CH 26 Abdominal Emergencies Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in CH 26 Abdominal Emergencies Deck (87)
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1
Q

H-1) The purpose of the spleen is​ to:
A. filter nutrients from the blood and store glucose.
B. hold bile that aids in the digestion of fats.
C. aid in digestion and regulate carbohydrate metabolism.
D. filter blood and aid in the immune response.

A

D. filter blood and aid in the immune response.

(Page 727)
The spleen is an​ elongated, oval, solid organ located in the left upper quadrant behind and to the side of the stomach. It aids in the immune response as well as filtering the blood.

2
Q
H-2) Which of the following organs helps to regulate carbohydrate levels and detoxify the​ blood?
A. Liver
B. Pancreas
C. Stomach
D. Kidney
A

A. Liver

Page 727
The liver has many​ functions, including regulation of carbohydrate levels and detoxification of the blood.

3
Q
H-3) Absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract is performed in​ the:
A. stomach.
B. large intestine.
C. transverse colon.
D. small intestine.
A

D. small intestine.
(Page 728 - Table 26-1)
The small intestine is a​ tube-like structure that begins at the distal end of the stomach and ends at the beginning of the large intestine. Its digestive function is to absorb nutrients from intestinal contents.

4
Q
H-4) ​"Tearing" abdominal pain is most likely caused by an emergency involving​ the:
A. aorta.
B. gallbladder.
C. pancreas.
D. large intestine.
A

A. aorta.
(Page 727)
Most abdominal structures cannot sense​ “tearing” pain. The exceptions are the aorta and the stomach

5
Q
H-5) Abdominal pain that is​ sharp, constant, and localized is​ called:
A. radiating.
B. visceral.
C. parietal.
D. diffuse.
A

C. parietal
(Page 730)
Parietal pain arises from the parietal peritoneum​ (lining of the abdominal​ cavity), and is typically​ sharp, constant, and localized.

6
Q

H-6) The mechanism behind tearing pain in an abdominal aortic aneurysm​ is:
A. an injury that occurs to the inner layer of the​ aorta, causing leaking of blood to the outer layers.
B. a tearing of the parietal peritoneum near the aorta.
C. the pulling away of the aorta from its supporting structures.
D. pressures imposed on the aorta from outside the abdominal cavity.

A

A. an injury that occurs to the inner layer of the​ aorta, causing leaking of blood to the outer layers
(Page 730)
In cases of an expanding abdominal aortic aneurysm​ (AAA), the inner layer of the aorta is damaged and blood leaks from the inner portions of the vessel to the outer layers. This causes a tearing of the vessel​ lining, and causes pockets of blood that rest in a weak area of the vessel. Much like a​ balloon, the area of collected blood creates an expanding pouch in the blood vessel wall. This is often sensed as a​ “tearing” pain in the back.

7
Q
H-7) Pain that may be described as​ intermittent, crampy, or colicky often comes​ from:
A. hollow organs of the abdomen.
B. solid organs of the abdomen.
C. the epigastric region.
D. the peritoneum.
A

A. hollow organs of the abdomen
(Page 730)
Pain that may be described as​ intermittent, crampy, or colicky often comes from the hollow organs of the abdomen. It is known as visceral pain.

8
Q

H-8) Referred pain from cholecystitis typically presents​ as:
A. radiating pain to the shoulder.
B. pain in the left upper region of the abdomen after eating a meal.
C. pain felt in the left upper region of the abdomen.
D. pain that radiates down the right leg.

A

A. radiating pain to the shoulder.
(Page 731)
The patient with this condition will experience severe and sometimes sudden right upper quadrant​ (RUQ) and/or epigastric​ (upper central abdomen just below the xiphoid​ process) pain, which may radiate to the shoulder.

9
Q
H-9) A pain in the shoulder that is a common complaint associated with ectopic pregnancies is​ called:
A. visceral pain.
B. parietal pain.
C. referred pain.
D. tearing pain.
A

C. referred pain.

The term referred pain describes pain that is referred to a region other than the one where the source of the pain lies. Referred pain into the shoulder is a common complaint associated with ectopic pregnancies.

