Chp 14 and 17 test review

Question 1

After assisting a patient with her EpiPen, she states that it is much easier for her to breathe. However, her heart rate has increased from 92 to 118 beats per minute. In relation to the epinephrine, the EMT recognizes the increased heart rate as a(n):

Answer 1

side effect

Question 2

The EMT should consider aspirin for the patient with which one of the following conditions?

Answer 2

Chest discomfort

Question 3

Which one of the following medical emergencies would most likely result in the use of epinephrine by the EMT?

Answer 3

Bee sting

Question 4

A patient complaining of substernal chest pain tells you that it feels the same as when he had a heart attack two years ago. He is diaphoretic, nauseated, vomiting, and has a blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg and heart rate of 84. He also is allergic to aspirin. He asks you to assist him in taking one of his nitroglycerin pills. Which one of the assessment findings that follows represents a contraindication to the administration of the nitroglycerin?

Answer 4

Blood pressure of 78/50 mmHg

Question 5

A patient who is short of breath and has a history of stroke with right arm weakness has asked that you help him with the administration of Atrovent by way of his metered-dose inhaler. Since your medical director requires on-line authorization for Atrovent, you should:

Answer 5

contact medical command for authorization

Question 6

A 66-year-old male is complaining of substernal chest pain. The EMT is considering assisting with the patient’s prescribed nitroglycerin. Which one of the following patient statements is most relevant to the EMT at this time?

A) “My urologist just started treating me for problems I am having with sex.”
B) “I took a nitroglycerin yesterday for the pain and it didn’t do anything.”
C) “I forgot to take my high blood pressure medication this morning.”
D) “I accidentally took five baby aspirins when the chest pain first started.”

Answer 6

A) “My urologist just started treating me for problems I am having with sex.”

Question 7

Which one of the following is the best indication for the administration of oral glucose to a patient who has diabetes?

Answer 7

Low blood sugar

Question 8

Which one of the following is the most reliable source of information about a medication?

A) Trade magazines
B) Emergency department nurses
C) Paramedics
D) Physician’s Desk Reference

Answer 8

D) Physician’s Desk Reference

Question 9

You are by the side of an alert and oriented 56-year-old male patient complaining of a pounding headache and generalized weakness. His pulse rate is 104, respirations are 18, and blood pressure is 218/110 mmHg. He has a history of high blood pressure for which he takes the anti-hypertensive Zestril. He states that he has not taken the Zestril for two weeks and hands you the container filled with the medication. Which one of the following should you do next?

A) Do not administer any medication.
B) Assist the patient in taking the Zestril.
C) Administer sublingual nitroglycerin.
D) Contact medical direction to request an order for Zestril.

Answer 9

A) Do not administer any medication.

Question 10

The label on your patient’s prescribed metered-dose inhaler reads as follows: “Administer three puffs as needed for shortness of breath.” Your protocols state that you can only assist with two puffs. The patient is extremely short of breath. You should:

A) not administer the medication.
B) contact medical direction for orders.
C) administer three puffs.
D) administer two puffs.

Answer 10

B) contact medical direction for orders.

Question 11

Of the following, which one best illustrates how the EMT should document the administration of a medication?

A) 325 mg of aspirin administered orally at 1325
B) Medical direction (Dr. Cole) ordered albuterol at 1245
C) Assist patient with administration of medication via metered-dose inhaler
D) 0.4 of nitroglycerin administered sublingually at 0800

Answer 11

A) 325 mg of aspirin administered orally at 1325

Question 12

After assisting a patient using his metered-dose inhaler, the patient’s son asks why his father cannot take the medication in the form of a pill. Which one of the following responses is most appropriate?

A) “Your father could take this medication by spraying it under his tongue. Why don’t you talk to his doctor?”
B) “It would be best if you asked the doctor because I am not allowed to answer that question.”
C) “There are only a few medications that come in the form of a pill.”
D) “By giving the medication directly to the lungs, the effect is more immediate.”

