Question 1

What is the best way to communicate with a young pediatric patient?
A) Only talk with the parents. The child is too young to know his or her medical history.
B) Sit at the level of the child, if possible, and always be honest.
C) Do not tell the child that a procedure will hurt beforehand because the child will become terrified.
D) Tell the child the procedure will hurt much more than it actually will so he or she will be pleasantly surprised when the procedure is over.

Accepted Answer

Sitting at the level of the child and being honest is important to build trust between the healthcare provider and the patient. This can help prevent fear and anxiety, and promote positive healthcare experiences in the future. It is also important to use age-appropriate language and tone when communicating with pediatric patients.

Answer: C
 While honesty is important, it is also important to avoid unnecessary fear or anxiety in young pediatric patients. Instead of emphasizing the pain or discomfort, healthcare providers can use distraction techniques or other methods to ease anxiety and minimize discomfort during procedures.

Answer: D
 Providing false or exaggerated information about a procedure can be detrimental to the child's trust in the healthcare provider and can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety. It is important to provide accurate information and support to the child during procedures.

Question 2

Which of the following statements regarding eye contact with a patient is NOT true?
A) It shows you are confident.
B) It shows you are attentive.
C) It shows you are interested in the patient.
D) Eye contact is always appropriate.

Accepted Answer

While maintaining eye contact is generally important, it is not always appropriate in certain cultural contexts or when a patient is uncomfortable with direct eye contact. It is important to be aware of and respectful of these factors in order to establish trust with the patient.

Question 3

Which of the following can be correctly noted as a chief complaint?
A) The patient had a respiratory rate of 44.
B) The patient was confused.
C) The patient stated that she felt sick.
D) The patient was found sitting in the driver's seat of a full-size sedan.

Accepted Answer

A chief complaint is the reason why the patient sought medical attention. Option C notes the patient's subjective complaint of feeling sick, which can be considered as the chief complaint. Options A and B provide objective observations without stating the patient's primary concern, and option D does not provide any information regarding the patient's symptoms or reason for seeking medical attention.

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the position you should take when dealing with a cooperative patient who is sitting in a chair?
A) Sit or kneel at the same level as the patient.
B) Stand behind the patient's chair.
C) Stand next to the chair.
D) Sit on the floor at the patient's feet.

Accepted Answer

Sitting or kneeling at the same level as the patient allows you to establish good eye contact and communicate clearly with the patient. It also shows respect and empathy towards the patient, making them feel more comfortable and at ease. Standing behind the patient's chair or sitting on the floor at the patient's feet are not ideal positions as you may seem intimidating or condescending to the patient. Standing next to the chair may make it difficult for the patient to see or hear you properly.

Question 5

Which of the following should be placed in quotes in the patient care report?
A) Patient's expressed consent
B) Chief complaint
C) List of patient's medications
D) Mechanism of injury

Accepted Answer

The chief complaint is typically placed in quotes in a patient care report to directly capture and convey the patient's own words regarding their primary reason for seeking medical care. This practice helps ensure clarity and accuracy in documenting the patient's concerns.

Question 6

You are treating a patient with a possible fractured ankle.The patient appears to be in a lot of pain and is uneasy.As you are getting ready to splint the patient's leg,he asks you if it is going to hurt.Which of the following is the BEST response?
A) "If you're stressed out like this, it's going to hurt a lot more."
B) "Relax, this is not a painful procedure."
C) "I will do my best, but it may hurt while we put the splint on."
D) "It doesn't matter, we have to do it anyway."

Accepted Answer

It is important to be honest with the patient and let them know that there may be some discomfort during the procedure. However, assuring them that you will do your best to minimize the pain can help ease their concerns. Options A and D are not appropriate responses as they can increase the patient's anxiety and make the situation worse. Option B is not entirely true as the splinting procedure may cause some discomfort.

Question 7

You are treating a 32-year-old man who is deaf.You need to find out why he called for an ambulance.What is the BEST way to communicate with this patient?
A) Use hand gestures to act out what you are trying to say.
B) Make sure the patient can see your lips when you speak.
C) Call for an interpreter to meet you at the hospital.
D) Speak very loudly in case he has a little hearing.

Accepted Answer

Making sure the patient can see your lips when you speak is the best way to communicate with a deaf patient. This allows them to read your lips and understand what you are saying. Using hand gestures may not be effective if the patient does not understand the gestures or if they have a different interpretation of them. Calling for an interpreter may be necessary if the patient does not understand your speech or if there are complex medical terms that need to be explained. Speaking very loudly may also not be effective as it can distort the sound and make it harder for the patient to understand.