10
Q
H-10) You respond to the scene of a​ 22-year-old male who was squatting​ "heavy weights" when he experienced sudden and severe lower midabdominal pain. While assessing the​ patient, he denies any radiating​ pain, stating that most of his pain​ "is near his​ groin." Based on these​ findings, from what is the patient most likely​ suffering?
A.  A hernia
B. GI bleeding
C. Appendicitis
D. An abdominal evisceration
A

A. A hernia

Rapid onset of abdominal pain while heavy lifting may cause the intestines to push through a weakened area in the abdominal​ wall, creating a hernia.

11
Q
H-11) The pain from a myocardial infarction is often described​ as:
A. shoulder pain.
B. severe heart pain.
C. indigestion or digestive discomfort.
D. right upper quadrant pain.
A

C. indigestion or digestive discomfort

The pain from a myocardial infarction is often described as indigestion or digestive discomfort because it is commonly felt in the epigastric region.

12
Q
H-12) Your patient is a​ 58-year-old male who is complaining of a sudden onset of​ severe, constant abdominal​ pain, radiating to the lower back. He describes the pain as​ "tearing." When you palpate the​ area, you note a pulsating abdominal mass. You​ suspect:
A. esophageal varices.
B. an intestinal obstruction.
C. an ulcer.
D. an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
A

D. an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm​ (AAA) is a​ weakened, ballooned, and enlarged area of the wall of the abdominal aorta. The aneurysm may eventually​ rupture, and is one of the most lethal causes of abdominal pain.

13
Q

H-13) You respond to a scene where a​ 67-year-old male presents as​ pale, cool, and diaphoretic. He states he has severe midabdominal pain that began​ “about an hour​ ago.” What assessment finding would lead you to suspect a large arterial GI​ bleed?
A. ​Dark, tarry stools
B. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain
C. Bright red vomitus
D. Rebound tenderness in right lower quadrant

A

C. Bright red vomitus

Patient suffering from GI bleeds may present in different ways. The difference in presentation of signs and symptoms depends largely on which vessel is the source of hemorrhage. Small bleeds may resolve themselves or result in chronic gastrointestinal​ hemorrhage, with associated signs and symptoms appearing over a longer period of time. Large arterial GI bleeds are acute and associated with severe pain as well as bright red blood from the rectum or in the vomit.

14
Q
H-14) You are treating a patient who has​ sudden-onset stomach pain. The​ 56-year-old male patient states he was mowing his yard when he began having​ sharp, stabbing pain in his epigastric region. He feels it may be from the lunch he ate 15 minutes prior to your arrival. What is the best way to manage this​ patient?
A. Treat for abdominal aortic aneurysm
B. Treat for hernia
C. Treat for renal colic
D. Treat for myocardial infarction
A

D. Treat for myocardial infarction

All patients with epigastric abdominal pain should be considered cardiac in nature until proven otherwise. Contact medical direction to treat for possible myocardial infarction.

15
Q
H-15) After exposing the abdomen of a patient experiencing abdominal​ pain, you​ would:
A. conduct a primary assessment.
B. palpate the abdominal quadrants.
C. perform a scene​ size-up.
D. obtain the​ patient's history.
A

B. palpate the abdominal quadrants.

After exposing the abdomen of a patient experiencing abdominal​ pain, you would proceed by palpating the abdominal quadrants and conducting any other necessary physical examinations.

16
Q
H-16) A patient with abdominal pain and experiencing airway problems should be transported​ in:
A. the left lateral recumbent position.
B. a supine position.
C. a position of comfort.
D. a prone position.
A

A. the left lateral recumbent position

A patient with abdominal pain and experiencing airway problems should be transported in the left lateral recumbent position

17
Q
H-17) What is a potential problem of asking a patient directly if she is​ pregnant?
A. She almost certainly is not.
B. She most likely will not answer.
C. She most likely will lie.
D. She may not know.
A

D. She may not know

A potential problem of asking a patient directly if she is pregnant is that she may not know. Some patients may not even be fully aware of how one becomes pregnant. Some may not realize that even if they have used birth control devices or​ techniques, they could be pregnant

18
Q

H-18) For a female of childbearing age who is experiencing abdominal​ pain, you​ should:
A. only ask questions related to pregnancy if the patient looks pregnant.
B. hint that you think the problem is because of pregnancy without directly asking anything related to it.
C. ask questions regarding menstruation or pregnancy while assuring the​ patient’s privacy.
D. respect the​ patient’s privacy and not ask invasive questions about menstruation or pregnancy.

