EMR Test #1 Practice Questions (Chapters 1-7)

Questions and Answers

Scene hazards that are not visible to emergency responders include:

Ice on the road

Unstable surfaces

Spilled gasoline

Poisonous fumes (correct)

Identifying potential exit routes at an emergency scene is most important because:

You may need to exit the area rapidly if the scene becomes unsafe. (correct)

The quickest exit route is almost always the safest route to take.

Ambulances will need to take the quickest route to the hospital.

Law enforcement personnel need to be notified of all exit routes.

The purpose of noting the mechanism of injury (MOI) is to:

Allow you to predict what injuries the patient may have. (correct)

Identify life-threatening injuries that the patient has.

Determine whether the patient's problem is medical or trauma.

Rule out the possibility of any life-threatening injuries.

When assessing the MOI of a vehicle that struck a utility pole, you notice that the vehicle's steering wheel is bent. You should:

Suspect injuries to the patient's chest. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the MOI is correct?

The MOI can provide clues, but it cannot be used to determine which injuries a particular patient has. Signup and view all the answers

During the primary assessment, you should:

Identify and correct all life-threatening conditions. Signup and view all the answers

You enter the residence of an unconscious 30-year-old man. As you are approaching the patient, who is lying motionless on the floor, you should:

Note the patient's position and any unusual odors or sounds. Signup and view all the answers

The first part of determining a conscious patient's level of responsiveness is to:

Introduce yourself to the patient. Signup and view all the answers

A patient is said to be alert if he or she:

Is able to answer questions accurately and appropriately. Signup and view all the answers

To comply with the standard of care, the EMR must:

Treat the patient to the best of his or her ability and provide care that a reasonable, prudent person would provide. Signup and view all the answers

You are a volunteer EMR and have placed your name on the schedule to respond for a 12-hour shift. With 10 minutes left in your shift, you are dispatched for a patient with a possible fractured leg. You should:

Proceed to the scene and begin providing care to the patient. Signup and view all the answers

While functioning at the scene of a patient in cardiac arrest, you do not initiate CPR because the patient is elderly and you think that he is probably dead. Which of the following statements regarding this scenario is correct?

You may be held liable for failure to follow the standard of care. Signup and view all the answers

The scope of care under which the EMR functions is specified by the:

EMS system medical director. Signup and view all the answers

In general, you should never change or alter a patient care report, unless:

You need to correct an error to ensure that the information is accurate. Signup and view all the answers

A patient who verbally or non-verbally lets you know that he or she is willing to accept treatment is giving you ____________ consent.

Expressed Signup and view all the answers

For a patient to be legally able to make a decision regarding his or her own health care, he or she must:

Be of legal age as defined by state law. Signup and view all the answers

The principle of implied consent assumes that an unconscious patient:

Would wish to receive treatment. Signup and view all the answers

You arrive at the scene of an incident involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. Your patient, who was struck by the vehicle, is a 16-year-old girl. You should:

Begin immediate treatment and ask a law enforcement officer to attempt to contact the child's parents. Signup and view all the answers

You are dispatched to an elementary school for a 7-year-old boy who sustained a minor injury. What should you do?

Ask a teacher to contact the child's parents to obtain consent. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding a patient's consent to treatment is correct?

Patients may refuse treatment at any time, even if treatment has begun. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not considered an advance directive?

EMS system protocols Signup and view all the answers

A DNR order is a written request giving permission for medical personnel not to:

Attempt resuscitation in the event of cardiac arrest. Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of a communications system is to:

Relay information from one location to another. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding a base station is correct?

A base station is used by dispatchers to send and receive messages. Signup and view all the answers

Upon arriving at the scene of a major motor vehicle crash, you determine that there are multiple patients. You should:

Immediately request additional resources using the mobile radio. Signup and view all the answers

When transmitting information from the patient's side to the responding ambulance, the EMR would most likely use a:

Portable radio. Signup and view all the answers

A device that receives a weak radio signal, amplifies that signal, and then rebroadcasts it is called a(n):

Repeater Signup and view all the answers

When dispatched to an emergency call, you should:

Not respond until you are sure of the location. Signup and view all the answers

Upon arriving at the scene of an emergency call, a visual survey will enable you to:

Determine the number of patients and estimate injury severity. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following phases of an EMS call is the EMR typically not involved?

