NREMT
Exam Prep
(400+ Practice Questions)
Answers with Rationales
This Document Description:
This document contains a collection of
474 verified multiple-choices questions
and Correct answers with Rationales.
Ideal for exam preparation and concept
reinforcement.
,1. A young woman reports significant weight loss over the last month, persistent
fever, and night sweats. When you assess her, you note the presence of dark
purple lesions covering her trunk and upper extremities. You should suspect:
• A:end-stage cancer.
• B:HIV/AIDS.
• C:tuberculosis.
• D:rheumatic fever.
Correct Answer: B; This is correct!
Reason:
Weight loss, fever, and night sweats could indicate tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS; however,
the dark purple lesions on the skin, which are called Kaposi's sarcoma, are malignant
skin tumors and are a classic finding in patients in the later stages of AIDS.
2. A 48-year-old male became acutely hypoxic, experienced a seizure, and is now
postictal. The MOST effective way to prevent another seizure is to:
• A:dim the lights in the back of the ambulance.
• B:place him in the recovery position.
• C:administer high-flow supplemental oxygen.
• D:give him oral glucose if he can swallow.
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
You should administer high-flow oxygen to all patients who are actively seizing and to
patients who experienced a seizure and are postictal. This is especially true if the
seizure was caused by hypoxia. Increasing the oxygen content of the blood, which
minimizes hypoxia, may prevent another seizure. The recovery position is appropriate
for uninjured patients with a decreased level of consciousness and adequate breathing;
it will help maintain the airway and facilitate drainage of secretions from the mouth, but
will not prevent another seizure. Oral glucose may prevent another seizure if
hypoglycemia was the cause of the seizure. You should dim the lights in the back of the
ambulance to help prevent any seizure, not just those that are caused by hypoxia.
3. Which of the following conditions would be the LEAST likely to be present in a
patient who was submerged in water?
• A:Spinal injury
• B:Gastric distention
• C:Hyperglycemia
• D:Laryngospasm
,Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
Many factors can contribute to or result from a submersion injury (eg, drowning, near-
drowning). It is not uncommon for a person to experience a spinal injury after diving
head first into shallow water, especially if he or she is under the influence of alcohol.
When a swimmer panics, he or she initially swallows large amounts of water, resulting in
gastric distention. Gastric distention can cause aspiration if the patient regurgitates
water during rescue breathing; protect the airway! During the panic phase, the victim
expends a tremendous amount of energy (and glucose) from flailing around in the
water, possibly resulting in hypoglycemia. Inhaling even a small amount of fresh or salt
water can severely irritate the larynx, which sends the muscles of the larynx and vocal
cords into spasm (laryngospasm), resulting in airway blockage and hypoxia.
4. A 42-year-old male presents with fever, a severe headache, and a stiff neck. He
is conscious, but confused. His wife tells you that he does not have any medical
problems and does not take any medications. You should be MOST suspicious
for:
• A:acute stroke.
• B:influenza.
• C:meningitis.
• D:tuberculosis.
(
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord
(meninges). Common signs and symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, neck
stiffness (nuchal rigidity), and vomiting. An altered mental status is common in severe
cases. Meningococcal meningitis, caused by a bacterium, is the most contagious and
potentially fatal type of meningitis. The patient's signs and symptoms are not consistent
with acute stroke, tuberculosis (TB), or influenza (the flu). Although fever is common
with both TB and the flu, neither causes neck stiffness. Acute stroke may be associated
with a headache, especially a hemorrhagic stroke; however, stroke patients typically do
not have a fever.
5. All of the following are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, EXCEPT:
• A:melena.
• B:hematemesis.
• C:tachycardia.
• D:hemoptysis.
,Correct Answer: D; This is correct!
Reason:
Signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding include abdominal pain; vomiting
blood (hematemesis); the passage of dark, tarry stools (melena); and bright red rectal
bleeding (hematochezia). If blood loss is significant, the patient may have signs of
shock (eg, tachycardia, diaphoresis, tachypnea, hypotension). Hemoptysis (coughing up
blood) is a sign of a pulmonary injury, not GI bleeding.
