In a trauma patient, which of the following is a late sign of shock?
Tachycardia
Altered mental status
Weak pulse
Hypotension Answer: D
Explanation: Hypotension is considered a late sign of shock, indicating significant blood volume loss and decreased perfusion. Early recognition is crucial to prevent progression to decompensated shock.
When responding to a call involving a potential active shooter, what is the primary action EMS should take?
Immediately enter the scene to treat victims.
Wait for law enforcement to clear the area.
Set up a staging area far from the scene.
Establish a command post at the nearest hospital. Answer: B
Explanation: In active shooter situations, EMS must wait for law enforcement to secure the scene to ensure their safety and avoid becoming additional victims.
What is the primary reason for using a suction device in airway management?
To clear blood from the airway
To provide oxygen
To prevent aspiration
To assist with ventilation Answer: C
Explanation: The primary reason for using a suction device is to prevent aspiration by clearing secretions, blood, or vomit from the airway, thereby maintaining airway patency and reducing the risk of respiratory complications.
Which of the following findings is most consistent with right-sided heart failure?
Pulmonary edema
Jugular venous distention
Decreased blood pressure
Tachycardia Answer: B
Explanation: Jugular venous distention is a classic sign of right-sided heart failure, indicating increased pressure in the venous system due to the heart's inability to effectively pump blood.
In which trimester does the majority of organogenesis occur in a developing fetus?
Second trimester
Third trimester
Throughout pregnancy Answer: A
Explanation: Organogenesis, the formation of organs, primarily occurs during the first trimester. This period is crucial for fetal development and is particularly sensitive to teratogens.
Which of the following assessments is NOT part of the primary survey in trauma?
Airway
Breathing
Circulation
Detailed physical exam Answer: D
Explanation: The primary survey in trauma consists of assessing Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE). A detailed physical exam is part of the secondary survey.
During your assessment, you notice a patient with stridor and drooling. What condition should you suspect?
Asthma
Epiglottitis
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Answer: B
Explanation: Stridor and drooling are classic signs of epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the epiglottis, which can obstruct the airway.
For a patient in ventricular tachycardia with a pulse, what is the most appropriate initial treatment?
Synchronized cardioversion
Administer amiodarone
Start CPR
Observe without treatment Answer: A
Explanation: Synchronized cardioversion is the appropriate treatment for a patient in stable ventricular tachycardia with a pulse, as it can restore a normal rhythm effectively.
Which of the following is a classic sign of hypoxia?
Bradycardia
Confusion
Hypertension
Increased appetite Answer: B
Explanation: Confusion is a classic sign of hypoxia, indicating that the brain is not receiving enough oxygen, which can lead to altered mental status and decreased cognitive function.
A patient with a head injury presents with clear fluid leaking from the nose. What does this most likely indicate?
Sinus infection
Cerebrospinal fluid leak
Nasal fracture
Allergic reaction Answer: B
Explanation: Clear fluid leaking from the nose after a head injury is indicative of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which can occur with skull fractures and requires urgent medical attention.
Which of the following best describes the role of surfactant in the lungs?
It aids in oxygen transport.
It reduces surface tension in the alveoli.
It facilitates gas exchange.
It prevents airway obstruction. Answer: B
Explanation: Surfactant is a lipoprotein complex that reduces surface tension in the alveoli, preventing collapse and aiding in efficient gas exchange.
What is a common sign of an ectopic pregnancy?
Increased fetal heart rate
Abdominal distension
Shoulder pain
Elevated blood pressure Answer: C
Explanation: Shoulder pain can occur in ectopic pregnancy due to diaphragmatic irritation from blood or fluid in the abdominal cavity. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
What is the primary reason for using a non-rebreather mask?
To provide low-flow oxygen
To deliver high concentrations of oxygen
To prevent airway obstruction
To assist with ventilation Answer: B
Explanation: A non-rebreather mask is used to deliver high concentrations of oxygen to patients in respiratory distress, effectively increasing the oxygen saturation in the blood rapidly.
In a situation where a patient has a suspected spinal injury, what is the first step you should take?
Logroll the patient
Apply a cervical collar
Conduct a neurological assessment Answer: C
Explanation: The first step in managing a suspected spinal injury is to apply a cervical collar to stabilize the cervical spine and prevent further injury during any subsequent assessment or movement.
In a patient with suspected stroke, what is the critical time window for administering thrombolytics?
Within 30 minutes
Within 1 hour
Within 3 hours
Within 6 hours Answer: C
Explanation: Thrombolytics are most effective when administered within 3 hours of symptom onset in cases of ischemic stroke, significantly improving outcomes.
What is the recommended treatment for a patient exhibiting signs of severe dehydration?
Oral rehydration solutions
Intravenous fluids
Electrolyte tablets
High-sugar drinks
Answer: B
Explanation: Intravenous fluids are essential for severe dehydration, as they provide rapid rehydration and restore electrolyte balance more effectively than oral solutions.
In a pre-hospital setting, which of the following is considered a "golden hour" principle?
Patients should be transported within one hour of arrival.
Critical interventions must be completed in the first hour after injury.
All patients must receive definitive care within one hour.
Vital signs should be monitored every hour. Answer: B
Explanation: The "golden hour" refers to the critical time following a traumatic injury when timely interventions can greatly improve patient outcomes.
A patient presents after a fall with a visible deformity of the wrist. What is your first action?
Assess distal circulation
Apply a splint
Check for other injuries
Administer pain relief Answer: A
adequate blood flow to the hand and fingers before applying a splint or other interventions.
A patient presents with chest pain and ST segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Anterior myocardial infarction
Inferior myocardial infarction
Lateral myocardial infarction
Right ventricular myocardial infarction Answer: B
Explanation: ST segment elevation in leads II, III, and aVF indicates an inferior myocardial infarction, typically related to occlusion of the right coronary artery.
What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing a severe asthma attack?
Encourage the patient to calm down
Administer oxygen and bronchodilator
Begin chest compressions
Transport in a supine position Answer: B
Explanation: Administering oxygen and bronchodilator is the most appropriate intervention during a severe asthma attack to alleviate bronchospasm and improve oxygenation.
What is the primary action of aspirin in the context of acute myocardial infarction?
Reducing heart rate
Decreasing myocardial oxygen demand
Inhibiting platelet aggregation
Facilitating thrombolysis Answer: C
Explanation: Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, which is crucial in preventing the formation of new clots and improving blood flow during an acute myocardial infarction.
In a pregnant patient, what is the most reliable method to confirm fetal viability at 10 weeks?
Ultrasound
Fetal heart rate monitoring
Maternal serum hCG levels
Physical examination Answer: A
Explanation: An ultrasound is the most reliable method to confirm fetal viability at 10 weeks, allowing visualization of the fetus and assessment of heart activity.
In the case of a patient with a suspected spinal injury, what is the most appropriate method of transport?
Sitting position
Supine position on a backboard
Lateral recumbent position
Standing position Answer: B
Explanation: For a patient with a suspected spinal injury, the supine position on a backboard helps stabilize the spine and prevents further injury during transport.