Emt midterm practice questions

1. You are treating a middle-aged man with chest discomfort. He has a history of three previous heart attacks and takes nitroglycerin as needed for chest pain. You have standing orders to administer aspirin to patients with suspected cardiac-related chest pain or discomfort. While your partner is preparing to give oxygen to the patient, you should:
A. ensure that the patient's systolic blood pressure is at least 100 mm Hg as aspirin dilates the blood vessels and can cause a drop in blood pressure.
B. confirm that the patient is not allergic to aspirin, give him the appropriate dose of aspirin, and document the time and dose given.
C. assist the patient in taking only his nitroglycerin. Aspirin should not be given in conjunction with nitroglycerin.
D. contact medical control, apprise him or her of the patient's chief complaint and vital signs, and request permission to give him aspirin.

B. confirm that the patient is not allergic to aspirin, give him the appropriate dose of aspirin, and document the time and dose given.

2. Why does the incidence of diabetes mellitus increase with age?
A. Decreased food intake, decreased weight gain, and decreased blood sugar levels
B. Decreased physical activity, increased weight gain, and decreased insulin production
C. Increased physical activity, increased food intake, and increased insulin production
D. Decreased physical activity, increased weight gain, and decreased blood sugar levels

B. Decreased physical activity, increased weight gain, and decreased insulin production

3. How does respiration differ from ventilation?
A. Respiration occurs when the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract, whereas ventilation occurs when those same muscles relax.
B. Respiration occurs when oxygen is delivered to the cells of the body, whereas ventilation occurs when carbon dioxide is removed.
C. Respiration is the process of gas exchange, whereas ventilation is the movement of air between the lungs and the environment.
D. Ventilation occurs when air is forced into the lungs, whereas respiration occurs when air is drawn or sucked into the lungs.

C. Respiration is the process of gas exchange, whereas ventilation is the movement of air between the lungs and the environment.

4. During a 30-minute transport of a stable patient, you should reassess him or her at least \________ times.
A. 2
B. 6
C. 4
D. 3

A. 2

5. Which of the following glands regulates the function of all other endocrine glands in the body?
A. Pituitary
B. Parathyroid
C. Thyroid
D. Adrenal

A. Pituitary

6. Activated charcoal is an example of a(n):
A. suspension.
B. elixir.
C. gel.
D. solution.

A. suspension.

7. In which of the following patients would the head tilt-chin lift maneuver be the MOST appropriate method of opening the airway?
A. A 50-year-old male who is unconscious following head trauma
B. A 37-year-old female who is found unconscious in her bed
C. A 24-year-old male who is found unconscious at the base of a tree
D. A 45-year-old male who is semiconscious after falling 20 feet

B. A 37-year-old female who is found unconscious in her bed

8. A 19-year-old male was stung multiple times by fire ants. He is experiencing obvious signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock. You administer high-flow oxygen and give him epinephrine via intramuscular injection. Upon reassessment, you determine that his condition has not improved. You should:
A. consider that he may actually be experiencing an acute asthma attack.
B. request a paramedic unit that is stationed approximately 15 miles away.
C. provide only supportive care en route to the hospital.
D. repeat the epinephrine injection with the appropriate medical control.

D. repeat the epinephrine injection with the appropriate medical control.

9. An infant's blood pressure typically increases with age because:
A. the infant's total blood volume decreases with age.
B. his or her normal heart rate usually increases with age.
C. as the infant gets older, his or her blood vessels dilate.
D. blood pressure directly corresponds to body weight.

D. blood pressure directly corresponds to body weight.

10. A 51-year-old female presents with a sudden onset of difficulty breathing. She is conscious and alert and able to speak in complete sentences. Her respirations are 26 breaths/min and regular. You should:
A. insert a nasal airway in case her mental status decreases.
B. assist her ventilations with a bag-valve mask.
C. administer oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.
D. perform a secondary assessment and then begin treatment.

