An infant with a total blood volume of 800 mL would start showing signs of shock when as little as \______ of blood is lost. Answers:
A. 50 mL B. 100 mL C. 200 mL D. 150 mL

B

The presence of tachycardia following a significant abdominal injury: Answers:
A. is always accompanied by hypotension. B. is most commonly caused by severe pain. C. indicates a state of decompensated shock. D. should be assumed to be a sign of shock.

D

Femoral shaft fractures can result in up to \_____ mL of internal blood loss. Answers:
A. 4,000 B. 1,000 C. 1,500 D. 2,000

B

If a dislocated shoulder has spontaneously reduced before your arrival, the only way to confirm the injury is by noting: Answers:
A. bruising to the shoulder. B. the patient history. C. distal circulation. D. the presence of deformity.

B

Which of the following occurs after tissues are injured? Answers:
A. Local blood vessels begin to dilate B. Red blood cells become less sticky C. Platelets collect at the injury site D. Red blood cells separate from plasma

C

A short backboard or vest-style immobilization device is indicated for patients who: Answers:
A. are found supine and have stable vital signs. B. are in a sitting position and are clinically stable. C. require prompt extrication from an automobile. D. are sitting in their car and are clinically unstable.

B

By what mechanism is a person injured when he or she falls from a significant height? Answers:
A. As the person falls, the amount of kinetic energy is converted into work; work is then converted to kinetic energy upon impact. B. Potential energy is created as the person is falling; the potential energy is then converted into kinetic energy upon impact. C. Kinetic energy is converted to potential energy; the potential energy is then converted into the work of bringing the body to a stop. D. Potential energy is converted to kinetic energy; the kinetic energy is then converted into the work of bringing the body to a stop.

D

After your partner assumes manual in-line stabilization of the patient's head, you should: Answers:
A. apply an appropriately sized rigid cervical collar. B. thoroughly palpate the patient's head for deformities. C. use four people to log roll the patient onto a backboard. D. assess distal neurovascular status in the extremities.

D

Following direct trauma to the left upper back, a 44-year-old male presents with diaphoresis and restlessness. His blood pressure is 100/50 mm Hg, his pulse rate is 120 beats/min and weak, and his respirations are 24 breaths/min and labored. Your assessment reveals abrasions and contusions over the left scapula. You should: Answers:
A. hyperventilate him with a BVM and monitor his oxygen saturation. B. apply high-flow oxygen, perform a detailed secondary assessment, and transport. C. focus your assessment on his scapulae and clavicles and apply high-flow oxygen. D. apply high-flow oxygen, consider spinal precautions, and transport without delay.

D

Which of the following interventions may be used to help reduce intracranial pressure? Answers:
A. Supine with the legs elevated B. Increasing the patient's body temperature C. Maintaining SpO2 at 90% D. 30-degree elevation of the head

D

Which of the following nerves allow sensory and motor impulses to be sent from one nerve directly to another? Answers:
A. Somatic B. Autonomic C. Peripheral D. Connecting

D

When worn properly, a seatbelt should lie: Answers:
A. above the anterior posterior iliac spines of the pelvis and below the hip joints. B. across the abdominal wall at the level of the diaphragm and below the hip joints. C. across the abdominal wall at the level of the umbilicus and against the hip joints. D. below the anterior superior iliac spines of the pelvis and against the hip joints.

D

Care for a patient with a fractured tibia and suspected compartment syndrome includes: Answers:
A. keeping the leg at the level of the heart. B. applying chemical hot packs to the leg. C. applying traction to maintain distal pulses. D. immobilizing the leg with an air splint.

A

Early signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal bleeding include: Answers:
A. significant hypotension. B. bruising only. C. pain and distention. D. widespread ecchymosis.

C

Rapid deceleration of the head, such as when it impacts the windshield, causes: Answers:
A. compression injuries or bruising to the anterior portion of the brain and stretching or tearing to the posterior portion of the brain. B. stretching or tearing of the anterior aspect of the brain and compression injuries or bruising to the posterior aspect of the brain. C. primary impact to the posterior aspect of the brain, resulting in compression injuries, bruising, or torn blood vessels. D. compression injuries and contusions to the anterior, posterior, and lateral aspects of the brain.

