Archive for October 2017

A 31-year-old female is experiencing an acute asthma attack. She is conscious and alert, but in obvious respiratory distress. After assisting her with her prescribed MDI, you should:

A 31-year-old female is experiencing an acute asthma attack. She is conscious and alert, but in obvious respiratory distress. After assisting her with her prescribed MDI, you should:


A. check the drug's expiration date to ensure that it is still current.
B. reassess the patient and document her response to the medication.
C. administer another treatment in 30 seconds if she is still in distress.
D. contact medical control and apprise him or her of what you did.




Answer: B

You are treating a 45-year-old woman who was stung by a hornet and has a rash. She tells you that she is allergic to hornets and has her own epinephrine auto-injector. She also tells you that she takes medication for hypertension. Her breath sounds do not reveal any wheezing, her breathing is unlabored, and her blood pressure is 154/94 mm Hg. What should you do if you are not able to make contact with medical control?

You are treating a 45-year-old woman who was stung by a hornet and has a rash. She tells you that she is allergic to hornets and has her own epinephrine auto-injector. She also tells you that she takes medication for hypertension. Her breath sounds do not reveal any wheezing, her breathing is unlabored, and her blood pressure is 154/94 mm Hg. What should you do if you are not able to make contact with medical control?



A. Begin immediate transport and request an intercept with a paramedic ambulance.
B. Administer her epinephrine, reassess her condition, and transport her promptly.
C. Give her half the dose of her epinephrine in case her allergic reaction is delayed.
D. Give her oxygen, transport her to the hospital, and monitor her condition en route.



Answer: D

You are dispatched to a movie theater for a 39-year-old female with signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. As you are assessing her, she pulls an epinephrine auto-injector out of her purse and hands it to you. After administering 100% oxygen, you should:

You are dispatched to a movie theater for a 39-year-old female with signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction. As you are assessing her, she pulls an epinephrine auto-injector out of her purse and hands it to you. After administering 100% oxygen, you should:


A. verify the medication name.
B. administer the drug.
C. contact medical control.
D. check the drug's expiration date.



Answer: C

You are dispatched to a state park for a young female experiencing an allergic reaction. Your assessment reveals that her breathing is severely labored and her blood pressure is very low. You carry epinephrine auto-injectors on your ambulance and have been trained and approved by your medical director to administer them. As your partner gives the patient high-flow oxygen, you attempt to contact medical control but do not have a signal from your cell phone. You should:

You are dispatched to a state park for a young female experiencing an allergic reaction. Your assessment reveals that her breathing is severely labored and her blood pressure is very low. You carry epinephrine auto-injectors on your ambulance and have been trained and approved by your medical director to administer them. As your partner gives the patient high-flow oxygen, you attempt to contact medical control but do not have a signal from your cell phone. You should:




A. immediately load the patient into the ambulance, begin transport, and reattempt to contact medical control when you receive a cell signal.
B. notify dispatch and request that a paramedic unit respond to the scene so they can administer epinephrine to the patient.
C. administer epinephrine to the patient, begin immediate transport, and attempt to contact medical control en route to the hospital.
D. elevate the patient's legs 6? to 12?, keep her warm, begin transport to the hospital, and request a paramedic intercept en route.



Answer: C

When given to patients with cardiac-related chest pain, nitroglycerin:

When given to patients with cardiac-related chest pain, nitroglycerin:




A. relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries.
B. increases blood return to the right atrium.
C. constricts the veins throughout the body.
D. increases myocardial contraction force.



Answer: A

Shortly after assisting a 65-year-old female with her prescribed nitroglycerin, she begins complaining of dizziness and experiences a drop of 30 mm Hg in her systolic blood pressure. The patient remains conscious and her breathing is adequate. You should:

Shortly after assisting a 65-year-old female with her prescribed nitroglycerin, she begins complaining of dizziness and experiences a drop of 30 mm Hg in her systolic blood pressure. The patient remains conscious and her breathing is adequate. You should:




A. transport her in a sitting position.
B. place her supine and elevate her legs.
C. assist ventilations with a bag-mask device.
D. wait 5 minutes and reassess her blood pressure.