6. A 24-year-old female presents with a rash to her left leg and swollen, painful
knee joints. She tells you that she and her friends returned from a hiking trip in
the mountains a week ago. She is conscious and alert with a blood pressure of
112/62 mm Hg, a pulse of 84 beats/min, and respirations of 14 breaths/min. Her
symptoms are MOST likely the result of:
• A:Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• B:tetanus.
• C:Lyme disease.
• D:a localized allergic reaction.
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
The patient's symptoms and her history of a recent hiking trip are consistent with Lyme
disease, which was the result of a tick bite. Ticks can carry two infectious diseases:
Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Both are spread through the tick's
saliva, which is injected into the skin when the tick attaches itself. The first symptom of
Lyme disease, a rash that may spread to several parts of the body, begins about 3 days
after the bite of an infected tick. The rash may eventually resemble a target bull's-eye
pattern in one third of patients. After a few more days or weeks, painful swelling of the
joints, particularly the knees, occurs. If recognized and treated promptly with antibiotics,
many patients recover completely. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is not limited to
the Rocky Mountains, occurs within 7 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected tick.
Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, paralysis, and possibly
cardiopulmonary failure.
7. A 50-year-old woman who is conscious and alert complains of a severe
migraine headache. When caring for her, you should generally avoid:
• A:transporting her in a supine position.
• B:shining a light into her pupils.
• C:dimming the lights in the ambulance.
• D:applying ice packs to her forehead.
Correct Answer: B; This is correct!
Reason:
,Patients with migraine or cluster headaches typically have photophobia (light
sensitivity). Any type of bright light, especially if shone directly into the eyes, will cause
the patient with a headache unnecessary severe pain. Dimming the lights in the
ambulance and making the patient as comfortable as possible are the treatments of
choice for a patient with a headache. Some patients benefit from ice packs applied to
the forehead; just be sure to wrap the ice pack with roller gauze. Oxygen also should be
administered as needed. Typically, the patient will prefer to lie supine or on the side
8. A patient who overdosed on heroin would be expected to present with:
• A:tachycardia.
• B:hyperpnea.
• C:hypotension.
• D:dilated pupils.
Correct Answer: C;
Reason:
Heroin is a Schedule I (illegal) narcotic that is typically injected. As with all narcotics,
legal or illegal, overdose causes depression of the central nervous system (CNS),
resulting in a decreased level of consciousness; bradycardia; hypotension; and slow,
shallow (reduced tidal volume) breathing. Hyperpnea (deep breathing) would not be
present in a patient who overdosed on a narcotic. In a narcotic overdose, the pupils are
typically constricted (miosis). Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, are also CNS
depressants and cause the same symptoms seen with narcotic overdose. The patient's
pupils, however, are typically dilated (mydriasis), not constricted.
9. When caring for any patient with a decreased level of consciousness, your
primary concern should be the:
• A:potential for airway compromise.
• B:patient's blood glucose level.
• C:possibility of a spinal injury.
• D:possibility of a drug overdose.
Correct Answer: A; This is correct!
Reason:
Altered mental status could be caused by a high or low blood glucose level, drug
overdose, or head injury, among other causes. Furthermore, the possibility of a spinal
injury should be considered if the patient was injured. However, your primary concern
should be the status of the patient's airway. Patients with a decreased level of
consciousness are at risk for aspiration if vomiting occurs. Unless spinal trauma is
present or the patient is breathing inadequately (eg, fast or slow rate, shallow breathing
,[reduced tidal volume]), place him or her in the recovery position to facilitate drainage if
vomiting occurs. Remember this: no airway, no patient!
10. Hypoglycemia and acute ischemic stroke can present similarly because:
• A:both oxygen and glucose are needed for brain function.
• B:the majority of stroke patients have a history of diabetes.
• C:the most common cause of a stroke is hypoglycemia.
• D:they are both caused by low levels of glucose in the blood.
• A:both oxygen and glucose are needed for brain function.
Reason:
Although stroke and hypoglycemia are two distinctly different conditions, their signs and
symptoms are often similar. This is because the brain requires both oxygen and glucose
to function normally. An acute ischemic stroke is caused by a lack of oxygen to a part of
the brain due to a blocked cerebral artery, whereas hypoglycemia (low blood glucose
level) deprives the entire brain of glucose. In either case, the patient presents with signs
of impaired brain function (ie, slurred speech, weakness, altered mental status). Both
conditions may lead to permanent brain damage or death if not treated promptly.
