EMS Exam Review Quiz

EMS Exam Review Key Points

• Understand scope of practice and standard of care, and authority to practice is given by the Medical Director.

• Proper lifting techniques and understanding the difference between decontamination and sterilization.

• Negligence is provable by four components: Duty to Act, Breach of Duty, Willful Intent, and Damages.

• Types of consent: Implied, Informed, Expressed. DNR must be signed by three people and confidentiality is key.

• Assault, battery, slander, libel, and false imprisonment are all important legal concepts to understand.

• Understanding electrolytes and acid-base balance is important in treating patients.

• Know the functions of ADH, RAAS cycle, and catecholamines in regulating bodily functions.

• Shock is defined as a situation where there is a decrease in aerobic metabolism and normal function of the body.

• Hypovolemia, cardiogenic, neurogenic, and anaphylactic shock are the main types.

• Knowing the 5 rights of medication administration, drug schedules, and drug actions is important.

• Proper IV access and medication administration techniques are crucial.

• Intubation techniques, including nasotracheal intubation and surgical cric, are important to know.EMS Cardiology and Trauma Review

• Body's response to burns can include drop in BP, peaked T waves, and widening QRS due to potassium influx

• Compartment syndrome can occur from pressure build-up in small spaces, causing nerve damage and limb loss if untreated

• Rule of nines and rule of palms used to estimate burn surface area

• Different types of burns include electrical, thermal, chemical, radiation, and inhalation

• Treatment for burns includes cooling with tepid water, covering with dry, sterile gauze, and fluid management

• Inhalation burns treated with high flow oxygen, inspection for airway compromise, and possible intubation

• C-spine injuries can cause EKG changes, cover wounds with dry dressings, and monitor for ICP symptoms

• Dental injuries can cause airway obstruction and significant bleeding, and different types of facial fractures have specific names and potential complications

• Treatment for eye injuries includes tetracaine, patching both eyes, and understanding the differences between glaucoma and macular degeneration

• Pelvic fractures can hold up to 2L of blood and require immobilization, IV fluids, and surgery

• Different respiratory conditions include asthma, emphysema/chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, hyperventilation syndrome, spontaneous pneumothorax, and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema

• Lethal rhythms include asystole, v-fib, and vtach, and different types of blocks include 2nd degree type 1 and 2, and 3rd degree heart block

• Stable angina occurs when a portion of the heart muscle is temporarily deprived of blood, and can be relieved by relaxation or nitro, while unstable angina requires immediate medical attentionMedical Emergency Management: Cardiac, Neurological, and Endocrine Emergencies

• Unstable angina is chest pain that occurs at rest or does not subside with nitro administration; treated with nitro, ASA, and pain management.

• AMI findings include ST elevation or depression in 2 or more contiguous leads; treated with nitro, ASA, and defib pads if applicable.

• Right heart failure is caused by left heart failure and causes fluid to back up into the extremities; left heart failure causes fluid to back up into the lungs.

• Pulmonary edema management includes nitro every 5 minutes, dangling feet, and CPAP if possible; discontinue use if patient becomes altered or unconscious.

• Nitro is a smooth muscle relaxant that causes vasodilation and is indicated in chest pain with possible cardiac cause; contraindicated in inferior wall MIs and patients taking ED or pulmonary hypertension medications.

• ASA is an antiplatelet indicated in any chest pain patient who is not allergic or taking Brilinta; contraindicated in patients taking Brilinta and those with GI bleeds.

• Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic with rapid onset indicated in patients with pain levels 4-10; contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity and those with systolic blood pressure under 100mmHg.

• Vasopressin is an artificial ADH used in codes in place of the first or second round of epi for fluid retention purposes only.

• Amiodarone increases the cardiac refractory period and is given in VTACH with a pulse or VTACH/VFIB pulseless arrests; contraindicated in hypokalemia, cardiogenic shock, sinus brady, 2nd or 3rd degree heart blocks.

• Atropine is an anticholinergic indicated in symptomatic 1st degree heart blocks, bradycardia secondary to vasalvagal episode, and spinal cord shock; contraindicated in 2nd or 3rd degree blocks, MI, closed angle glaucoma, GI obstruction, and IVR.