Answer: B

You are treating a middle-aged man with chest discomfort. He has a history of three previous heart attacks and takes nitroglycerin as needed for chest pain. You have standing orders to administer aspirin to patients with suspected cardiac-related chest pain or discomfort. While your partner is preparing to give oxygen to the patient, you should:

You are treating a middle-aged man with chest discomfort. He has a history of three previous heart attacks and takes nitroglycerin as needed for chest pain. You have standing orders to administer aspirin to patients with suspected cardiac-related chest pain or discomfort. While your partner is preparing to give oxygen to the patient, you should:




A. contact medical control, apprise him or her of the patient's chief complaint and vital signs, and request permission to give him aspirin.
B. confirm that the patient is not allergic to aspirin, give him the appropriate dose of aspirin, and document the time and dose given.
C. assist the patient in taking one of his prescribed nitroglycerin, assess his vital signs, and give him aspirin if he is still experiencing chest discomfort.
D. ensure that the patient's systolic blood pressure is at least 100 mm Hg since aspirin dilates the blood vessels and can cause a drop in blood pressure




Answer: B

You arrive at a residence approximately 20 minutes after a 7-year-old boy, who weighs 22 kg, ingested a bottle of Advil. He is conscious and alert and has stable vital signs. Medical control orders you to administer activated charcoal and oxygen and then transport the child at once. The appropriate maximum dose of activated charcoal for this child is:

You arrive at a residence approximately 20 minutes after a 7-year-old boy, who weighs 22 kg, ingested a bottle of Advil. He is conscious and alert and has stable vital signs. Medical control orders you to administer activated charcoal and oxygen and then transport the child at once. The appropriate maximum dose of activated charcoal for this child is:




A. 22 g.
B. 44 g.
C. 11 g.
D. 36 g.




Answer: B

A drug is contraindicated for a patient when it:

A drug is contraindicated for a patient when it:




A. may cause harm or have no positive effect.
B. produces actions other than the desired ones.
C. is used to treat a multitude of conditions.
D. is used to treat a specific medical condition.




Answer: A

A 49-year-old male with an extensive cardiac history presents with 2 hours of crushing chest pain and shortness of breath. He is pale and diaphoretic and tells you that he feels like he is going to die. His medications include nitroglycerin, sildenafil (Viagra), and enalapril (Vasotec). His blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg and his heart rate is 110 beats/min. In addition to administering 100% oxygen, you should:

A 49-year-old male with an extensive cardiac history presents with 2 hours of crushing chest pain and shortness of breath. He is pale and diaphoretic and tells you that he feels like he is going to die. His medications include nitroglycerin, sildenafil (Viagra), and enalapril (Vasotec). His blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg and his heart rate is 110 beats/min. In addition to administering 100% oxygen, you should:



A. administer one nitroglycerin and call medical control.
B. obtain physician approval to give the nitroglycerin.
C. place him in a supine position and transport at once.
D. ask him if he took his Viagra within the past 24 hours.




Answer: D

A medication with antagonistic properties is one that:

A medication with antagonistic properties is one that:




A. blocks receptor sites and prevents other chemicals from attaching to them.
B. produces a cumulative effect when mixed with the same type of medication.
C. stimulates receptor sites and allows other chemicals to attach to them.
D. enhances the effects of another medication when given in a higher dose.




Answer: A

Meningitis is:

Meningitis is:



A. An infection of the zygote
B. Always contagious and proper PPE should be utilized
C. A degenerative disease of the feet
D. An inflammation of a membrane most often caused by viruses or bacteria




Answer: D

Which list includes only the "Five Rights" of medication administration?

Which list includes only the "Five Rights" of medication administration?



A. Patient, medication, indication, dose, and time.
B. Medication, dose, time, route, and documentation.
C. Patient, medication, dose, route, and time.
D. Medication, dose, generic name, route, and documentation




Answer: C

You arrive on scene with your partner to transport a patient that has been throwing up blood that looked like coffee grounds. This sign would lead you to believe that this patient has?

You arrive on scene with your partner to transport a patient that has been throwing up blood that looked like coffee grounds. This sign would lead you to believe that this patient has?