C. administer oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.

11. You suspect that a pregnant 16-year-old girl has a broken leg after she was hit by a car. You explain that you plan to splint her leg, and she agrees to treatment. Which type of consent is her agreement considered?
A. Minor's
B. Informed
C. Implied
D. Expressed

D. Expressed

12. Alkalosis is a condition that occurs when:
A. dangerous acids accumulate in the bloodstream.
B. the level of carbon dioxide in the blood increases.
C. slow, shallow breathing eliminates too much carbon dioxide.
D. blood acidity is reduced by excessive breathing.

D. blood acidity is reduced by excessive breathing.

13. Inadequate circulation of blood throughout the body is called \________.
A. hypotension
B. shock
C. hypoxia
D. perfusion

B. shock

14. An infant or small child's airway can be occluded if it is overextended or overflexed because:
A. the tongue is proportionately small and can fall back into the throat.
B. he or she has a long neck, which makes the trachea prone to collapse.
C. the back of the head is flat, which prevents a neutral position.
D. the occiput is proportionately large and the trachea is flexible.

D. the occiput is proportionately large and the trachea is flexible.

15. Major risk factors for AMI include all of the following, EXCEPT:
A. hypoglycemia.
B. hypertension.
C. diabetes mellitus.
D. elevated cholesterol.

A. hypoglycemia.

16. Which of the following conditions or situations would MOST likely make excited delirium worse?
A. Alcohol withdrawal
B. Limited physical contact
C. Dimly lit environment
D. Elevated blood glucose

A. Alcohol withdrawal

17. Nitroglycerin, when given to patients with cardiac-related chest pain:
A. increases blood return to the right atrium.
B. constricts the veins throughout the body.
C. increases myocardial contraction force.
D. relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries.

D. relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries.

18. The body's backup system of respiratory control, which is based on low concentrations of oxygen in the blood, is called the:
A. oxyhemoglobin drive.
B. hypocarbic drive.
C. hypoxic drive.
D. pneumotaxic drive.

C. hypoxic drive.

19. An area of swelling or enlargement in a weakened arterial wall is called:
A. a thrombus.
B. atherosclerosis.
C. an aneurysm.
D. an embolism.

C. an aneurysm.

20. You respond to a residence for a patient with a severe leg injury following an accident with a chainsaw. When you arrive, you find the patient, a 44-year-old male, lying supine in the backyard. He has a partial amputation of his right lower leg that is actively bleeding. The patient is conscious and breathing adequately; however, he is restless and his skin is diaphoretic. You should:
A. immediately splint his leg
B. assess the rate and quality of his pulse.
C. immediately evaluate his airway.
D. administer 100% supplemental oxygen.

C. immediately evaluate his airway.

21. The term "supraventricular tachycardia" means:
A. a rapid heart rate that originates from within the ventricles.
B. a slow heart rate that originates from within the ventricles.
C. a rapid heart rate that originates from above the ventricles.
D. a slow heart rate that originates from above the ventricles.

C. a rapid heart rate that originates from above the ventricles.

22. Which of the following medication routes delivers a drug through the skin over an extended period of time, such as a nitroglycerin or nicotine patch?
A. Subcutaneous
B. Intraosseous
C. Transcutaneous
D. Sublingual

C. Transcutaneous

23. A patient with spontaneous respirations is breathing:
A. at a normal rate.
B. with shallow depth.
C. without difficulty.
D. without assistance.

D. without assistance.

24. In order for efficient pulmonary gas exchange to occur:
A. the percentage of inhaled carbon dioxide must exceed the percentage of inhaled oxygen.
B. there must be low quantities of pulmonary surfactant to allow for full alveolar expansion.
C. oxygen and carbon dioxide must be able to freely diffuse across the alveolar-capillary membrane.
D. the pulmonary capillaries must be completely constricted and the alveoli must be collapsed.

C. oxygen and carbon dioxide must be able to freely diffuse across the alveolar-capillary membrane.

25. Which of the following descriptions MOST accurately portrays emergency medical services (EMS)?
A. A vast network of advanced life support (ALS) providers who provide definitive emergency care in the prehospital setting
B. A system composed exclusively of emergency medical responders (EMRs) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are responsible for providing care to sick and injured patients
C. A team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured
D. A team of paramedics and emergency physicians who are responsible for providing emergency care to critically injured patients

C. A team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured

26. Crackles (rales) are caused by \_________.
A. air passing through fluid
B. severe bronchoconstriction
C. mucus in the larger airways
D. narrowing of the upper airways

A. air passing through fluid

27. When assessing the skin of an unresponsive patient, you note that it has a bluish tint to it. This finding is called:
A. flushing.
B. pallor.
C. mottling.
D. cyanosis.