Answer 12

D) “By giving the medication directly to the lungs, the effect is more immediate.”

Question 13

You have been called for a 49-year-old male with chest pain. The patient states that he usually takes nitroglycerin, but it is in his car in a nearby parking lot. His friend states that he also takes nitroglycerin and hands you his bottle of nitroglycerin. Given the patient’s condition, what is your next best action?

A) Administer the friend’s nitroglycerin.
B) Administer half a pill of the friend’s nitroglycerin.
C) Have the patient get his nitroglycerin from the car.
D) Ask the friend to get the patient’s nitroglycerin

Answer 13

D) Ask the friend to get the patient’s nitroglycerin

Question 14

Which one of the following medications should be administered by the EMT only if the patient has a prescription for it?

A) Aspirin
B) Oral glucose
C) Oxygen
D) Nitroglycerin

Answer 14

D) Nitroglycerin

Question 15

A patient with severe chest pain hands you a bottle of nitroglycerin. After reading the label, you determine that the medication expired two months ago. You should:

Answer 15

withhold the medication and transport.

Question 16

Which one of the following best describes why the EMT administers or assists with the administration of medications?

Answer 16

To stabilize a patient’s medical condition

Question 17

A medical direction physician gives you a radio order to administer aspirin to a patient with chest pain. How should you respond to the order?

A) “Received. I will administer 81 mg aspirin orally.”
B) “Copy. I will administer the medication.”
C) “I will re-contact you with any changes in the patient’s condition.”
D) “Affirmative. The patient has no allergies and I will administer the aspirin orally.”

Answer 17

“Received. I will administer 81 mg aspirin orally.”

Question 18

The EMT shows she understands the difference between a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and a small volume nebulizer (SVN) when she states:

A) “The MDI provides medication with one or two of the patient’s breaths; the SVN provides a continuous flow of medication until gone.”
B) “The MDI uses a mask to administer the medication; the SVN merely requires the patient to hold the device in his mouth and inhale.”
C) “The MDI requires the EMT to set up and prepare the medication for administration; the SVN does not.”
D) “The MDI uses oxygen to administer the medication; the SVN does not.”

Answer 18

A) “The MDI provides medication with one or two of the patient’s breaths; the SVN provides a continuous flow of medication until gone.”

Question 19

A patient with difficulty breathing has a metered-dose inhaler. Which one of the following medications is it most likely to contain?

Answer 19

Albuterol

Question 20

Which one of the following statements shows an adequate understanding of medication administration and dosages?

A) “If a patient has chest pain or shortness of breath, the dose of a medication must be increased.”
B) “The proper dose of a medicine should be administered unless medical command orders otherwise.”
C) “It is best to administer a little less than the required dose to decrease the chance of an allergic reaction.”
D) “If the patient is very sick, the dose of a medication can be increased to help the patient recover.”

Answer 20

“The proper dose of a medicine should be administered unless medical command orders otherwise.”

Question 21

A beta2 medication benefits a patient by which one of the following actions?

A) Increasing the heart rate
B) Taking away a patient’s chest pain
C) Decreasing the need for oxygen
D) Opening the small airways

Answer 21

Opening the small airways

Question 22

Which one of the following medications is in the EMT scope of practice?

A) Oral glucose
B) Morphine
C) Tylenol
D) Codeine

Answer 22

A) Oral glucose

Question 23

Which medications are included in the EMT’s scope of practice?

A) Lidocaine, Narcan, and atropine
B) Metered-dose inhalers, nitroglycerin, and aspirin
C) Activated charcoal, oral glucose, and oxygen
D) Valium, Motrin, and 50% dextrose (D50)

Answer 23

C) Activated charcoal, oral glucose, and oxygen

Question 24

After administering oral glucose to a patient with altered mental status, which one of the following best indicates a positive therapeutic effect or response to the medication?