A

C. ask questions regarding menstruation or pregnancy while assuring the​ patient’s privacy

The questions you will need to ask of a female in her childbearing years who is suffering abdominal pain are highly personal but important to include in the history. Ask the questions​ directly, with the terminology taught in class. If the patient senses you are not at ease asking the​ questions, she will be uneasy answering them. Assuring privacy for the patient while you ask these questions may help communication.​ Remember, this is important assessment information.

19
Q
PT-1) ​Dull, achy abdominal pain that is difficult to locate is​ called:
A. tearing pain.
B. referral pain.
C. visceral pain.
D. parietal pain.
A

C. visceral pain.

20
Q
PT-2) What type of bleeding is most likely associated with​ dark, tarry​ stool?
A. External bleeding
B. Esophageal varices
C. GI bleeding
D. Cholecystitis
A

C. GI bleeding

21
Q
PT-3) Pancreatitis is common​ in:
A. asthma patients.
B. younger patients.
C. chronic alcoholics.
D. vegetarians.
A

C. chronic alcoholics

22
Q

PT-4) Pain from appendicitis​ begins:
A. in the right​ shoulder, and is followed by persistent pain in the umbilicus.
B. in the right lower​ quadrant, and is followed by persistent pain in the left lower quadrant.
C. in the area of the​ umbilicus, and is followed by persistent pain in the right lower quadrant.
D. in the area of the right​ shoulder, and is followed by persistent pain in the right lower quadrant.

A

C. in the area of the​ umbilicus, and is followed by persistent pain in the right lower quadrant.

23
Q

PT-5) Why does referred pain​ occur?
A. Because the nerve endings near the origin of the pain have been destroyed
B. Because nerve pathways are shared by more than one body part
C. Because adjacent visceral structures are also involved in the disease process
D. Because of patient​ misperception, because it is not true pain

A

B. Because nerve pathways are shared by more than one body part

24
Q
PT-6) Your patient complains of epigastric pain. He tells you he thinks his problem is​ indigestion, but he took several antacids before your​ arrival, and they provided no relief. You should​ suspect:
A. expired antacids.
B. a diabetic problem.
C. a cardiac problem.
D. stomach flu.
A

C. a cardiac problem.

25
Q

PT-7) Why is visceral pain more difficult to locate than parietal​ pain?
A. Because nerve pathways from the viscera do not enter the spinal cord
B. Because visceral pain can be stimulated only by inflammation of the organ
C. Because abdominal organs cover a greater area than the peritoneum
D. Because organs do not have a large number of nerve endings to detect pain

A

D. Because organs do not have a large number of nerve endings to detect pain

(Page 730)

26
Q

PT-8) A patient with an ectopic​ pregnancy:
A. will be unwilling to answer questions concerning pregnancy.
B. will be in her third trimester.
C. will not look pregnant.
D. will not experience abdominal pain.

A

C. will not look pregnant.

These pregnancies occur at the beginning of the pregnancy. She will not have an abdomen that appears outwardly pregnant

27
Q
PT-9) Pancreatitis pain would most likely not be felt in​ the:
A. flanks.
B. shoulders.
C. epigastric area.
D. back.
A

A. flanks.

The pain is found in the epigastric area, and radiates to the back and/or shoulders

28
Q
PT-10) The membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the organs within it is​ the:
A. viscera.
B. peritoneum.
C. stomach.
D. abdomen.
A

B. peritoneum

29
Q
PT-11) A patient with an expanding abdominal aortic aneurysm would most likely complain​ of:
A. altered mental status
B. diffuse abdominal pain.
C. tearing back pain.
D. palpitations.
A

C. tearing back pain.

30
Q

PT-12) You are assessing a​ 23-year-old female patient complaining of abdominal pain. Which of the following questions should you ask the​ patient?
A. Could the pain be caused by ruptured ovarian​ cysts?
B. Are you experiencing ectopic​ pregnancy?
C. Where are you in your menstrual​ cycle?
D. Do you have pelvic inflammatory​ disease?

