EMT Certification and Standards Quiz

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Questions and Answers

You are in violation of HIPAA if you did not remove PHI from the PCR beforehand.

True

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, what must an employer offer?

a workplace environment that reduces the risk for exposure

If it is not possible to adequately clean your ambulance at the hospital following a call, what should you do?

clean the ambulance at your station in a designated area that is well ventilated

When performing their duties, what are EMTs generally expected to do?

exercise reasonable care and act prudently Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you arrive at the scene of a motor vehicle vs. pedestrian accident and the patient is unconscious?

transport the child immediately and have the parents meet you at the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What should the compliance monitoring component of an infection control plan ensure?

ensure that employees understand what they should do and why it is important Signup and view all the answers

What is the most serious consequence of drug or alcohol abuse among EMS personnel?

substandard or inappropriate patient care Signup and view all the answers

If you are exposed to a patient's blood or other bodily fluid, what should your first action be?

transfer care of your patient to another EMS provider Signup and view all the answers

What should you assess if a patient regains consciousness and refuses to go to the hospital?

assess whether or not the patient's mental condition is impaired Signup and view all the answers

While decontaminating the back of your ambulance after a call, what should you allow?

surfaces to air dry unless otherwise indicated in the product directions Signup and view all the answers

In order for a DNR order to be valid, what must it clearly state?

the patient's medical problem Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not considered to be protected health information (PHI)?

Location of the call Signup and view all the answers

Why do prescription glasses not provide adequate eye protection?

they offer little to no side protection Signup and view all the answers

Which situation requires you to notify the appropriate authorities?

attempted suicide Signup and view all the answers

What should you explain to a middle-aged man with chest pain who does not want to go to the hospital?

explain the seriousness of the situation to him but avoid causing undue alarm Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following most accurately depicts informed consent?

An EMT advises a patient of the risks of receiving treatment Signup and view all the answers

Common factors that influence how a patient reacts to the stress of an illness/injury include all the following EXCEPT:

Distrust of the EMT Signup and view all the answers

Hazards associated with a structural fire include all of the following except:

Carbon dioxide deficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a PTSD reaction?

An EMT becomes distracted at the scene of a MVC involving the same type of car in which a child was previously killed Signup and view all the answers

If a person is partially immune to a particular disease, what may occur?

may develop illness from germs that lie dormant from the initial infection Signup and view all the answers

Patients who become dependent on EMS personnel may often feel what?

shamed Signup and view all the answers

The manner in which the EMT acts or behaves when caring for a patient is called what?

standard of care Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when caring for a terminal cancer patient with a valid DNR form?

make her comfortable and provide emotional support Signup and view all the answers

What does a positive skin TB test indicate?

you have been exposed to the disease Signup and view all the answers

When performing their duties, what are EMTs generally expected to do?

exercise reasonable care and act prudently Signup and view all the answers

What does the PCR ensure?

continuity of care Signup and view all the answers

What could you be sued for if your radio report to the hospital injures a patient's reputation?

slander Signup and view all the answers

Any radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed location is called what?

base station Signup and view all the answers

After being dispatched, what information can you expect the dispatcher to provide you with?

General geographic location of the incident Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the NREMT is correct? (Select all that apply)

The NREMT provides a national standard for EMS testing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios does NOT involve the administration of ALS? (Select all that apply)

A 64 y/o cardiac arrest patient who is defibrillated with an automated external defibrillator (AED) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a unique function of the emergency medical dispatcher?

Providing callers with life-saving instructions Signup and view all the answers

EMRs such as firefighters, police, and park rangers are an integral part of the EMS system because...

The presence of a person trained to initiate BLS care cannot be ensured Signup and view all the answers

According to the National EMS Scope of Practice model, an EMT would require special permission from the Med Director and the state EMS office in order to...

Perform blood glucose monitoring Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process?

Identify areas of improvement and provide remedial training if needed. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the criteria to be licensed and employed as an EMT?

Proof of immunization against certain communicable diseases. Signup and view all the answers

Where does EMT training in nearly every state meet or exceed the guidelines?

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for authorizing EMTs to perform emergency medical care in the field?

Medical director. Signup and view all the answers

Why are prehospital emergency care guidelines updated on a regular basis?

