Podcast
Questions and Answers
EMTs should wear high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirators when they are in contact with patients who have which of the following?
EMTs should wear high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirators when they are in contact with patients who have which of the following?
You are called to assist a 60-year-old female complaining of a severe headache. Upon entering the home, you smell a strong odor of natural gas. What is your first action?
You are called to assist a 60-year-old female complaining of a severe headache. Upon entering the home, you smell a strong odor of natural gas. What is your first action?
The most common electrical rhythm disturbance that results in sudden cardiac arrest is called:
The most common electrical rhythm disturbance that results in sudden cardiac arrest is called:
If a non-trauma patient is pulseless and apneic and assisted ventilation is unsuccessful, which of the following is the next most appropriate step?
If a non-trauma patient is pulseless and apneic and assisted ventilation is unsuccessful, which of the following is the next most appropriate step?
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During cardiac arrest management, the AED gives a 'no shock advised' message. Which of the following conditions most likely prompted this message?
During cardiac arrest management, the AED gives a 'no shock advised' message. Which of the following conditions most likely prompted this message?
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As capnography becomes available when hyperventilating a patient suspected of brainstem herniation, what should be the target end-tidal carbon-dioxide level?
As capnography becomes available when hyperventilating a patient suspected of brainstem herniation, what should be the target end-tidal carbon-dioxide level?
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Which of the following is the highest priority patient?
Which of the following is the highest priority patient?
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Of the following, which body fluid has the most potential to transmit blood-borne diseases?
Of the following, which body fluid has the most potential to transmit blood-borne diseases?
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Your patient is an 11-month-old female. How can you determine if she has decreased mental status and is responsive to verbal stimuli?
Your patient is an 11-month-old female. How can you determine if she has decreased mental status and is responsive to verbal stimuli?
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What is the best method to assess circulation in an infant?
What is the best method to assess circulation in an infant?
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A 45-year-old male is experiencing chest discomfort. After placing him in his position of comfort, what should your next action be?
A 45-year-old male is experiencing chest discomfort. After placing him in his position of comfort, what should your next action be?
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Which patient should receive a rapid trauma survey to determine hidden injuries?
Which patient should receive a rapid trauma survey to determine hidden injuries?
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Which of the following is a sign of increased pressure in the circulatory system?
Which of the following is a sign of increased pressure in the circulatory system?
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An automated external defibrillator (AED) will shock which of the following rhythms?
An automated external defibrillator (AED) will shock which of the following rhythms?
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To assess the motor functions in the lower extremities of a responsive patient, you would:
To assess the motor functions in the lower extremities of a responsive patient, you would:
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Which patient can safely receive only a focused physical examination rather than a rapid trauma assessment?
Which patient can safely receive only a focused physical examination rather than a rapid trauma assessment?
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You are using the OPQRST acronym to assess a responsive medical patient. What question would you ask to assess the P component?
You are using the OPQRST acronym to assess a responsive medical patient. What question would you ask to assess the P component?
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What is the first step in the physical assessment of an unresponsive medical patient?
What is the first step in the physical assessment of an unresponsive medical patient?
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Which patient needs a detailed physical examination?
Which patient needs a detailed physical examination?
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Where is a detailed physical exam typically performed?
Where is a detailed physical exam typically performed?
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The purpose of the ongoing assessment is to re-evaluate the patient's condition and to:
The purpose of the ongoing assessment is to re-evaluate the patient's condition and to:
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Immediately after delivering a shock with an AED to a patient in cardiac arrest, what should you do?
Immediately after delivering a shock with an AED to a patient in cardiac arrest, what should you do?
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You should apply an AED to:
You should apply an AED to:
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In which of the following situations should you call for immediate assistance?
In which of the following situations should you call for immediate assistance?
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What is the structure that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing?
What is the structure that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing?
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Pink or bloody sputum is often seen in patients with:
Pink or bloody sputum is often seen in patients with:
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Which occurs during capillary-cellular exchange?
Which occurs during capillary-cellular exchange?
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Which of the following is a sign of inadequate breathing?
Which of the following is a sign of inadequate breathing?
