1.
You have just given your patient oxygen and epinephrine. How many minutes should you wait before reassessing the vital signs?
Correct Answer
B. 2
Explanation
After administering oxygen and epinephrine to the patient, it is important to wait for a certain period of time before reassessing the vital signs. This allows the medications to take effect and for any changes in the patient's condition to become apparent. Waiting for 2 minutes provides an adequate amount of time to observe any improvements or worsening of the vital signs. Therefore, the correct answer is 2.
2.
Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of a coral snake bite?
Correct Answer
C. Blurred vision
Explanation
Blurred vision is not a sign or symptom of a coral snake bite. Coral snake bites typically cause bluish discoloration and burning pain at the site of the bite, slurred speech, and a small bite pattern with scratch-like wounds. However, blurred vision is not commonly associated with coral snake bites.
3.
When administering an epinephrine auto-injector it is important to hold the injector in place for:
Correct Answer
B. 5 to 10 seconds
Explanation
When administering an epinephrine auto-injector, it is important to hold the injector in place for 5 to 10 seconds. This is because it takes time for the medication to be fully delivered into the muscle. Holding the injector in place for this duration ensures that the full dose of epinephrine is administered effectively, increasing the chances of a successful treatment for severe allergic reactions.
4.
A 6-year-old child was bitten by a black widow spider. Priority care should focus on:
Correct Answer
B. Evaluating for breathing difficulty
Explanation
In the case of a 6-year-old child being bitten by a black widow spider, evaluating for breathing difficulty should be the priority care focus. Black widow spider bites can cause severe reactions, including difficulty in breathing. This is a critical symptom that needs immediate attention as it can quickly escalate and lead to respiratory distress. Monitoring vital signs, immobilizing the affected extremity, and relieving muscle cramps are also important, but ensuring the child's ability to breathe takes precedence in this situation.
5.
Which of the following snake or insect bits is NOT cytotoxic?
Correct Answer
D. Cottonmouth water moccasin snake
Explanation
The cottonmouth water moccasin snake is not cytotoxic. Cytotoxic refers to the ability of a substance to cause cell damage or death. Both black widow and brown recluse spiders have venom that is cytotoxic, causing tissue damage and cell death. Copperhead snake venom is also cytotoxic, causing tissue damage and necrosis. However, the venom of the cottonmouth water moccasin snake is primarily hemotoxic, meaning it affects the blood and can cause clotting issues and tissue damage, but it is not cytotoxic.
6.
An overdose on acetaminophen is likely to produce:
Correct Answer
A. Liver failure
Explanation
An overdose on acetaminophen is likely to produce liver failure because acetaminophen is primarily metabolized in the liver. When taken in excessive amounts, it can overwhelm the liver's ability to process it, leading to liver damage and potentially liver failure. This can occur due to the production of a toxic metabolite called NAPQI, which can cause oxidative stress and damage liver cells. Prompt medical intervention is crucial in cases of acetaminophen overdose to prevent or treat liver failure.
7.
A woman who has been given one dose of activated charcoal vomits as you are preparing her for transport. You should:
Correct Answer
B. Give her a second dose of activated charcoal after getting approval from medical control
Explanation
Giving a second dose of activated charcoal after getting approval from medical control is the correct answer because activated charcoal is used to absorb toxins in the stomach and prevent their absorption into the bloodstream. If the woman vomits after taking the first dose, it is likely that not enough of the activated charcoal was absorbed. Therefore, giving a second dose can help ensure that an adequate amount of the charcoal is present to absorb the toxins. However, it is important to seek approval from medical control before administering any medication or treatment.
8.
In a hypothermic patient, pulses should be checked for how many seconds before starting CPR?
Correct Answer
C. 30
Explanation
In a hypothermic patient, pulses should be checked for 30 seconds before starting CPR. This is because hypothermia can cause a decrease in heart rate and blood flow, making it difficult to accurately assess the pulse. By checking for a longer duration, it ensures that any weak or slow pulses are not missed, and CPR can be initiated promptly if necessary.
9.
Which of the following does NOT make an infant prone to heat injury?
Correct Answer
A. Medications
Explanation
Medications do not make an infant prone to heat injury. Heat injury in infants is typically caused by factors such as lack of mobility, excessive clothing, and poor body temperature regulation. Medications, on the other hand, may have other side effects or risks, but they do not directly contribute to heat injury in infants.
10.
A patient who has been involved in a scuba diving emergency should be transported in what position?