A. Esophageal Veracies
B. GI bleed
C. Pancytopenia
D. Hemophagocytic syndrome




Answer: B

A 73 year old female was in her backyard gardening when she collapsed to the ground. Her husband told 911 that "she is breathing very fast and will not talk to me." You arrive to find the woman lying on her side in the grass. She is breathing at 7 breaths per minute and her pulse is irregular and very thready. Her lungs also present with crackles upon auscultation As you are taking a blood pressure (88/66) the husband tells you that the woman has been having jaw pain and some weakness for approximately 3 days. What is the most likely cause of this woman's condition and how would you treat her?

A 73 year old female was in her backyard gardening when she collapsed to the ground. Her husband told 911 that "she is breathing very fast and will not talk to me." You arrive to find the woman lying on her side in the grass. She is breathing at 7 breaths per minute and her pulse is irregular and very thready. Her lungs also present with crackles upon auscultation As you are taking a blood pressure (88/66) the husband tells you that the woman has been having jaw pain and some weakness for approximately 3 days. What is the most likely cause of this woman's condition and how would you treat her?




a. Hypoperfusion, High flow O2, and transport in Fowler's position
b. Cardiac arrest, Treat for shock, and rapid transport
c. Cardiogenic shock, Assist ventilations, and transport
d. Septic shock, Transport in a position of comfort with high flow O2 via NRB





Answer: C

You arrive on scene to find an 18 year old female who has been vomiting for three days. She states she feels dizzy and her mouth feels dry. Her family confirms that other members of the family have had gastrointestinal flu in the past couple weeks. What is your primary concern for this patient?

You arrive on scene to find an 18 year old female who has been vomiting for three days. She states she feels dizzy and her mouth feels dry. Her family confirms that other members of the family have had gastrointestinal flu in the past couple weeks. What is your primary concern for this patient? 



A. Drug use
B. A possible bowel blockage
C. Pneumonia
D. The possibility for dehydration




Answer: D

Your patient was accidentally sprayed in the eyes with a liquid insecticide. Which of the following would be the most appropriate treatment for this situation?

Your patient was accidentally sprayed in the eyes with a liquid insecticide. Which of the following would be the most appropriate treatment for this situation?



A. Irrigate the eye with clean water or saline for no less than 20 minutes
B. Place an airtight dressing over both eyes with sterile gauze
C. Place 20 cc of saline in the affected eye
D. Administer activated charcoal to the patient




Answer: A

Which set of vital signs suggest early hypothermia might be present?

Which set of vital signs suggest early hypothermia might be present? 




a. Pulse 66; respirations 14/min and irregular; BP 114/78; hot and dry skin; reactive pupils
b. Pulse 58 and faint; respirations 10/min and shallow; BP 94/62; cyanotic; sluggish pupils
c. Pulse 76; respirations 18/min and strong; BP 122/82; warm and dry skin; reactive pupils
d. Pulse 96; respirations 28/min, rapid and shallow; BP 116/72; flushed cool skin, reactive pupils




Answer: D

You are called to assist a full term pregnant female who is believed to be experiencing imminent birth with crowning present. Which of the following best describes crowning?

You are called to assist a full term pregnant female who is believed to be experiencing imminent birth with crowning present. Which of the following best describes crowning?




A. When the amniotic sac spontaneously separates from the uterine wall and fluid rushes from the vagina
B. The umbilical cord presents at the vaginal opening as the baby begins to deliver
C. The top of the baby's head is visible in the vaginal opening
D. The placenta is formed in an abnormal location




Answer: C

You arrive on scene to find a 73 year old male in cardiac arrest. His wife informs you that he collapsed 2 minutes prior to your arrival and that his physician had signed a "do not resuscitate" (DNR) order for the patient but she cannot find the written order. What should you do in such scenario?

You arrive on scene to find a 73 year old male in cardiac arrest. His wife informs you that he collapsed 2 minutes prior to your arrival and that his physician had signed a "do not resuscitate" (DNR) order for the patient but she cannot find the written order. What should you do in such scenario? 




a. Call the patients doctor to confirm the order prior to initiating care
b. Leave immediately after documenting the wife's statement and return in service
c. Obey the DNR and leave immediately, respecting the patients wishes
d. Provide all necessary care to save the patients life until the document is provided


Answer: D

You arrive on scene to find a 45 year old male who is having difficulty breathing. He is cool, pale and sweaty. He tells you in quick gasps that he has COPD. His O2 sat is 86%. You should place the patient on oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 lpm to prevent triggering his hypoxic drive.