A

C. Where are you in your menstrual​ cycle?

31
Q
PT-13) Fever is most likely to be found in patients​ with:
A. GI bleeding.
B. hernia.
C. abdominal aortic aneurysm.
D. peritonitis.
A

D. peritonitis.

32
Q
PT-14) The colon is also known as​ the:
A. gallbladder.
B. small intestine.
C. large intestine.
D. stomach.
A

C. large intestine.

33
Q
PT-15) Cholecystitis pain is often confused​ with:
A. hernia.
B. GI bleeding.
C. chest pain.
D. shock.
A

C. chest pain.

34
Q

PT-16) Which of the following statements is​ true?
A. There are few serious causes of abdominal pain.
B. EMTs should not delay transport to determine the specific cause of abdominal pain.
C. Abdominal complaints are typically easy to diagnose.
D. EMTs should determine the cause of abdominal pain before recommending transport.

A

B. EMTs should not delay transport to determine the specific cause of abdominal pain.

35
Q
PT-17) Patients who are experiencing a heart attack often complain​ of:
A. headache.
B. extremity pain.
C. diarrhea.
D. epigastric pain.
A

D. epigastric pain

All epigastric pain should be treated as cardiac until proven otherwise

36
Q
PT-18) A hernia may be palpated as a mass or lump on the abdominal wall or in​ the:
A. neck.
B. flank.
C. groin.
D. shoulder.
A

C. groin.

37
Q
PT-19) The liver is located primarily in​ the:
A. left lower quadrant.
B. right upper quadrant.
C. right lower quadrant.
D. left upper quadrant.
A

B. right upper quadrant.

38
Q
PT-20) Nerve pathways from the gallbladder share pathways that sense shoulder pain. This commonly leads​ to:
A. hemorrhage.
B. referred pain.
C. vomiting.
D. radiating pain.
A

B. referred pain.

39
Q

PT-21) Abdominal pain or discomfort should always be considered an​ emergency:
A. even if signs of shock are not present.
B. unless the patient appears to be in compensated shock.
C. only if signs of shock are present.
D. only if the patient is in decompensated shock.

A

A. even if signs of shock are not present

40
Q
PT-22) What is an organ that is part of the retroperitoneal​ space?
A. Spleen
B. Liver
C. Pancreas
D. Bladder
A

C. Pancreas

Others would be:
Kidneys and Aorta

41
Q
CT-1) You are called to a residential neighborhood at​ 12:30 A.M. Your patient has just finished eating a​ super-sized meal of deep fried fish. He is now complaining of a​ "crampy" pain in the right upper quadrant and has had two episodes of nausea and vomiting with green vomit. What condition do you suspect that your patient is​ experiencing?
A. Appendicitis
B. Cholecystitis
C. Intestinal obstruction
D. Peptic ulcer
A

B. Cholecystitis

42
Q

CT-2) You respond to a​ 75-year-old female who is complaining of epigastric pain that feels like heartburn and radiates to the right shoulder. Her vital signs are stable and she has a previous history of myocardial infarction. She has prescription nitroglycerine tablets. An ALS unit is en route. After performing a physical examination and applying oxygen by nasal​ cannula, you​ should:
A. contact medical control regarding the administration of the​ patient’s nitroglycerin.
B. apply the AED and prepare for imminent cardiac arrest from a myocardial infarction.
C. cancel the ALS​ unit: this is just gallstones and BLS can transport.
D. transport the patient in the supine position for shock.

