Skills and Training Flashcards
7 cards from real EMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Skills and Training flashcards as text
A patient has a sucking chest wound. After sealing the wound with an occlusive dressing, the patient deteriorates with absent breath sounds on the injured side. What should the EMT do?
Answer: Burp or partially open the dressing to release air
Burping the dressing by briefly lifting one edge allows trapped air to escape, relieving a tension pneumothorax caused by a sealed occlusive dressing.
What is the preferred method for opening the airway in a patient with a suspected cervical spine injury?
Answer: Jaw-thrust maneuver
The jaw-thrust maneuver opens the airway while minimizing cervical spine movement and is the preferred technique when spinal injury is suspected.
When treating a patient for shock (hypoperfusion), what is the recommended patient position if no spinal injury is suspected?
Answer: Supine with legs elevated 8-12 inches (Trendelenburg)
Elevating the legs 8-12 inches in the supine position helps return venous blood to the core circulation in hypovolemic shock.
An EMT is sizing an oropharyngeal airway (OPA). The correct size is determined by measuring from:
Answer: The corner of the mouth to the earlobe
An OPA is sized by measuring from the corner of the mouth to the earlobe to ensure the airway adjunct reaches the base of the tongue without extending too far.
During spinal motion restriction, which of the following would be considered a reason to forgo the procedure?
Answer: Patient is combative and refusing care
A combative patient who refuses care cannot safely be physically forced onto a backboard; EMTs should document refusal and use best judgment, including law enforcement assistance.
What is the correct compression depth for adult CPR?
Answer: At least 2 inches (5 cm), not exceeding 2.4 inches
Current AHA guidelines specify adult chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep but no more than 2.4 inches to be effective without causing excessive injury.
Which of the following is an indication for the use of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) over an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)?
Answer: The patient is semi-conscious and has an intact gag reflex
The NPA is preferred for patients who are semi-conscious or have an intact gag reflex, as an OPA would trigger vomiting in such patients.