Patient Assessment Flashcards

During scene size-up, what is the FIRST action an AEMT should take upon arriving at an emergency scene?

Answer: Ensure scene safety

Scene safety is always the first priority so the AEMT and crew are not harmed before patient care begins.

The primary assessment is designed primarily to identify:

Answer: Immediately life-threatening conditions

The primary assessment rapidly identifies and addresses life threats affecting airway, breathing, circulation, and disability.

When forming a general impression upon approaching a patient, the AEMT evaluates all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Blood glucose level

Blood glucose is measured during the secondary assessment; the general impression relies on immediate visual and verbal observations.

The mnemonic AVPU is used to rapidly assess which patient parameter?

Answer: Level of consciousness

AVPU (Alert, Verbal, Painful, Unresponsive) is a quick tool to classify the patient's level of consciousness.

During the primary assessment of circulation, the AEMT should check for all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: Blood pressure via sphygmomanometer

Blood pressure measurement is part of the secondary assessment; the primary assessment uses rapid, equipment-minimal checks for pulse, major bleeding, and skin signs.

A patient is found unresponsive with absent breathing and no detectable pulse. After recognizing cardiac arrest, the AEMT's FIRST action should be:

Answer: Begin high-quality CPR

High-quality CPR must be initiated immediately upon recognition of cardiac arrest to maintain circulation until defibrillation can be performed.

The transport decision made during the primary assessment is used to determine:

Answer: The priority and mode of patient transport

The transport decision establishes whether the patient requires emergent priority transport or can be transported non-urgently to the appropriate facility.