CH 27

Question 1

Rubella is transmitted and spreads when an infected person:

vomits.
is febrile.
bleeds.
sneezes.

Answer 1

Sneezes

Question 2

A 30-year-old male presents with a round skin lesion that resembles a blister under his left arm. He and his family were recently hiking. What should you suspect?

Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Hantavirus
Lyme disease
Zika virus

Answer 2

Lyme disease

Question 3

Which of the following statements regarding the hepatitis D virus (HDV) is correct?
The most common route of transmission of HDV is through sexual contact.
The typical incubation period for HDV infection ranges from 180 to 360 days.
Infection with HDV requires the host to be infected with the hepatitis B virus.
If a documented exposure occurs, testing begins with the person who was exposed.

Answer 3

Infection with HDV requires the host to be infected with the hepatitis B virus.

Question 4

Postexposure medical counseling and treatment should begin within how many hours of the paramedic testing positive?

12 to 24 hours
72 to 96 hours
24 to 48 hours
48 to 72 hours

Answer 4

24 to 48 hours

Question 5

Work restriction guidelines enforced by OSHA require an employee to use sick time for an illness, unless:

the illness occurred after the post-hire probation period.
the illness is the result of an occupational exposure.
the employee opted to take the hepatitis B vaccine.
a physician deems that the illness was unavoidable.

Answer 5

the illness is the result of an occupational exposure.

Question 6

An individual’s ability to fight off infection is called:

virulence.
host resistance.
communicability.
immunity.

Answer 6

host resistance

Question 7

The clinical presentation of mononucleosis includes:
hemoptysis, low-grade fever, and up to 10% weight loss.
nasal drainage, a dry cough, and right upper quadrant pain.
fever, swollen lymph glands, and an enlarged spleen.
vomiting, a fever greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and shaking chills.

Answer 7

fever, swollen lymph glands, and an enlarged spleen

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of indirect contact with a microorganism?

Touching a bloody stretcher railing with an open wound on your hand
Inhaling infected droplets from a person after he or she sneezes or coughs
Making brief physical contact with a person who has an infectious disease
Becoming infected with West Nile virus from a mosquito bite

Answer 8

Touching a bloody stretcher railing with an open wound on your hand

Question 9

Initial symptoms of Ebola include:

spontaneous bleeding and fever.
photophobia and hearing loss.
severe vomiting and diarrhea.
fever, weakness, and sore throat.

Answer 9

fever, weakness, and sore throat.

Question 10

Antibiotic therapy following exposure to meningitis is contraindicated for individuals who are:

severely immunocompromised.
taking birth control pills.
older than 45 years of age.
asymptomatic after 24 hours.

Answer 10

taking birth control pills.

Question 11

Which of the following is a sign or symptom of HIV infection?

Right upper quadrant pain
Swollen lymph nodes
Vomiting and diarrhea
Jaundice

Answer 11

Swollen lymph nodes

Question 12

You transported a patient with flulike symptoms to the hospital 4 days ago. Your designated infection control officer advises you that the patient was diagnosed with the avian flu. If you documented an exposure to this patient, you will most likely be:

restricted from duty for a 2-week period.
mandated to get a regular flu vaccination.
offered an antiviral medication.
referred to an infectious disease physician.

Answer 12

offered an antiviral medication.

Question 13

Personal protective equipment:

serves as a secondary protective barrier beyond what your body provides.
is the most effective means of preventing the spread of an infectious disease.
is a standardized set of equipment that is used with every patient contact.
is required by the CDC when a paramedic draws blood or gives an injection.

Answer 13

serves as a secondary protective barrier beyond what your body provides.

Question 14

If a paramedic is exposed to lice:
If a paramedic is exposed to lice:
a specially made shampoo that contains a combination of a steroid and an antibiotic should be used within 6 hours after exposure.
they should immediately report to the designated infection control officer for prophylactic antiviral treatment.
permethrin cream treatment may be prescribed and restrictions from patient care may be indicated until the paramedic is free of lice.
infection is unlikely because paramedics have strong immune systems due to exposure to patients with various diseases.

Answer 14

permethrin cream treatment may be prescribed and restrictions from patient care may be indicated until the paramedic is free of lice.

Question 15

The leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants, older people, and immunocompromised individuals is the:

influenza virus.
parainfluenza virus.
rotavirus.
respiratory syncytial virus.

Answer 15

respiratory syncytial virus.

Question 16

According to the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act, the medical facility must:

release the source patient’s HIV and hepatitis B status to the exposed employee.
avoid releasing the source patient’s status to anyone due to HIPAA regulations.
release the source patient’s status to the designated infection control officer.
hold the source patient’s laboratory results for 24 hours before releasing them.

Answer 16

release the source patient’s status to the designated infection control officer.

Question 17

In addition to children, the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for:

any health care worker who functions in an actual patient care setting.
all health care workers when an outbreak of hepatitis A is documented.
all Federal Emergency Management Agency response team members.
emergency response team members traveling outside the United States.