11. When dealing with an emotionally disturbed patient, you should be MOST
concerned with:
• A:gathering all of the patient's medications.
• B:safely transporting to the hospital.
• C:whether the patient could harm you.
• D:obtaining a complete medical history.
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
When managing any patient with an emotional or psychiatric crisis, your primary
concern is your own safety. Safely transporting the patient to the hospital is your
ultimate goal. If possible, you should attempt to obtain a medical history and should take
any of the patient's prescribed medications to the hospital. However, this should not
supercede your own safety or interfere with safely transporting the patient.
12. You are at the scene where a man panicked while swimming in a small lake.
Your initial attempt to rescue him should include:
• A:rowing a small raft to the victim.
• B:reaching for the victim with a long stick.
,• C:throwing a rope to the victim.
• D:swimming to the victim to rescue him.
Correct Answer: B; This is correct!
Reason:
General rules to follow when attempting to rescue a patient from the water include
"reach, throw, row, and then go." In this case, you should attempt to reach the victim by
having him grab hold of a large stick or similar object. If this is unsuccessful, throw the
victim a rope or flotation device (if available). If these are not available, row to the
patient in a small raft (if available). Going into the water to retrieve the victim is a last
resort. The rescuer must be a strong swimmer because patients who are in danger of
drowning are in a state of blind panic and will make every attempt to keep themselves
afloat, even if it means forcing the rescuer underwater.
13. How should you classify a patient's nature of illness if he or she has a low
blood glucose level, bizarre behavior, and shallow breathing?
• A:Behavioral emergency
• B:Altered mental status
• C:Respiratory emergency
• D:Cardiac compromise
Correct Answer: B;
Reason:
The nature of illness (NOI) is the medical equivalent to mechanism of injury (MOI).
Altered mental status should be the suspected NOI in any patient with any fluctuation in
level of consciousness, which can range from bizarre behavior to complete
unresponsiveness. Causes of an altered mental status include hypo- or hyperglycemia,
head trauma, stroke, behavioral crises, drug overdose, and shock, among others.
14. A young female is unresponsive after overdosing on an unknown type of drug.
Her respirations are slow and shallow and her pulse is slow and weak. Which of
the following drugs is the LEAST likely cause of her condition?
• A:Seconal
• B:Heroin
• C:Cocaine
• D:Valium
Correct Answer: C;
Reason:
Of the drugs listed, cocaine would be the least likely cause of the patient's condition.
,Cocaine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant; you would expect her to be
hypertensive, tachycardic, tachypneic, and perhaps even violent. Heroin, Valium, and
Seconal are all CNS depressants and could explain her condition. Heroin is an illegal
narcotic (opiate), Valium is a benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drug, and Seconal is a
barbiturate. Narcotics, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates are all CNS depressants.
When taken in excess, they cause a decreased level of consciousness, respiratory
depression, bradycardia, and hypotension.
15. Activated charcoal is contraindicated for a patient who is:
• A:conscious and alert and has ingested a large amount of Motrin.
• B:emotionally upset and has ingested two bottles of aspirin.
• C:agitated and claims to have ingested a bottle of Tylenol.
• D:awake and alert and has swallowed a commercial drain cleaner.
Correct Answer: D; This is correct!
Reason:
Activated charcoal adsorbs (sticks to) many ingested substances, preventing them from
being absorbed into the body by the stomach or intestines. In some cases, you may
give activated charcoal to patients who have ingested certain substances, if approved
by medical control or local protocol. Activated charcoal is contraindicated for patients
who have ingested an acid or alkali (ie, drain cleaner) or a petroleum product (ie,
gasoline), who have a decreased level of consciousness and cannot protect their own
airway, or who are unable to swallow.
16. The MOST obvious way to reduce heat loss from radiation and convection is
to:
• A:move away from a cold object.
• B:increase metabolism by shivering.
• C:wear a thick wind-proof jacket.
• D:move to a warmer environment.
Correct Answer: D; This is correct!
