EMT Chapter 10 Patient Assessment Quiz

Patient Assessment Overview

• Altered level of consciousness is least likely caused by acute anxiety.
• Rapid, irregular pulse in a 62-year-old female with chest pain requires immediate transport and possible paramedic support.
• Secondary assessment should focus on the chief complaint area rather than performing a head-to-toe exam in every case.

Vital Signs and Monitoring

• A consistent pulse pattern indicates a regular pulse.
• As time progresses after an injury, the body's ability to compensate for shock decreases.
• Reassess unstable patients at least every 5 minutes.

Patient History and Evaluation

• A focused secondary assessment is appropriate when significant trauma is suspected.
• Jugular venous distention is notable in a patient sitting at a 45-degree angle.
• To determine a patient's chief complaint, ask “What seems to be the matter?”

Patient Examination Techniques

• When auscultating blood pressure, place the stethoscope over the brachial artery.
• Capillary refill in infants should return within 2 seconds, indicating adequate perfusion.
• In responsive patients over 1 year, the radial artery is typically assessed for pulse.

Signs and Symptoms Interpretation

• Cyanosis indicates decreased blood oxygen; flushed skin may suggest high blood pressure.
• Stridor is a high-pitched sound indicating upper airway obstruction.
• A palpable pulse results from pressure waves in the arteries due to cardiac contraction.

Emergency Protocols

• Perform the primary assessment to identify and treat life-threatening conditions.
• In cases of suspected spinal injury, maintain head stabilization while assessing.

Reassessments and Interventions

• After primary assessment, perform a rapid exam to identify any less obvious injuries.
• Start interventions like assisting ventilation in unresponsive patients showing distress.
• The second assessment may not occur if managing ongoing life threats.

Specific Patient Conditions

• Jaundice in a patient hints at liver dysfunction.
• Abdominal pain in a conscious patient can indicate various conditions; assess vital signs and transport appropriately.
• Bradycardia is a pulse rate under 60 beats/min; tachycardia is over 100 beats/min.

General Knowledge about Assessment

• Know that systematic head-to-toe exams are reserved for significant mechanism of injury and unresponsive patients.
• Blood pressure cuffs should cover about two-thirds of the arm length from armpit to elbow crease.
• Assess pupils for reaction—normal response is constriction when light is shone.

Musculoskeletal and Respiratory Assessments

• In patients with head injuries, assess motor function by asking them to wiggle toes on command.
• Seesaw breathing, a sign of respiratory distress, is primarily observed in pediatric patients.

Important Medical History Considerations

• A medical alert bracelet is vital to check in unconscious patients for historical flags.
• Headaches can often be a symptom rather than a definitive clinical sign.

Conclusion on Effective Practices

• Standard precautions should always be taken before patient contact.
• The goal for oxygen saturation is typically set at 94% to 99% for most patients.
• Assess interventions during reassessment for effective patient management and safety.

Test your knowledge on patient assessment from EMT Chapter 10 with these flashcards. The questions cover various conditions and signs to look for in critical situations. This quiz is perfect for EMT students looking to reinforce their understanding of key concepts.