You arrive on scene to find a 45 year old male who is having difficulty breathing. He is cool, pale and sweaty. He tells you in quick gasps that he has COPD. His O2 sat is 86%. You should place the patient on oxygen via nasal cannula at 3 lpm to prevent triggering his hypoxic drive.




a. True
b. False



Answer: B

A 3 year old girl is in severe respiratory distress. Her skin is cool and mottled. She is breathing spontaneously at 6-7 times a minute, but is unresponsive to verbal or physical stimuli. Her heart rate is 138 bpm. What should be your first action?

A 3 year old girl is in severe respiratory distress. Her skin is cool and mottled. She is breathing spontaneously at 6-7 times a minute, but is unresponsive to verbal or physical stimuli. Her heart rate is 138 bpm. What should be your first action?



a. Provide high flow oxygen using a non-rebreather at 10 lpm.
b. Administer a blind finger sweep to attempt to remove the obstruction.
c. Assist her ventilations with a BVM and supplemental oxygen at 15 lpm.
d. Begin chest compressions to assist her inadequate spontaneous respirations.





Answer: C

All of the following are correct regarding postterm pregnancy except:

All of the following are correct regarding postterm pregnancy except:



a. infants can be larger, sometimes weighing 10lbs or more
b. there is an increased risk of meconium aspirations
c. postterm is considered past 2 weeks gestation
d. ultrasounds are not accurate at determining due dates





Answer: D

Which of the following statements regarding multiple gestations is false?

Which of the following statements regarding multiple gestations is false?



a. you should consider the possibility of twins when the first infant is small and the mother's abdomen remains fairly large after the birth
b. you should record the time of birth on each twin separately
c. there is only one placenta with the birth of twins
d. the second baby will usually be born within 45 minutes of the first




Answer: C

The "P" in Apgar stands for:

The "P" in Apgar stands for:



a. perfusion
b. pulse
c. pupils
d. position





Answer: B

Which of the following statements is false?

Which of the following statements is false?



a. gestational diabetes will clear up in most women after delivery
b. the leading cause of abruptio placenta is an ectopic pregnancy
c. as pregnancy progresses, the uterus enlarges and rises out of the pelvis
d. some cultures may not permit male EMTs to examine a female patient




Answer: B

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. Concerning the delivery of the placenta, which of the following are emergency situations?

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. Concerning the delivery of the placenta, which of the following are emergency situations?



a. more than 30 minutes have elapsed and the placenta has not delivered
b. there is more than 500mL of bleeding before delivery of the placenta
c. there is significant bleeding after delivery of the placenta
d. all of the above




Answer: D

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. Once the infant's head has been delivered:

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. Once the infant's head has been delivered:



a. suction the infant's nose, and then mouth
b. apply oxygen over the mother's vagina
c. suction the infant's mouth, then the nose
d. apply a nasal cannula at 3 L/min to the infant





Answer: C

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. As you perform a visual exam, you note crowning. This means that:

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. As you perform a visual exam, you note crowning. This means that:



a. the baby is making a crowing type of sound
b. the baby cannot be visualized
c. you can visualize the baby's head
d. the father is excited and needs care




Answer: C

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. If the baby is crowning and the amniotic sac has not yet ruptured, you should:

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. If the baby is crowning and the amniotic sac has not yet ruptured, you should:



a. leave it in place and wait for ALS
b. puncture the sac only after ordered to do so by medical control
c. puncture the sac, allow the fluid to drain, and leave the sac in place
d. puncture the sac away from the head and then push the sac away from the infant's face





Answer: D

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. Which of the following signs tell you that the birth is imminent?

You have been dispatched to the side of a highway where a woman is reported to be delivering a baby. As you approach the vehicle, you see her lying down in the back seat. Which of the following signs tell you that the birth is imminent?




a. her water has not broken
b. her contractions are 36 minutes apart
c. she is a primigravida
d. the infant is crowning




Answer: D

Which of the following statements regarding pregnancy is true?