Reason:
In a cold environment, the body has two ways of staying warm: generating heat
(thermogenesis) and reducing heat loss. Radiation is the transfer of heat by radiant
energy. The body can lose heat by radiation, such as when a person stands in a cold
room. Convection occurs when heat is transferred to circulating air, as when cool air
moves across the body's surface. A person standing in windy cold weather, wearing
lightweight clothing, is losing heat to the environment mostly by convection. The
quickest and most obvious way to decrease heat loss from radiation and convection is
,to move out of the cold environment and seek shelter from wind. Shivering increases
the body's metabolism and is a mechanism for generating heat, not reducing heat loss.
Layers of clothing trap air and provide excellent insulation; thus, layered clothing
decreases heat loss better than a single, thick jacket. Conduction is the direct transfer of
heat from a part of the body to a colder object by direct contact, as when a warm hand
touches cold metal or ice. The most obvious way to decrease heat loss by conduction is
to remove your hand from the cold object.
17. A near-drowning is MOST accurately defined as:
• A:complications within 24 hours following submersion in water.
• B:immediate death due to prolonged submersion in water.
• C:survival for at least 24 hours following submersion in water.
• D:death greater than 24 hours following submersion in water.
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
Collectively, drowning and near-drowning are referred to as submersion injuries.
Drowning is defined as death after submersion in a liquid medium, usually water. In a
drowning, death is either immediate or occurs within 24 hours following submersion.
Near-drowning is defined as survival, at least temporarily (24 hours), after submersion.
It should be noted, however, that complications such as pneumonia and pulmonary
edema can cause death greater than 24 hours following submersion. For this reason, all
patients with a submersion injury should be transported to the hospital, even if they
appear fine at the scene.
18. A 16-year-old, 125-pound male ingested a bottle of aspirin approximately 20
minutes ago. Medical control orders you to administer activated charcoal in a
dose of 1 g/kg. How much activated charcoal should you administer?
• A:54 g
• B:60 g
• C:51 g
• D:57 g
Correct Answer: D; This is correct!
Reason:
First, you must determine the patient's weight in kilograms (kg). Either of the following
formulae can be used to convert pounds to kilograms: Formula 1: weight (in pounds) ÷
2.2 = weight in kg. Formula 2: weight (in pounds) ÷ 2 - 10% = weight in kg. On the basis
of the above formulae, a 125-pound patient weighs 57 kg. Using formula 1, the equation
is as follows: 125 (weight in pounds) ÷ 2.2 = 56.81 (57 [rounded to the nearest tenth]).
, Using formula 2, the equation is as follows: 125 (weight in pounds) ÷ 2 = 62.5 (63
[rounded to the nearest tenth] - 6.3 (10% of 63) = 56.7 (57 [rounded to the nearest
tenth]). Since the drug order is for 1 g/kg, you should administer 57 g of activated
charcoal to your 125-pound patient.
19. Which of the following is the MOST significant finding in a patient with a
severe headache?
• A:Pain in both legs
• B:Chest discomfort
• C:Unilateral weakness
• D:Abdominal tenderness
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
Unilateral weakness (weakness on one side of the body) is a clinically significant
finding in a patient with a headache because it could indicate a stroke (ischemic or
hemorrhagic). Abdominal, chest, and leg pain are not common complaints associated
with a headache, although they should be noted and investigated if they are present.
20. When caring for a patient with severe hypothermia who is in cardiac arrest,
you should:
• A:perform rescue breathing only.
• B:perform BLS and transport.
• C:avoid using the AED.
• D:hyperventilate the patient.
Correct Answer: B;
Reason:
Patients with severe hypothermia (core body temperature < 86°F) who are in cardiac
arrest should be managed with basic life support (chest compressions and ventilations),
passive external rewarming (ie, removal of wet clothing, applying warm blankets) and
rapid transport to the hospital where they can be actively rewarmed. Because cold
muscle is a poor conductor of electricity, defibrillation, if indicated, should be limited to 1
attempt until the patient's body temperature has been increased. Cardiac arrest patients
with severe hypothermia generally do not respond to defibrillation. Hyperventilation
should be avoided as this may increase intrathoracic pressure and impair blood flow
back to the heart.
21. You should not attempt to actively rewarm a patient with moderate or severe
hypothermia in the field because:
• A:rewarming too quickly can cause a fatal cardiac dysrhythmia.