D. cyanosis.

28. An elderly patient has fallen and hit her head. Your initial care should focus on:
A. gathering medical history data.
B. providing immediate transport.
C. airway, breathing, and circulation.
D. obtaining baseline vital signs.

C. airway, breathing, and circulation.

29. According to the National EMS Scope of Practice Model, an EMT should be able to:
A. interpret a basic (ECG) rhythm and treat accordingly.
B. insert a peripheral IV line and infuse fluids.
C. administer epinephrine via the subcutaneous route.
D. assist a patient with certain prescribed medications.

D. assist a patient with certain prescribed medications.

30. You are assisting an asthma patient with his prescribed metered-dose inhaler. After the patient takes a deep breath and depresses the inhaler, you should:
A. immediately reapply the oxygen mask and reassess his condition.
B. allow him to breathe room air and assess his oxygen saturation.
C. instruct him to hold his breath for as long as he comfortably can.
D. advise him to exhale forcefully to ensure medication absorption.

C. instruct him to hold his breath for as long as he comfortably can.

31. Worn-out blood cells, foreign substances, and bacteria are filtered from the blood by the:
A. liver.
B. kidney.
C. spleen.
D. pancreas.

C. spleen.

32. If an EMT candidate has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, he or she should:
A. contact the state EMS office and provide its staff with the required documentation.
B. recognize that any such conviction will disqualify him or her from EMT licensure.
C. wait at least 24 months before taking another state-approved EMT class.
D. send an official request to the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) to seek approval to take the EMT exam.

A. contact the state EMS office and provide its staff with the required documentation.

33. Prior to applying a nonrebreathing mask to a patient, you must ensure that the:
A. flow rate is set at 6 L/min.
B. one-way valve is sealed.
C. patient has reduced tidal volume.
D. reservoir bag is fully inflated.

D. reservoir bag is fully inflated.

34. When caring for a 65-year-old male with respiratory distress, you place him in a comfortable position but do not apply oxygen. The patient's condition continues to deteriorate and he develops cardiac arrest and dies at the hospital. This scenario is an example of:
A. battery.
B. negligence.
C. abandonment.
D. assault.

B. negligence.

35. You respond to the home of a 59-year-old man who is unconscious; has slow, shallow breathing; and has a weak pulse. The family states that the patient has terminal brain cancer and does not wish to be resuscitated. They further state that there is a DNR order for this patient, but they are unable to locate it. You should:
A. decide on further action once the DNR order is produced.
B. transport the patient without providing any treatment.
C. begin treatment and contact medical control as needed.
D. honor the patient's wishes and withhold all treatment.

C. begin treatment and contact medical control as needed.

36. A 23-year-old male experienced severe head trauma after his motorcycle collided with an oncoming truck. He is unconscious, has rapid and shallow breathing, and has copious bloody secretions in his mouth. How should you manage his airway?
A. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway and provide suction and assisted ventilations.
B. Alternate 15 seconds of oral suctioning with 2 minutes of assisted ventilation.
C. Provide continuous ventilations with a bag-valve mask to minimize hypoxia.
D. Suction his oropharynx with a rigid catheter until all secretions are removed.

B. Alternate 15 seconds of oral suctioning with 2 minutes of assisted ventilation.

37. You are caring for a driver who struck a light pole. She admits to drinking alcohol but orders you not to tell anyone. You should report the information to \__________.
A. law enforcement personnel
B. your medical director
C. the state motor vehicle department
D. the receiving nurse or doctor

D. the receiving nurse or doctor

38. The diastolic blood pressure represents the:
A. average pressure against the arterial walls during a cardiac cycle.
B. increased arterial pressure that occurs during ventricular contraction.
C. minimum amount of pressure that is always present in the arteries.
D. difference in pressure between ventricular contraction and relaxation.

