Questions and Answers
What level is responsible for controlling licensure, laws, and regulations in which the EMT practices?
At what level do EMTs perform skills according to a specific model?
What is the role of a medical director in EMS?
Authorizes EMTs, makes standing orders or protocols, approves continuing education and training.
What should you do when exposed to blood or bodily fluids?
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What is the proper way to clean an ambulance?
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What does DNR stand for in a medical context?
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Define the term 'scope of practice' in EMS.
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What does 'negligence' refer to in the context of EMS?
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What signifies the action of 'abandonment' regarding patient care?
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What is the main action in 'assault'?
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What is 'battery' in a medical context?
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What does the sympathetic nervous system do?
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What is the main function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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What are the organs implicated in the central nervous system?
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Define the 'epidermis'.
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What is the function of the uterus?
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What are side effects in terms of medications?
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What does 'IV' stand for?
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Explain what 'suctioning' involves.
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What does 'treatment for an overdose' involve?
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What are the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia?
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Study Notes
EMT Licensing and Practice
- States are responsible for licensure, laws, and regulations governing EMT practice.
- EMTs perform skills according to the national EMS scope of practice model.
Medical Oversight and Protocol
- Medical directors authorize EMTs and establish standing orders or treatment protocols.
- Continuing education and training are approved by the medical director.
Safety and Infection Control
- Standard precautions include OSH, BSI, and PPE to protect against infection.
- Upon exposure to blood or bodily fluids, activate the infection control plan and report immediately.
Vehicle and Equipment Cleaning
- Clean ambulances using a bleach-water solution at a 1:10 dilution; air dry unless specified otherwise.
End-of-Life Care
- A valid DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order allows care for a patient not in cardiac arrest.
Scope and Standard of Care
- Scope of practice defines legally mandated patient care.
- Standard of care dictates the expected behavior and treatment provided regardless of the situation.
Legal Considerations
- Negligence involves failing to provide appropriate care, resulting in harm.
- Abandonment occurs when care is provided without patient consent.
- Assault involves placing a person in fear of bodily harm, while battery is unlawful touching.
Nervous System Functions
- The sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight or flight response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
- The parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and physiological functions like digestion.
- The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system comprises nerve cells and tissues.
Skin Anatomy
- The epidermis is the outer layer, providing waterproof protection.
- The dermis contains sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings.
- Subcutaneous fat anchors the dermis to muscle and bone.
Female Reproductive System
- Ovaries produce eggs; one ovum matures from 10-20 follicles each cycle.
- Fallopian tubes connect to the uterus and transport the ovum.
- The uterus nurtures the ovum as it develops into a fetus, with the cervix dilating during childbirth.
Pharmacology
- Common side effects of medications are unintended reactions; contraindications indicate serious risks prohibiting certain medications.
- Administration routes: intravenous (in the vein) for rapid effect, and intraosseous (in the bone) as another rapid method.
- Aspirin serves as an anti-inflammatory and blood thinner, while Nitro increases blood flow and dilates coronary arteries.
Vital Signs and Assessment
- Normal vital signs: breaths 12-20, pulse 60-100, blood pressure 120/80, glucose 80-120, oxygen saturation 95-100%.
- Suctioning: use a vacuum set to 300 mm for 15 seconds; 5 seconds for infants, 10 seconds for children.
- Recovery position refers to lying on the left side for safety and airway protection.
Shock and Emergency Responses
- Distinguish types of shock: cardiogenic (pump failure), distributive (widespread vessel dilation), septic (severe infection), neurogenic (spinal cord damage), and anaphylactic (severe allergic reaction).
- Compensated shock features increased blood pressure, while decompensated shock shows decreased pressure.
Respiratory Considerations
- Pathologies: COPD (chronic bronchial obstruction), emphysema (alveolar damage), asthma (bronchial spasms), and pulmonary embolism (clots in lung veins).
- Auscultation sounds: rales (fluid), wheezing (whistle), rhonchi (rattling), stridor (high-pitched).
Neurological Assessment
- The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses consciousness: eye opening, verbal response, motor response (15 is best; 3 is worst).
- Stroke types: ischemic (blood flow blockage) and hemorrhagic (bleeding in the brain).
- TIA (transient ischemic attack) presents stroke symptoms that resolve within 24 hours.
Diabetes Management
- Type 1 diabetes: no insulin production; Type 2: inadequate insulin.
- Symptoms of hyperglycemia: fruity breath, warm skin; symptoms of hypoglycemia: altered mental status, pale skin.
Opioid Considerations
- Opioid triad includes hypoventilation, pinpoint pupils, and hypotension.
- Activated charcoal binds poisons; caution is needed as it may induce vomiting.
- For opioid overdose, administer Narcan after ensuring ABCs and providing supplemental oxygen.
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Description
Prepare for your EMT final exam with this comprehensive review. This quiz covers state and national regulations, skills, and important roles within EMS. Ensure you're ready with key definitions and concepts to excel in your certification.