Which of the following statements regarding pregnancy is true?



a. a patient in the third trimester is at a decreased risk for aspiration
b. as the pregnancy continues, the patient will experience slower and deeper breathing
c. by the 20th week of pregnancy, the uterus is at or above the belly button
d. maternal blood volume increases up to 10% by the end of pregnancy






Answer: C

Which of the following is not a stage of labor?

Which of the following is not a stage of labor?



a. rupture of amniotic fluid
b. expulsion of the baby
c. delivery of the placenta
d. dilation of the cervix





Answer: A

Which of the following is not performed when caring for a mother with a prolapsed cord?

Which of the following is not performed when caring for a mother with a prolapsed cord?




a. clamp and cut the cord
b. provide high flow oxygen and rapid transport
c. use your fingers to physically hold the infant's head off the cord
d. position the mother to keep the weight of the infant off the cord




Answer: A

Which of the following is not performed immediately following delivery of the infant?

Which of the following is not performed immediately following delivery of the infant?




a. wrap the infant in a towel and place it on one side with head lowered
b. be sure the head is covered and keep the neck in a neutral position
c. use a sterile gauze pad to wipe the infant's mouth, then suction again
d. obtain an Apgar score




Answer: D

Which of the following is not true regarding delivery with a nuchal cord?

Which of the following is not true regarding delivery with a nuchal cord?




a. gently slip the cord over the infant's head or shoulder
b. clamp the cord and cut it before delivering the infant
c. clamp the cord, then suction the airway before cutting the cord
d. Clamp the cord and cut it, then gently unwind it from around the neck if wrapped around more than once





Answer: C

Your service has a new AED. During the in service on the new device, the instructor informs you that it is a semi-automated AED and uses a biphasic wave form, as opposed to the monophasic form used by the previous AED. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should recognize that:

Your service has a new AED. During the in service on the new device, the instructor informs you that it is a semi-automated AED and uses a biphasic wave form, as opposed to the monophasic form used by the previous AED. As a knowledgeable EMT, you should recognize that:



a. the EMT will not need to press a shock button to shock the patient.
b. less energy but more shocks will be needed to treat cardiac arrest.
c. the new AED will defibrillate with higher amounts of electrical energy.
d. the new AED will defibrillate with lower amounts of electrical energy.




Answer: D

You have just applied the AED to a female patient in cardiac arrest and the machine is ready to analyze the heart rhythm. Which one of the following instructions is appropriate at this time?

You have just applied the AED to a female patient in cardiac arrest and the machine is ready to analyze the heart rhythm. Which one of the following instructions is appropriate at this time?



a. Continue CPR until we see if a shock is advised.
b. Stop chest compressions but continue ventilation.
c. Stop CPR and clear the patient.
d. Stop CPR but continue to check for a pulse.





Answer: C

You have been dispatched to a residence for a male patient with a cardiac history who is complaining of chest pain. On scene you find a 52 year-old male patient sitting in a chair. He is alert and oriented and states that his chest pain feels like the last time he had a heart attack. He also states that in the hospital his heart stopped and they had to shock him twice before it restarted. He is breathing adequately and has a strong radial pulse. Which one of the following would be appropriate in the care of this patient?

You have been dispatched to a residence for a male patient with a cardiac history who is complaining of chest pain. On scene you find a 52 year-old male patient sitting in a chair. He is alert and oriented and states that his chest pain feels like the last time he had a heart attack. He also states that in the hospital his heart stopped and they had to shock him twice before it restarted. He is breathing adequately and has a strong radial pulse. Which one of the following would be appropriate in the care of this patient?



a. Provide positive pressure ventilation with high-flow oxygen.
b. Open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift maneuver.
c. Obtain the heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.
d. Apply the AED to the patient but do not turn it on



Answer: C

You have been called to transport a patient in septic shock from the emergency department of a local hospital to the critical care unit of another. Two nurses will be accompanying you. As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that this state of shock has been caused by:

You have been called to transport a patient in septic shock from the emergency department of a local hospital to the critical care unit of another. Two nurses will be accompanying you. As a knowledgeable EMT, you recognize that this state of shock has been caused by:




a. failing heart.
b. infection.
c. blood loss.
d. lung dysfunction.