A

A. contact medical control regarding the administration of the​ patient’s nitroglycerin.

43
Q

CT-3) You are responding to a​ 52-year-old male patient complaining of heartburn with epigastric pain. The​ patient’s vital signs are stable and he does not have any pain upon palpation. He has a history of reflux disease and is on several medications for heartburn and acid reflux. What is your greatest concern with this​ patient?
A. He is suffering from a myocardial infarction.
B. He will develop peritonitis.
C. His appendix will rupture.
D. He will aspirate on vomit.

A

A. He is suffering from a myocardial infarction.

44
Q

CT-4) You respond to the scene of a​ 50-year-old male complaining of severe abdominal pain. He has a history of alcohol and drug abuse. His vital signs are stable and he presents with epigastric pain that radiates to the back. He has guarding and point tenderness in the upper quadrants. You​ suspect:
A. gastroesophageal reflux disease​ (GERD).
B. cholecystitis.
C. pancreatitis.
D. myocardial infarction.

A

C. pancreatitis.
(Page 732)
Common in patients with chronic alcohol problem hx

45
Q
CT-5) Your patient is a​ 35-year-old female with abdominal pain. Which of the following findings cannot be attributed to the patient experiencing​ pain?
A. Shallow respirations
B. Decreased level of consciousness
C. Increased heart rate
D. Increased respiratory rate
A

B. Decreased level of consciousness

46
Q

CT-6) Which of the following is not true concerning abdominal pain in geriatric​ patients?
A. The causes of abdominal pain in geriatric patients are rarely serious.
B. Medications may mask signs of shock associated with an abdominal complaint.
C. The older person may not be able to give a specific description of the pain.
D. Older adults have a decreased ability to perceive pain.

A

A. The causes of abdominal pain in geriatric patients are rarely serious.

47
Q
CT-7) Most organs of the abdomen are enclosed within​ the:
A. peritoneum.
B. extraperitoneal space.
C. retroperitoneal space.
D. midline.
A

A. peritoneum

Page 728

48
Q
CT-8) You respond to a​ 65-year-old patient complaining of abdominal pain. Your physical exam reveals a nonpulsating mass in the lower left quadrant. You​ suspect:
A. splenic rupture.
B. hernia.
C. appendicitis.
D. aortic abdominal aneurysm.
A

B. hernia.

49
Q
CT-9) You arrive on the scene to find an approximately​ 60-year-old male patient writhing on the floor. He is complaining of a tearing pain radiating to his lower back. He has absent femoral pulses and has a pulsatile mass just superior to his umbilicus. You suspect which of the following​ conditions?
A. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
B. Acute pancreatitis
C. Myocardial infarction
D. Ruptured appendix
A

A. Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Page 732

50
Q

CT-10) Your patient is a​ 17-year-old with a history of asthma. She is complaining of pain in her lower abdomen. Assessment reveals that her breath sounds are clear and​ equal, she has a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per​ minute, a heart rate of 96 beats per​ minute, and a blood pressure of​ 112/74 mmHg. Which of the following is the most appropriate next​ step?
A. Assist the patient in the administration of her​ metered-dose inhaler.
B. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway in the​ patient’s nose.
C. Provide​ high-concentration oxygen.
D. Have the patient breathe into a paper bag to rebreathe some of her carbon dioxide.

A

C. Provide​ high-concentration oxygen.

51
Q
CT-11) Pain that the patient feels in a body part or area of the body that has nothing to do with a diseased organ is​ termed:
A. abdominal pain.
B. epigastric pain.
C. referred pain.
D. retroperitoneal pain.
A

C. referred pain

52
Q
CT-12) You are examining a​ 24-year-old female patient with lower quadrant abdominal pain. What is the most lethal​ possibility?
A. Ectopic pregnancy
B. Menstrual irregularity
C. Pelvic inflammatory disease
D. Cholecystitis
A

A. Ectopic pregnancy

53
Q

CT-13) Your patient is a​ 60-year-old male who is complaining of severe epigastric abdominal pain and difficulty breathing. He is​ pale, sweaty, and pleads with​ you, “Don’t let me​ die, I think​ I’m going to​ die.” Which of the following measures is not part of your initial treatment of this​ patient?
A. Giving 15 lpm of oxygen by nonrebreather mask
B. Determining whether you should assist the patient in taking nitroglycerin
C. Applying the defibrillator pads to his chest
D. Placing the patient in a position of comfort