Additional information and evidence indicate that the effectiveness of certain interventions has changed. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for obtaining continuing medical education?

Individual EMT. Signup and view all the answers

If an EMT candidate has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, what should they do?

Contact the state EMS office and provide them with the required documentation. Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate demonstration of professionalism when your patient is frightened or unpleasant?

Continue to be nonjudgmental, compassionate, and respectful. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a paramedic?

Cardiac monitoring, pharmacological interventions, and other advanced treatment skills. Signup and view all the answers

Who regulates the standards for prehospital emergency care?

State office of EMS. Signup and view all the answers

What types of skills are laypeople trained to perform?

Splinting of possible fractures, control of life-threatening bleeding, and one- or two-rescuer CPR. Signup and view all the answers

What permission allows an EMT to administer aspirin to a patient with chest pain?

Local EMS protocols. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of knowledge-based failure?

An EMT administers the wrong drug to a patient because she did not know the pertinent information about the drug. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a primary prevention strategy?

Community awareness programs that emphasize the dangers of drinking and driving. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following skills or interventions is included at every level of prehospital emergency training?

AED Signup and view all the answers

What department deals with the well-being of the EMT, career progression, and EMT compensation?

Human resources department. Signup and view all the answers

What do you refer to an EMS provider with extensive training in various aspects of ALS?

Paramedic. Signup and view all the answers

If a defibrillator manufacturer claims that its device terminates ventricular fibrillation on the first shock 95% of the time, what should you recognize?

This does not mean it will save more lives. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for determining that prompt surgical care in the hospital is more important than performing time-consuming procedures in the field on a major trauma patient?

EMS research. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is correct?

ADA prohibits employers from failing to provide full and equal employment to the disabled Signup and view all the answers

According to the National EMS Scope of Practice model, what should an EMT be able to do?

Assist a patient with certain prescribed medications. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following descriptions MOST accurately portrays emergency medical services (EMS)?

A team of health care professionals who are responsible for providing emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured Signup and view all the answers

Continuing education in EMS serves to...

Maintain, update, and expand your knowledge and skills. Signup and view all the answers

What type of medical direction do standing orders and protocols describe?

Off-line Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you and your partner arrive at the residence of a man in cardiac arrest?

Begin 2 rescuer CPR and apply the AED as soon as possible. Signup and view all the answers

In which of the following circumstances can the EMT legally release confidential patient information?

The patient is competent and signs a release form Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when assessing a woman thrown from her horse as a thunderstorm is approaching?

Crouch down in a position so that only your feet are touching the ground. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios MOST accurately depicts abandonment?

A paramedic transfers patient care to an EMT. Signup and view all the answers

What stage of the grieving process does an abusive patient who blames the healthcare system display?

Anger. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a child's mother refuses to allow you to continue treatment after a suspected broken leg?

Try to persuade the mother that treatment is needed. Signup and view all the answers

What action should you take when responding to a 16-year-old with an asthma attack at a middle school?

Provide treatment up to your level of training and transport the child at once. Signup and view all the answers

What should maintaining the chain of evidence at the scene of a crime include?

Not cutting through holes in clothing that were caused by weapons. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your partner touches you inappropriately without consent?

Tell your partner to stop and report the incident to your supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

What is your BEST protection against legal liability when a competent patient refuses EMS care?

Thoroughly document the entire event. Signup and view all the answers

What are some physiological manifestations of stress?

Perspiration, increased blood glucose levels, and dilated pupils. Signup and view all the answers

What is your first priority upon arriving at a potential crime scene with a critically injured patient?

Provide immediate patient care. Signup and view all the answers

Where would you MOST likely find information regarding a patient's wishes to be an organ donor?

Driver's license. Signup and view all the answers

What does an incomplete patient care form indicate in the eyes of the court?

Inadequate patient care was administered. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you accidentally give a woman with diabetes oral glucose despite her high blood glucose level?

Contact medical control and notify him or her of the error. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding the Good Samaritan law is correct?

It will not protect the EMT in cases of gross negligence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of consent when a pregnant 16-year-old girl agrees to splint her leg after being hit by a car?