Exam Prep
(400+ Practice Questions)
Answers with Rationales
This Document Description:
This document contains a collection of
474 verified multiple-choices questions
and Correct answers with Rationales.
Ideal for exam preparation and concept
reinforcement.
,1. A young woman reports significant weight loss over the last month, persistent
fever, and night sweats. When you assess her, you note the presence of dark
purple lesions covering her trunk and upper extremities. You should suspect:
• A:end-stage cancer.
• B:HIV/AIDS.
• C:tuberculosis.
• D:rheumatic fever.
Correct Answer: B; This is correct!
Reason:
Weight loss, fever, and night sweats could indicate tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS; however,
the dark purple lesions on the skin, which are called Kaposi's sarcoma, are malignant
skin tumors and are a classic finding in patients in the later stages of AIDS.
2. A 48-year-old male became acutely hypoxic, experienced a seizure, and is now
postictal. The MOST effective way to prevent another seizure is to:
• A:dim the lights in the back of the ambulance.
• B:place him in the recovery position.
• C:administer high-flow supplemental oxygen.
• D:give him oral glucose if he can swallow.
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
You should administer high-flow oxygen to all patients who are actively seizing and to
patients who experienced a seizure and are postictal. This is especially true if the
seizure was caused by hypoxia. Increasing the oxygen content of the blood, which
minimizes hypoxia, may prevent another seizure. The recovery position is appropriate
for uninjured patients with a decreased level of consciousness and adequate breathing;
it will help maintain the airway and facilitate drainage of secretions from the mouth, but
will not prevent another seizure. Oral glucose may prevent another seizure if
hypoglycemia was the cause of the seizure. You should dim the lights in the back of the
ambulance to help prevent any seizure, not just those that are caused by hypoxia.
3. Which of the following conditions would be the LEAST likely to be present in a
patient who was submerged in water?
• A:Spinal injury
• B:Gastric distention
• C:Hyperglycemia
• D:Laryngospasm
,Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
Many factors can contribute to or result from a submersion injury (eg, drowning, near-
drowning). It is not uncommon for a person to experience a spinal injury after diving
head first into shallow water, especially if he or she is under the influence of alcohol.
When a swimmer panics, he or she initially swallows large amounts of water, resulting in
gastric distention. Gastric distention can cause aspiration if the patient regurgitates
water during rescue breathing; protect the airway! During the panic phase, the victim
expends a tremendous amount of energy (and glucose) from flailing around in the
water, possibly resulting in hypoglycemia. Inhaling even a small amount of fresh or salt
water can severely irritate the larynx, which sends the muscles of the larynx and vocal
cords into spasm (laryngospasm), resulting in airway blockage and hypoxia.
4. A 42-year-old male presents with fever, a severe headache, and a stiff neck. He
is conscious, but confused. His wife tells you that he does not have any medical
problems and does not take any medications. You should be MOST suspicious
for:
• A:acute stroke.
• B:influenza.
• C:meningitis.
• D:tuberculosis.
(
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective coverings of the brain and spinal cord
(meninges). Common signs and symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, neck
stiffness (nuchal rigidity), and vomiting. An altered mental status is common in severe
cases. Meningococcal meningitis, caused by a bacterium, is the most contagious and
potentially fatal type of meningitis. The patient's signs and symptoms are not consistent
with acute stroke, tuberculosis (TB), or influenza (the flu). Although fever is common
with both TB and the flu, neither causes neck stiffness. Acute stroke may be associated
with a headache, especially a hemorrhagic stroke; however, stroke patients typically do
not have a fever.
5. All of the following are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, EXCEPT:
• A:melena.
• B:hematemesis.
• C:tachycardia.
• D:hemoptysis.
,Correct Answer: D; This is correct!
Reason:
Signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding include abdominal pain; vomiting
blood (hematemesis); the passage of dark, tarry stools (melena); and bright red rectal
bleeding (hematochezia). If blood loss is significant, the patient may have signs of
shock (eg, tachycardia, diaphoresis, tachypnea, hypotension). Hemoptysis (coughing up
blood) is a sign of a pulmonary injury, not GI bleeding.