C. minimum amount of pressure that is always present in the arteries.

39. Your primary assessment of an elderly woman reveals that she is conscious and alert, but is experiencing difficulty breathing. She has a history of emphysema, hypertension, and congestive heart failure. As you assess the patient's circulatory status, you should direct your partner to:
A. perform a head-to-toe secondary assessment.
B. assess her oxygen saturation and blood pressure.
C. administer oxygen with the appropriate device.
D. retrieve the stretcher and prepare for transport.

C. administer oxygen with the appropriate device.

40. You are summoned to a convalescent center for an 88-year-old female with an altered mental status. A staff nurse advises you that the patient has terminal cancer and her physician stated that she would probably die within the next few hours; a valid do not resuscitate (DNR) order is presented to you. When caring for this patient, you should:
A. begin chest compressions if she experiences cardiac arrest.
B. provide no interventions and transport to the hospital.
C. make her comfortable and provide emotional support.
D. depart the scene and allow her to die with dignity.

C. make her comfortable and provide emotional support.

41. An 81-year-old female fell and struck her head. You find the patient lying on her left side. She is conscious and complains of neck and upper back pain. As you are assessing her, you note that she has a severely kyphotic spine. What is the MOST appropriate method of immobilizing this patient?
A. Leave her on her side and use blanket rolls to immobilize her to the long backboard.
B. Utilize a direct carry to bring her to the stretcher.
C. Move her to a supine position and immobilize her with a scoop stretcher and padding.
D. Immobilize her in a supine position on a long backboard and secure her with straps.

A. Leave her on her side and use blanket rolls to immobilize her to the long backboard.

42. A diabetic patient has polydipsia. This means that she:
A. is excessively thirsty.
B. is unable to swallow.
C. has low blood sugar.
D. urinates frequently.

A. is excessively thirsty.

43. Acute pulmonary edema would MOST likely develop as the result of:
A. right-sided heart failure.
B. severe hyperventilation.
C. toxic chemical inhalation.
D. an upper airway infection.

C. toxic chemical inhalation.

44. During your assessment of a 20-year-old man with a severe headache and nausea, you ask him when his headache began, but he does not answer your question immediately. You should:
A. repeat your question because he probably did not hear you.
B. ask him if he frequently experiences severe headaches and nausea.
C. allow him time to think about the question and respond to it.
D. tell him that you cannot help him unless he answers your questions.

C. allow him time to think about the question and respond to it.

45. The right coronary artery supplies blood to the:
A. right ventricle and inferior wall of the left ventricle.
B. right atrium and posterior wall of the right ventricle.
C. left ventricle and inferior wall of the right atrium.
D. left ventricle and posterior wall of the right ventricle.

A. right ventricle and inferior wall of the left ventricle.

46. A crackling sound produced by air bubbles under the skin is called:
A. Korotkoff sounds.
B. rhonchi.
C. crepitus
D. subcutaneous emphysema.

D. subcutaneous emphysema.

47. Critical incident stress management (CISM) can occur at an ongoing scene in all of the following circumstances, EXCEPT:
A. before personnel are preparing to reenter the scene.
B. when patients are actively being assessed or treated.
C. before leaving the scene after the incident is resolved.
D. when personnel are assessed during periods of rest.

B. when patients are actively being assessed or treated.

48. When assessing a 62-year-old female with crushing chest pain, you note that her pulse is rapid and irregular. You should administer supplemental oxygen if needed and then:
A. transport at once and consider requesting a paramedic unit.
B. document your findings and perform a detailed assessment.
C. conclude that the irregular pulse is normal based on her age.
D. apply the AED and analyze her cardiac rhythm.

A. transport at once and consider requesting a paramedic unit.

49. If a patient develops difficulty breathing after your primary assessment, you should immediately:
A. reevaluate his or her airway status.
B. begin assisting his or her breathing.
C. determine his or her respiratory rate.
D. auscultate his or her breath sounds.

A. reevaluate his or her airway status.

50. The diaphragm is unique because it:
A. does not receive impulses from the brain.
B. does not have striations like skeletal muscle.
C. is both a voluntary and an involuntary muscle.
D. is the exclusive muscle of breathing.