• Dopamine is a sympathomimetic indicated in cardiogenic shock, septic shock, and neurogenic shock hypotension; SE include hypertension, n/v, headache, tachydysrhythmias, and tissue necrosis if infiltrated.

• Stroke is classified as hemorrhagic or ischemic; CSS includes facial droop, arm drift, and slurred speech; managed by taking to a primary stroke center and obtaining last known well.Medical Emergencies: Symptoms, Management, and Treatment

• Allergic reactions can cause local or systemic symptoms such as redness, swelling, hives, wheezing, and respiratory distress.

• Abdominal pain can be caused by various conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, and colitis, with different symptoms and causes.

• Renal failure can be reversible or irreversible, caused by various factors such as hypovolemia, obstruction, and diabetes, and can lead to end-stage renal disease.

• Dialysis patients may experience complications such as hypotension, potassium imbalance, and disequilibrium syndrome.

• Kidney stones are common and extremely painful, caused by the crystallization of insoluble salts in the urine, and can cause UTI symptoms.

• Substance abuse can cause various toxidromes such as depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogen, with different symptoms and treatments.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headache, nausea, and AMS, and is treated with high-flow oxygen and IV fluids.

• Coagulation disorders can be caused by various factors such as vitamin K deficiency, hemophilia, and thrombocytopenia, and can lead to DIC.

• Sickle cell disease is a hereditary condition that causes elongated RBCs and can lead to various crises such as vasoocclusive, acute chest, and splenic sequestration.

• Spider bites can cause neurotoxic reactions, while snake bites can cause neurotoxic venom and should not be iced or elevated.

• Heat emergencies can range from cramps and exhaustion to stroke, and can be managed with fluids, cooling, and monitoring for rhabdomyolysis.

• Hypothermia can range from mild to severe, and can lead to afterdrop phenomenon and internal rewarming need, with proper handling and cautious drug pushing.

• Drowning can cause respiratory problems and fluid in the lungs, and all patients should be transported even if recovered at the scene.

EMS Exam Review Key Points

• Understand scope of practice and standard of care, and authority to practice is given by the Medical Director.

• Proper lifting techniques and understanding the difference between decontamination and sterilization.

• Negligence is provable by four components: Duty to Act, Breach of Duty, Willful Intent, and Damages.

• Types of consent: Implied, Informed, Expressed. DNR must be signed by three people and confidentiality is key.

• Assault, battery, slander, libel, and false imprisonment are all important legal concepts to understand.

• Understanding electrolytes and acid-base balance is important in treating patients.

• Know the functions of ADH, RAAS cycle, and catecholamines in regulating bodily functions.

• Shock is defined as a situation where there is a decrease in aerobic metabolism and normal function of the body.

• Hypovolemia, cardiogenic, neurogenic, and anaphylactic shock are the main types.

• Knowing the 5 rights of medication administration, drug schedules, and drug actions is important.

• Proper IV access and medication administration techniques are crucial.

• Intubation techniques, including nasotracheal intubation and surgical cric, are important to know.EMS Cardiology and Trauma Review

• Body's response to burns can include drop in BP, peaked T waves, and widening QRS due to potassium influx

• Compartment syndrome can occur from pressure build-up in small spaces, causing nerve damage and limb loss if untreated

• Rule of nines and rule of palms used to estimate burn surface area

• Different types of burns include electrical, thermal, chemical, radiation, and inhalation

• Treatment for burns includes cooling with tepid water, covering with dry, sterile gauze, and fluid management

• Inhalation burns treated with high flow oxygen, inspection for airway compromise, and possible intubation

• C-spine injuries can cause EKG changes, cover wounds with dry dressings, and monitor for ICP symptoms

• Dental injuries can cause airway obstruction and significant bleeding, and different types of facial fractures have specific names and potential complications

• Treatment for eye injuries includes tetracaine, patching both eyes, and understanding the differences between glaucoma and macular degeneration

• Pelvic fractures can hold up to 2L of blood and require immobilization, IV fluids, and surgery

• Different respiratory conditions include asthma, emphysema/chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, hyperventilation syndrome, spontaneous pneumothorax, and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema

• Lethal rhythms include asystole, v-fib, and vtach, and different types of blocks include 2nd degree type 1 and 2, and 3rd degree heart block

• Stable angina occurs when a portion of the heart muscle is temporarily deprived of blood, and can be relieved by relaxation or nitro, while unstable angina requires immediate medical attentionMedical Emergency Management: Cardiac, Neurological, and Endocrine Emergencies

• Unstable angina is chest pain that occurs at rest or does not subside with nitro administration; treated with nitro, ASA, and pain management.