6. A 24-year-old female presents with a rash to her left leg and swollen, painful
knee joints. She tells you that she and her friends returned from a hiking trip in
the mountains a week ago. She is conscious and alert with a blood pressure of
112/62 mm Hg, a pulse of 84 beats/min, and respirations of 14 breaths/min. Her
symptoms are MOST likely the result of:
• A:Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• B:tetanus.
• C:Lyme disease.
• D:a localized allergic reaction.
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
The patient's symptoms and her history of a recent hiking trip are consistent with Lyme
disease, which was the result of a tick bite. Ticks can carry two infectious diseases:
Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Both are spread through the tick's
saliva, which is injected into the skin when the tick attaches itself. The first symptom of
Lyme disease, a rash that may spread to several parts of the body, begins about 3 days
after the bite of an infected tick. The rash may eventually resemble a target bull's-eye
pattern in one third of patients. After a few more days or weeks, painful swelling of the
joints, particularly the knees, occurs. If recognized and treated promptly with antibiotics,
many patients recover completely. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is not limited to
the Rocky Mountains, occurs within 7 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected tick.
Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, paralysis, and possibly
cardiopulmonary failure.
7. A 50-year-old woman who is conscious and alert complains of a severe
migraine headache. When caring for her, you should generally avoid:
• A:transporting her in a supine position.
• B:shining a light into her pupils.
• C:dimming the lights in the ambulance.
• D:applying ice packs to her forehead.
Correct Answer: B; This is correct!
Reason:
,Patients with migraine or cluster headaches typically have photophobia (light
sensitivity). Any type of bright light, especially if shone directly into the eyes, will cause
the patient with a headache unnecessary severe pain. Dimming the lights in the
ambulance and making the patient as comfortable as possible are the treatments of
choice for a patient with a headache. Some patients benefit from ice packs applied to
the forehead; just be sure to wrap the ice pack with roller gauze. Oxygen also should be
administered as needed. Typically, the patient will prefer to lie supine or on the side
8. A patient who overdosed on heroin would be expected to present with:
• A:tachycardia.
• B:hyperpnea.
• C:hypotension.
• D:dilated pupils.
Correct Answer: C;
Reason:
Heroin is a Schedule I (illegal) narcotic that is typically injected. As with all narcotics,
legal or illegal, overdose causes depression of the central nervous system (CNS),
resulting in a decreased level of consciousness; bradycardia; hypotension; and slow,
shallow (reduced tidal volume) breathing. Hyperpnea (deep breathing) would not be
present in a patient who overdosed on a narcotic. In a narcotic overdose, the pupils are
typically constricted (miosis). Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, are also CNS
depressants and cause the same symptoms seen with narcotic overdose. The patient's
pupils, however, are typically dilated (mydriasis), not constricted.
9. When caring for any patient with a decreased level of consciousness, your
primary concern should be the:
• A:potential for airway compromise.
• B:patient's blood glucose level.
• C:possibility of a spinal injury.
• D:possibility of a drug overdose.
Correct Answer: A; This is correct!
Reason:
Altered mental status could be caused by a high or low blood glucose level, drug
overdose, or head injury, among other causes. Furthermore, the possibility of a spinal
injury should be considered if the patient was injured. However, your primary concern
should be the status of the patient's airway. Patients with a decreased level of
consciousness are at risk for aspiration if vomiting occurs. Unless spinal trauma is
present or the patient is breathing inadequately (eg, fast or slow rate, shallow breathing
,[reduced tidal volume]), place him or her in the recovery position to facilitate drainage if
vomiting occurs. Remember this: no airway, no patient!
10. Hypoglycemia and acute ischemic stroke can present similarly because:
• A:both oxygen and glucose are needed for brain function.
• B:the majority of stroke patients have a history of diabetes.
• C:the most common cause of a stroke is hypoglycemia.
• D:they are both caused by low levels of glucose in the blood.
• A:both oxygen and glucose are needed for brain function.
Reason:
Although stroke and hypoglycemia are two distinctly different conditions, their signs and
symptoms are often similar. This is because the brain requires both oxygen and glucose
to function normally. An acute ischemic stroke is caused by a lack of oxygen to a part of
the brain due to a blocked cerebral artery, whereas hypoglycemia (low blood glucose
level) deprives the entire brain of glucose. In either case, the patient presents with signs
of impaired brain function (ie, slurred speech, weakness, altered mental status). Both
conditions may lead to permanent brain damage or death if not treated promptly.