C. is both a voluntary and an involuntary muscle.

51. To protect vital organs, the body compensates by directing blood flow away from organs that are more tolerant of low flow, such as:
A. the brain.
B. the lungs.
C. the heart.
D. the skin.

D. the skin.

52. Which of the following organs or structures lies within the retroperitoneal space?
A. Kidneys
B. Gallbladder
C. Ascending aorta
D. Spleen

A. Kidneys

53. A 30-year-old male presents with acute shortness of breath, widespread hives, and facial swelling. He denies any past medical history and takes no medications. During your assessment, you hear wheezing over all the lung fields. His blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg and his heart rate is 110 beats/min. In addition to giving him high-flow oxygen, the MOST important treatment for this patient is:
A. an antihistamine.
B. a beta-antagonist.
C. albuterol.
D. epinephrine.

D. epinephrine.

54. Kussmaul respirations are an indication that the body is:
A. severely hypoxic and is eliminating excess CO2.
B. trying to generate energy by breathing deeply.
C. compensating for decreased blood glucose levels.
D. attempting to eliminate acids from the blood.

D. attempting to eliminate acids from the blood.

55. After assisting your patient with prescribed nitroglycerin, you should:
A. perform a secondary assessment before administering further doses.
B. avoid further dosing if the patient complains of a severe headache.
C. reassess his or her blood pressure within 5 minutes to detect hypotension.
D. place the patient in a recumbent position in case of fainting.

C. reassess his or her blood pressure within 5 minutes to detect hypotension.

56. Stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors results in:
A. dilation of the blood vessels.
B. constriction of the blood vessels.
C. increased heart rate.
D. increased cardiac contractility.

B. constriction of the blood vessels.

57. You respond to a call for an unknown emergency. When you arrive at the scene, the patient's husband meets you at the door and states that his wife has been depressed and has locked herself in an upstairs bedroom. He further tells you that he keeps his handgun in the bedroom. You should:
A. get in your ambulance and leave the scene immediately.
B. remain in a safe place and request law enforcement.
C. go upstairs with caution and attempt to talk to the patient.
D. ask the husband to attempt to reason with his wife.

B. remain in a safe place and request law enforcement.

58. Your BEST protection against legal liability when a patient with decision-making capacity refuses EMS care and transport is to:
A. thoroughly document the entire event.
B. ensure that the family is aware of the risks.
C. err on the side of caution and transport.
D. advise medical control of the situation.

A. thoroughly document the entire event.

59. A 67-year-old female with severe chest pain becomes unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic during transport. You should:
A. stop the ambulance, begin CPR, and attach the AED as soon as possible.
B. perform CPR for 1 to 2 minutes and then analyze her rhythm with an AED.
C. defibrillate with the AED while continuing transport to the hospital.
D. alert the receiving hospital and perform CPR for the duration of the transport.

A. stop the ambulance, begin CPR, and attach the AED as soon as possible.

60. When assessing an 80-year-old patient in shock, it is important to remember that:
A. the patient's cardiac output is able to increase by nearly 200% in response to the decrease in perfusion.
B. age-related changes in the cardiovascular system may make the patient less able to compensate for decreased perfusion.
C. in older adults, it is especially common to observe a significant decrease in heart rate in response to shock.
D. it is common to see a more significant increase in heart rate than what would be expected in younger adults.

B. age-related changes in the cardiovascular system may make the patient less able to compensate for decreased perfusion.

61. As the bronchus divides into smaller bronchioles, the terminal ends of these smaller passages form the:
A. capillaries.
B. pleura.
C. alveoli.
D. bronchi.

C. alveoli.

62. Which of the following structures is NOT found in the upper airway?
A. Pharynx
B. Larynx
C. Oropharynx
D. Bronchus

D. Bronchus

63. Symptomatic hypoglycemia will MOST likely develop if a patient:
A. misses one or two prescribed insulin injections.
B. takes too much of his or her prescribed insulin.
C. eats a regular meal followed by mild exertion.
D. markedly overeats and misses an insulin dose.