A) Pulse oximeter reading of 99% on room air
B) Absence of an allergic reaction
C) Drop in BP from 156/90 to 120/80 mmHg
D) Mental status that is alert and oriented

Answer 24

D) Mental status that is alert and oriented

Question 25

What are the 5 “rights” of medication administration?

Answer 25

Patient
Medication
Route
Dose
Date

Question 26

Which one of the following best describes the purpose of the five rights of drug administration?

A) Decreases the risk of medication error
B) Prevents deterioration of the patient
C) Improves the clinical condition of the patient
D) Provides the best chance for patient improvement

Answer 26

A) Decreases the risk of medication error

Question 27

As a certified EMT, you may assist the patient in taking which one of the following prescribed medications?

A) Blood-pressure-control medications
B) Seizure-control medications
C) Drugs for heart-rhythm disorders
D) Inhalers for difficulty breathing

Answer 27

D) Inhalers for difficulty breathing

Question 28

Which one of the following is a generic drug name?

A) Atrovent
B) Aspirin
C) Bayer
D) Acetylsalicylic acid

Answer 28

B) Aspirin

Question 29

You have administered Xopenex to a patient, using a small-volume nebulizer. You then notify medical direction that you have administered the drug. This is an example of which type of medical control?

A) On-line
B) Off-line
C) Direct
D) Retrospective

Answer 29

B) Off-line

Question 30

Atrovent, if prescribed to the patient, is indicated for which one of the following conditions?

A) Nausea or vomiting
B) Headache
C) Difficulty breathing
D) Chest discomfort

Answer 30

C) Difficulty breathing

Question 31

A patient with a history of diabetes is slightly confused and irritable. According to family members, he accidentally took too much insulin this morning and did not eat breakfast. Since he is conscious with an intact gag reflex, medical command has ordered you to administer oral glucose. Which one of the following best represents the indication for the medication?

A) Authorization by medical command
B) Intact gag reflex
C) High blood sugar
D) Confusion and irritability

Answer 31

D) Confusion and irritability

Question 32

Which one of the following medications should the EMT administer orally?

A) Aspirin
B) Nitroglycerin
C) Epinephrine
D) Albuterol

Answer 32

A) Aspirin

Question 33

Activated charcoal is supplied in what form?

Answer 33

Suspension

Question 34

You are assisting a patient in using her metered-dose inhaler (MDI). Which one of the following actions is most reliable in determining the name of the medication in the MDI?

A) Looking the medication up in the Physician’s Desk Reference
B) Asking the patient the name of the medication
C) Obtaining the medication name from the label on the MDI
D) Contacting medical direction

Answer 34

C) Obtaining the medication name from the label on the MDI

Question 35

When reviewing a prehospital care report, you note that a patient received nitroglycerin sublingually. As an EMT, you should recognize that the medication was a:

Answer 35

tablet placed under the tongue.

Question 36

What is the function of the heart?

Answer 36

Circulates blood

Question 37

The tricuspid valve prevents blood from:

Answer 37

flowing from the right ventricle into the right atrium.

Question 38

A patient suffers from pulmonary hypertension, which has increased the resistance in the pulmonary blood vessels. In response, which one of the following will most likely occur?

A) Right side of the heart will weaken.
B) Heart muscle will become stronger.
C) Left side of the heart will weaken and fail.
D) Aorta will weaken and potentially rupture.

Answer 38

A) Right side of the heart will weaken.

Question 39

Which portion of the heart, when weakened by a heart attack, is responsible for causing fluid to back up in and fill the lung tissue?

Answer 39

Left ventricle

Question 40

If a patient has a clot occluding the blood flow through his left coronary artery, which one of the following will occur first?

A) The flow of oxygen-rich blood through the peripheral arteries will cease.
B) Blood will not be able to flow between the left atrium and left ventricle.
C) The flow of oxygen-rich blood to the muscle of the left ventricle will be decreased.
D) Blood and fluid will back up into the lung tissue causing pulmonary edema.

