EMT Medical Sample Test 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Please answer the following question. You are assessing a 32-year-old male complaining of abdominal pain and weakness. The patient informs you that he has Addison's disease as a result of steroid use as a teenager. No life-threatening conditions are noted to the airway, breathing, or circulation. Vital signs are pulse 110 beats per minute, respirations 16 per minute, blood pressure 110/72 mmHg, and SpO2 98% on room air. Given the patient's past medical history, you would:
- Administer Activated Charcoal.
- Administer Oral Glucose.
- Contact ALS.
- Check the blood glucose level. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Check the blood glucose level.
Patients with Addison's disease, especially those with a history of steroid use, are at risk for an adrenal crisis, which can present with symptoms like abdominal pain, weakness, and altered mental status. Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is a common and dangerous complication of adrenal crisis. Therefore, checking the blood glucose level is a crucial immediate assessment to guide further treatment.
Question 2: Which of the following substances is the most common cause of anaphylaxis?
- Bee stings
- Penicillin (Correct answer)
- Aspirin
- Fungi and molds
Correct answer: Penicillin
While various substances can cause anaphylaxis, penicillin is one of the most common and well-documented drug allergens known to trigger severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. It is frequently encountered in medical practice as a cause of anaphylaxis, making it a significant concern for patient safety.
Question 3: You are planning a continuing education seminar with your service's medical director. After you both decide that behavioral emergencies need to be addressed, he asks you to define normal behavior. You would reply:
- Behavior that the person believes is normal
- A person's observable conduct or activity
- Behavior that society views as acceptable (Correct answer)
- Behavior that does not hurt anyone
Correct answer: Behavior that society views as acceptable
In a medical and societal context, 'normal behavior' is generally defined by what is considered acceptable and expected within a given culture or society. Behavior that deviates significantly from these established norms may be considered abnormal, even if the individual perceives it as normal or it does not directly cause harm. This societal standard helps guide the assessment of behavioral emergencies.
Question 4: Please answer the following question. You are assessing a 53-year-old female who neighbors discovered acting funny. The patient appears to be fatigued and confused and exhibiting slurred speech. She is breathing and has a pulse and skin that is cool and mottled. Vital signs are pulse 68 beats per minute, respirations 14 per minute, blood pressure 108/60 mmHg, and temperature 92.7 degrees Fahrenheit. There are no signs of trauma to the patient. Patient prescriptions of Verapamil, Digoxin, Synthroid, and nitroglycerin are found in the bedroom. Allergies are unknown. The temperature in her apartment is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Based on the assessment findings, which of the following conditions is most likely a contributing factor to the patient's condition?
- Hypothyroidism (Correct answer)
- Hypertension
- Atrial fibrillation
- Seizure
Correct answer: Hypothyroidism
The patient's symptoms—fatigue, confusion, slurred speech, cool/mottled skin, bradycardia, and significantly low body temperature (92.7°F), especially in a cold environment—are classic indicators of hypothyroidism, potentially progressing to myxedema coma. The presence of Synthroid, a medication for hypothyroidism, further supports this diagnosis as a contributing factor to her condition.
Question 5: Which of the following medications would you expect to find a patient who is being treated for peptic ulcer disease to be taking?
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
- Calcium channel blocker
- Aspirin
- Antibiotic (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Antibiotic
The most common cause of peptic ulcer disease is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Therefore, treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria, often combined with acid-reducing medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin are known to *cause* ulcers, not treat them.
Question 6: Please answer the following question. You have responded for a 17 year-old male who has had a sudden onset of shortness of breath. During your evaluation of the patient, he tells you that he has a history of Marfan's syndrome. The patient is dyspneic and has decreased lung sounds on the left side of his chest. What do you think is the most likely cause of this patient's shortness of breath?
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolis
- Spontaneous pneumothorax (Correct answer)
- Congenital lung disease
Correct answer: Spontaneous pneumothorax
Marfan's syndrome is a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, which can weaken various body structures, including the lungs. Patients with Marfan's syndrome have an increased risk of spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) due to weakened lung tissue, which presents with sudden shortness of breath and decreased lung sounds on the affected side.
Question 7: The physiological function of insulin is to promote utilization of glucose by the cells. What would happen to a patient with a low level of insulin?
- Glucose would remain in the cell and would not be functional.
- The level of insulin outside of the cell would be insufficient and would not break down the glucose.
- The level of insulin inside the cell would be insufficient and would not break down the glucose.
- Glucose would remain on the outside of the cell and would not be broken down. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Glucose would remain on the outside of the cell and would not be broken down.
Insulin's primary physiological function is to facilitate the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells, where it is used for energy. If insulin levels are low, glucose cannot effectively enter the cells and therefore remains accumulated in the bloodstream (outside the cells), leading to high blood sugar levels and cellular energy deprivation.
Question 8: You have responded to a juvenile detention center for a teenager who has reportedly injected himself with some form of opiates. Which of the following drugs would be classified as an opiate?
- Cocaine
- Heroin (Correct answer)
- Ativan
- Librium
Correct answer: Heroin
Heroin is a potent opioid drug derived from morphine, belonging to the opiate class of substances. It is known for its strong analgesic and euphoric effects, as well as its high potential for addiction. Cocaine is a stimulant, while Ativan and Librium are benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system depressants but not opiates.
Question 9: Please answer the following question. You have been called to the top of a mountain resort for a patient that is complaining of a sudden onset of shortness of breath and coughing. Your assessment of the patient reveals an anxious patient with basilar crackles in his lungs. The patient's vital signs include a heart rate of 136, respirations of 28, and a blood pressure of 176/94 mmHg. What is your field diagnosis of this patient?