B. takes too much of his or her prescribed insulin.

64. Which of the following MOST accurately describes what the patient will experience during the postictal state that follows a seizure?
A. A gradually decreasing level of consciousness
B. A rapidly improving level of consciousness
C. Hyperventilation and hypersalivation
D. Confusion and fatigue

D. Confusion and fatigue

65. The posterior tibial pulse can be palpated:
A. on the dorsum of the foot.
B. between the trachea and the neck muscle.
C. behind the medial malleolus, on the inside of the ankle.
D. in the fossa behind the knee.

C. behind the medial malleolus, on the inside of the ankle.

66. When gathering a patient's medications, you find the following: Isordil, Lasix, Nexium, and digoxin. Which of these medications can be obtained over-the-counter (OTC)?
A. Lasix
B. Nexium
C. Isordil
D. Digoxin

B. Nexium

67. When the shoulder girdle is aligned over the pelvis during lifting:
A. the muscles of the back experience increased strain.
B. the hands can be held further apart from the body.
C. the risk of back injuries is significantly increased.
D. the weight is exerted straight down the vertebrae.

D. the weight is exerted straight down the vertebrae.

68. When using the pulse oximeter as part of your assessment of a patient, it is important to remember that:
A. carbon monoxide has no effect on pulse oximetry readings because the pulse oximeter presumes that oxygen is saturating the hemoglobin.
B. pulse oximetry is especially useful in patients who have cold extremities because vasoconstriction forces blood to the capillary beds.
C. as long as the patient's oxygen saturation is greater than 95%, oxygen is usually not necessary, even if the patient is experiencing respiratory distress.
D. any situation that causes vasoconstriction or loss of red blood cells, such as anemia or bleeding, may result in an inaccurate or misleading value.

D. any situation that causes vasoconstriction or loss of red blood cells, such as anemia or bleeding, may result in an inaccurate or misleading value.

69. A 22-year-old male with a history of clinical depression called 9-1-1 and stated that he has attempted to kill himself. Your unit and law enforcement officers arrive at the scene simultaneously. You find the patient lying supine on the living room floor. He is unresponsive and cyanotic. An empty bottle of hydromorphone (Dilaudid) is found on an adjacent table. You should:
A. ask the police to handcuff the patient for safety purposes.
B. open the patient's airway and assess his respirations.
C. wait for the police to examine him before providing care.
D. provide care after determining what Dilaudid is used for.

B. open the patient's airway and assess his respirations.

70. The proper technique for using the power grip is to:
A. position your hands about 6² apart.
B. lift with your palms up.
C. rotate your palms down.
D. hold the handle with your fingers.

B. lift with your palms up.

71. Your patient has a decreased cardiac output and poor myocardial contractility. This will likely lead to \___________.
A. cardiogenic shock
B. septic shock
C. neurogenic shock
D. hypovolemic shock

A. cardiogenic shock

72. A patient who is possibly experiencing a stroke is NOT eligible for thrombolytic (fibrinolytic) therapy if he or she:
A. has had a prior heart attack.
B. is older than 60 years of age.
C. has a GCS score that is less than 8.
D. has bleeding within the brain.

D. has bleeding within the brain.

73. A man finds his 59-year-old wife unconscious on the couch. He states that she takes medications for type 2 diabetes. He further tells you that his wife has been ill recently and has not eaten for the past 24 hours. Your assessment reveals that the patient is unresponsive. You should:
A. administer 100% oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.
B. assess for the presence of a medical identification tag.
C. administer oral glucose between her cheek and gum.
D. open and maintain her airway and assess breathing.

D. open and maintain her airway and assess breathing.

74. The electrical impulse generated by the heart originates in the:
A. sinoatrial node.
B. coronary sinus.
C. atrioventricular node.
D. bundle of His.

A. sinoatrial node.

75. You are assessing a middle-aged man with chest pain that you suspect is caused by a cardiac problem. The patient tells you that he does not want to go to the hospital and insists that you leave him alone. You should:
A. tell him that he is having a heart attack and that he needs to go to the hospital.
B. explain the seriousness of the situation to him.
C. reassure him that he will not receive a bill for the EMS call if he cannot pay.
D. proceed to treat him because the stress of the situation has impaired his thinking.