A

Which of the following statements regarding the dermis is correct? Answers:
A. The dermis lies above the germinal layer and provides protection. B. The cells of the dermis are worn away and are constantly replaced. C. The dermis contains hair follicles, sweat glands, and nerve endings. D. The dermis produces a substance that provides color to the skin.

C

While assessing a 21-year-old female who struck a tree head-on with her small passenger car, you note that her air bag deployed. You should:
A) perform a head-to-toe assessment while she is in the car.
B) extricate her immediately and transport to a trauma center.
C) carefully assess her upper chest for seatbelt-related injuries.
D) lift the air bag and look for deformity to the steering wheel.

D

During your secondary assessment of a 19-year-old female with multiple trauma, you note bilateral humeral deformities and a deformity to the left midshaft femur. Her skin is diaphoretic and her pulse is rapid and weak. Your partner has appropriately managed her airway and is maintaining manual stabilization of her head. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes:
A) carefully splinting each of her deformed extremities.
B) applying a traction splint to immobilize her femur.
C) immobilizing her to a backboard and rapidly transporting.
D) splinting her femur fracture with padded board splints.

C

During your assessment of a patient with a head injury, you note that he opens his eyes when you pinch his trapezius muscle, is mumbling, and has his arms curled in toward his chest. You should assign him a GCS score of:
A) 7.
B) 10.
C) 8.
D) 9.

A

A short backboard or vest-style immobilization device is indicated for patients who:
A) require prompt extrication from an automobile.
B) are found supine and have stable vital signs.
C) are in a sitting position and are clinically stable.
D) are sitting in their car and are clinically unstable.

C

A rapid, irregular pulse following blunt trauma to the chest is MOST suggestive of a:
A) ruptured aorta.
B) tension pneumothorax.
C) pericardial tamponade.
D) myocardial contusion.

D

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:
A) gently straighten the elbow and apply an air splint.
B) gently manipulate the elbow to improve circulation.
C) apply a heat pack to the elbow to reduce swelling.
D) splint the elbow in the position found and transport.

D

Which of the following statements regarding the rule of nines is correct?
A) The posterior of a child's leg is equal to 13.5% of the BSA.
B) The anterior trunk of an adult is equal to 18% of the BSA.
C) The anterior arm in the adult is equal to 9% of the total BSA.
D) A child's head is equal to 14% of his or her total BSA.

B

When splinting a possible fracture of the foot, it is MOST important for the EMT to:
A) use a pillow as a splint.
B) observe for tissue swelling.
C) apply a pneumatic splint.
D) leave the toes exposed.

D

If a person is standing near a building that explodes, which of the following injuries would he or she MOST likely experience as a result of the pressure wave?
A) Impaled objects
B) Severe burns
C) Fractured bones
D) Stomach rupture

D

Following a stab wound to the left anterior chest, a 25-year-old male presents with a decreased level of consciousness and signs of shock. Which of the following additional assessment findings should increase your index of suspicion for a cardiac tamponade?
A) Diminished breath sounds
B) A rapid, irregular pulse
C) Engorged jugular veins
D) Widening pulse pressure

C

In older patients, the first indicator of nontraumatic internal bleeding may be:
A) weakness or dizziness.
B) a heart rate over 120 beats/min.
C) diaphoresis and pale skin.
D) a low blood pressure.

A

A construction worker fell approximately 30 feet and landed in a pile of steel rods. Your assessment reveals that he is pulseless and apneic and has a 10-inch steel rod impaled in his left leg. You should:
A) control the bleeding, carefully remove the steel rod, begin CPR, and transport as soon as possible.
B) control the bleeding, begin CPR, stabilize the steel rod, immobilize his spine, and transport immediately.
C) stabilize the steel rod, control the bleeding, begin CPR, and rapidly transport to a trauma center.
D) remove the steel rod, control the bleeding, apply an AED, begin CPR, and transport to a trauma center.

B

During your assessment of a patient with blunt chest trauma, you note that the patient has shallow breathing and paradoxical movement of the left chest wall. You should:
A) request a paramedic to decompress the chest.
B) make note of it and continue your assessment.
C) apply high-flow oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.
D) assist ventilations with a bag-valve mask.

D

The driver of a sport utility vehicle lost control and struck a utility pole head-on. The driver was killed instantly. The passenger, a young female, is conscious and alert and has several small abrasions and lacerations to her left forearm. Treatment for the passenger should include:
A) transport to a trauma center.
B) a secondary assessment at the scene.
C) transport to a community hospital.
D) a focused exam of her forearm.

A

Early bruising following abdominal trauma often manifests as:
A) gross distention.
B) localized pain.
C) dark purple marks.
D) red areas of skin.

D

A patient who presents with profound cyanosis following a chest injury:
A) requires prompt ventilation and oxygenation.
B) should be placed in Trendelenburg's position.
C) is most likely experiencing severe blood loss.
D) has most likely experienced a ruptured aorta.

A

Early signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal bleeding include:
A) widespread ecchymosis.
B) bruising only.
C) pain and distention.
D) significant hypotension.

C

A 39-year-old male accidentally cut his wrist while sharpening his hunting knife. He is conscious and alert with adequate breathing, but is bleeding significantly from the wound. You should:
A) control the bleeding with direct pressure.
B) apply oxygen with a nonrebreathing mask.
C) apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound.
D) ensure the patient has a patent airway.

A

Burns are classified according to:
A) degree and location.
B) location and pain.
C) extent and location.
D) depth and extent.

D

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) cover his foot with chemical heat compresses.
B) administer oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.
C) rewarm his foot in 102°F to 104°F (38.9°C to 40°C) water.
D) protect the affected part from further injury.

D

A simple pneumothorax:
A) is caused by penetrating chest trauma.
B) often has a nontraumatic cause.
C) heals on its own without any treatment.
D) is commonly caused by blunt chest trauma.

D

Hyperextension injuries of the spine are MOST commonly the result of:
A) falls.
B) diving.
C) hangings.
D) compression.

C

Which of the following is a severe burn in a 35-year-old patient?
A) Full-thickness burn to 5% of the body surface area
B) Superficial burn covering 50% of the body surface area
C) Circumferential partial-thickness burn to the chest
D) Partial-thickness burn to 20% of the body surface area

C

Which of the following statements regarding abdominal trauma is correct?
A) Most of the vital abdominal organs lie within the retroperitoneal space.
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) The absence of abdominal pain does not rule out intra-abdominal bleeding.

D

It would be MOST appropriate to perform a focused secondary assessment on a patient who:
A) struck his or her head and is experiencing nausea or vomiting.
B) was restrained during a high-speed motor vehicle crash.
C) fainted and fell to the ground from a standing position.
D) has blood draining from the ears following a head injury.

C

The meninges, along with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that circulates in between each meningeal layer, function by:
A) regenerating brain cells after they have been damaged.
B) delivering oxygen directly to the CNS.
C) producing leukocytes that protect the brain from infection.
D) acting as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord.

D

In contrast to Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever:
A) causes painful joint swelling after a few days or weeks.
B) presents with flu-like symptoms and a bull's-eye rash.
C) can cause paralysis and cardiorespiratory collapse.
D) may be confused with rheumatoid arthritis.

C

You respond to a residence for a 40-year-old female who was assaulted by her husband; the scene has been secured by law enforcement. Upon your arrival, you find the patient lying supine on the floor in the kitchen. She is semiconscious with severely labored breathing. Further assessment reveals a large bruise to the left anterior chest, jugular venous distention, and unilaterally absent breath sounds. As your partner is supporting her ventilations, you should:
A) perform a focused secondary exam.
B) immediately request ALS support.
C) insert an oropharyngeal airway.
D) obtain a set of baseline vital signs.

B

Which of the following statements regarding lightning strikes is correct?
A) Lightning strikes may cause cardiac dysrhythmias that spontaneously resolve.
B) Victims who are struck by lightning often experience severe full-thickness burns.
C) The tissue damage pathway caused by lightning usually occurs through the skin.
D) Cervical spine fractures are the most common cause of lightning-related deaths.

A

Which of the following statements regarding the vitreous humor is correct?
A) It is a clear, watery fluid that cannot be replaced if it is lost during an eye injury.
B) It is a clear, watery fluid that is located in front of the lens and can be replaced if it is lost.
C) It is a clear fluid that is produced by the lacrimal glands and cannot be replaced if it is lost.
D) It is a clear, jellylike fluid near the back of the eye that cannot be replaced if it is lost.

D

To obtain the MOST accurate reading of a patient's core body temperature, you should place a special hypothermia thermometer:
A) into the patient's rectum.
B) under the patient's tongue.
C) under the patient's armpit.
D) behind the patient's knee.

A

A young male was shot in the abdomen by an unknown type of gun. He is semiconscious, has shallow breathing, and is bleeding externally from the wound. As you control the external bleeding, your partner should:
A) obtain baseline vital signs.
B) assist the patient's ventilations.
C) perform a secondary assessment.
D) apply a nonrebreathing mask.

B

Which of the following is of LEAST importance when initially assessing the severity of a burn?
A) Age of the patient
B) Area(s) burned
C) Past medical history
D) Known drug allergies

D

Which of the following statements regarding drowning is correct?
A) Hypoxia in the drowning victim initially occurs due to water in the lungs.
B) Laryngospasm following submersion in water makes rescue breathing difficult.
C) Artificial ventilations can easily be performed in patients with a laryngospasm.
D) Large amounts of water enter the lungs in a small number of drowning victims.

B

Common signs and symptoms of an airway burn include all of the following, EXCEPT:
A) chest pressure.
B) hoarseness.
C) singed nasal hair.
D) soot around the mouth.

A

You receive a call to a local gymnasium for a basketball player with a dislocated shoulder. Upon arrival, you find the patient, a 17-year-old male, sitting on the ground. He is holding his left arm in a fixed position away from his body. There is an obvious anterior bulge to the area of injury. You should:
A) gently attempt to move his arm toward his body.
B) place a pillow under his arm and apply a swathe.
C) flex his arm at the elbow and then apply a sling.
D) assess distal pulse, motor, and sensory functions.

D

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

The EMT must assume that any unwitnessed water-related incident is accompanied by:
A) an air embolism.
B) cold-water immersion.
C) alcohol intoxication.
D) possible spinal injury.

D

A 4-year-old female has a peanut lodged in the external auditory canal of her right ear. You should:
A) thoroughly flush her ear with sterile saline.
B) use tweezers to try to remove the object.
C) remove the peanut with a cotton-tipped swab.
D) transport her to the emergency department.

D

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:
A) blunt injury to the kidney.
B) a ruptured urinary bladder.
C) external genitalia injury.
a lacerated liver or spleen.

A

A 30-year-old male sustained a stab wound to the neck when he was attacked outside a nightclub. During your assessment, you should be MOST alert for:
A) injury to the cervical spine.
B) alterations in his mental status.
C) potential airway compromise.
D) damage to internal structures.

C

Care for a patient with a fractured tibia and suspected compartment syndrome includes:
A) applying traction to maintain distal pulses.
B) keeping the leg at the level of the heart.
C) immobilizing the leg with an air splint.
D) applying chemical hot packs to the leg.

B

You arrive at the scene of a major motor vehicle crash. The patient, a 50-year-old female, was removed from her vehicle prior to your arrival. Bystanders who removed her state that she was not wearing a seatbelt. The patient is unresponsive, tachycardic, and diaphoretic. Your assessment reveals bilaterally clear and equal breath sounds, a midline trachea, and collapsed jugular veins. You should be MOST suspicious that this patient has experienced a:
A) massive hemothorax.
B) pericardial tamponade.
C) laceration of the aorta.
D) tension pneumothorax.

C

When a driver is in a car equipped with an air bag, but is not wearing a seatbelt, he or she will MOST likely strike the \__________ when the air bag deploys upon impact.
A) windshield
B) door
C) steering wheel
D) dashboard

B

A 17-year-old female dislocated her patella while playing soccer. Her knee is flexed and she complains of severe pain. You should:
A) flex her knee slightly more and assess for distal circulation.
B) make one attempt to return the patella to its normal position.
C) gently straighten her knee and apply a padded board splint.
D) keep her knee flexed and secure it with padded board splints.

D

During an altercation in a bar, two patrons got into a fist fight. The first patient, a 44-year-old female, was struck in the mouth and refuses EMS care. The second patient, a 39-year-old female, has a small laceration to her left knuckle and also refuses EMS care. Which of the following statements regarding this scenario is correct?
A) You should contact the police and have the patients arrested.
B) The 39-year-old female is at high risk for an infection.
C) The patient struck in the mouth should be immobilized.
D) The 44-year-old female is at high risk for an infection.

B

In which of the following patients should you remove an impaled object?
A) A conscious and alert patient with a fishhook impaled in the eye
B) An apneic patient with a shard of glass impaled in the abdomen
C) A semiconscious patient with an ice pick impaled in the chest
D) A pulseless and apneic patient with a knife impaled in the back

D