- High altitude pulmonary edema (Correct answer)
- New onset congestive heart failure
- Pneumonia
- High altitude congestive heart failure
Correct answer: High altitude pulmonary edema
The patient's symptoms of sudden shortness of breath, coughing, basilar crackles, anxiety, tachycardia, and hypertension, occurring at a mountain resort, are classic signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). HAPE is a severe form of acute mountain sickness characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs due to the physiological stress of high altitude.
Question 10: Status epilepticus is a seizure that:
- Lasts longer than 5 minutes.
- Is experienced only on one side of the body.
- Produces apnea.
- Begins again after one seizure stops without the patient regaining consciousness. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Begins again after one seizure stops without the patient regaining consciousness.
Status epilepticus is a medical emergency defined as a seizure lasting longer than 5 minutes, or two or more seizures occurring consecutively without the patient regaining full consciousness between them. This prolonged or recurrent seizure activity can lead to permanent brain damage or even death if not promptly treated.
Question 11: You are transporting a patient that is having night sweats, mild fever, and a productive cough. He states that the health department has been treating him at home for a respiratory condition. How should the patient be transported to the hospital?
- In a position of comfort
- With a mask on the patient and the EMT (Correct answer)
- In a calm, passive manner
- In the left lateral recumbent position
Correct answer: With a mask on the patient and the EMT
The patient's symptoms (night sweats, mild fever, productive cough) and history of treatment for a respiratory condition by the health department strongly suggest a communicable airborne disease, such as tuberculosis (TB). To prevent transmission to healthcare providers and others, both the patient (with a surgical mask) and the EMT (with an N95 respirator) should wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
Question 12: Which of the following vital signs would be most indicative of a patient who has entered the decompensated stage of shock?
- Heart rate of 110, respirations of 24, and a blood pressure of 128/90 mmHg
- Heart rate of 92, respirations of 18, and a blood pressure of 124/72 mmHg
- Heart rate 64, respirations of 8, and a blood pressure of 82/40 mmHg
- Heart rate of 128, respirations of 26, and a blood pressure of 82/62 mmHg (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Heart rate of 128, respirations of 26, and a blood pressure of 82/62 mmHg
Decompensated shock occurs when the body's compensatory mechanisms begin to fail, leading to inadequate perfusion and organ dysfunction. This stage is characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure (hypotension), often accompanied by continued tachycardia and tachypnea, as the body can no longer maintain adequate circulatory volume and oxygen delivery. The blood pressure of 82/62 mmHg, combined with a heart rate of 128 and respirations of 26, clearly indicates decompensation.
Question 13: Please answer the following question. Your patient has indicated fear about his illness, stating that he is afraid that he may die. This has made the interview difficult, as you have been unable to get the patient to give you many details regarding his symptoms or the events preceding them. Which of the following techniques is an acceptable method to focus the interview and get the needed information?
- Repeat back to the patient whatever relevant information you have obtained, and then ask him for further information. (Correct answer)
- Reassure the patient by telling him everything will be fine.
- Sternly tell the patient that he must focus and tell you what you need to know.
- Decrease the physical distance between you and the patient, and relay to him that he may get worse if you can't obtain the needed information.
Correct answer: Repeat back to the patient whatever relevant information you have obtained, and then ask him for further information.
When a patient is fearful and struggling to provide information, active listening and clarification are crucial. Repeating back the relevant information you've gathered validates their feelings and demonstrates empathy, which can build trust. This approach gently guides the patient back to the necessary details, making them feel heard and understood, thus encouraging them to share more specific information for their care.
Question 14: A 65-year-old male with terminal brain cancer calls 911 for shortness of breath. The patient has a Do Not Resuscitate order. What should you do for this patient?
- Discuss the situation with the family and try to persuade them not to have the patient transported.
- Administer oxygen and transport the patient to the most appropriate emergency room. (Correct answer)
- Contact medical direction about administering oxygen and not transporting the patient.
- Contact the patient's oncologist for directions on the patient's care.
Correct answer: Administer oxygen and transport the patient to the most appropriate emergency room.
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order specifically prohibits life-saving measures like CPR and defibrillation, but it does not preclude comfort care or other medical interventions. Shortness of breath is a distressing symptom that requires immediate attention, and administering oxygen provides comfort. As an EMT, your duty is to alleviate suffering and transport the patient to an appropriate facility where their symptoms can be managed, respecting their DNR status while addressing their current distress.
Question 15: You have a patient that has suffered frostbite to his fingers. How should you prepare the patient's fingers for transport?
- Message the fingers and hands in an effort to restore circulation.
- Wrap the fingers individually. (Correct answer)
- Place a heat pack in the palm of the patient's hands.
- Submerge the fingers in warm water.
Correct answer: Wrap the fingers individually.
For frostbite, it is essential to prevent further tissue damage during transport. Wrapping fingers individually prevents them from sticking together as they rewarm or if they are still frozen, which could cause additional injury. This method also helps to insulate the affected areas without applying direct heat, which should only be done in a controlled medical environment.
EMT Medical Sample Test 2
Please answer the following question.
You are assessing a 32-year-old male complaining of abdominal pain and weakness.
The patient informs you that he has Addison's disease as a result of steroid use as a teenager.
No life-threatening conditions are noted to the airway, breathing, or circulation.
Vital signs are pulse 110 beats per minute, respirations 16 per minute, blood pressure 110/72 mmHg, and SpO2 98% on room air.
Given the patient's past medical history, you would: