Pt Assessment
This term describe's the EMT's evaluation of whether the patient appears sick or not at first glance.
What is the general impression?
Standard precautions on every call.
What is gloves?
This vital sign is usually measured by palpation at the radial or carotid artery and is one of the first indicators of circulatory status.
What is pulse?
This treatment involves the use of a device to help stabilize a patient’s airway when they are unable to maintain it on their own, often due to trauma or decreased consciousness.
What is an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)?
You arrive on the scene to find a 30-year-old male in severe respiratory distress, with a history of asthma. He is using accessory muscles to breathe and is barely able to speak. What should be your first intervention?
What is administering high-concentration oxygen via a non-rebreather mask?
This component of the primary assessment determines if immediate life threats are present and may include interventions like suctioning or airway maneuvers.
What is airway assessment and management?
This is the first action an EMT should take when arriving at a scene.
What is ensuring scene safety?
This vital sign reflects the force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps.
What is blood pressure?
This medication is commonly administered by EMTs to patients experiencing chest pain suspected to be caused by a myocardial infarction, as it helps reduce blood clot formation.
What is aspirin?
A 60-year-old female with a history of hypertension presents with chest pain, nausea, and diaphoresis. Her blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg. What are the most appropriate medications for this patient?
What is administering aspirin and nitroglycerin (if no contraindications)?
This critical decision is made early in the primary assessment and determines how quickly the patient needs to be transported.
What is the transport priority?
This part of the scene size-up involves quickly evaluating the number of patients to ensure proper triage and determine whether multiple ambulances or specialized units are needed.
What is patient count/triage?
This type of respiration, characterized by slow and labored breathing, is often seen in patients with head injuries or drug overdoses.
What is Cheyne-Stokes respiration?
This type of oxygen delivery device is typically used for patients who need a higher concentration of oxygen but are still breathing on their own.
What is a non-rebreather mask?
You respond to a motor vehicle collision where a 25-year-old male is conscious but complaining of severe back pain after hitting his back on the steering wheel. What is the most appropriate action?
What is holding manual spinal immobilization?
In the initial assessment, this is the three-part test used to assess a patient's level of consciousness.
What is AVPU (Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive)?
In this step, the EMT determines whether the mechanism of injury (MOI) or nature of illness (NOI) requires specialized care or transport.
What is determining the mechanism of injury or nature of illness?
Normal adult pulse range.
What is 60-100?
This medication is commonly given to a patient who is experiencing severe allergic reactions, particularly those with anaphylaxis, to reduce airway swelling and prevent further complications.
What is epinephrine (administered via an auto-injector)?
A 45-year-old male with a known history of type 2 diabetes presents with confusion, shaking, and a blood sugar reading of 40 mg/dL. What should be your next step in treatment?
What is assure the patient can follow commands and administer oral glucose?
This specific term refers to the reason EMS was called, as determined by what the patient or bystanders report.
What is the chief complaint?
This is a critical step in scene size-up where the EMT decides if there are enough personnel to assist with the patient or if more ambulances are needed.
What is determining the number of patients?
Type of blood best used for assessment of blood glucose level.
What is capillary?
When treating a patient with a severe asthma attack, this medication is often administered to relax the muscles of the airways and make breathing easier.
What is albuterol (bronchodilator via nebulizer)?
You arrive on the scene of a 50-year-old male who is unresponsive with shallow breathing, a weak pulse, and cold, clammy skin after suspected drug overdose. What should you administer to assist with his respiratory drive?
Answer: What is naloxone (Narcan) via intranasal route?