Answer 17

emergency response team members traveling outside the United States.

Question 18

When washing your hands after a call, you should:

scrub your hands vigorously with an antibacterial gel.
use an antimicrobial, alcohol-based foam or gel.
wash your hands for at least 10 seconds.
wash with cold water and let your hands air dry.

Answer 18

use an antimicrobial, alcohol-based foam or gel.

Question 19

A known intravenous drug abuser presents with anorexia, body aches, a low-grade fever, and scleral icterus. She is very quiet and is not willing to share her medical history information with you. Which of the following additional clinical signs would reinforce your suspicion regarding the cause of this patient’s condition?

Swollen lymph glands
Blood-tinged sputum
Red or purple skin lesions
Jaundiced skin

Answer 19

Jaundiced skin

Question 20

In contrast to body substance isolation precautions, standard precautions:

specify that sweat is an effective carrier of infectious diseases, even if the sweat makes contact with intact skin.
emphasize protection from moist body substances that may transmit bacterial or viral infections.
is a term used to describe infection control practices that reduce the risk of exposure to blood.
describe a universal approach in which all blood and bodily fluids are assumed to be infectious.

Answer 20

emphasize protection from moist body substances that may transmit bacterial or viral infections.

Question 21

Which of the following is a common sign of measles?

Petechiae
Severe diarrhea
Purpuric rash
Blotchy red rash

Answer 21

Blotchy red rash

Question 22

You receive a call for a 33-year-old man with difficulty breathing. Upon arrival, you begin to assess the patient, who tells you that he is HIV-positive. During the primary assessment, you should:

identify and correct immediately life-threatening conditions.
apply two pairs of gloves in case you encounter any gross bleeding.
inquire about any antiretroviral medications he is taking.
immediately place a nonrebreathing mask on the patient.

Answer 22

identify and correct immediately life-threatening conditions.

Question 23

Nocturnal itching and the presence of a rash involving the hands are indicative of:

scabies.
shingles.
lice.
herpes.

Answer 23

Scabies

Question 24

Which of the following immunizations included in the CDC’s list of recommended immunizations and tests for health care providers requires a booster every 10 years?

Influenza
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
Hepatitis B vaccine
Measles, mumps, and rubella

Answer 24

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

Question 25

Which of the following statements regarding genital herpes is correct? Acyclovir is used to reduce a herpetic outbreak, but there is no cure. The lesions of genital herpes remain infectious for 12 to 24 days. In females, genital herpes presents as a single vesicle on the vulva. The incubation period for genital herpes often lasts up to 3 weeks.

Answer 25

Acyclovir is used to reduce a herpetic outbreak, but there is no cure.

Question 26

You receive a call for an unresponsive person. Law enforcement arrives at the scene before you and advises that the scene is secure. When you arrive, you find the patient, a young man, lying supine on the floor of his poorly kept apartment. He is unresponsive and his breathing is slow and shallow. One of the police officers recognizes the patient as a known intravenous drug abuser. During your care of this patient, you should: establish an IV line of normal saline and administer 2 mg of flumazenil. avoid removing his wallet or any other possessions from his pockets. ventilate him with a bag-mask device at a rate of 24 breaths/min. defer vascular access until the patient is in the emergency department.

Answer 26

avoid removing his wallet or any other possessions from his pockets.

Question 27

Which of the following statements regarding meningitis is correct? The viral form of meningitis is a highly communicable disease. Neisseria meningitidis is the least common type of meningitis. Most epidemic outbreaks involve meningococcal meningitis. Meningitis is an acute viral inflammation of the cerebral meninges.

Answer 27

Most epidemic outbreaks involve meningococcal meningitis.

Question 28

You are dispatched to an apartment complex for a 20-year-old woman who is sick. When you arrive at the scene and begin assessing the patient, she tells you that she has been experiencing a purulent vaginal discharge, but denies vaginal bleeding or a fever. Her blood pressure is 104/64 mm Hg, pulse rate is 88 beats/min and strong, and respirations are 14 breaths/min and regular. What should you suspect? Syphilis Pelvic inflammatory disease Gonorrhea Chlamydia

Answer 28

Gonorrhea

Question 29

The communicable period for HIV: begins at the onset of infection. is decreased with antiretroviral therapy. is largely unknown. ranges from 7 to 10 days.

Answer 29

is largely unknown.

Question 30

A paramedic would most likely become infected with TB if they: received a needlestick from a person suspected of having active TB. were close to a coughing patient who had a positive TB skin test. were exposed to blood-stained vomitus of a patient with active TB. performed mouth-to-mouth breathing on a patient with active TB.

Answer 30

performed mouth-to-mouth breathing on a patient with active TB.

Question 31

Secondary syphilitic infection is characterized by: a skin rash. petechiae. high fever. weight loss.

