EMT Basic Protocol Exam 15 Questions

If a blood pressure cuff is too small for a patient, it may give a false elevated reading because it can constrict the arm too much, leading to increased pressure in the arteries. This can result in an inaccurate measurement of the patient's blood pressure, making it appear higher than it actually is. It is important to use a properly sized cuff to ensure accurate readings.

The correct answer is Signs and Symptoms. In the SAMPLE pneumonic, each letter represents a different aspect of a patient's medical history that should be assessed. The S specifically refers to Signs and Symptoms, which are important indicators of a patient's condition. By evaluating the signs (observable indications of a medical problem) and symptoms (subjective experiences reported by the patient), healthcare professionals can gather valuable information to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Heat stroke is indeed a medical emergency that can occur when the body's temperature regulation system becomes overwhelmed by high temperatures. It is characterized by an altered level of consciousness, which can range from confusion to loss of consciousness. This is due to the body's inability to cool down properly, leading to damage to the brain and other vital organs. Therefore, the given statement is true.

Implied consent is the correct answer because it refers to the assumption that an unconscious adult would consent to receiving treatment for a life-threatening injury or illness if they were able to. In such situations, medical professionals are legally allowed to provide necessary treatment without obtaining explicit consent from the patient. This concept is based on the principle of acting in the best interest of the patient and prioritizing their health and well-being.

The Heimlich maneuver is not recommended to facilitate gastric emptying for a patient that has suffered a drowning/near drowning event. The Heimlich maneuver is typically used to clear the airway obstruction caused by foreign objects in the throat, not to address gastric emptying. In the case of drowning/near drowning, the focus should be on providing immediate medical attention and performing CPR if necessary.

The initial assessment of stable patients should be recorded every 15 minutes, while for unstable patients it should be recorded every 5 minutes. This frequency allows healthcare providers to closely monitor unstable patients and quickly identify any changes in their condition. For stable patients, a longer interval of 15 minutes is appropriate as their condition is not expected to change rapidly. Regular documentation of the assessment helps ensure accurate and up-to-date information is available for the patient's care team.

Patients with a valid CPR Directive present should not be resuscitated. This means that they have explicitly stated their wish to not receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac arrest. Respecting the patient's autonomy and their end-of-life wishes is important, and therefore resuscitation should not be performed on these patients.

When suctioning the infant, it is recommended to suction the mouth before the nose. This is because clearing the airway is a priority, and suctioning the mouth first helps to remove any potential obstructions or secretions that may be blocking the infant's airway. Suctioning the nose before the mouth can potentially push any debris further into the airway, causing further obstruction. Therefore, it is important to prioritize suctioning the mouth first to ensure the infant's airway is clear and open.

The appropriate dosage for aspirin when given to a patient that is having an acute coronary syndrome is 4 - 81mg tablets (324mgs) because this dosage provides the highest amount of aspirin among the given options. Acute coronary syndrome is a serious condition that requires a higher dosage of aspirin to help prevent blood clotting and reduce the risk of further complications.

The administration of Nitroglycerin is contraindicated for the EMT Basic if the patient does not have Nitroglycerin prescribed for him. This means that the EMT should not administer Nitroglycerin to a patient who does not have a prescription for it, as it could potentially be harmful or cause adverse reactions.

The correct answer is "Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment". In triage situations, START is an acronym that helps medical professionals quickly assess and prioritize patients based on the severity of their injuries or illnesses. The acronym emphasizes the need for a simple and efficient triage process that allows for rapid treatment of patients in order to save as many lives as possible.

In the event of an amputation, it’s crucial to avoid placing the amputated part directly in water or ice without the protection of a plastic bag. Direct contact with ice should also be avoided. The use of dry ice is not recommended as it can lead to frostbite and further damage to the amputated part. If there’s no access to cold water, it’s important to keep the part as far from heat sources as possible.

In a hypothermic patient, shivering is the body's natural response to generate heat and increase body temperature. However, as the body temperature continues to drop, shivering becomes less effective and eventually stops. The correct answer is 90 degrees Fahrenheit because below this temperature, the body is unable to initiate shivering as a mechanism to increase body temperature.

When severe thermal burns cover more than 15% of the total body surface, a dry dressing should be used. This is because a dry dressing helps to prevent infection and promote healing by creating a barrier between the burn and the external environment. However, if the burn covers less than 15% of the total body surface, a moistened dressing should be used instead. This is because a moistened dressing helps to cool the burn, relieve pain, and keep the wound hydrated, which can aid in the healing process.

When treating a patient with Acute Mountain Sickness, it is expected that they may experience symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and poor sleeping. These symptoms are common in individuals who are affected by the condition due to the reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes. However, altered mental status is not typically associated with Acute Mountain Sickness. This symptom refers to changes in cognitive function, such as confusion or disorientation, which are not commonly observed in individuals with this condition.