A

C. Applying the defibrillator pads to his chest

54
Q
CT-14) You are called to a nursing home for an​ 85-year-old patient complaining of abdominal pain. The patient has a history of dementia and cannot describe the pain to you. The nurse states the patient has been vomiting for about an​ hour, and the vomit looks like dark coffee grounds. His blood pressure is​ 90/40, pulse​ 100, and respiratory rate of 24. In what position should you transport the​ patient?
A. Left lateral recumbent
B. Supine with knees bent
C. Trendelenburg
D. Supine
A

A. Left lateral recumbent

55
Q
CT-15) You are called to the scene of a patient with abdominal pain. Upon​ arrival, you find a​ 38-year-old Asian man on the floor next to his desk writhing in pain. He is complaining of severe​ right-sided flank pain. His blood pressure is​ 140/90, pulse​ 100, and his skin is ashen and diaphoretic. You​ suspect:
A. myocardial infarction.
B. ​mid-cycle pain.
C. renal colic.
D. cholecystitis.
A

C. renal colic

56
Q
CT-16) You respond to a​ 75-year-old female who is complaining of epigastric pain that feels like heartburn. The pain radiates to the right shoulder. Her vital signs are stable and she has a previous history of a myocardial infarction. She has prescription nitroglycerin tablets. She is most likely suffering​ from:
A. abdominal aortic aneurysm.
B. cholecystitis.
C. renal colic.
D. ectopic pregnancy.
A

B. cholecystitis

57
Q

CT-17) The patient complaining of parietal abdominal pain who would concern you the most is the one​ who:
A. is sitting upright in a​ chair, moaning in​ pain, and drinking antacid.
B. is rolling about on the floor complaining of pain.
C. is lying on the floor very still and quiet with his knees drawn up to his chest.
D. walks out to the ambulance informing you he has the worst​ “belly ache.”

A

C. is lying on the floor very still and quiet with his knees drawn up to his chest

58
Q
CT-18) With the exception of the​ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_, most abdominal organs are not able to sense tearing sensations.
A. aorta
B. ovaries
C. colon
D. liver
A

A. aorta

59
Q
CT-19) Your patient was diagnosed with cholecystitis​ (gallbladder inflammation) three days ago. The patient now presents with​ nausea, vomiting, and pain in the right shoulder. The pain in the shoulder can be classified​ as:
A. somatic pain.
B. pancreatic pain.
C. referred pain.
D. visceral pain.
A

C. referred pain.

60
Q

CT-20) Which of the following is the main focus of the​ EMT’s assessment and history taking of the patient with abdominal​ pain?
A. Determining the possible need for immediate surgery
B. Determining the presence of shock
C. Determining the cause of the pain
D. Determining if the patient meets criteria to refuse treatment and transport

A

B. Determining the presence of shock

61
Q
CT-21) Which of the following organs is located in the retroperitoneal​ space?
A. Kidneys
B. Uterus
C. Stomach
D. Liver
A

A. Kidneys

62
Q
CT-22) Which of the following is not a cause of abdominal​ pain?
A. Heart attack
B. Stroke
C. Food poisoning
D. Diabetes
A

B. Stroke

63
Q

CT-23) Which of the following questions is inappropriate when taking the history of a female patient with abdominal​ pain?
A. Are you having vaginal bleeding or discharge​ now?
B. What is your sexual​ orientation?
C. Have you had sexual intercourse since your last menstrual​ period?
D. If you are​ menstruating, is the flow​ normal?

A

B. What is your sexual​ orientation?

64
Q

CT-24) Which of the following is a characteristic of referred​ pain?
A. It is felt in a location other than the organ causing it.
B. It is usually described as​ “crampy” or​ “colicky.”
C. It is only felt in hollow organs.
D. It is caused by psychological stress.

