Module 3 Exam Flashcards
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
Which of the following should be your MOST immediate action?
a. Auscultate his lung sounds.
b. Assess his oxygen saturation.
c. Position him so that he is sitting up.
d. Apply oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.
c. Position him so that he is sitting up.
Structures of the lower airway include all of the following, EXCEPT:
a. alveoli
b. the trachea
c. the epiglottis
d. bronchioles
c. the epiglottis
The diaphragm is innervated by the _________ nerve, which allows it to contract.
a. vagus
b. phrenic
c. hypoglossal
d. vestibulocochlear
b. phrenic
Which of the following factors will cause a reduction in minute volume in an adult?
a. Shallow breathing
b. Increased tidal volume
c. Respirations of 20 breaths/min
d. Slight increase in respiratory rate
a. Shallow breathing
Which of the following is a late sign of hypoxia?
a. Anxiety
b. Cyanosis
c. Tachycardia
d. Restlessness
b. Cyanosis
Gas exchange in the lungs is facilitated by:
a. adequate amounts of surfactant.
b. water or blood within the alveoli.
c. surfactant-destroying organisms.
d. pulmonary capillary constriction.
a. adequate amounts of surfactant.
The presence of elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood is called:
a. acidosis.
b. hypoxia.
c. hypoxemia.
d. hypercarbia.
d. hypercarbia.
Which of the following patients is breathing adequately?
a. A conscious male with respirations of 19 breaths/min and pink skin
b. A conscious female with facial cyanosis and rapid, shallow respirations
c. A conscious male with respirations of 18 breaths/min and reduced tidal volume
d. An unconscious 52-year-old female with snoring respirations and cool, pale skin
a. A conscious male with respirations of 19 breaths/min and pink skin
Irregular respirations characterized by an increasing rate and depth of breathing followed by periods of apnea are called:
a. ataxic respirations.
b. agonal respirations.
c. eupneic respirations.
d. Cheyne-Stokes respirations.
d. Cheyne-Stokes respirations.
What is the MOST common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious patient?
a. Vomitus
b. The tongue
c. Blood clots
d. Aspirated fluid
b. The tongue
Which of the following organs or tissues can survive the longest without oxygen?
a. Muscle
b. Heart
c. Liver
d. Kidneys
a. Muscle
An oxygen cylinder should be taken out of service and refilled when the pressure inside it is less than:
a. 200 psi.
b. 500 psi.
c. 1,000 psi.
d. 1,500 psi.
b. 500 psi.
The hypoxic drive is influenced by:
a. high blood oxygen levels.
b. low blood oxygen levels.
c. high blood carbon dioxide levels.
d. high blood carbon dioxide levels.
b. low blood oxygen levels.
A patient who is suspected of being hypoxic and is breathing adequately should be given supplemental oxygen with a:
a. nasal cannula.
b. nonrebreathing mask.
c. bag-mask device.
d. mouth-to-mask device.
b. nonrebreathing mask.
At a flow rate of 6 L/min, a nasal cannula can deliver an approximate oxygen concentration of up to:
a. 24%
b. 35%
c. 44%
d. 52%
c. 44%
High-flow oxygen with a nasal cannula during the preoxygenation phase of endotracheal intubation is called:
a. denitrogenation.
b. apneic oxygenation.
c. passive ventilation.
d. active ventilation.
b. apneic oxygenation.
With a good mask-to-face seal and an oxygen flow rate of 15 L/min, the nonrebreathing mask is capable of delivering up to __________% inspired oxygen.
a. 70
b. 80
c. 90
d. 100
c. 90
Oxygen toxicity is a condition in which:
a. excessive blood oxygen levels cause the hypoxic patient to stop breathing.
b. cellular tissue damage occurs from excessive oxygen levels in the blood.
c. significantly low levels of oxygen in the blood damage the cellular tissue.
d. decreased levels of oxygen in the blood result in free radical production.
b. cellular tissue damage occurs from excessive oxygen levels in the blood.