Transport to the hospital Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pieces of information is the least critical to relay to the responding EMS unit about your patient?

Past medical history Signup and view all the answers

When EMTs or paramedics arrive at an emergency scene, the EMR should:

Provide them with a hand-off report and assist as needed. Signup and view all the answers

The most important reason for notifying the dispatcher after you have turned over care of a patient to other EMS providers is:

To let the dispatcher know how long it will take before you are available for another call. Signup and view all the answers

Guidelines for effective radio communication include all of the following, except:

Pausing every 60 seconds and saying, 'Do you copy?' Signup and view all the answers

Effective communication means that:

The person being spoken to understands exactly what he or she is told. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an internal distraction that may hinder an EMR's communication with a patient?

Worrying about personal finances while at the scene of a car crash. Signup and view all the answers

When communicating with a conscious, sick, or injured patient, it is important to:

Maintain eye contact whenever possible. Signup and view all the answers

A patient is in the anatomic position when he or she is:

Standing facing you with arms at the sides and the palms of the hands facing outward. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'anterior' refers to the:

Front Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is correct?

The chest is located on the anterior aspect of the body. Signup and view all the answers

During your assessment of a 21-year-old man who fell from a roof, you note the presence of bruising on the medial aspect of the anterior trunk. What part of the body is this describing?

Toward the midline on the front part of the torso. Signup and view all the answers

In relation to the nose, the eyes are:

Lateral Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is correct?

The wrist is distal to the elbow. Signup and view all the answers

A fracture of a femur in a location farthest away from the hip is:

Distal Signup and view all the answers

The location of a lateral body part is:

Away from the midline of the body. Signup and view all the answers

A 40-year-old woman has an injury to the midshaft humerus following a motor vehicle crash. What major joint is immediately distal to her injury?

Elbow Signup and view all the answers

The respiratory system functions by:

Bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

The structure that prevents food or liquid from entering the larynx is called the:

Epiglottis Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are upper airway structures, except the:

Alveoli Signup and view all the answers

The airway within the lungs branches into narrower and narrower passages called:

Bronchioles Signup and view all the answers

Air is inhaled into the lungs when the diaphragm:

Contracts and moves downward in the chest. Signup and view all the answers

The circulatory system is responsible for:

Pumping blood through the body. Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are components of the scene size-up, except:

Determining whether the patient is sick or injured. Signup and view all the answers

As you approach an emergency scene, you should first:

Scan the area to determine the extent of the incident. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following MOST accurately describes an emergency medical responder (EMR)?

The first medically trained person to arrive at the scene Signup and view all the answers

Fire fighters and law enforcement personnel are likely to be the first EMRs to arrive at a scene because:

Of their location or speed in responding to the call. Signup and view all the answers

A cardiac arrest patient's most crucial contact with the EMS system occurs when:

Trained EMRs arrive at the patient's side. Signup and view all the answers

When EMTs or paramedics arrive at the scene of an emergency, the EMR should:

Assist the EMTs in continuing the care that he or she initiated. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interventions would the EMR most likely perform at the scene of a cardiac arrest?

CPR and defibrillation Signup and view all the answers

Fire units are often a crucial part of the EMS system because they:

Provide specialized rescue such as patient extrication. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding transport of a patient to the hospital is correct?

Patients may require immediate stabilization at the closest hospital and then transfer to another facility. Signup and view all the answers

A patient requires rapid transport to the hospital when:

EMS personnel are unable to give the patient adequate life-saving care in the field. Signup and view all the answers

A 33-year-old woman has a possible broken left ankle. She is in significant pain but is conscious and otherwise stable. This patient:

Requires transport but without lights and siren. Signup and view all the answers

You are at the scene of a shooting. The patient, who is being cared for by paramedics, is unresponsive and has severe bleeding from his injury. In this case, the EMR's most important function is to:

Help the paramedics prepare for rapid transport. Signup and view all the answers

To provide the best possible care for the patient:

All EMS personnel must function effectively as a team. Signup and view all the answers

Skills commonly performed by the EMR include all of the following, except:

Intravenous therapy. Signup and view all the answers

The EMR must possess the ability to:

Treat patients using limited equipment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pieces of equipment should be included in the EMR's life support kit?