A

A. It is felt in a location other than the organ causing it.

65
Q
CT-25) When the gallbladder is​ diseased, the pain is not only felt in the right upper quadrant​ (RUQ) but also in the right shoulder. This is known​ as:
A. visceral pain.
B. referred pain.
C. parietal pain.
D. tearing pain.
A

B. referred pain.

66
Q
CT-26) Which of the following is a concern when caring for the patient with abdominal​ pain?
A. Patient comfort
B. Airway management
C. Shock
D. All of the above
A

D. All of the above

67
Q
CT-27) Pain that originates in an​ organ, such as the​ intestines, is called​ \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ pain.
A. parietal
B. referred
C. acute
D. visceral
A

D. visceral

68
Q
CT-28) Pain felt in the epigastric region of the abdomen is of concern because of the possibility of which of the​ following?
A. Influenza
B. Myocardial infarction
C. Kidney stones
D. Extreme diarrhea with dehydration
A

B. Myocardial infarction

69
Q
CT-29) You are treating a​ 38-year-old female patient with abdominal distress. The​ patient's vital signs are stable and you are getting ready to transport. What is the best position to transport the​ patient?
A. Position of comfort
B. Right lateral
C. Supine
D. ​Semi-Fowler's
A

A. Position of comfort

Page 741

70
Q

CT-30) Your patient is a​ 40-year-old female who has been experiencing abdominal pain and vomiting for 2 days. She is now responsive to verbal​ stimulus; has​ cool, dry​ skin; a heart rate of​ 116; respirations of​ 24; and a blood pressure of​ 100/70. Which of the following is the best position for transporting this​ patient?
A. Left lateral recumbent with the legs bent
B. Sitting up at a​ 45-degree angle
C. Sitting up at a​ 90-degree angle
D. Supine with the knees bent

A

A. Left lateral recumbent with the legs bent

71
Q

CT-31) Your patient is a​ 34-year-old male complaining of pain​ “in his right​ side.” He is pale and diaphoretic with a heart rate of 90 beats per​ minute, a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per​ minute, and a blood pressure of​ 132/80 mmHg. The patient is very agitated and anxious. Which approach is most​ appropriate?
A. Tell the patient that you cannot transport him unless he calms down and lies still.
B. Insert an oropharyngeal airway.
C. Reassure him that you will make him as comfortable as possible and get him to the hospital for additional care.
D. Try to determine the cause of his pain.

A

C. Reassure him that you will make him as comfortable as possible and get him to the hospital for additional care.

72
Q

CT-32) You are called to a nursing home for an​ 85-year-old patient complaining of abdominal pain. The patient has a history of dementia and cannot describe the pain to you. The nurse states the patient has been vomiting for about an​ hour, and the vomit looks like dark coffee grounds. His blood pressure is​ 90/40, pulse​ 100, and respiratory rate of 24. Aside from the​ airway, what is your greatest​ concern?
A. The patient will have a myocardial infarction.
B. The patient will become dehydrated.
C. The patient will go into shock.
D. The patient will have a stroke.

A

C. The patient will go into shock.

73
Q

CT-33) Which of the following is true concerning parietal​ pain?
A. It is often described as​ “crampy” or​ “colicky.”
B. It arises from solid organs.
C. It is usually intermittent in nature.
D. It is generally localized to a particular area.

A

D. It is generally localized to a particular area

74
Q
CT-34) Which abdominal quadrant contains the​ appendix?
A. Right lower
B. Right upper
C. Left upper
D. Left lower
A

A. Right lower

75
Q
CT-35) You respond to an abdominal pain call. Your partner suspects that the patient is having an abdominal aortic aneurysm​ (AAA). What type of pain is the patient most likely​ experiencing?
A. Parietal
B. Referred
C. Tearing
D. Visceral
A

C. Tearing

76
Q
CT-36) You​ respond, along with fire department Emergency Medical​ Responders, to a​ 48-year-old female having a syncope episode in the bathroom. You find the patient sitting on the commode vomiting into the trash can. The vomitus appears to look like coffee grounds and has a foul smell. The patient is pale and has been weak for the past few days. She​ has:
A. hernia.
B. peritonitis.
C. abdominal aortic aneurysm.
D. GI bleeding.
A