The pressure of gas in a full cylinder of oxygen is approximately _______ pounds per square inch (psi).
a. 500
b. 1,000
c. 2,000
d. 3,000
c. 2,000
Which of the following oxygen flowmeters is NOT affected by gravity and can be used in any position when attached to an oxygen cylinder?
a. Vertical-position flowmeter
b. Bourdon-gauge flowmeter
c. Ball-and-float flowmeter
d. Pressure-compensated flowmeter
b. Bourdon-gauge flowmeter
The term “pharmacology” is MOST accurately defined as:
a. the study of drugs that are produced illegally.
b. the study of how medications affect the brain.
c. the study of drugs and their actions on the body.
d. the study of drug excretion from the human body.
c. the study of drugs and their actions on the body.
A medication with antagonistic properties is one that:
a. stimulates receptor sites and allows other chemicals to attach to them.
b. enhances the effects of another medication when given in a higher dose.
c. blocks receptor sites and prevents other chemicals to attach to them.
d. produces a cumulative effect when mixed with the same type of medication.
c. blocks receptor sites and prevents other chemicals to attach to them.
Which of the following is an example of a generic of a drug?
a. Bayer
b. Advil
c. Excedrin
d. Aspirin
d. Aspirin
Which of the following statements regarding parenteral medications is correct?
a. Tylenol is an example of a parenteral medication because it is taken orally.
b. Parenteral medications are absorbed more quickly than enteral medications.
c. Compared to enteral medications, parenteral medications have fewer side effects.
d. Parenteral medications are absorbed by the body through the digestive system.
b. Parenteral medications are absorbed more quickly than enteral medications.
Which of the following medication routes delivers a drug through the skin over an extended period of time, such as a nitroglycerin or fentanyl patch?
a. Sublingual
b. Intraosseous
c. Subcutaneous
d. Transcutaneous
d. Transcutaneous
The __________ of a medication usually dictates the route by which it will be administered.
a. type
b. form
c. class
d. name
b. form
Separation is especially an issue with medicine used as a(n):
a. suspension.
b. solution.
c. elixir.
d. gel.
a. suspension.
Which of the following statements regarding the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is correct?
a. MDIs are contraindicated for patients with asthma or emphysema.
b. MDIs are most commonly used by patients with cardiovascular disease.
c. An MDI delivers the same amount of medication every time it is used.
d. Shaking an MDI prior to use will cause deactivation of the medication.
c. An MDI delivers the same amount of medication every time it is used.
What medication form does oral glucose come in?
a. Gel
b. Liquid
c. Suspension
d. Fine powder
a. Gel
An EMT may administer aspirin to a patient if:
a. the patient is currently experiencing hypotension.
b. authorization from medical control has been obtained.
c. transport time to the hospital is greater than 30 minutes.
d. the patient is believed to be experiencing an acute stroke.
b. authorization from medical control has been obtained.
In _________ administration, you are administering medication to yourself or your partner.
a. peer-assisted
b. patient-assisted
c. EMT-administered
d. paramedic-administered
a. peer-assisted
The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream is called:
a. adsorption.
b. absorption.
c. suspension.
d. digestion.
b. absorption.
The medical term for a low blood glucose level is:
a. hypoglycemia.
b. hyperglycemia.
c. hypotension.
d. hypertension.
a. hypoglycemia.
Which of the following statements regarding glucose is correct?
a. Glucose is a complex sugar that rapidly absorbs into the bloodstream.
b. Glucose is a simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the cells.
c. Glucose is given to patients who are suspected of being hyperglycemic.
d. Glucose is usually administered by the EMT via the intravenous route.
b. Glucose is a simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the cells.
Aspirin is beneficial to patients suspected of having a heart attack because it:
a. reduces the associated chest pain.
b. dissolves the coronary artery clot.
c. causes direct coronary vasodilation.
d. prevents the aggregation of platelets.
d. prevents the aggregation of platelets.
