The EMS System and the EMT's Role
An EMT notices that several recent patient care reports omit reassessment findings. Which action best supports quality improvement?
A. Ignore the issue because the calls are complete.
B. Discuss through the agency's QI process
C. Change the reports without notifying anyone
D. Wait until a patient complains
B. Discuss through the agency's QI process.
A competent adult declines transport after you explain the risks and alternatives. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Document the discussion and obtain the appropriate refusal signature.
B. Force the patient onto the stretcher.
C. Leave without documenting the assessment.
D. Ask police to arrest the patient.
A. Document the discussion and obtain the appropriate refusal signature.
After removing gloves following patient care, what should the EMT do next to reduce disease transmission?
A. Document the call before cleaning up.
B. Put the same gloves back on.
C. Perform hand hygiene.
D. Clean only the ambulance floor
C. Perform hand hygiene.
Which routine is most likely to support long-term EMT wellness?
A. Using alcohol after difficult calls.
B. Avoiding all discussion of stressful events.
C. Regular exercise, adequate rest, and balanced nutrition.
D. Working extra shifts whenever fatigued.
C. Regular exercise, adequate rest, and balanced nutrition.
A conscious patient with shortness of breath must be moved down a narrow staircase and has no suspected spinal injury. Which device is generally most appropriate?
A. Long backboard
B. Scoop stretcher
C. Stair chair
D. Basket stretcher
C. Stair chair
A caller reports that an older adult is confused and having trouble breathing. Which EMS professional commonly gathers the initial information and gives prearrival instructions?
A. Emergency medical dispatcher
B. Trauma surgeon
C. Medical examiner
D. Respiratory therapist
A. Emergency medical dispatcher
A conscious adult listens to the EMT's explanation and agrees to evaluation and transport. This is an example of:
A. Implied consent
B. Expressed consent
C. In loco parentis
D. Abandonment
B. Expressed consent
An EMT anticipates splashing while assisting with an emergency childbirth. Which protection is most appropriate in addition to gloves?
A. A reflective vest only
B. A gown and eye/face protection
C. Hearing protection
D. A stair-chair strap
B. A gown and eye/face protection
At a possible crime scene, which practice best limits disturbance of evidence while allowing patient care?
A. Move nearby objects to create more room.
B. Collect suspicious objects for police.
C. Allow unnecessary personnel into the area.
D. Use one route into and out of the treatment area when practical.
D. Use one route into and out of the treatment area when practical
Before lifting a loaded stretcher, what should the crew do first?
A. Lift immediately to avoid fatigue.
B. Estimate the load and request enough help.
C. Twist toward the ambulance during the lift.
D. Hold the stretcher away from the body.
B. Estimate the load and request enough help.
Which activity best represents EMS participation in community public health?
A. Choosing a new ambulance paint color
B. Providing fall-prevention education at a senior center
C. Changing crew shift assignments
D. Repairing station equipment
B. Providing fall-prevention education at a senior center
A legally emancipated minor requests treatment for an injury. How is consent generally handled?
A. Only a school principal may consent.
B. The minor may consent on their own behalf.
C. Treatment must always wait for a parent.
D. Consent is never required for a minor.
B. The minor may consent on their own behalf.
Why are standard precautions used for every patient encounter?
A. Only visibly ill patients carry pathogens.
B. They replace the need for hand hygiene.
C. They are required only during transport.
D. A patient's infectious status may be unknown.
D. A patient's infectious status may be unknown
An EMT has insomnia, irritability, and recurring memories several weeks after a disturbing call. These findings are most consistent with:
A. Normal physical conditioning
B. A delayed stress reaction
C. An immediate allergic reaction
D. Positive stress only
B. A delayed stress reaction
An unconscious patient without suspected spinal trauma is breathing adequately. Which position helps protect the airway while awaiting transport?
A. Recovery position
B. Standing position
C. Trendelenburg position
D. Prone position with the face down
A. Recovery position
A protocol authorizes an EMT to provide a specific treatment when stated clinical criteria are present. What allows the EMT to act without contacting a physician first?
A. A transfer agreement
B. A dispatch code
C. A standing order
D. A hospital admission order
C. A standing order
An unconscious patient has a life-threatening condition, and no decision-maker is available. Treatment is generally permitted under:
A. A refusal of care
B. A release from liability
C. Implied consent
D. A confidentiality waiver
C. Implied consent
A patient has a persistent cough and is suspected of having tuberculosis. Which respiratory protection should the EMT use?
A. An N95 or HEPA-type respirator
B. A cotton face covering
C. No mask if gloves are worn
D. A simple oxygen mask worn by the EMT
A. An N95 or HEPA-type respirator
A crew arrives at a residence where shouting and weapons are reported. What should the EMT do before approaching the patient?
A. Confirm that law enforcement has secured the scene.
B. Enter quickly to prevent delay.
C. Leave all communication equipment in the ambulance.
D. Ask a bystander to remove the weapon.
A. Confirm that law enforcement has secured the scene.
A patient must be removed immediately because smoke is entering the room. Which type of movement is justified?
A. A routine nonurgent transfer.
B. An emergency move.
C. A delayed reassessment move.
D. A position-of-comfort adjustment only.
B. An emergency move
After arriving at the emergency department, when does the EMT's responsibility for the patient ordinarily end?
A. As soon as the ambulance enters the parking area
B. When the stretcher is moved into the hallway
C. Once the hospital registration form is started
D. After an appropriate transfer of care is completed
D. After an appropriate transfer of care is completed
Before accepting a patient's refusal, the EMT should be especially concerned with whether the patient:
A. Has private health insurance
B. Knows the ambulance crew personally
C. Can walk without assistance
D. Can make an informed decision and understands the risks
D. Can make an informed decision and understands the risks
An EMT sustains a needlestick during a call. What is the most appropriate immediate response?
A. Finish the shift and report it next month.
B. Wash the area and promptly follow the agency exposure plan.
C. Keep the incident private.
D. Wait for symptoms before seeking evaluation.
B. Wash the area and promptly follow the agency exposure plan.
A demanding call temporarily sharpens an EMT's focus and performance. This helpful form of stress is called:
A. Distress
B. Eustress
C. Exhaustion
D. Denial
B. Eustress
Which body mechanics choice most reduces strain during a lift?
A. Keep the knees straight and bend at the waist.
B. Reach as far forward as possible.
C. Rotate the torso while rising.
D. Keep the load close and lift with the legs.
D. Keep the load close and lift with the legs.