Answer: B

You have been called to a public pool for an unresponsive patient. On arrival you find lifeguards performing CPR with a pocket mask and oxygen on a 67 year-old male. They report that the patient was in the water and was seen clutching his chest seconds before going unresponsive. He was immediately pulled from the water and CPR was initiated. They estimate that CPR has been performed for five minutes. Assessment shows the man to be unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Which one of the following is your first response?

You have been called to a public pool for an unresponsive patient. On arrival you find lifeguards performing CPR with a pocket mask and oxygen on a 67 year-old male. They report that the patient was in the water and was seen clutching his chest seconds before going unresponsive. He was immediately pulled from the water and CPR was initiated. They estimate that CPR has been performed for five minutes. Assessment shows the man to be unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. Which one of the following is your first response?



a. Let's take a towel and dry off his chest.
b. We need to quickly dry him from head to toe before applying the AED.
c. Stop CPR and let's apply the AED.
d. Let's start ventilation with a bag-valve mask and oxygen.




Answer: A

You have been assigned to a football game to provide standby coverage. While taking a break, you decide to walk to a nearby concession stand for a soft drink. On the way, you come across a group of people standing around a male patient who collapsed and is on the ground. Your assessment reveals him to be unresponsive, not breathing, and pulseless. A bystander states that the patient collapsed less than a minute earlier. An AED is located less than a minute from your location. The nearest EMT is five minutes from your location. Which one of the following should you do immediately?

You have been assigned to a football game to provide standby coverage. While taking a break, you decide to walk to a nearby concession stand for a soft drink. On the way, you come across a group of people standing around a male patient who collapsed and is on the ground. Your assessment reveals him to be unresponsive, not breathing, and pulseless. A bystander states that the patient collapsed less than a minute earlier. An AED is located less than a minute from your location. The nearest EMT is five minutes from your location. Which one of the following should you do immediately?




a. Run to retrieve the nearby AED.
b. Perform two minutes of CPR.
c. Call for assistance and start CPR.
d. Take manual inline spinal stabilization





Answer: A

You have arrived on the scene of a 44 year-old male in cardiac arrest. According to family, the patient has a cardiac history and was complaining of chest pain most of the morning. They state that it has been about 10 minutes since he collapsed. To maximize the patient's opportunity for a successful outcome, which one of the following is the most important intervention that the EMT can make immediately?

You have arrived on the scene of a 44 year-old male in cardiac arrest. According to family, the patient has a cardiac history and was complaining of chest pain most of the morning. They state that it has been about 10 minutes since he collapsed. To maximize the patient's opportunity for a successful outcome, which one of the following is the most important intervention that the EMT can make immediately?




a. Advanced drugs by paramedics
b. Defibrillation with the AED
c. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
d. Oxygen through a nonrebreather mask



Answer: C

You have arrived at a residence for a 66 year-old female who is in cardiac arrest. In the living room, you find a family member performing CPR on the patient. They quickly report that they found the patient in cardiac arrest and have been doing CPR for five minutes. Which one of the following statements should you make at this time?

You have arrived at a residence for a 66 year-old female who is in cardiac arrest. In the living room, you find a family member performing CPR on the patient. They quickly report that they found the patient in cardiac arrest and have been doing CPR for five minutes. Which one of the following statements should you make at this time?



a. "Let's stop CPR so I can check the airway, breathing, and circulation."
b. "Let's continue CPR for another two minutes, and then I will put the AED on."
c. "Let's continue CPR while I talk with the family to see if they want us to continue."
d. "Let's stop CPR so I can put the electrodes of the AED on her chest."




Answer: A

You have applied the AED's electrodes to an obese male patient in cardiac arrest. When you press the analyze button, the AED gives you a check electrode message. In looking at the patient, which one of the following would most likely be responsible for this message?

You have applied the AED's electrodes to an obese male patient in cardiac arrest. When you press the analyze button, the AED gives you a check electrode message. In looking at the patient, which one of the following would most likely be responsible for this message?





a. Extremely hairy chest
b. Obese chest and abdomen
c. History of asthma
d. AED placed to the patient's left side


Answer: A

You believe that a patient who has been shot in the lower abdomen is bleeding internally and is in the early stage of shock. Which one of the following indicates appropriate prehospital care of this patient?

