Infectious Diseases and Patient Management

Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements regarding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is correct?

MRSA is a bacterium that causes infections and is resistant to most antibiotics (correct)

MRSA is a virus, not a bacterium

MRSA is commonly found in healthy individuals

MRSA can be easily treated with regular antibiotics

What should you inquire about a patient taking erectile dysfunction medication before assisting with nitroglycerin?

Ask him what he takes, how much, and when he last took it.

What condition should be suspected in a patient with a headache, fever, confusion, and red blotches on the skin?

Meningitis

What is a sign of respiratory distress seen in the neck?

Accessory muscle use Signup and view all the answers

How is an index of suspicion defined?

Your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying and unseen injuries or illness Signup and view all the answers

What defines an infectious disease?

A medical condition caused by the growth and spread of small, harmful organisms within the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is an outbreak that occurs on a global scale called?

Pandemic Signup and view all the answers

What should an EMT do if an auto BP cuff reveals a blood pressure of 204/120 mm Hg in a conscious patient with no symptoms?

Obtain a manual blood pressure. Signup and view all the answers

Early signs and symptoms of viral hepatitis include all of the following, EXCEPT:

Jaundice Signup and view all the answers

What factors increase the risk for developing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?

Prolonged hospitalization, especially in an intensive care unit. Signup and view all the answers

For which type of patient should an EMT put on gloves and a mask?

A 22-year-old female with fever, headache, neck discomfort, and a red rash on her skin. Signup and view all the answers

Hepatitis _________ can be transmitted only from a patient who has an acute infection.

A Signup and view all the answers

Hepatitis B is more virulent than hepatitis C, meaning that it:

Has a greater ability to produce disease. Signup and view all the answers

In addition to looking for severe bleeding, assessment of circulation in a conscious patient should involve:

Checking the radial pulse and noting the color, temperature, and condition of the skin. Signup and view all the answers

What else should you inquire about when assessing a patient with a potentially infectious disease?

Recent travel Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to the assessment of a trauma patient, assessment of a medical patient is focused on:

The nature of illness, the patient's chief complaint, and symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to viral hepatitis, toxin-induced hepatitis is:

Not a communicable disease. Signup and view all the answers

When is it most appropriate to use an air medical transportation service?

When there are signs and symptoms of a stroke and ground transport time is 50 minutes. Signup and view all the answers

It is especially important to assess pulse, sensation, and movement in all extremities as well as pupillary reactions in patients with a suspected ______ problem.

Neurologic Signup and view all the answers

Patients with tuberculosis pose the greatest risk for transmitting the disease when they:

Cough Signup and view all the answers

Reassessment of a patient with a medical complaint should begin by:

Repeating the primary assessment. Signup and view all the answers

A positive tuberculin skin test ten days after treating a patient with tuberculosis most likely indicates that:

You were exposed to another infected person prior to treating the 34-year-old patient. Signup and view all the answers

The best way to prevent infection from whooping cough is to:

Get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Signup and view all the answers

When is the determination of a medical patient's transport priority typically made?

After the primary assessment has been completed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MRSA and Infectious Diseases

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is resistant to most antibiotics and can cause serious infections.
An infectious disease arises from the growth of harmful microorganisms within the body.

Patient Assessment and Management

For a patient with chest discomfort, verify any medications for erectile dysfunction to avoid complications before administering nitroglycerin.
Signs of respiratory distress include accessory muscle use in the neck.
Obtain a manual blood pressure measurement for a patient with significantly high readings (204/120 mm Hg).
Check radial pulse, skin color, temperature, and condition to assess circulation in conscious patients.

Meningitis and Hepatitis

Symptoms of meningitis include headache, fever, confusion, and skin blotches.
Early signs of viral hepatitis do not include jaundice and abdominal pain.
Hepatitis A can only be transmitted from an acutely infected patient.
Hepatitis B is more virulent than hepatitis C, implying a higher disease-producing capability.

Infection Control

Utilize gloves and masks for patients presenting with fever, headache, neck discomfort, and rash.
Tuberculosis patients are most contagious when they cough; precautionary measures are essential.
Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis is the best prevention for whooping cough.

Transport and Medical Evaluation

Air medical transport is suitable for time-sensitive conditions, such as a suspected stroke requiring over 50 minutes of ground transport.
Assess recent travel history when evaluating a patient with a possible infectious disease.
Reassess a medical patient by repeating the primary assessment to ensure ongoing monitoring.

Understanding Outbreaks

A pandemic refers to an outbreak that occurs on a global scale.
Prolonged hospitalization, particularly in intensive care units, increases the risk of MRSA acquisition.

Neurologic and Trauma Assessment

In neurologic issues, evaluate pulse, sensation, movement in extremities, and pupillary reactions.
Medical findings contrast with trauma assessments by focusing more on the patient's specific illness and symptoms.

Priority Transport Determination

The priority level for patient transport is determined after completing the primary assessment, which identifies critical needs.

General Patient Care

Displaying personal bias or labeling a patient can result in significant dangers in care scenarios.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts related to MRSA, meningitis, and hepatitis, alongside essential patient assessment and management practices. It examines the symptoms and complications of these conditions and emphasizes the importance of proper patient evaluation. Test your knowledge on infectious diseases and effective patient care protocols.