Question 8

Your elderly male patient tells you his name is Joe Smith.Which of the following is the BEST way to address him?
A) Joe
B) Smitty
C) Mr. Smith
D) Sir

Accepted Answer

The best way to address an elderly patient is with respect and formality. Using their last name with the appropriate title is a good way to show respect. Therefore, addressing the patient as Mr. Smith is the best choice. Using their first name (choice A) may be appropriate in some situations, but it may come across as too casual. Using a nickname (choice B) is not appropriate unless the patient specifically asks to be called by that name. Using "Sir" (choice D) is also respectful, but not as specific to the patient's name as using their last name with a title.

Question 9

While on the scene with an elderly chest pain call,you notice that your partner gets on one knee when talking to the seated patient.What is the best reason for an EMT to kneel down beside the patient?
A) The younger EMT is acknowledging that the older patient is his elder.
B) The EMT is kneeling to protect himself.
C) The EMT can examine the patient's chest better.
D) The EMT does not want to appear threatening or intimidating to the patient.

Accepted Answer

Kneeling down when talking to a seated patient can convey a sense of empathy and respect, as well as reduce any perceived power differential between the EMT and patient. It can also help the patient feel more comfortable and less threatened.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate way of dealing with a patient who does not speak the same language as you do?
A) Avoid communicating with the patient so there is no misunderstanding of your intentions.
B) Use an interpreter.
C) Contact dispatch for assistance in finding a translator.
D) Use a manual that provides translation.

Accepted Answer

Avoiding communication with the patient is not a recommended approach because it can lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding. It's crucial to communicate effectively with patients, even if it requires extra effort to identify a means of communication that works for all parties involved. Using an interpreter, contacting dispatch for assistance, or using a translation manual are all appropriate ways to communicate with a patient who does not speak the same language as the healthcare provider.

Question 11

When you arrive at the receiving facility,the nurse asks your partner for a verbal report of the patient's condition.This is in addition to the radio report your partner gave to the hospital en route.Afterwards,you ask your partner why you must give a second verbal report and a written report to the receiving nurse.What is the best reason to provide both reports?
A) The nurse may not have heard the first radio report.
B) The nurse may have to perform critical interventions on the patient before you complete your written report.
C) The patient's condition may have changed since the first radio report.
D) The nurse may be too busy to read the written report.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When you arrive at the receiving facility,the...

Question 12

You are on the scene of an unresponsive adult female patient.You find an empty pill bottle lying next to her bed.You look up the medication in your field guide and discover the medication is a powerful sedative.The prescription on the bottle is for the patient's husband,who is not present to answer questions about the medication.What should you do?
A) Document the empty pill bottle. It may provide important clues to the patient's condition.
B) Do not document the empty pill bottle. It does not belong to the patient.
C) Document the empty pill bottle. It is obvious that she took the pills.
D) Do not document the empty pill bottle. You cannot prove that she took the pills and could lead the doctor to make a false diagnosis.

Accepted Answer

Documenting the empty pill bottle is important as it provides crucial information about what medication the patient may have taken. This information can assist medical personnel in determining the appropriate treatment for the patient's condition. It is also important to note that even if the prescription is not specifically for the patient, it may still be relevant to their medical history and current condition.

Question 13

Which of the following information on a patient care report is NOT considered run data?
A) Chief complaint
B) Other EMS units on the scene
C) Location of the call
D) Time of arrival at the receiving facility

Accepted Answer

The chief complaint is considered patient data and not run data. The other options, such as EMS units on the scene, location of the call, and time of arrival at the receiving facility, are considered run data.

Question 14

Which of the following describes the importance of effective communication of patient information in the verbal report?
A) Patient treatment can be based on this information.
B) Additional information that was not given in the radio report can be provided.
C) Changes in the patient's condition can be communicated.
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Effective communication of patient information in the verbal report is important because patient treatment can be based on this information, additional information that was not given in the radio report can be provided, and changes in the patient's condition can be communicated.

Question 15

An objective statement made in a prehospital patient care report meets all of the following criteria except which one?
A) Verifiable
B) Observable
C) Measurable
D) Biased

Accepted Answer

An objective statement should be verifiable, observable, and measurable, but it should not be biased. A biased statement reflects the personal opinions, judgments, or beliefs of the person making the statement and can compromise the accuracy and reliability of the report. Objective statements should be neutral, factual, and descriptive, and should avoid any subjective language or interpretation.

Question 16

The portion of the patient care report in which the EMT writes his description of the patient's presentation,assessment findings,treatment,and transport information is called the:
A) text.
B) data set.
C) deposition.
D) narrative.

Accepted Answer

The portion described in the question is commonly known as the narrative section of the patient care report. It is where the EMT provides a detailed account of the patient encounter, including the patient's chief complaint, vital signs, interventions performed, and other relevant information. The narrative should be concise, clear, and accurately reflect the EMT's observations and actions during the call.