You believe that a patient who has been shot in the lower abdomen is bleeding internally and is in the early stage of shock. Which one of the following indicates appropriate prehospital care of this patient?




a. Oxygen therapy and warm packs to the abdomen
b. Shock position and administration of water by mouth
c. Oxygen therapy and rapid transport to the hospital
d. Semi Fowler's position and direct pressure over the injury site



Answer: C

You are transporting an unresponsive 31 year-old female patient who suffered cardiac arrest. On scene Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) shocked her once with the AED and she regained a pulse. She remains unresponsive and is breathing shallowly. Ventilations are being provided with a bag-valve mask. An EMR has agreed to ride to the hospital with you to provide assistance in caring for the patient. Which one of the following instructions given to the EMR is most appropriate?

You are transporting an unresponsive 31 year-old female patient who suffered cardiac arrest. On scene Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) shocked her once with the AED and she regained a pulse. She remains unresponsive and is breathing shallowly. Ventilations are being provided with a bag-valve mask. An EMR has agreed to ride to the hospital with you to provide assistance in caring for the patient. Which one of the following instructions given to the EMR is most appropriate?



a. "Please check her breathing and pulse every five minutes."
b. "Place her on a nonrebreather with 15 liters per minute of oxygen."
c. "Place her in the recovery position so her airway is clear if she vomits."
d. "Leave the AED on her, even though she is breathing and has a pulse."




Answer: D

You are transporting a patient in cardiac arrest. The AED is being used and a shock has been advised. Prior to administering the shock, what should you do?

You are transporting a patient in cardiac arrest. The AED is being used and a shock has been advised. Prior to administering the shock, what should you do?



a. Stop the ambulance and have all rescuers exit prior to shocking with the AED.
b. Withhold all shocks because metal will conduct the shock into the ambulance.
c. Ensure that no rescuer is touching the stretcher.
d. Move the patient from the metal stretcher to a nonmetal surface.



Answer: C

You are transporting a 57 year-old male who went into cardiac arrest at home. After two shocks and CPR, he regained a pulse, but remains unresponsive and in respiratory arrest. During transport, your reassessment reveals the absence of a carotid pulse. Which one of the following should you do first?

You are transporting a 57 year-old male who went into cardiac arrest at home. After two shocks and CPR, he regained a pulse, but remains unresponsive and in respiratory arrest. During transport, your reassessment reveals the absence of a carotid pulse. Which one of the following should you do first?





a. Provide five cycles of CPR prior to using the AED.
b. Turn the AED on and analyze the heart rhythm.
c. Stop the ambulance and turn off the motor.
d. Start CPR and continue emergency transport.



Answer: B

You are reading a prehospital care report and notice that the patient was defibrillated as soon as the EMTs arrived on scene, even though no CPR was done prior. Which one of the following should you assume?

You are reading a prehospital care report and notice that the patient was defibrillated as soon as the EMTs arrived on scene, even though no CPR was done prior. Which one of the following should you assume?




a. The patient had a very weak pulse.
b. Asystole was the initial heart rhythm.
c. The patient was under eight years of age.
d. Down time was less than four minutes.




Answer: D

You are conducting the reassessment of a patient who sustained blunt trauma to the chest in a motor vehicle collision. Which one of the following assessment findings best indicates that the patient is deteriorating and in the decompensatory phase of shock?

You are conducting the reassessment of a patient who sustained blunt trauma to the chest in a motor vehicle collision. Which one of the following assessment findings best indicates that the patient is deteriorating and in the decompensatory phase of shock?




a. Blood pressure 92/50 mmHg
b. Blood oozing from an abdominal laceration
c. Heart rate 100 beats per minute
d. Restless and confused mental status


Answer: A

You are assessing an elderly patient with a decreased level of consciousness. Your assessment reveals the patient to have a patent airway, labored respirations, and weak, rapid pulses. The skin is pale, cool, and cyanotic in the extremities. You also observe diaphoresis and a delayed capillary refill. Vital signs for this patient are: HR 136 bpm, BP 66/40 mmHg, and respirations 40 and shallow. Auscultation of the lungs reveals profound rales located throughout each lung. His temperature is 99°F.There is obvious JVD and pedal edema. Additionally, family states that the patient has an extensive cardiac and diabetic history. Based on this information you should suspect what kind of shock?