Answer 31

a skin rash.

Question 32

Common signs and symptoms of meningitis include: a dark red rash, combativeness, and a low-grade fever. irritability, back pain, headache, and hypertension. mental status changes, fever, stiff neck, and headache. slow-onset fever, tinnitus, and an occipital headache.

Answer 32

mental status changes, fever, stiff neck, and headache.

Question 33

A person who is taking antibiotic therapy following a positive TB skin test and chest radiograph should not consume alcohol because: alcohol causes immunocompromise. this increases the risk of active TB. the antibiotics are toxic to the liver. alcohol can cause a violent reaction.

Answer 33

the antibiotics are toxic to the liver.

Question 34

A 49-year-old woman presents with a severe headache, a temperature of 103.2 degrees Fahrenheit, and photosensitivity. Her blood pressure is 140/76 mm Hg, pulse rate is 120 beats/min and strong, and respiratory rate is 22 breaths/min and regular. While caring for this patient, it is most important to: protect yourself from any nasopharyngeal secretions. treat her as though she is experiencing viral meningitis. apply a cardiac monitor and assess her tachycardia. attempt to assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device.

Answer 34

protect yourself from any nasopharyngeal secretions.

Question 35

In developing countries, there is a strong association between the hepatitis E virus and: blood transfusions. infection with HIV. inadequate hygiene. sexual intercourse.

Answer 35

inadequate hygiene.

Question 36

Which type of precautions are used with all transmission-based categories? Contact Airborne Standard Droplet

Answer 36

Standard

Question 37

Transmission of mumps occurs by direct contact with which bodily fluid of an infected person? Saliva Tears Blood Sweat

Answer 37

Saliva

Question 38

Most patients infected with the hepatitis C virus are unaware that they acquired the infection because: a blood test to detect the virus does not exist. hepatitis C does not produce any signs or symptoms. the incubation period ranges from 15 to 20 years. they do not develop phase 2 signs and symptoms.

Answer 38

they do not develop phase 2 signs and symptoms.

Question 39

In older adults, shingles arises when which virus resides in the ganglion of a nerve? Varicella Rubeola Rubella Herpes

Answer 39

Varicella

Question 40

A person is exposed to the mumps virus, is asymptomatic for 16 days, and then becomes ill. The 16-day period is called the: virulent period. incubation period. communicable period. resistance period.

Answer 40

incubation period.

Question 41

Which of the following medical procedures would pose the least risk of exposure to an infectious disease? Assessing a patient's temperature by the oral route Covering a wound that is bleeding minimally Administering a subcutaneous injection Delivering the baby of an HIV-negative mother

Answer 41

Assessing a patient's temperature by the oral route

Question 42

When a disease infects large numbers of people and spreads all over the world, it is considered a(n): endemic. outbreak. pandemic. epidemic.

Answer 42

pandemic

Question 43

The primary infection with syphilis produces: an ulcerative chancre at the site of infection. dysuria and a purulent discharge in the urine. numerous small pustules on the genitalia. low-grade fever and pain in the genital area.

Answer 43

an ulcerative chancre at the site of infection.

Question 44

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): occurs in as many as 85% of HIV-infected individuals. is characterized by the presence of opportunistic infections. most often occurs within 5 to 10 years of HIV infection. exists when T-helper lymphocytes are dangerously high.

Answer 44

is characterized by the presence of opportunistic infections.

Question 45

Tuberculosis is communicable when the patient: has a fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. receives a positive tuberculin skin test. experiences chest pain or discomfort. has an active lesion on their lung.

Answer 45

has an active lesion on their lung.

Question 46

Which of the following is an early sign or symptom of hepatitis B infection? Jaundice Anorexia Diarrhea Scleral icterus

Answer 46

Anorexia

Question 47

The third dose of the three-series hepatitis B vaccine is given: within 2 to 3 months of the second dose. 4 weeks after the second dose. 12 months after the initial dose. 6 months after the first dose.

Answer 47

6 months after the first dose.

Question 48

If the source patient's blood tests positive for HIV: the blood will be assessed for viral load and the exposed individual may be offered a 4-week trial of antiretroviral therapy. federal law requires that the exposed individual be placed on antiretroviral therapy and not be allowed to work in a health care setting. the most rapid method for determining if the exposed individual was infected is by assessing their lymphocyte count. the exposed individual will receive a one-time injection of immune globulin and will be tested for HIV in 2 weeks.

Answer 48

the blood will be assessed for viral load and the exposed individual may be offered a 4-week trial of antiretroviral therapy.

Question 49

The primary target of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus is the: lymphatic system. central nervous system. immune system. pulmonary system.

Answer 49

immune system.

Question 50

Which of the following is a factor in determining a person's risk of contracting an infectious disease following exposure? The time of entry of the organism Host resistance of the individual The age and sex of the patient The size of the organism

Answer 50

Host resistance of the individual