Answer 40

C) The flow of oxygen-rich blood to the muscle of the left ventricle will be decreased.

Question 41

In the blood, which one of the following is responsible for the formation of blood clots?

A) Red blood cells
B) White blood cells
C) Plasma
D) Platelets

Answer 41

D) Platelets

Question 42

A patient has a low platelet count in his blood. Based on this, for which one of the following is he at risk?

A) Clot formation
B) Bleeding
C) Hypotension
D) Angina

Answer 42

B) Bleeding

Question 43

A person has high blood pressure. A medication that can effectively serve to lower his blood pressure is one that:

A) increases the heart rate.
B) dilates the coronary arteries.
C) dilates the arteries.
D) constricts the veins.

Answer 43

C) dilates the arteries

Question 44

When treating a patient with chest pain in the prehospital setting, the primary goal of the EMT is to:

A) determine whether chest pain is originating in the heart.
B) recognize the possibility of cardiac compromise and provide proper care.
C) provide care to eliminate the chest pain, and then transport to the hospital.
D) administer fibrinolytic drugs with the permission of medical direction.

Answer 44

B) recognize the possibility of cardiac compromise and provide proper care.

Question 45

A TV reporter has been assigned to your ambulance for a ride-along. He is doing a segment on the local EMS services for EMS week. In your down time at the station, he tells you that his wife was diagnosed with atherosclerosis. He is unsure what the condition is and asks you to explain it to him. Which one of the following is the most appropriate response?

A) “It affects the arteries of the heart and is caused by a heart attack.”
B) “The walls of the coronary arteries lose elasticity, which can lead to a heart attack.”
C) “The coronary arteries become narrowed by fat deposits.”
D) “It affects the veins in the body and is caused by untreated high blood pressure.”

Answer 45

C) “The coronary arteries become narrowed by fat deposits.”

Question 46

You are interviewing a patient you suspect may be suffering from acute coronary syndrome. Which one of the following questions is most appropriate?

A) “Are you having any pain in your chest?”
B) “Are you having any chest discomfort or pain?”
C) “Does it hurt when I press on your chest?”
D) “Does your chest hurt when you breathe?”

Answer 46

B) “Are you having any chest discomfort or pain?”

Question 47

You have arrived at a residence to help another crew with a 62-year-old woman who is complaining of fatigue, neck discomfort, and diaphoresis. When asked, she denies chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea and vomiting. The EMTs on scene report that she has a history of hypertension for which she takes a blood pressure pill and is prescribed nitroglycerin because she has atherosclerosis. She also reports an allergy to aspirin. Which one of the following statements made by the EMTs would require immediate intervention on your part?

A) “I am not going to attach the AED, because she is conscious and has a pulse.”
B) “I am not going to put her on oxygen, because she is not short of breath or complaining of chest pain.”
C) “I will contact medical direction for permission to administer her nitroglycerin.”
D) “I am not going to give her any aspirin, because she says that she is allergic to it.”

Answer 47

B) “I am not going to put her on oxygen, because she is not short of breath or complaining of chest pain.”

Question 48

You have been called to an office building for a 47-year-old male complaining of chest pain. He is alert, oriented, and complaining of pain in his chest that came on suddenly about 15 minutes ago. His skin is diaphoretic and cool. Which one of the following should you do first?

A) Apply oxygen at 15 liters per minute through a nonrebreather mask.
B) Obtain a heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and SaO2 reading.
C) Determine the location and obtain a description of the pain.
D) Administer the first of up to three nitroglycerin tablets.

Answer 48

A) Apply oxygen at 15 liters per minute through a nonrebreather mask.