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A patient complaining of facial paralysis on one side of his face with tearing, localized pain, and sensitivity may be suffering from the most common form of facial paralysis called:
A patient complaining of facial paralysis on one side of his face with tearing, localized pain, and sensitivity may be suffering from the most common form of facial paralysis called:
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A gurgling sound heard with artificial ventilation is a sign that:
A gurgling sound heard with artificial ventilation is a sign that:
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The first step in artificial ventilation with a bag-valve mask unit in patients with no suspected trauma is to:
The first step in artificial ventilation with a bag-valve mask unit in patients with no suspected trauma is to:
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You take a report from a first responder who describes a patient as postictal; based on this report, you would expect to find the patient:
You take a report from a first responder who describes a patient as postictal; based on this report, you would expect to find the patient:
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When suctioning a patient, how far should you insert a soft suction catheter?
When suctioning a patient, how far should you insert a soft suction catheter?
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What is the correct procedure for a patient who has secretions or emesis that suctioning cannot easily remove?
What is the correct procedure for a patient who has secretions or emesis that suctioning cannot easily remove?
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What is the purpose of the head-tilt/chin-lift technique?
What is the purpose of the head-tilt/chin-lift technique?
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After opening the airway, what is the next step in patient management?
After opening the airway, what is the next step in patient management?
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A patient should receive high-flow oxygen if he or she exhibits:
A patient should receive high-flow oxygen if he or she exhibits:
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The first step in the delivery of high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreather mask is to:
The first step in the delivery of high-flow oxygen via a nonrebreather mask is to:
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When providing mouth-to-mask ventilation with supplementary oxygen, what is the first step after sealing the mask to the patient's face?
When providing mouth-to-mask ventilation with supplementary oxygen, what is the first step after sealing the mask to the patient's face?
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The correct rate of artificial ventilations for an adult patient is:
The correct rate of artificial ventilations for an adult patient is:
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When using the two-person bag-valve mask procedure, one EMT ventilates the patient while the other:
When using the two-person bag-valve mask procedure, one EMT ventilates the patient while the other:
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Where is the cricoid cartilage located?
Where is the cricoid cartilage located?
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Your patient is awake, confused, and disoriented. How would you grade her using the AVPU scale?
Your patient is awake, confused, and disoriented. How would you grade her using the AVPU scale?
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A bulb syringe is used to suction infants up to the age of:
A bulb syringe is used to suction infants up to the age of:
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The right ventricle pumps blood into the:
The right ventricle pumps blood into the:
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A 56-year-old female patient complains of mild chest discomfort, what should you do?
A 56-year-old female patient complains of mild chest discomfort, what should you do?
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Your patient is a 62-year-old male with a history of heart disease. He is experiencing chest pain. What should your first action be?
Your patient is a 62-year-old male with a history of heart disease. He is experiencing chest pain. What should your first action be?
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The EMT-Basic should request prehospital ACLS for the care of the cardiac arrest patient because:
The EMT-Basic should request prehospital ACLS for the care of the cardiac arrest patient because:
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Your patient is a 29-year-old male who has fallen off a ladder. He is bleeding profusely from a wound on his right forearm and has severe pain in his left thigh. Which of the following is an appropriate initial treatment for this patient?
Your patient is a 29-year-old male who has fallen off a ladder. He is bleeding profusely from a wound on his right forearm and has severe pain in his left thigh. Which of the following is an appropriate initial treatment for this patient?
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Touching the patient when the semiautomatic external defibrillator (SAED) is analyzing the rhythm:
Touching the patient when the semiautomatic external defibrillator (SAED) is analyzing the rhythm:
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What should you do for the cardiac arrest patient found in the rain?
What should you do for the cardiac arrest patient found in the rain?
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Kinetic energy is described as the:
Kinetic energy is described as the:
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A bystander is performing CPR when you arrive. You evaluate the scene, practice body substance isolation, and begin your initial assessment by having the bystander:
A bystander is performing CPR when you arrive. You evaluate the scene, practice body substance isolation, and begin your initial assessment by having the bystander:
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Your patient is bleeding from a wound to the forearm. The blood flows in a steady, dark-red stream. What type of bleeding should you suspect?
Your patient is bleeding from a wound to the forearm. The blood flows in a steady, dark-red stream. What type of bleeding should you suspect?
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Your patient is restless, anxious, and complaining of thirst. She exhibits increased heart rate and pale, clammy skin. You should do all the following EXCEPT:
Your patient is restless, anxious, and complaining of thirst. She exhibits increased heart rate and pale, clammy skin. You should do all the following EXCEPT:
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If a person was hit by an object described in the following, which would have the potential to cause the most damage?