Mouth-to-mask ventilation device Signup and view all the answers

Components of the quality improvement process, as identified by the Institute of Medicine, include all of the following, except:

Teamwork. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding stress is correct?

Past experiences may make it difficult to deal with stress. Signup and view all the answers

Ways in which the EMR can prevent and reduce unnecessary stress include all of the following, except:

Frequent exposure to stress-causing situations to train the mind. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would most likely produce the greatest amount of stress for the EMR?

Death Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are part of the normal grieving process, except:

Violence Signup and view all the answers

To see his grandson graduate from high school, a man with a terminal illness promises to keep all of his doctor's appointments and take all of his medications exactly as prescribed. This is an example of:

Bargaining Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the acceptance stage of the grieving process is correct?

The patient understands that the situation cannot be changed. Signup and view all the answers

When you encounter a patient with a significant illness, it is important to remember that he or she:

May be experiencing any stage of grief. Signup and view all the answers

An important step in managing your own stress is the ability to:

Recognize its signs and symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

If you are experiencing stress away from your job, you should:

Seek assistance from a mental health professional. Signup and view all the answers

A critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) is used to:

Alleviate the stress reactions caused by high-stress incidents. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following infectious diseases would be the least likely to be spread by the airborne droplet route?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Signup and view all the answers

The most effective way to prevent exposure to infectious diseases is to:

Follow standard precautions on all calls. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not part of the standard precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)?

Use leather gloves as a barrier against blood and fluids. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following situations would the use of a gown or apron, face shield, and gloves clearly be indicated?

Emergency childbirth Signup and view all the answers

You are the first responder to arrive at an emergency scene. What should you do first?

Survey the scene for potential safety hazards. Signup and view all the answers

In addition to ensuring your own safety, the most important guideline to follow when moving a patient is to:

Do no further harm to the patient. Signup and view all the answers

When moving a patient, who typically gives the command to begin the move?

The rescuer at the patient's head Signup and view all the answers

If you suspect that a patient has suffered a head or spine injury, you should:

Keep the patient's head and spine immobilized to avoid movement. Signup and view all the answers

Regardless of the technique you use for moving patients, you should:

Lift and lower the patient by bending your legs. Signup and view all the answers

You and your partner are the first to arrive at the scene of a man who fell approximately 20′ (6 m) from a second-story balcony. The patient is found lying on his side. He is conscious and alert with adequate breathing. A paramedic unit is approximately 5 minutes away. You should:

Keep the patient's head and neck stabilized, tell the patient not to move, and wait for the paramedic unit to arrive at the scene. Signup and view all the answers

The recovery position is used for patients who are:

Unconscious and not injured. Signup and view all the answers

With regard to lifting and moving, good body mechanics includes:

Using your legs and not your back when lifting. Signup and view all the answers

Before attempting to move any patient, you should:

Assess the patient's weight and know your physical limitations. Signup and view all the answers

You are the first medically trained person to arrive at the scene of an ill person. You find the patient, a 350-pound man, sitting in a small bathroom. The patient tells you that he is extremely weak and is unable to walk. You should:

Wait for additional rescuers to arrive before trying to move him. Signup and view all the answers

The blanket drag would be most appropriate to use to move a patient if he or she is:

Wearing clothing that is easily torn. Signup and view all the answers

An elderly woman must be moved from an unsafe environment quickly. The patient is unconscious and is wearing a thin nightgown. What is the most rapid and effective way for you and your partner to move her?

Place a blanket or rug on the ground, roll her onto it, and quickly remove her from the unsafe environment. Signup and view all the answers

Basic patient movement techniques require slight modification when moving a patient from a wrecked vehicle because the patient:

Is not in a lying position. Signup and view all the answers

A 60-year-old man is found sitting in his car alongside the road. There is no apparent damage to his vehicle. Your assessment reveals that the man is in cardiac arrest. You should:

Grasp the patient under his arms, cradle his head between your arms, and remove him from the vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

The direct ground lift should not be performed if the patient:

Has experienced a traumatic injury. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is the first and most important when providing patient care?

Above all else, do no harm Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Emergency Medical Responders (EMR)

EMRs are the first medically trained individuals to arrive at an emergency scene, providing initial care.
Firefighters and law enforcement often serve as first responders due to their rapid response capabilities.
Initial contact with EMS occurs when trained EMRs reach a cardiac arrest patient, critical for continued care.