Question 17

You are responding to a nursing home for an 85-year-old patient complaining of difficulty breathing.How would you initiate contact with this patient?
A) Stand near the head of the bed and shout to make sure the patient can hear you.
B) Place yourself at eye-level, identify yourself, and ask the patient what she would like to be called.
C) Sit on the foot of the bed and ask the patient what's up.
D) Pick up the patient's wrist and begin taking her pulse.

Accepted Answer

Placing yourself at eye-level and identifying yourself is respectful and allows for better communication with the patient. Asking the patient what she would like to be called also shows respect for her wishes. Standing near the head of the bed and shouting or picking up her wrist and taking her pulse are both intrusive and may cause the patient more distress. Sitting on the foot of the bed is also not recommended as it invades the patient's personal space.

Question 18

You have received an order from medical direction that you feel would be detrimental to your patient.Which of the following should you do?
A) Politely question the physician.
B) Carry out the order but document that you disagreed with it.
C) Contact your supervisor for advice.
D) Call a different hospital for orders.

Accepted Answer

As a healthcare professional, it is your responsibility to advocate for your patient's best interest. If you feel that the medical order is not in the best interest of your patient, it is your duty to question the physician politely and express your concerns. This will help ensure that the patient receives the best possible care.

Question 19

You are attempting to place a nonrebreather mask on a patient who is experiencing difficulty breathing.The patient is anxious and does not want the mask on his face.Which of the following is the BEST course of action?
A) Tell the patient the mask is for his benefit and you will restrain him if necessary to place it on him.
B) Explain the importance of oxygen and ask the patient to at least try to leave the mask on, but that if he can't tolerate it you can try another method.
C) Tell the patient he will soon become unconscious without the mask and then you will be able to place it on him.
D) Document that the patient was uncooperative and refused oxygen.

Accepted Answer

In this situation, it is important to prioritize the patient's comfort while also ensuring their safety and well-being. Option A is not appropriate as restraining the patient without their consent is a violation of their rights and can lead to further anxiety and distress. Option C uses fear tactics and is not recommended. Option D is not the best choice for optimal patient care as it does not address the patient's current condition. Option B allows the patient to have some control over their care and provides education on the importance of oxygen, while also acknowledging their discomfort and offering alternative options if needed.

Question 20

Medical direction has requested that you administer 70 grams of activated charcoal to an overdose patient.Which of the following should you do next?
A) Document the order in writing before carrying it out.
B) Repeat the order back to the physician to make sure you understood correctly.
C) Administer the medication without delay.
D) Prepare the medication and then call the hospital back to re-confirm the order.

Accepted Answer

It is always best practice to repeat an order back to the physician to ensure that the correct medication and dosage were understood and documented correctly. This helps to prevent medication errors and ensures patient safety. Once the order is confirmed, then the medication can be administered without delay.

Quiz 15: Communication and Documentation

What is the best way to communicate with a young pediatric patient?

Which of the following statements regarding eye contact with a patient is NOT true?

Which of the following can be correctly noted as a chief complaint?

Which of the following BEST describes the position you should take when dealing with a cooperative patient who is sitting in a chair?

Which of the following should be placed in quotes in the patient care report?

You are treating a patient with a possible fractured ankle.The patient appears to be in a lot of pain and is uneasy.As you are getting ready to splint the patient's leg,he asks you if it is going to hurt.Which of the following is the BEST response?

You are treating a 32-year-old man who is deaf.You need to find out why he called for an ambulance.What is the BEST way to communicate with this patient?

Your elderly male patient tells you his name is Joe Smith.Which of the following is the BEST way to address him?

While on the scene with an elderly chest pain call,you notice that your partner gets on one knee when talking to the seated patient.What is the best reason for an EMT to kneel down beside the patient?

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate way of dealing with a patient who does not speak the same language as you do?

Which of the following information on a patient care report is NOT considered run data?

Which of the following describes the importance of effective communication of patient information in the verbal report?

An objective statement made in a prehospital patient care report meets all of the following criteria except which one?

The portion of the patient care report in which the EMT writes his description of the patient's presentation,assessment findings,treatment,and transport information is called the:

You are responding to a nursing home for an 85-year-old patient complaining of difficulty breathing.How would you initiate contact with this patient?

You have received an order from medical direction that you feel would be detrimental to your patient.Which of the following should you do?

You are attempting to place a nonrebreather mask on a patient who is experiencing difficulty breathing.The patient is anxious and does not want the mask on his face.Which of the following is the BEST course of action?

Medical direction has requested that you administer 70 grams of activated charcoal to an overdose patient.Which of the following should you do next?