If a person was hit by an object described in the following, which would have the potential to cause the most damage?
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Which heart rhythm often converts to ventricular fibrillation?
Which heart rhythm often converts to ventricular fibrillation?
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What is the reason for stopping CPR before applying the AED?
What is the reason for stopping CPR before applying the AED?
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After receiving three consecutive 'no shock indicated' messages on the AED, you should do which of the following?
After receiving three consecutive 'no shock indicated' messages on the AED, you should do which of the following?
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You are transporting a patient who has been resuscitated but is still unresponsive. You should check the patient's pulse every:
You are transporting a patient who has been resuscitated but is still unresponsive. You should check the patient's pulse every:
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The medical direction physician orders you to deliver additional shocks to a patient in cardiac arrest while en route to the hospital. What is the correct procedure to follow?
The medical direction physician orders you to deliver additional shocks to a patient in cardiac arrest while en route to the hospital. What is the correct procedure to follow?
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What is the primary action of nitroglycerin?
What is the primary action of nitroglycerin?
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Patients commonly describe heart attack pain as which of the following characteristics?
Patients commonly describe heart attack pain as which of the following characteristics?
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In pedestrian versus automobile impacts, which of the following statements is true?
In pedestrian versus automobile impacts, which of the following statements is true?
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Where should you place your hands when using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver to open an unconscious patient's airway?
Where should you place your hands when using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver to open an unconscious patient's airway?
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Your patient is found lying on the ground after falling off a roof. He is unconscious and apneic. Which method should you use to open the patient's airway?
Your patient is found lying on the ground after falling off a roof. He is unconscious and apneic. Which method should you use to open the patient's airway?
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Following an explosion, a patient is trapped in a collapsed structure and suffers crush injuries to both lower extremities. How would the injuries be classified based on the blast-injury phase?
Following an explosion, a patient is trapped in a collapsed structure and suffers crush injuries to both lower extremities. How would the injuries be classified based on the blast-injury phase?
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When splinting an injured limb, you should assess pulse, motor function, and sensation distal to the injury:
When splinting an injured limb, you should assess pulse, motor function, and sensation distal to the injury:
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When performing the modified jaw-thrust maneuver to open your patient's airway, which of the following steps is NOT correct?
When performing the modified jaw-thrust maneuver to open your patient's airway, which of the following steps is NOT correct?
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The golden hour in emergency medicine refers to the first 60 minutes after the:
The golden hour in emergency medicine refers to the first 60 minutes after the:
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Your unconscious patient has blood in his airway. You should:
Your unconscious patient has blood in his airway. You should:
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Your patient is behaving abnormally but refuses treatment after falling down a flight of stairs. Before transporting the patient without consent, you should:
Your patient is behaving abnormally but refuses treatment after falling down a flight of stairs. Before transporting the patient without consent, you should:
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You should not suction a patient's airway for more than 15 seconds because:
You should not suction a patient's airway for more than 15 seconds because:
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Which of the following is true regarding using a pocket mask to ventilate a nonbreathing patient?
Which of the following is true regarding using a pocket mask to ventilate a nonbreathing patient?
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The focused history for patients with altered mental status should include questions about a history of trauma, diabetes, seizures, and which of the following?
The focused history for patients with altered mental status should include questions about a history of trauma, diabetes, seizures, and which of the following?
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All of the following may be signs of an allergic reaction EXCEPT:
All of the following may be signs of an allergic reaction EXCEPT:
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Under medical direction, the EMT-Basic may administer epinephrine to a patient with respiratory distress or hypoperfusion resulting from an allergic reaction if the:
Under medical direction, the EMT-Basic may administer epinephrine to a patient with respiratory distress or hypoperfusion resulting from an allergic reaction if the:
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Ethics is best described as:
Ethics is best described as:
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Your patient is a 25-year-old female who is severely hypothermic after having plunged into an icy river. Although she was rescued after only a few minutes in the water, she is showing a diminished level of responsiveness. Your care should include:
Your patient is a 25-year-old female who is severely hypothermic after having plunged into an icy river. Although she was rescued after only a few minutes in the water, she is showing a diminished level of responsiveness. Your care should include:
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A sign of generalized cold emergency, or hypothermia, is cool skin on the:
A sign of generalized cold emergency, or hypothermia, is cool skin on the:
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Two important principles in the emergency treatment of local cold injuries are to remove the patient from the cold environment and to:
Two important principles in the emergency treatment of local cold injuries are to remove the patient from the cold environment and to:
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Which of the following indicates that a patient with hyperthermia is in serious danger?