Expressed. Signup and view all the answers

What is important to remember about the signs of cumulative stress?

May not be obvious or present all the time. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after using a waterless handwashing substitute in the field?

Wash your hands with soap and water at the hospital. Signup and view all the answers

What should you maintain as you approach a crash involving a large tanker truck?

Maintain a safe distance and try to read the placard with binoculars. Signup and view all the answers

What method is vector-borne transmission of an infectious organism?

Animals or insects. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do upon arriving at a domestic violence situation where you hear screaming and that someone has a gun?

Seek a safe place and request law enforcement assistance. Signup and view all the answers

When should gloves, a mask, eye protection, and a face shield be used?

When performing endotracheal intubation. Signup and view all the answers

If law enforcement personnel are present and have the suspect in custody at a shooting scene, what should you do?

Quickly move the coffee table so you can access and treat the patient. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your partner, a veteran EMT, appears agitated and smells of alcohol?

Discreetly report your suspicions to your supervisor. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before attempting to access a patient trapped in a vehicle?

Ensure the vehicle is stable. Signup and view all the answers

The manner in which the EMT must act or behave when caring for a patient is called what?

Standard of care. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a definitive sign of death?

Dependent lividity Signup and view all the answers

If you have a patient as an organ donor while triaging other patients at an MCI, what should you do?

May have to assign the donor patient a lower triage priority. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best approach when working at the scene of a major building collapse for an extended period?

Requesting a CISM team to provide on-scene peer support. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of consent allows treatment of a patient who is unconscious or mentally incapacitated?

Implied Signup and view all the answers

What should you and your partner do after parking the ambulance at a safe distance at an MVC?

Put on high-visibility safety vests. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do for a 59-year-old man who is unconscious and has a weak pulse, with the family stating he has terminal brain cancer and no DNR order?

Begin treatment and contact medical control as needed. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the hepatitis B vaccine is correct?

OSHA requires that your employer offer you the vaccine free of charge. Signup and view all the answers

The final stage of death and dying is most commonly displayed as what?

Acceptance. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the determination of exposure an important component of an infection control plan?

It defines who is at risk for contact with blood and body fluids and which tasks pose a risk of exposure. Signup and view all the answers

To minimize the risk of litigation, what should the EMT always do?

Provide competent care that meets current standards. Signup and view all the answers

What does regression mean when a patient is dying?

Behavioral consistent with an earlier developmental stage. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements would not be appropriate to say to the family of a dying patient?

Things will get better in time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding consent is most correct?

A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective strategy for managing stress?

Focus on delivering high-quality patient care. Signup and view all the answers

Acting in such a way as to make another person fear immediate bodily harm is called what?

Assault. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

NREMT and EMT Certification

NREMT provides national standards for EMS testing.
It is not a governmental agency and does not exclusively certify EMTs.
EMS training standards are regulated at the state level.

ALS Administration Scenarios

Administering an AED does not involve ALS as EMTs are CPR/AED certified.
Glucagon administration for hypoglycemia is an example of ALS intervention.

Emergency Medical Dispatcher Functions

Unique role includes providing life-saving instructions to callers.

Role of EMRs

EMRs, like police and firefighters, can initiate BLS care and supplement EMS teams.

Scope of Practice for EMTs

EMTs need special permission to perform blood glucose monitoring, while other tasks are typically authorized under local protocols.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

CQI aims to identify areas for improvement and provide remedial training.

Licensing and Employability

Proof of immunization against communicable diseases is required to be licensed as an EMT.

EMS Training Standards

EMT training in most states adheres to guidelines set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Medical Direction in EMS

The medical director authorizes EMTs to perform emergency medical care in the field.

Updates to Emergency Care Guidelines

Regular updates ensure practices reflect the latest evidence on intervention effectiveness.

Continuing Medical Education

Individual EMTs are responsible for obtaining continuing education to maintain proficiency.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

An EMT should disclose any felony or misdemeanor convictions to the state EMS office.

Professionalism in Patient Care

Maintaining a nonjudgmental and compassionate attitude is essential when dealing with difficult patients.

Paramedic Responsibilities

Advanced treatment skills, including cardiac monitoring and medication administration, are within a paramedic's scope.