• AMI findings include ST elevation or depression in 2 or more contiguous leads; treated with nitro, ASA, and defib pads if applicable.

• Right heart failure is caused by left heart failure and causes fluid to back up into the extremities; left heart failure causes fluid to back up into the lungs.

• Pulmonary edema management includes nitro every 5 minutes, dangling feet, and CPAP if possible; discontinue use if patient becomes altered or unconscious.

• Nitro is a smooth muscle relaxant that causes vasodilation and is indicated in chest pain with possible cardiac cause; contraindicated in inferior wall MIs and patients taking ED or pulmonary hypertension medications.

• ASA is an antiplatelet indicated in any chest pain patient who is not allergic or taking Brilinta; contraindicated in patients taking Brilinta and those with GI bleeds.

• Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic with rapid onset indicated in patients with pain levels 4-10; contraindicated in patients with known sensitivity and those with systolic blood pressure under 100mmHg.

• Vasopressin is an artificial ADH used in codes in place of the first or second round of epi for fluid retention purposes only.

• Amiodarone increases the cardiac refractory period and is given in VTACH with a pulse or VTACH/VFIB pulseless arrests; contraindicated in hypokalemia, cardiogenic shock, sinus brady, 2nd or 3rd degree heart blocks.

• Atropine is an anticholinergic indicated in symptomatic 1st degree heart blocks, bradycardia secondary to vasalvagal episode, and spinal cord shock; contraindicated in 2nd or 3rd degree blocks, MI, closed angle glaucoma, GI obstruction, and IVR.

• Dopamine is a sympathomimetic indicated in cardiogenic shock, septic shock, and neurogenic shock hypotension; SE include hypertension, n/v, headache, tachydysrhythmias, and tissue necrosis if infiltrated.

• Stroke is classified as hemorrhagic or ischemic; CSS includes facial droop, arm drift, and slurred speech; managed by taking to a primary stroke center and obtaining last known well.Medical Emergencies: Symptoms, Management, and Treatment

• Allergic reactions can cause local or systemic symptoms such as redness, swelling, hives, wheezing, and respiratory distress.

• Abdominal pain can be caused by various conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, and colitis, with different symptoms and causes.

• Renal failure can be reversible or irreversible, caused by various factors such as hypovolemia, obstruction, and diabetes, and can lead to end-stage renal disease.

• Dialysis patients may experience complications such as hypotension, potassium imbalance, and disequilibrium syndrome.

• Kidney stones are common and extremely painful, caused by the crystallization of insoluble salts in the urine, and can cause UTI symptoms.

• Substance abuse can cause various toxidromes such as depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogen, with different symptoms and treatments.

• Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headache, nausea, and AMS, and is treated with high-flow oxygen and IV fluids.

• Coagulation disorders can be caused by various factors such as vitamin K deficiency, hemophilia, and thrombocytopenia, and can lead to DIC.

• Sickle cell disease is a hereditary condition that causes elongated RBCs and can lead to various crises such as vasoocclusive, acute chest, and splenic sequestration.

• Spider bites can cause neurotoxic reactions, while snake bites can cause neurotoxic venom and should not be iced or elevated.

• Heat emergencies can range from cramps and exhaustion to stroke, and can be managed with fluids, cooling, and monitoring for rhabdomyolysis.

• Hypothermia can range from mild to severe, and can lead to afterdrop phenomenon and internal rewarming need, with proper handling and cautious drug pushing.

• Drowning can cause respiratory problems and fluid in the lungs, and all patients should be transported even if recovered at the scene.