Question 49

After being dispatched for a male patient experiencing shortness of breath, you arrive to find a 67-year-old man sitting upright at his kitchen table in severe respiratory distress. He is responsive to verbal stimuli, but confused, and has an open airway. His breathing is extremely labored and inadequate, and his skin is cool, diaphoretic, and dusky in color. Family states a history of hypertension and angina, for which he takes nitroglycerin. Your immediate action in caring for this patient is to:

A) assist the patient with his nitroglycerin.
B) apply but do not turn on the AED.
C) start positive pressure ventilation.
D) obtain vital signs.

Answer 49

C) start positive pressure ventilation.

Question 50

You are caring for a 62-year-old female with chest pain and shortness of breath. She is alert and oriented with an open airway. Her breathing is adequate, and she is receiving 15 liters of oxygen per minute through a nonrebreather mask. Her radial pulse is strong, and her skin is warm and dry. Which one of the following should you do next?

A) Perform a secondary assessment.
B) Obtain her heart rate and blood pressure.
C) Assist her to the ambulance for immediate transport.
D) Determine if she has a history of heart problems.

Answer 50

D) Determine if she has a history of heart problems.

Question 51

Which one of the following statements made by another EMT, regarding chest pain and acute coronary syndrome, should you agree with?

A) “If the chest pain started during activity, it is most likely cardiac. If the pain started while the patient was at rest, it is most likely not cardiac.”
B) “If the patient’s chest pain does not go away with nitroglycerin, the EMT can assume that the medication is expired and ineffective.”
C) “If the patient experiences chest pain that radiates into the left arm, it is most likely a heart attack. If the pain radiates anywhere else, it is most likely not cardiac in origin.”
D) “Many patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome do not have actual chest pain; rather, they experience a sensation of discomfort or pressure.”

Answer 51

D) “Many patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome do not have actual chest pain; rather, they experience a sensation of discomfort or pressure.”

Question 52

You are assisting a paramedic in the transport of a patient from a community hospital emergency department to a large medical center. The patient was diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) and received fibrinolytic therapy in the ED. Currently, you are transporting the patient with the fibrinolytic medication infusing through an IV. In regards to the fibrinolytic therapy, you know that during this transport, you will need to closely monitor the patient for what complication?

Answer 52

Internal bleeding

Question 53

Which one of the following statements should the EMT recognize as an absolute contraindication to the use of fibrinolytic medications in the emergency department?

A) “I have high blood pressure for which I take medication.”
B) “Two months ago I had a stroke on the left side of my brain.”
C) “My doctor told me to take a baby aspirin every day.”
D) “I had my appendix removed six months ago.”

Answer 53

B) “Two months ago I had a stroke on the left side of my brain.”

Question 54

A patient with chest pain and shortness of breath informs you that the last time he had a heart attack, he went into heart failure. When performing your secondary assessment, which one of the following signs or symptoms is most indicative that the patient is in heart failure again?

A) Flat neck veins
B) Crackles in the lungs
C) Hypertension
D) Shortness of breath

Answer 54

B) Crackles in the lungs

Question 55

You are caring for an alert and oriented patient with chest pain. He is receiving high-flow oxygen, and two nitroglycerin tablets and an aspirin have been administered. Vital signs are stable, but he states that the chest pain seems to be worsening. When transporting him on the stretcher, which position is best?

Answer 55

D) Position of comfort

Question 56

You are assessing a patient in heart failure. Which one of the following signs or symptoms seemingly indicates that the left ventricle is the cause of the heart failure?

A) Crackles in the bases of both lungs
B) SpO2 of 98% with no supplemental oxygen
C) Difficulty breathing when in an upright position
D) Heart rate of 62 beats per minute

Answer 56

A) Crackles in the bases of both lungs

Question 57

You are caring for a 69-year-old male who is short of breath and in congestive heart failure. He is alert and anxious with an open airway and rapid shallow respirations. His heart rate is tachycardic, and his skin is cool and diaphoretic with cyanosis noted to the oral membranes. There are crackles noted to both lungs, as well as pedal edema to both feet. He denies chest pain or discomfort when asked. When caring for this patient, you should:

A) administer four baby aspirin.
B) place the patient in the shock position.
C) insert a nasal airway.
D) provide positive pressure ventilation.