You are assessing an elderly patient with a decreased level of consciousness. Your assessment reveals the patient to have a patent airway, labored respirations, and weak, rapid pulses. The skin is pale, cool, and cyanotic in the extremities. You also observe diaphoresis and a delayed capillary refill. Vital signs for this patient are: HR 136 bpm, BP 66/40 mmHg, and respirations 40 and shallow. Auscultation of the lungs reveals profound rales located throughout each lung. His temperature is 99°F.There is obvious JVD and pedal edema. Additionally, family states that the patient has an extensive cardiac and diabetic history. Based on this information you should suspect what kind of shock?




a. Hypotensive
b. Distributive
c. Cardiogenic
d. Hypovolemic



Answer: C

Why is defibrillation in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest so critical?

Why is defibrillation in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest so critical? 




a. If cardiac arrest is not treated within the first few minutes, ventricular fibrillation will convert to asystole, a non shockable heart rhythm.
b. In the first few minutes of cardiac arrest the heart is still warm, but begins to cool rapidly making it less receptive to a defibrillatory shock.
c. In the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, the blood pressure is still normal, but will drop quickly, making successful defibrillation less likely.
d. Research has shown that a heart in cardiac arrest will continue to pump blood for a few minutes before cardiac output drops to zero.




Answer: A

While using the AED to treat a patient in cardiac arrest, your partner informs you that he can feel a carotid pulse. Which one of the following should you do immediately?

While using the AED to treat a patient in cardiac arrest, your partner informs you that he can feel a carotid pulse. Which one of the following should you do immediately?



a. Assess the patient's breathing.
b. Obtain a blood pressure.
c. Reanalyze the patient's heart rhythm.
d. Insert an oropharyngeal airway.




Answer: A

Which one of the following statements best indicates an understanding of the prehospital role in caring for the patient in shock?

Which one of the following statements best indicates an understanding of the prehospital role in caring for the patient in shock?



a. Because shock is a life threatening condition, it is important that the EMT identify the exact cause so the proper care can be given.
b. Since shock is best treated in the hospital, the EMT should provide care to maintain perfusion to the vital organs and transport.
c. The job of the EMT is to recognize that a person is in shock and get him or her to the hospital so treatment can be started.
d. If shock is in the compensatory or early stage, it is not yet life-threatening and the EMT can take his time in assessing and treating the patient.




Answer: B

Which one of the following statements about the heart rhythm of ventricular fibrillation is true?

Which one of the following statements about the heart rhythm of ventricular fibrillation is true?



a. When a patient's heart is in ventricular fibrillation, it is unable to pump blood throughout the body.
b. The AED is designed to identify ventricular fibrillation and give a 'No Shock Advised' message when it is present.
c. Ventricular fibrillation occurs when the heart rate is so slow and weak that a pulse cannot be felt.
d. The most effective treatment for converting ventricular fibrillation to a healthy heart rhythm is CPR.




Answer: A

Which one of the following actions performed by the EMT indicates appropriate care with the AED when treating a patient in cardiac arrest?

Which one of the following actions performed by the EMT indicates appropriate care with the AED when treating a patient in cardiac arrest?




a. He purposely does not shock a patient in cardiac arrest who has an implantable defibrillator.
b. He places then quickly removes a set of electrodes in an attempt to remove hair from a patient's chest.
c. He applies one electrode over top of the power source for a pacemaker located on the patient's chest.
d. He places the AED pads two inches away from a transdermal medication patch on the patient's chest.


Answer: B

The major categories of shock include:

The major categories of shock include:





a. hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, and distributive.
b. hypoglycemic, obstructive, distributive, and hypovolemic.
c. hemorrhagic, distributive, hypoxic, and obstructive.
d. burn, hypovolemic, distributive, and hypoxic.



Answer: A

The EMT should request advanced life support (ALS) backup for a patient in cardiac arrest because:

The EMT should request advanced life support (ALS) backup for a patient in cardiac arrest because:



a. ALS care is superior to basic life support care, even with the AED.
b. paramedics must be present in order for the EMT to use the AED.
c. cardiac arrest patients must be transported by ALS personnel.
d. ALS treatment decreases the possibility of the patient going back into cardiac arrest once successful defibrillation has occurred.




Answer: D
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