Nitroglycerin, when given to patients with cardiac-related chest pain:
a. relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries.
b. increases myocardial contraction force.
c. increases blood return to the right atrium.
d. constricts the veins throughout the body.
a. relaxes the walls of the coronary arteries.
You are treating a 45-year-old woman who was stung by a hornet and has a rash. She tells you that she is allergic to hornets and has her own epinephrine auto-injector. She also tells you that she takes medication for hypertension. Her breath sounds do not reveal any wheezing, her breathing is unlabored, and her blood pressure is 154/94 mm Hg. What should you do if you are not able to make contact with medical control?
a. Administer her epinephrine, reassess her condition, and transport her promptly.
b. Begin immediate transport and request an intercept with a paramedic ambulance.
c. Begin transport to the hospital and closely monitor her condition while en route.
d. Give her half the dose of her epinephrine in case her allergic reaction is delayed.
c. Begin transport to the hospital and closely monitor her condition while en route.
You are treating a 45-year-old woman who was stung by a hornet and has a rash. She tells you that she is allergic to hornets and has her own epinephrine auto-injector. She also tells you that she takes medication for hypertension. Her breath sounds do not reveal any wheezing, her breathing is unlabored, and her blood pressure is 154/94 mm Hg. What should you do if you are not able to make contact with medical control?
a. Administer her epinephrine, reassess her condition, and transport her promptly.
b. Begin immediate transport and request an intercept with a paramedic ambulance.
c. Begin transport to the hospital and closely monitor her condition while en route.
d. Give her half the dose of her epinephrine in case her allergic reaction is delayed.
c. Begin transport to the hospital and closely monitor her condition while en route.
Which of the following statements regarding the epinephrine auto-injector is correct?
a. The adult auto-injector delivers 0.5 to 1 mg of epinephrine.
b. The auto-injector delivers epinephrine via the subcutaneous route.
c. The epinephrine auto-injector delivers a present amount of the drug.
d. EMTs do not need physician authorization to use the auto-injector.
c. The epinephrine auto-injector delivers a present amount of the drug.
With the flowmeter set at 6 L/min, the nasal cannula will deliver up to ________ oxygen.
a. 14%
b. 24%
c. 34%
d. 44%
d. 44%
When assessing an elderly male who complains of nausea and generalized weakness, you find that he takes atorvastatin (Lipitor) and amlodipine (Norvasc). These medications suggest a history of:
a. bacterial infection.
b. cardiovascular disease.
c. reactive airway disease.
d. non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
b. cardiovascular disease.
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
Which of the following should be your MOST immediate action?
a. Auscultate his lung sounds.
b. Assess his oxygen saturation.
c. Position him so that he is sitting up.
d. Apply oxygen via nonrebreathing mask.
c. Position him so that he is sitting up.
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
The patient’s blood pressure is 170/90 mm Hg, respiratory rate is 22 breaths/min and labored, and oxygen saturation is 75%. Auscultation of his lung sounds reveals coarse crackles bilaterally. What should you do?
a. Ventilate him with a bag-mask device.
b. Begin treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
c. Position him supine and transport.
d. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.
b. Begin treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
Which of the following is a sign of inadequate ventilation?
a. Shallow chest rise during inhalation
b. Oxygen saturation of 98% or less
c. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths/min
d. Frequent coughing with phlegm production
a. Shallow chest rise during inhalation
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
In which of the following situations is CPAP therapy contraindicated?
a. Agonal respirations
b. Acute bronchospasm
c. Congestive heart failure
d. Oxygen saturation less than 85%
a. Agonal respirations
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
Prior to applying the CPAP device, you must ensure that:
a. the patient has shallow respirations.
b. the patient can follow verbal commands.
c. the patient’s breath sounds are clear to auscultation.
d. the patient’s heart rate is no greater than 110 beats/min.
b. the patient can follow verbal commands.