EMR Responsibilities

Upon arrival of EMTs or paramedics, EMRs should assist in continuing care rather than withdrawing.
EMRs perform CPR and defibrillation during cardiac arrest situations, but not advanced procedures like medication administration or IV insertion.
They provide specialized rescue services, such as patient extrication, in support of the EMS system.

Patient Transport and Care

Patients may need stabilization at the nearest hospital before transfer to a specialized facility.
Rapid transport is necessary if EMS personnel cannot deliver adequate life-saving care in the field.
An EMR should recognize situations requiring patient transport without lights and siren when conditions allow.

Stress Management

Past experiences can complicate the management of stress in high-pressure situations.
Critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) helps alleviate stress from traumatic incidents.
It is vital for EMRs to be aware of stress signs and seek professional mental health support when needed.

Infection Control

Standard precautions are essential for infection disease prevention, including appropriate hand hygiene and protective equipment usage.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is less likely to spread via airborne droplets compared to diseases like Influenza and Tuberculosis.

Patient Movement and Safety

The first action at an emergency scene is to survey for safety hazards to protect responders and patients alike.
Proper body mechanics include using legs for lifting and minimizing patient movement to avoid further harm.
Essential techniques like the blanket drag or log roll are employed for effective patient extraction, particularly during transport scenarios.

Grieving Process Understanding

EMRs should recognize that patients may experience various stages of grief and that responses can vary widely.
Examples of coping mechanisms include bargaining, where individuals might promise compliance with medical advice to hold onto hope.

Legal and Ethical Responsibilities

EMRs have a duty to act in emergency situations within their scope while following established protocols to ensure patient safety.
Continuously providing high-quality care that aligns with a reasonable standard is crucial to fulfilling their role.

Handling Cardiac Arrest

When encountering a patient in cardiac arrest, EMRs must act promptly to initiate CPR, understanding that assumptions about their condition should not delay care.

Response Readiness

EMRs must be prepared to respond, regardless of their volunteer status, and are obligated to proceed to the scene when dispatched.### Emergency Medical Response Concepts
Cardiac arrest response within 6 minutes offers a chance for successful resuscitation.
Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) have a standard of care and may face liability for failing to follow it.
EMRs must initiate CPR if needed, as it aligns with their responsibilities.

Expressed consent is given verbally or non-verbally by a patient.
To make decisions about healthcare, a patient must be of legal age as defined by state law.
Implied consent applies to unconscious patients assumed to want treatment.

Handling Pediatric Emergencies

In emergencies involving minors, seek immediate treatment while attempting to contact parents for consent.
When a child is not in critical condition, consent must be obtained from a parent or guardian.

DNR and Advance Directives

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order instructs medical personnel not to attempt resuscitation in cardiac arrest.
EMS system protocols are not classified as advance directives.

Communication and Dispatch

Effective communication relays critical patient information and aids in emergency responses.
Use portable radios for communicating from the patient side to the ambulance.
After care is transferred to EMS, notify dispatch of availability for new calls.

Scene Safety and Size-Up

Assess the scene for safety and hazards, including invisible hazards like toxic fumes.
Identify exit routes to ensure safety if the situation escalates.
Understanding the mechanism of injury (MOI) is vital to predict potential injuries.

Body Anatomy and Positioning

Anatomic position: standing, facing forward with arms at sides and palms outward.
Anterior refers to the front of the body; posterior refers to the back.
Proximal and distal relate to the distance from the point of reference—proximal being closer, distal being farther.

Patient Assessment and Responsiveness

Primary assessment focuses on identifying and addressing life-threatening conditions.
A patient is considered alert if they can answer questions accurately.
Introduce yourself to a conscious patient to gauge their responsiveness.

System Functionality

The respiratory system brings oxygen into the body and removes carbon dioxide, while the circulatory system pumps blood throughout the body.
Understanding organ functions aids in assessing patient health and treating injuries.

Important Considerations

Avoid altering patient care reports without correcting for accuracy.
Effective communication means the recipient fully understands the information conveyed.
Prioritize patient care and support to other emergency responders to ensure comprehensive treatment.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these practice questions covering Chapters 1-7 of the EMR material. This flashcard set helps reinforce key concepts and definitions related to emergency medical responders and their roles. Perfect for preparing for your EMR certification exam.