Question 1

A 69-year-old man is complaining of weakness to the left arm and leg. He also states that he is nauseated and has a headache. The patient's past medical history includes stroke and diabetes. In relation to this information, which one of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

The headache is a symptom that is related to the chief complaint of weakness in the left arm and leg. The nausea and headache may be indicative of a stroke, and the patient's history of stroke and diabetes puts him at increased risk for another stroke. The history of diabetes is a contributing factor to the patient's overall health status but is not directly related to the current chief complaint of weakness and other symptoms. Dizziness is not mentioned in the patient's symptoms.

Question 2

In the prehospital care report, the EMT should recognize that a blood pressure has been palpated when she sees:

Accepted Answer

A palpated blood pressure is recorded with the systolic number followed by "P" to indicate that the diastolic pressure was not auscultated but rather estimated by palpation.

Question 3

Which one of the following descriptions would be obtained when asking about the "A" component of the SAMPLE history?

Accepted Answer

The "A" in SAMPLE history stands for "Allergies," so the correct description would be "Allergy to penicillin."

Question 4

The EMT understands the primary reason to obtain a medical history using the SAMPLE mnemonic when he states:

Accepted Answer

The SAMPLE mnemonic is used to gather important information about a patient's medical history, which can then guide the EMT in further assessment and care. It is not used to diagnose a patient's medical problem, but rather to gather information that can contribute to a diagnosis. While the emergency department may need the information obtained through the SAMPLE mnemonic, this is not the primary reason for using it. The mnemonic does not necessarily provide the patient's exact chief complaint, but rather information about their medical history that may be relevant to their current complaint. Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

Question 5

When using a pulse oximeter on an adult patient, the EMT knows that the sensor is most often attached to the patient's:

Accepted Answer

The sensor of a pulse oximeter is most often attached to the patient's finger. This allows the device to measure the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood (SpO2) by emitting light through the finger and detecting the amount of light that passes through the blood. The chest, forehead, and ear are not typically used for attachment of a pulse oximeter sensor.

Question 6

Which one of the statements listed below indicates an appropriate understanding of palpating a blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which one of the statements listed below...

Question 7

Which one of the following is an indication to palpate the blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Palpating the blood pressure is particularly useful in noisy environments where it might be difficult to hear the Korotkoff sounds with a stethoscope. This method can help estimate systolic blood pressure even when auscultation is challenging.

Question 8

When obtaining a medical history using the SAMPLE mnemonic, which one of the following statements relates to the "P" component?

Accepted Answer

The "P" in the SAMPLE mnemonic stands for "past medical history." Therefore, the statement "There is a history of pancreatitis" relates to the "P" component of the medical history.

Question 9

After you apply the pulse oximeter to a patient complaining of chest discomfort, she asks you what you are assessing. You would respond by telling her that the pulse oximeter:

Accepted Answer

The pulse oximeter is used to measure the level of oxygen saturation in the patient's blood. It does not provide an accurate evaluation of heart rate, evaluate the need for an open airway, or measure carbon dioxide exhalation.

Question 10

The EMT is correct when he identifies baseline vital signs as:

Accepted Answer

Baseline vital signs are the first set of vital signs obtained, which serve as a reference point for comparing future measurements to assess changes in a patient's condition.

Question 11

You notice that your partner routinely only takes one set of vitals when treating and transporting patients. When asked, he states that he only gets baseline vitals since they are most important as they provide information related to the patient's clinical status at the time of the EMS call. How would you respond?

Accepted Answer

Examining several sets of vital signs can help determine trends and indicate whether the patient's condition is improving or deteriorating, as well as the effectiveness of treatment.

Question 12

A female patient who called 911 when she noticed blood in her stool is scared and anxious. Her pulse rate is 124 and her blood pressure is 88/60 mmHg. After you get her vital signs, she nervously asks you if they are normal. Given her anxiety, you should:

Accepted Answer

It is important to inform the patient of her vital signs, as being open and honest can help calm her fears and anxiety. However, it is important to provide the information in a calm and reassuring manner, and offer further explanation if necessary. Changing the subject or reassuring the patient without providing information may contribute to further anxiety or mistrust.