Answer 57

D) provide positive pressure ventilation.

Question 58

You suspect that a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is suffering from right ventricular disease. From your assessment, which one of the following findings reinforces your suspicion?

A) Elevated blood pressure
B) Edema to the feet
C) Crackles in both lungs
D) Bounding radial pulse

Answer 58

B) Edema to the feet

Question 59

The EMT recognizes the cause of heart failure as:

A) inadequate ejection of blood.
B) poor gas exchange in the lungs.
C) fluid accumulation within the lung tissue.
D) backup of fluid in the lower extremities

Answer 59

A) inadequate ejection of blood.

Question 60

An alert and oriented patient presents with shortness of breath, crackles in both lungs, jugular venous distention, and edema to the feet and ankles. Her pulse is 132, respirations 24, blood pressure 160/86, and SpO2 at 88%. Based on this, the EMT should suspect:

A) left ventricular failure.
B) hypertensive emergency.
C) right ventricular failure.
D) congestive heart failure

Answer 60

D) congestive heart failure.

Question 61

You are assessing a 73-year-old male complaining of altered mental status and shortness of breath. The patient is conscious, but confused. He is breathing at a rate of 20 breaths per minute. His pulse is rapid and weak, and his skin cool and diaphoretic. An Emergency Medical Responder provides you with the following vital signs: pulse 136, respirations 20, blood pressure 168/88, and SpO2 at 89%. Family states that he is diabetic and takes insulin. He also has a history of hypertension, colon cancer, irregular heartbeat, and transient ischemic attacks. Which one of the following should you do next?

A) Check the patient’s blood sugar.
B) Perform the secondary exam.
C) Apply high-flow oxygen.
D) Administer oral glucose.

Answer 61

C) Apply high-flow oxygen.

Question 62

A 71-year-old female patient is lying in bed and complaining of respiratory distress. She exhibits moderate dyspnea, crackles in both lungs, and edema to the abdomen and lower extremities. High-flow oxygen is being provided to the patient by Emergency Medical Responders. Her vital signs are: pulse 132, respirations 18, blood pressure 138/86, and SpO2 at 95%. Which one of the following would be the most benefit to the patient?

A) Administer four baby aspirin.
B) Elevate both legs to decrease swelling.
C) Obtain a medical history.
D) Position the patient upright.

Answer 62

D) Position the patient upright.

Question 63

Which one of the following statements should the EMT associate with the condition of congestive heart failure?

A) “I noticed that I am having a hard time breathing and have a fever.”
B) “I have a hard time breathing when I am in bed at night.”
C) “When I walk, I feel very weak and get quite dizzy.”
D) “I can feel my heart pounding in my head and I have a throbbing headache.”

Answer 63

B) “I have a hard time breathing when I am in bed at night.”

Question 64

The EMT should most suspect a patient suffers from heart failure when he takes what medication?

Answer 64

Lasix

Question 65

You have been called for a 58-year-old male with an unknown medical emergency. On scene you find the alert and oriented patient to be complaining of headache as well as weakness and “tingling” to his right arm and leg. He is diabetic and suffers from high blood pressure, for which he takes the appropriate medications. When asked, he states that he thinks he may have passed out earlier in the day, immediately after taking his morning dose of insulin. His pulse is 96, respirations 16, and blood pressure 180/106 mmHg. Based on this presentation, you should treat the patient for:

A) high blood sugar.
B) stroke.
C) hypertensive emergency.
D) syncope.

Answer 65

B) stroke.

Question 66

Which one of the following patient statements should make an EMT suspect primary hypertension?

A) “The doctor said that my blood pressure is high because my kidneys are bad.”
B) “I have to take two blood pressure medications at the same time to get my pressure down.”
C) “The doctor does not know what is causing my blood pressure to be high.”
D) “My high blood pressure caused my heart to go bad.”