D. GI bleeding

77
Q
CT-37) Which of the following is not a cause of parietal​ pain?
A. Bleeding into the abdominal cavity
B. Infection
C. Inflammation
D. Muscle spasm
A

D. Muscle spasm

78
Q
CT-38) You are called to a residence for a​ 48-year-old male patient. He is lying in​ bed, groaning in pain and curled into a fetal position. His blood pressure is​ 88/50, pulse​ 136, and respiratory rate of 32. His wife states that he complained of lower right abdominal pain for several days that got progressively​ worse, until about an hour ago when it became suddenly unbearable. The wife states the husband had been refusing to see a​ doctor, but she finally called 911. You suspect appendicitis and are concerned about the subsequent onset​ of:
A. peritonitis.
B. pancreatitis.
C. renal colic.
D. splenic rupture.
A

A. peritonitis.

79
Q

CT-39) Organs of the right upper quadrant​ include:
A. most of the​ liver, spleen, and gallbladder.
B. ​pancreas, spleen, and part of the liver.
C. most of the​ liver, gallbladder, and part of the large intestine.
D. small​ intestine, stomach, and spleen.

A

C. most of the​ liver, gallbladder, and part of the large intestine.

80
Q

CT-40) When treating a patient with acute abdominal​ pain, you should do which of the​ following?
A. Administer sips of water if patient complains of thirst.
B. Have him drink milk to coat the stomach and reduce the pain.
C. Have him take antacids in an attempt to decrease the pain.
D. Have the patient lie still and assume a position of comfort.

A

D. Have the patient lie still and assume a position of comfort.

81
Q

CT-41) Which of the following questions may help the EMT assess a patient with abdominal​ pain?
A. Do you have any allergies to foods or​ medicines?
B. Do you have any medical​ problems, such as diabetes or heart​ problems?
C. What medications are you​ taking?
D. All of the above

A

D. All of the above

82
Q

CT-42) Which patient is experiencing visceral​ pain?
A. ​19-year-old female complaining of severe cramps in the lower abdominal quadrants
B. ​24-year-old male complaining of severe left flank pain
C. ​28-year-old male with sharp pain in the right lower quadrant
D. ​45-year-old female complaining of abdominal pain​ “all over”

A

D. ​45-year-old female complaining of abdominal pain​ “all over”

83
Q

CT-43) You are called to a nursing home for an​ 85-year-old patient complaining of abdominal pain. The patient has a history of dementia and cannot describe the pain to you. The nurse states the patient has been vomiting for about an​ hour, and the vomit looks like dark coffee grounds. His blood pressure is​ 90/40, pulse​ 100, and respiratory rate of 24. Why should the EMT use an oxygen mask with​ caution?
A. The patient may hyperventilate.
B. The patient cannot clear any additional vomit.
C. The patient may become unresponsive.
D. The oxygen will cause the patient to start vomiting again.

A

B. The patient cannot clear any additional vomit.

84
Q
CT-44) Which of the following structures is​ (are) not located in the abdominal​ cavity?
A. Stomach
B. Kidneys
C. Liver
D. Spleen
A

B. Kidneys

85
Q
CT-45) You are called to a​ 25-year-old male complaining of right lower quadrant​ (RLQ) pain. His other symptoms are nausea and​ vomiting, fever, and decreasing pain in the umbilicus area. As an​ EMT, you feel this patient might​ have:
A. pancreatitis.
B. cholecystitis.
C. appendicitis.
D. peritonitis.
A

C. appendicitis.

86
Q
CT-46) In what position should the patient complaining of severe abdominal pain be placed if there are no signs or symptoms of​ shock?
A. Supine with feet elevated
B. Left lateral recumbent
C. ​Semi-Fowler with knees bent
D. One of comfort
A

D. One of comfort

87
Q
CT-47) The detection of a bulging mass through the belly button that is not pulsating should make the EMT suspicious that the patient may be suffering from which of the​ following?
A. Gastroenteritis
B. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
C. Hernia
D. Ulcer
A

C. Hernia