B. explain the seriousness of the situation to him.

76. What is the MOST common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient?
A. Aspirated fluid
B. The tongue
C. Blood clots
D. Vomitus

B. The tongue

77. Which organ lies in the lateral and posterior portion of the left upper quadrant of the abdomen?
A. Liver
B. Stomach
C. Cecum
D. Spleen

D. Spleen

78. Distributive shock occurs when:
A. widespread dilation of the blood vessels causes blood to pool in the vascular beds.
B. severe bleeding causes tachycardia in order to distribute blood to the organs faster.
C. an injury causes restriction of the heart muscle and impairs its pumping function.
D. temporary but severe vasodilation causes a decrease in blood supply to the brain.

A. widespread dilation of the blood vessels causes blood to pool in the vascular beds.

79. Which layer of the skin is composed of fatty tissue and serves as an insulator for the body?
A. Sebaceous
B. Epidermis
C. Dermal
D. Subcutaneous

D. Subcutaneous

80. You are dispatched to a residence for a 67-year-old female who was awakened by shortness of breath and sharp chest pain. Her husband tells you that she was recently discharged from the hospital after having hip surgery. Your assessment reveals dried blood around her mouth, facial cyanosis, and an oxygen saturation of 88%. You should suspect:
A. right-sided heart failure.
B. spontaneous pneumothorax.
C. acute pulmonary embolism.
D. acute pulmonary edema.

C. acute pulmonary embolism.

81. The inferior vena cava returns deoxygenated blood to the right side of the heart from all of the following areas, EXCEPT the:
A. legs.
B. abdomen.
C. kidneys.
D. brain.

D. brain.

82. When an electrical impulse reaches the AV node, it is slowed for a brief period of time so that:
A. the impulse can spread through the Purkinje fibers.
B. blood returning from the body can fill the atria.
C. the SA node can reset and generate another impulse.
D. blood can pass from the atria to the ventricles.

D. blood can pass from the atria to the ventricles.

83. The \____________ is a muscular dome that forms the inferior boundary of the thorax, separating the thorax from the abdomen.
A. mediastinum
B. diaphragm
C. costovertebral angle
D. costal arch

B. diaphragm

84. Prescription glasses do not provide adequate eye protection because they:
A. offer little or no side protection.
B. are not secured with a strap.
C. have large, rounded lenses.
D. do not have shatterproof lenses.

A. offer little or no side protection.

85. You are dispatched to a residence for a 56-year-old male with an altered mental status. Upon arrival at the scene, the patient's wife tells you that he complained of chest pain the day before, but would not allow her to call EMS. The patient is semiconscious; has rapid, shallow respirations; and has a thready pulse. He has a respiratory rate of 26 and heart rate of 122. You should:
A. apply a nonrebreathing mask.
B. attach the AED immediately.
C. begin ventilatory assistance.
D. obtain baseline vital signs.

C. begin ventilatory assistance.

86. The areas of the spinal column, in descending order, are:
A. cervical, thoracic, sacral, lumbar, and coccyx.
B. cervical, lumbar, thoracic, sacral, and coccyx.
C. cervical, thoracic, coccyx, lumbar, and sacral.
D. cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccyx.

D. cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccyx.

87. You are assessing a 72-year-old man with abdominal pain. The patient is sitting in a chair; he is conscious, alert, and calm. As you are talking to the patient, your partner discreetly directs your attention to a handgun, which is located on a nearby table. You should:
A. immediately cease all patient care, carefully back out of the residence, and request law enforcement assistance.
B. position yourself in between the patient and the gun and ask your partner to request law enforcement assistance.
C. direct your partner to move the gun to a safe area and then advise the patient that his weapon has been secured.
D. document the presence of the weapon, including its specific location, and continue your assessment of the patient.

B. position yourself in between the patient and the gun and ask your partner to request law enforcement assistance.

88. Relative to an adult's airway anatomy, the child's:
A. trachea is smaller, softer, and less flexible.
B. pharynx is smaller and less deeply curved.
C. tongue takes up less space in the pharynx.
D. mouth and nose are proportionately larger.