Question 13

Which statement is true regarding vital signs obtained from a patient with nausea and vomiting?

Accepted Answer

Vital signs are an important aspect of assessing a patient's overall condition, and can help the EMT determine the relative stability or instability of the patient. Just because the vital signs are within normal limits, it does not necessarily mean it is safe to let the patient refuse transport. The patient's complaint of nausea and vomiting is significant regardless of the presence of abnormal vital signs, and vital signs do not allow an EMT to diagnose the specific cause of the patient's symptoms.

Question 14

Which one of the following illustrates a question that would be asked when obtaining a medical history, using the SAMPLE mnemonic, for a female patient who is crying and complaining of dizziness?

Accepted Answer

The SAMPLE mnemonic stands for Signs and Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past Medical History, Last Oral Intake, and Events Leading Up to Present Illness. Asking about what the patient was doing when the dizziness started pertains to the "Events Leading Up to Present Illness" aspect of the mnemonic.

Question 15

Your partner states that he wants to palpate the blood pressure. What equipment would you hand him?

Accepted Answer

To palpate blood pressure, only a blood pressure cuff is needed. The stethoscope is used for auscultating blood pressure, not palpating.

Question 16

An obese female has called you with the complaint of abdominal pain. The regular adult cuff will not fit around her arm, so you retrieve the large adult cuff from your supplies. Embarrassed, the woman says, "My arm is so fat. Do you really need to roll up my sleeve to get my blood pressure?" Your best response would be:

Accepted Answer

The best response is to reassure the patient that her arm size is not a concern and that the focus is on measuring her blood pressure. This response is empathetic, respectful, and professional. It is important to avoid making the patient feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about her weight. Option A is not an appropriate response as it dismisses the patient's concerns and ignores the importance of blood pressure measurement. Option B is unprofessional and insensitive. Option C is also inappropriate as it may be perceived as blaming the patient for her weight and may lead to the patient feeling ashamed or judged.

Question 17

A patient states that he is short of breath, light-headed, and has chest pain that worsens when he takes a deep breath. Assessment reveals an open airway, adequate breathing, and a rapid pulse of 120 beats per minute. His skin is hot to the touch, and he has a blood pressure of 116/84 mmHg. The patient informs you that he was diagnosed with pneumonia three days ago and has not been taking the prescribed antibiotics. Which one of these assessment findings would the EMT best recognize as a sign related to the patient's chief complaint?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient states that he is short...

Question 18

You are assessing a 49-year-old male complaining of lower back pain. Which one of the following would be pertinent medical information related to the back pain that the EMT will obtain using the SAMPLE mnemonic?

Accepted Answer

The presence of arthritis in the spine and pelvis is pertinent medical information as it may contribute to the patient's back pain. The other choices do not provide useful information directly related to the patient's back pain.

Question 19

You have assisted the patient in taking one of his nitroglycerin tablets. Five minutes later, you note the blood pressure is 108/74 mmHg. To determine if the nitroglycerin has affected the blood pressure, the EMT should:

Accepted Answer

Comparing the current blood pressure reading to the baseline blood pressure taken before administering the nitroglycerin is the correct method to determine if the medication has affected the patient's blood pressure. This comparison provides a direct measure of the medication's impact on the patient.

Question 20

A female patient with a history of asthma called 911 with a complaint of shortness of breath. On scene, you assisted her with the administration of her metered dose inhaler containing albuterol. Which one of the following interventions will you use to best determine if the patient is improving or not?

Accepted Answer

Pulse oximetry readings every 3 minutes will allow you to monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels and determine if they are improving or not. Asking the patient if they find it easier to breathe or if they need another dose of albuterol may be subjective and unreliable. Re-obtaining a SAMPLE history is important, but not the best way to determine if the patient is improving in this situation.

Quiz 11: Baseline Vital Signs, Monitoring Devices, and History Taking