11. When dealing with an emotionally disturbed patient, you should be MOST
concerned with:
• A:gathering all of the patient's medications.
• B:safely transporting to the hospital.
• C:whether the patient could harm you.
• D:obtaining a complete medical history.
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
When managing any patient with an emotional or psychiatric crisis, your primary
concern is your own safety. Safely transporting the patient to the hospital is your
ultimate goal. If possible, you should attempt to obtain a medical history and should take
any of the patient's prescribed medications to the hospital. However, this should not
supercede your own safety or interfere with safely transporting the patient.
12. You are at the scene where a man panicked while swimming in a small lake.
Your initial attempt to rescue him should include:
• A:rowing a small raft to the victim.
• B:reaching for the victim with a long stick.
,• C:throwing a rope to the victim.
• D:swimming to the victim to rescue him.
Correct Answer: B; This is correct!
Reason:
General rules to follow when attempting to rescue a patient from the water include
"reach, throw, row, and then go." In this case, you should attempt to reach the victim by
having him grab hold of a large stick or similar object. If this is unsuccessful, throw the
victim a rope or flotation device (if available). If these are not available, row to the
patient in a small raft (if available). Going into the water to retrieve the victim is a last
resort. The rescuer must be a strong swimmer because patients who are in danger of
drowning are in a state of blind panic and will make every attempt to keep themselves
afloat, even if it means forcing the rescuer underwater.
13. How should you classify a patient's nature of illness if he or she has a low
blood glucose level, bizarre behavior, and shallow breathing?
• A:Behavioral emergency
• B:Altered mental status
• C:Respiratory emergency
• D:Cardiac compromise
Correct Answer: B;
Reason:
The nature of illness (NOI) is the medical equivalent to mechanism of injury (MOI).
Altered mental status should be the suspected NOI in any patient with any fluctuation in
level of consciousness, which can range from bizarre behavior to complete
unresponsiveness. Causes of an altered mental status include hypo- or hyperglycemia,
head trauma, stroke, behavioral crises, drug overdose, and shock, among others.
14. A young female is unresponsive after overdosing on an unknown type of drug.
Her respirations are slow and shallow and her pulse is slow and weak. Which of
the following drugs is the LEAST likely cause of her condition?
• A:Seconal
• B:Heroin
• C:Cocaine
• D:Valium
Correct Answer: C;
Reason:
Of the drugs listed, cocaine would be the least likely cause of the patient's condition.
,Cocaine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant; you would expect her to be
hypertensive, tachycardic, tachypneic, and perhaps even violent. Heroin, Valium, and
Seconal are all CNS depressants and could explain her condition. Heroin is an illegal
narcotic (opiate), Valium is a benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drug, and Seconal is a
barbiturate. Narcotics, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates are all CNS depressants.
When taken in excess, they cause a decreased level of consciousness, respiratory
depression, bradycardia, and hypotension.
15. Activated charcoal is contraindicated for a patient who is:
• A:conscious and alert and has ingested a large amount of Motrin.
• B:emotionally upset and has ingested two bottles of aspirin.
• C:agitated and claims to have ingested a bottle of Tylenol.
• D:awake and alert and has swallowed a commercial drain cleaner.
Correct Answer: D; This is correct!
Reason:
Activated charcoal adsorbs (sticks to) many ingested substances, preventing them from
being absorbed into the body by the stomach or intestines. In some cases, you may
give activated charcoal to patients who have ingested certain substances, if approved
by medical control or local protocol. Activated charcoal is contraindicated for patients
who have ingested an acid or alkali (ie, drain cleaner) or a petroleum product (ie,
gasoline), who have a decreased level of consciousness and cannot protect their own
airway, or who are unable to swallow.
16. The MOST obvious way to reduce heat loss from radiation and convection is
to:
• A:move away from a cold object.
• B:increase metabolism by shivering.
• C:wear a thick wind-proof jacket.
• D:move to a warmer environment.
Correct Answer: D; This is correct!