Which of the following indicates that a patient with hyperthermia is in serious danger?
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Your patient has been stung by a bee, and the stinger is present in the wound. You should attempt to remove it by:
Your patient has been stung by a bee, and the stinger is present in the wound. You should attempt to remove it by:
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In legal terms, a tort is a(n):
In legal terms, a tort is a(n):
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Which of the following are the signs of early respiratory distress in children and infants?
Which of the following are the signs of early respiratory distress in children and infants?
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Your patient is an 8-year-old female who had a single, brief seizure at school. Her mother arrives at the same time you do and reports that her daughter has seizures often and is under medical treatment. What should you do?
Your patient is an 8-year-old female who had a single, brief seizure at school. Her mother arrives at the same time you do and reports that her daughter has seizures often and is under medical treatment. What should you do?
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All of the following are signs of possible child abuse EXCEPT:
All of the following are signs of possible child abuse EXCEPT:
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The head of a newborn infant has just delivered. You should:
The head of a newborn infant has just delivered. You should:
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Emergency care for a responsive 7-year-old child with a foreign-body airway obstruction includes:
Emergency care for a responsive 7-year-old child with a foreign-body airway obstruction includes:
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A 2-year-old male is in respiratory failure when he has:
A 2-year-old male is in respiratory failure when he has:
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A sign or symptom of a predelivery emergency is:
A sign or symptom of a predelivery emergency is:
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Select the correct-size oral airway for a small child by measuring from the corner of the patient's mouth to what structure?
Select the correct-size oral airway for a small child by measuring from the corner of the patient's mouth to what structure?
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Vitreous humor is found:
Vitreous humor is found:
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You are assisting with childbirth in the field. As the infant's head is delivered, you discover that the umbilical cord is wrapped tightly around the neck. You should immediately:
You are assisting with childbirth in the field. As the infant's head is delivered, you discover that the umbilical cord is wrapped tightly around the neck. You should immediately:
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You have just assisted in delivering an infant with a pink body, a pulse rate of 106 per minute, and good muscle tone. The infant is crying lustily. How should you care for this newborn?
You have just assisted in delivering an infant with a pink body, a pulse rate of 106 per minute, and good muscle tone. The infant is crying lustily. How should you care for this newborn?
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The presence of a bloody show during the first stage of labor is a sign that:
The presence of a bloody show during the first stage of labor is a sign that:
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Your patient has experienced a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage. You should:
Your patient has experienced a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage. You should:
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What is the first treatment when a mother bleeds excessively from her vagina after delivery?
What is the first treatment when a mother bleeds excessively from her vagina after delivery?
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Emergency care for an infant when meconium is present in the amniotic fluid includes:
Emergency care for an infant when meconium is present in the amniotic fluid includes:
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Study Notes
Infection Control and Safety
- EMTs must wear HEPA respirators when interacting with patients with Tuberculosis (TB), as it is highly infectious.
Emergency Response Protocols
- Upon detecting natural gas during an emergency, immediately remove the patient from the hazardous environment before any medical assessment.
- The most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest is Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib).
Airway Management Strategies
- In cases of pulseless, apneic patients, check for airway obstruction if ventilation attempts fail.
- The target end-tidal carbon-dioxide level for hyperventilating suspected brainstem herniation patients should be 30-35 mmHg.
Patient Assessment and Priority
- A 57-year-old male with severe chest pain and low blood pressure is the highest priority patient.
- Amniotic fluid has the highest potential for transmitting blood-borne diseases.
Pediatric Assessment Techniques
- An 11-month-old’s responsiveness can be gauged by her attempts to locate her parents' voices.
- The best way to assess circulation in infants is by palpating the brachial pulse.
Cardiac Emergencies
- Upon management of a cardiac arrest, the AED indicating asystole suggests no shocks are advised.
- For chest discomfort patients, oxygen should be administered via a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min.
Trauma Management
- A rapid trauma survey is indicated for an alert 2-year-old child who was in a medium-speed crash.
- Distended jugular veins can signal increased pressure in the circulatory system.