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
Your patient, who has congestive heart failure, is experiencing a ventilation/perfusion mismatch because:
a. the bronchioles in his lungs are severely constricted.
b. a large proportion of his alveoli are totally collapsed.
c. blood return to the right side of the heart is reduced.
d. oxygen is unable to diffuse into and out of the alveoli.
d. oxygen is unable to diffuse into and out of the alveoli.
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
Which of the following is a potential cause of an inaccurate pulse oximetry reading?
a. Hypertension
b. Cold temperature
c. Severe anemia
d. Chronic kidney disease
b. Cold temperature
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
An end-tidal carbon dioxide reading of 70 mm Hg indicates that:
a. the patient is breathing too rapidly.
b. the patient is breathing too deeply.
c. the patient is breathing too slowly.
d. no CO2 is being made in the cells.
c. the patient is breathing too slowly.
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
During treatment of your patient with CPAP, you note that he is becoming cyanotic. He appears tired and is not answering your questions. His oxygen saturation is 72%. What should you do?
a. Increase the CPAP pressure by 10 cm H2O.
b. Begin ventilation with a bag-mask device.
c. Call for a paramedic to perform intubation.
d. Insert an oropharyngeal airway.
b. Begin ventilation with a bag-mask device.
A 59-year-old man with a history of congestive heart failure is suddenly awakened in the middle of the night with the feeling that he is smothering. When you arrive at the scene, you find him lying in bed with his head propped up by three pillows. He is conscious and alert but is experiencing obvious respiratory distress. His skin is pale and diaphoretic.
Recalling how your patient presented (respiratory distress and hypoxemia), the primary origin of his problem was failure of:
a. the airway.
b. ventilation.
c. oxygenation.
d. perfusion.
b. ventilation.
You respond to Nathan Lane for a 50-year-old man who reports feeling weak and dizzy. You are greeted at the front door by the patient’s neighbor. You find the patient seated on the couch. His skin looks pale, but he does not appear to be in any distress. He tells you that he has recently switched to two new medications for anxiety and hypertension. He states he took his first dose of both medications this morning.
The patient tells you he takes glimepiride. This name is an example of a(n);
a. trade name.
b. generic name.
c. chemical name.
d. official name.
b. generic name.
You respond to Nathan Lane for a 50-year-old man who reports feeling weak and dizzy. You are greeted at the front door by the patient’s neighbor. You find the patient seated on the couch. His skin looks pale, but he does not appear to be in any distress. He tells you that he has recently switched to two new medications for anxiety and hypertension. He states he took his first dose of both medications this morning.
The patient was prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for his anxiety. In this case, anxiety would be considered a(n):
a. indication.
b. contraindication.
c. adverse effect.
d. intended effect.
a. indication.
You respond to Nathan Lane for a 50-year-old man who reports feeling weak and dizzy. You are greeted at the front door by the patient’s neighbor. You find the patient seated on the couch. His skin looks pale, but he does not appear to be in any distress. He tells you that he has recently switched to two new medications for anxiety and hypertension. He states he took his first dose of both medications this morning.
The unintended effects that occur after the patient takes his medications are called:
a. indications.
b. contraindications.
c. side effects.
d. therapeutic effects.
c. side effects.
You respond to Nathan Lane for a 50-year-old man who reports feeling weak and dizzy. You are greeted at the front door by the patient’s neighbor. You find the patient seated on the couch. His skin looks pale, but he does not appear to be in any distress. He tells you that he has recently switched to two new medications for anxiety and hypertension. He states he took his first dose of both medications this morning.
What information should you include on your PCR related to the patient’s medications?
a. Document the medication names and dosages.
b. Document the medication names and expiration dates.
c. The trade name and the generic name of each medication.
d. Do not document the medication names, these will be determined at the hospital.
a. Document the medication names and dosages.