Regulatory Bodies

The standards for emergency care are regulated by the state office of EMS.

Community Training and Skills

Laypeople are typically trained in splinting, CPR, and bleeding control but not in inserting OPAs.

Knowledge-Based Failures

Administering the wrong drug due to a lack of understanding is a key example of knowledge-based failure.

Primary Prevention Strategies

Awareness programs about dangers of drinking and driving exemplify primary prevention efforts.

Essential Prehospital Skills

AED usage is included at all levels of prehospital emergency training.

Human Resources and EMT Welfare

The human resources department manages EMT well-being, career progression, and compensation.

Expressed consent includes situations where patients are conscious and agree to treatment.

Doctor's Orders and Medical Control

If uncertain about treatment protocols during an emergency, EMTs should contact medical control.

Handling Trauma and Illness

Prioritize patient care in emergencies, even when tensions are high.

Stress Management Techniques

Effective stress management for EMTs involves focusing on delivering high-quality patient care.

Infection Control Considerations

Employers must ensure a safe working environment to minimize risk for exposure to infections.

Documentation Protocols

Accurate documentation ensures legal protection for EMTs and reflects the quality of patient care.

Dealing with Dying Patients

Use empathetic communication and avoid dismissive comments when discussing death with families.

Emergency Response in Critical Situations

Seek law enforcement assistance in potentially dangerous situations, ensuring personal safety first.

Organ Donation and Patient Wishes

Information regarding a patient's organ donation wishes can often be found on their driver’s license.

Behavioral Responses to Patient Needs

Recognizing emotional responses like anger during patient assessments is essential for effective communication.

Legal Liability Protections

Proper documentation is critical when a competent patient refuses care to protect EMTs from liability.

Roles of EMTs

EMTs are expected to act prudently and provide competent care following established standards.

Responding to Emergencies

Maintain scene safety and efficiently triage patients during mass casualty incidents.

Importance of Personal Safety Measures

Wear high-visibility safety gear in high-traffic environments, such as accident scenes.

Handling Patient Refusals

When a patient refuses transport but is unconscious, begin treatment and contact medical control as necessary.

Good Samaritan Law

EMTs are protected under the Good Samaritan law unless gross negligence is demonstrated.

Exposure Protocols

In case of exposure to bodily fluids, the first step is to transfer care to another provider.

Dealing with Patient Incapacitation

Implied consent allows treatment when patients are unconscious or mentally incapacitated.

Summary of Legal Protection for EMTs

The most severe consequences of substance abuse among EMS personnel include inadequate patient care.### Patient Assessment and Legal Considerations
Assess if a patient's mental condition is impaired when necessary.
A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order must clearly specify the patient's medical problem to be valid.
Attempted suicide mandates notifying appropriate authorities, as it poses significant health risks.

Health Information and Patient Safety

The location of a call is not considered protected health information (PHI).
Prescription glasses lack adequate side protection, diminishing eye safety during emergencies.
Only the EMT advising a patient of risks constitutes accurate informed consent.

Patient Reactions and Emotional Support

Common stress reactions to illness include fear of medical personnel and history of chronic disease, but distrust of EMTs is not influential.
PTSD reactions can manifest when an EMT is reminded of a past traumatic incident during an emergency.
Patients reliant on EMS personnel may experience feelings of shame.

Emergency Protocols and Patient Care

Standard of care refers to the expected behavior of EMTs in patient management.
When caring for a terminal patient with a valid DNR, focus on comfort and emotional support.
A positive skin TB test indicates prior exposure to tuberculosis.

EMT Responsibilities and Communication

EMTs must exercise reasonable care and prudence while performing duties.
Patient Care Reports (PCR) are vital for ensuring continuity of care among healthcare providers.
Slander occurs if a radio report damages a patient’s reputation through inaccurate descriptions.

Communication Equipment and Dispatch Information

A base station refers to radio hardware that includes both a transmitter and receiver at a fixed location.
After dispatch, expect information such as the nature of the incident and patient details, but not the general geographic location.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) and its role in EMT certification. This quiz covers key aspects of EMS training standards and testing protocols. Perfect for EMT students preparing for their exams!