Reason:
In a cold environment, the body has two ways of staying warm: generating heat
(thermogenesis) and reducing heat loss. Radiation is the transfer of heat by radiant
energy. The body can lose heat by radiation, such as when a person stands in a cold
room. Convection occurs when heat is transferred to circulating air, as when cool air
moves across the body's surface. A person standing in windy cold weather, wearing
lightweight clothing, is losing heat to the environment mostly by convection. The
quickest and most obvious way to decrease heat loss from radiation and convection is
,to move out of the cold environment and seek shelter from wind. Shivering increases
the body's metabolism and is a mechanism for generating heat, not reducing heat loss.
Layers of clothing trap air and provide excellent insulation; thus, layered clothing
decreases heat loss better than a single, thick jacket. Conduction is the direct transfer of
heat from a part of the body to a colder object by direct contact, as when a warm hand
touches cold metal or ice. The most obvious way to decrease heat loss by conduction is
to remove your hand from the cold object.
17. A near-drowning is MOST accurately defined as:
• A:complications within 24 hours following submersion in water.
• B:immediate death due to prolonged submersion in water.
• C:survival for at least 24 hours following submersion in water.
• D:death greater than 24 hours following submersion in water.
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
Collectively, drowning and near-drowning are referred to as submersion injuries.
Drowning is defined as death after submersion in a liquid medium, usually water. In a
drowning, death is either immediate or occurs within 24 hours following submersion.
Near-drowning is defined as survival, at least temporarily (24 hours), after submersion.
It should be noted, however, that complications such as pneumonia and pulmonary
edema can cause death greater than 24 hours following submersion. For this reason, all
patients with a submersion injury should be transported to the hospital, even if they
appear fine at the scene.
18. A 16-year-old, 125-pound male ingested a bottle of aspirin approximately 20
minutes ago. Medical control orders you to administer activated charcoal in a
dose of 1 g/kg. How much activated charcoal should you administer?
• A:54 g
• B:60 g
• C:51 g
• D:57 g
Correct Answer: D; This is correct!
Reason:
First, you must determine the patient's weight in kilograms (kg). Either of the following
formulae can be used to convert pounds to kilograms: Formula 1: weight (in pounds) ÷
2.2 = weight in kg. Formula 2: weight (in pounds) ÷ 2 - 10% = weight in kg. On the basis
of the above formulae, a 125-pound patient weighs 57 kg. Using formula 1, the equation
is as follows: 125 (weight in pounds) ÷ 2.2 = 56.81 (57 [rounded to the nearest tenth]).
, Using formula 2, the equation is as follows: 125 (weight in pounds) ÷ 2 = 62.5 (63
[rounded to the nearest tenth] - 6.3 (10% of 63) = 56.7 (57 [rounded to the nearest
tenth]). Since the drug order is for 1 g/kg, you should administer 57 g of activated
charcoal to your 125-pound patient.
19. Which of the following is the MOST significant finding in a patient with a
severe headache?
• A:Pain in both legs
• B:Chest discomfort
• C:Unilateral weakness
• D:Abdominal tenderness
Correct Answer: C; This is correct!
Reason:
Unilateral weakness (weakness on one side of the body) is a clinically significant
finding in a patient with a headache because it could indicate a stroke (ischemic or
hemorrhagic). Abdominal, chest, and leg pain are not common complaints associated
with a headache, although they should be noted and investigated if they are present.
20. When caring for a patient with severe hypothermia who is in cardiac arrest,
you should:
• A:perform rescue breathing only.
• B:perform BLS and transport.
• C:avoid using the AED.
• D:hyperventilate the patient.
Correct Answer: B;
Reason:
Patients with severe hypothermia (core body temperature < 86°F) who are in cardiac
arrest should be managed with basic life support (chest compressions and ventilations),
passive external rewarming (ie, removal of wet clothing, applying warm blankets) and
rapid transport to the hospital where they can be actively rewarmed. Because cold
muscle is a poor conductor of electricity, defibrillation, if indicated, should be limited to 1
attempt until the patient's body temperature has been increased. Cardiac arrest patients
with severe hypothermia generally do not respond to defibrillation. Hyperventilation
should be avoided as this may increase intrathoracic pressure and impair blood flow
back to the heart.
21. You should not attempt to actively rewarm a patient with moderate or severe
hypothermia in the field because:
• A:rewarming too quickly can cause a fatal cardiac dysrhythmia.