Answer 66

C) “The doctor does not know what is causing my blood pressure to be high.”

Question 67

After assisting a patient with taking her nitroglycerin, she states that she suddenly feels weak, dizzy, and nauseated. Which one of the following should the EMT do next?

A) Position her in an upright position.
B) Inform her that this is normal.
C) Determine her blood glucose level.
D) Check her blood pressure.

Answer 67

D) Check her blood pressure.

Question 68

You have just arrived by the side of a 68-year-old male complaining of chest pain. After determining his airway is patent and breathing adequate, it is imperative that you perform which action next?
 A) Auscultate his breath sounds.
 B) Determine if he takes nitroglycerin.
 C) Check his radial pulse.
 D) Obtain a full set of vital signs.

Answer 68

C) Check his radial pulse.

Question 69

You have just arrived by the side of a male patient who is in cardiac arrest. Emergency Medical Responders have been on scene for six minutes performing CPR. Advanced life support (ALS) has been contacted and is one minute out. Which one of the following should you do immediately?

A) Continue CPR and wait for ALS care.
B) Apply and use the automated external defibrillator.
C) Provide CPR for another five cycles (two minutes).
D) Place the patient on the stretcher so ALS can provide care en route.

Answer 69

B) Apply and use the automated external defibrillator.

Question 70

Your patient is complaining of chest pain that radiates into his neck and arms. The primary assessment reveals a patent airway, adequate breathing, and a strong, regular radial pulse. His skin is warm and dry, and it reveals no signs of inadequate perfusion. Which one of the following should you do next?

A) Start the secondary assessment.
B) Attach the AED.
C) Obtain a medical history.
D) Administer oxygen.

Answer 70

D) Administer oxygen.

Question 71

Which one of the following statements about cardiac compromise or acute coronary syndrome should the EMT recognize as true?

A) Cardiac compromise should be suspected for any patient with chest discomfort.
B) Patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome will have pain, not discomfort.
C) If the pain does not radiate to the arms, then the cause is not typically the heart.
D) The onset of acute coronary syndrome typically occurs with physical activity.

Answer 71

A) Cardiac compromise should be suspected for any patient with chest discomfort.

Question 72

You are transporting a patient with chest pain to the hospital emergency department. In regards to possible fibrinolytic therapy, which one of the following should you relay as a possible relative contraindication to this therapy?

A) Blood glucose level of 80 mg/dl
B) Use of anticoagulant medication
C) History of previous heart attack
D) Allergy to aspirin and penicillin

Answer 72

B) Use of anticoagulant medication

Question 73

Which one of the following patient statements should cause the EMT to suspect an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

A) “I have belly pain that I also feel in my back.”
B) “My heart is beating so hard, you can feel it on my chest.”
C) “The pain is sharp and spreads to both arms.”
D) “I seem to be vomiting up some blood.”

Answer 73

A) “I have belly pain that I also feel in my back.”

Question 74

A patient has called 911 for chest pain that he describes as “tearing” and radiating between his shoulders. His airway is patent, breathing accelerated but adequate, and radial pulse intact. Your partner reports the following vital signs: pulse 120, respirations 22, blood pressure 88/64, and SpO2 at 96% on room air. After providing high-flow oxygen, you should:

A) assist the patient with his nitroglycerin.
B) provide the patient with 325 mg of aspirin.
C) encourage the patient to take an antacid such as Maalox.
D) recheck the blood pressure in the other arm.

Answer 74

D) recheck the blood pressure in the other arm.

Question 75

A patient complaining of shortness of breath has called 911. Her history includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When assessing the patient, which one of the following causes you to immediately prepare the patient for transport?

A) SpO2 at 93% despite high-flow oxygen
B) Wheezing noted in the bases of both lungs
C) Heart rate of 84 beats per minute
D) Pulsating mass in the abdomen

Answer 75

D) Pulsating mass in the abdomen