Defibrillation Protocols
- An AED will only shock rhythms like Ventricular Fib (V-fib) but not asystole or pulseless electrical activity.
- After delivering a shock with an AED, commence CPR immediately if only a pulse is absent.
Communication and Patient Privacy
- Do not disclose patient transport information to journalists; maintain confidentiality by refusing to comment.
Respiratory Conditions
- Pink or bloody sputum is indicative of pulmonary edema.
- Inadequate breathing signs include the use of accessory muscles, indicating respiratory distress.
Neurological Emergencies
- Bell's Palsy is a common form of facial paralysis characterized by symptoms such as tearing and localized pain.
Suctioning and Artificial Ventilation
- A gurgling sound during ventilation suggests a need for immediate suctioning due to airway obstruction.
- The proper technique for artificial ventilation using a bag-valve mask involves positioning the patient’s head to optimize airflow.
Vital Signs and Ongoing Assessment
- The first step in assessing an unresponsive medical patient is performing an initial assessment followed by vital sign checking.
- Continuous assessment after treatment aims to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
CPR and AED Use
- During CPR, if assistance is unavailable, ensure that defibrillator use follows the verification of pulselessness.
- Maintain a high suspicion of cardiac issues for any patient with atypical chest pain, especially in females.
Trauma Assessment Settings
- A detailed exam typically occurs in the ambulance during transport.
Treatment of Shock
- In shock treatment, avoid giving patients anything to drink; rather, maintain an open airway and provide oxygen.
Mechanics of Injury
- Kinetic energy increases with the speed of an object, impacting the severity of injuries sustained.
Cardiac Rhythm Management
- Ventricular Tachycardia can convert to Ventricular Fibrillation, necessitating rapid intervention.
Patient Monitoring During Transport
- For a resuscitated, unresponsive patient, check the pulse every thirty seconds while en route to the hospital.
These notes summarize crucial concepts in emergency medical treatment, highlighting key actions, assessments, and patient care protocols.### Airway Management
- Head-Tilt/Chin-Lift Maneuver: Place hands on the forehead and under the lower jaw to open the airway.
- Modified Jaw Thrust: Required for unconscious patients with possible neck injuries; aims to minimize cervical spine movement.
- Unconscious Patient with Airway Issues: Use suction to clear blood immediately when present.
Emergency Response and Treatment Protocols
- Golden Hour: Refers to the first 60 minutes post-multisystem trauma for optimal emergency care.
- Assessing Limb Injuries: Always check pulse, motor function, and sensation both before and after applying splints.
- Treatment for Allergic Reactions: Administer epinephrine as per medical direction, if prescribed previously.
Hypothermia and Cold Emergencies
- Response to Severe Hypothermia: Warm the patient with blankets and increase ambulance heat; avoid exertion.
- Signs of Hypothermia: Cool skin, especially on the abdomen; signals loss of body heat.
Hyperthermia and Poisoning
- Severe Hyperthermia Indicators: Hot skin is a critical sign of danger.
- Bee Sting Management: Remove stinger by scraping with a rigid object only, not by pinching or squeezing.
Child Assessment and Abuse Indicators
- Early Respiratory Distress in Children: Increased breathing rate, nasal flaring, and retractions.
- Possible Child Abuse Signs: Multiple bruises, conflicting injury histories; a single severe event is not an indicator.
Pediatric Emergency Care
- Seizure Management: Ensure a patent airway and consult medical direction for transport protocols.
- Foreign-Body Obstruction: For children, perform abdominal thrusts effectively while they are upright.
Obstetric Emergencies
- Blood Show During Labor: Indicates normal progression to delivery.
- Miscarriage Treatment: Focus on treating for shock; avoid removing tissues.
- Excessive Vaginal Bleeding Post-Delivery: Initial response should involve abdominal massage.
Newborn and Neonatal Care
- Newborn with Meconium: Suctioning is crucial to clear the airways; notify hospital.
- Characteristics of a Healthy Newborn: Crying, good muscle tone, and stable heart rate at birth indicate a well-being process.
Ethical Considerations in Care
- Fundamentals of Ethics: Key principles of conduct focused on determining right and wrong in patient treatment decisions.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards designed for the NCOEMS practice exam. The questions focus on critical care situations, EMT responsibilities, and infection control measures. Perfect for preparing for emergency medical technician certifications.