B. pharynx is smaller and less deeply curved.

89. You are dispatched to an office building for a 49-year-old male with chest pain. When you arrive at the scene, you find the patient to be conscious and alert, but in obvious pain. He tells you that he did not call 9-1-1; a coworker did. He further states that he does not want to be treated or transported to the hospital. You should:
A. have him sign a refusal of care form and then return to service.
B. ensure that he is aware of the risks of refusing medical care.
C. tell him that he is having a heart attack and needs medical care.
D. err in the best interest of the patient and transport him at once.

B. ensure that he is aware of the risks of refusing medical care.

90. Which of the following medical history questions would be of LEAST pertinence in an acute situation?
A. "Are there medications that you cannot take?"
B. "Does your mother have diabetes?"
C. "Has this ever happened to you before?"
D. "Does the pain stay in your chest?"

B. "Does your mother have diabetes?"

91. Which of the following is MOST characteristic of adequate breathing?
A. 30 breaths/min with supraclavicular retractions and clammy skin
B. 22 breaths/min with an irregular pattern of breathing and cyanosis
C. 24 breaths/min with bilaterally equal breath sounds and pink skin
D. 20 breaths/min with shallow movement of the chest wall and pallor

C. 24 breaths/min with bilaterally equal breath sounds and pink skin

92. You are dispatched to a call for a 4-month-old infant with respiratory distress. While you prepare to take care of this child, you must remember that:
A. an infant's head should be placed in a flexed position to prevent obstruction.
B. the infant's proportionately small tongue often causes an airway obstruction.
C. assisted ventilations in infants often need to be forceful to inflate their lungs.
D. small infants are nose breathers and require clear nasal passages at all times.

D. small infants are nose breathers and require clear nasal passages at all times.

93. When moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, you should:
A. place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs and carry the patient down the stairs with a stair chair.
B. collapse the undercarriage of the wheeled stretcher and carefully carry the patient down the stairs on the stretcher.
C. secure the patient to a scoop stretcher and carry him or her headfirst down the stairs to the awaiting stretcher.
D. assist the patient in walking down the stairs and place him or her on the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs.

A. place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs and carry the patient down the stairs with a stair chair.

94. A 5-year-old boy has fallen and has a severe deformity of the forearm near the wrist. He has possibly sustained a fracture of the \____________ forearm.
A. superior
B. dorsal
C. distal
D. proximal

C. distal

95. A 50-year-old male presents with altered mental status. His wife tells you that he had a "small stroke" three years ago but has otherwise been in good health. The patient is responsive but unable to follow commands. After administering oxygen if needed, you should:
A. perform a detailed head-to-toe assessment.
B. repeat the primary assessment.
C. inquire about his family history.
D. prepare for immediate transport.

D. prepare for immediate transport.

96. Capillary sphincter closure during internal or external bleeding is detrimental because:
A. available blood is shunted off to another venule while still carrying oxygen.
B. high levels of oxygen remain in the cells and can cause significant damage.
C. waste products are not removed and nutrients are not delivered to the cells.
D. carbon dioxide and other waste can enter the cells, but oxygen cannot.

C. waste products are not removed and nutrients are not delivered to the cells.

97. Your patient is in shock, but the body's defense mechanisms are currently able to maintain adequate circulation. This is called \___________.
A. decompensated shock
B. compensated shock
C. irreversible shock
D. late shock

B. compensated shock

98. A 39-year-old male sustained a stab wound to the groin during an altercation at a bar. As you approach the patient, you note that he is conscious and hunched over. You should:
A. apply direct pressure to the wound.
B. elevate his legs and keep him warm.
C. ensure that his airway is patent.
D. administer 100% supplemental oxygen.

C. ensure that his airway is patent.

99. What is the route of administration for the EpiPen auto-injector?
A. Intraosseous
B. Sublingual
C. Intravenous
D. Intramuscular

D. Intramuscular

100. An intoxicated 40-year-old male is found lying face down. How would you document his body's position?
A. Prone
B. Recumbent
C. Supine
D. Dorsal

A. Prone