Correct Answer
A. Left side with the head lower than the feet
Explanation
In a scuba diving emergency, a patient should be transported in the left side with the head lower than the feet position. This position helps to prevent the aspiration of any water or debris that may be present in the patient's airway. By positioning the head lower than the feet, gravity helps to drain any fluid away from the airway, reducing the risk of further complications. Placing the patient on the left side also helps to minimize the risk of gastric distention, which can occur due to the release of gas during ascent from a dive.
11.
High humidity reduces the body's ability to lose heat through:
Correct Answer
C. Convection
Explanation
High humidity reduces the body's ability to lose heat through convection. Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of air or water. When the air is humid, it is already saturated with moisture, making it difficult for sweat to evaporate from the skin. Without the evaporation of sweat, the body cannot effectively cool down through the process of convection. Therefore, high humidity hinders the body's ability to lose heat through convection.
12.
When excersising in hot weather, a person may lose how many liters of sweat per hour?
Correct Answer
B. 2
Explanation
When exercising in hot weather, a person may lose approximately 2 liters of sweat per hour. Sweating is the body's natural way of cooling down, and in hot weather, the body produces more sweat to regulate its temperature. Losing 2 liters of sweat per hour is a common estimate, but it can vary depending on factors such as the individual's level of exertion, hydration status, and environmental conditions.
13.
You are treating an unwilling patient who needs emergency medical care for a severe mental disturbance. To make sure that the patient's rights are not violated, you should get help from:
Correct Answer
C. The police
Explanation
In this scenario, getting help from the police is the correct answer. The patient is described as unwilling, which suggests that they may be resistant or uncooperative with receiving medical care. In such cases, the police can be called upon to ensure the safety of both the patient and the medical professionals involved. Their presence can help de-escalate any potential conflicts and ensure that the patient's rights are protected throughout the process.
14.
How many people are needed to safely restrain a patient?
Correct Answer
D. 4
Explanation
To safely restrain a patient, four people are needed. This is because restraining a patient can be a challenging and potentially dangerous task, requiring multiple individuals to ensure the safety of both the patient and the healthcare providers. With four people, they can distribute the workload, making it easier to control and restrain the patient effectively without causing harm to anyone involved.
15.
Care for the mother after delivery includes:
Correct Answer
A. Massaging the uterus
Explanation
Massaging the uterus after delivery is important to help it contract and prevent excessive bleeding. This is known as uterine massage and it helps to expel any remaining placental tissue and reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. By massaging the uterus, the healthcare provider can stimulate contractions and ensure that the uterus is firm and well-toned. This helps to promote healing and prevent complications.
16.
After delivering a baby, you should dry the baby completely, what should you do next?
Correct Answer
A. Wrap the baby in warm blankets
Explanation
After delivering a baby, it is important to dry the baby completely to prevent hypothermia. Wrapping the baby in warm blankets helps to maintain their body temperature and provide comfort. This is crucial as newborns are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively. Wrapping the baby in warm blankets also helps to protect them from drafts and keep them cozy.
17.
Factors that help you to assess whether a delivery is to take place soon include frequency and length of contractions, crowning, an the:
Correct Answer
C. Mother's complaints of increased pressure in her rectum
Explanation
Increased pressure in the rectum is a sign that the baby's head is descending into the birth canal. This is known as "crowning" and is a strong indication that delivery is imminent. Contractions and their frequency and length are also important factors to assess the progress of labor. The baby's due date is not a reliable indicator as many pregnancies go beyond the estimated due date. Nausea and increasing pain with each contraction may be present during labor but do not specifically indicate that delivery is about to occur.
18.
You arrive at the scene where the mother has already delivered her baby. Your partner is caring for the infant. You note a large blood loss from the mother, and she appears to still be bleeding. You should:
Correct Answer
C. Massage the uterus firmly with a circular motion
Explanation
The correct answer is to massage the uterus firmly with a circular motion. This is because the mother is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, indicated by the large blood loss and ongoing bleeding. Massaging the uterus can help stimulate contractions and control the bleeding. It is important to take immediate action to address this potentially life-threatening situation.
19.
How can you assist the mother in stimulating her uterus to contract to deliver the placenta?
Correct Answer
B. Allow her to nurse the newborn
Explanation
Allowing the mother to nurse the newborn can stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps to stimulate contractions in the uterus. Oxytocin is released during breastfeeding and can help the uterus to contract and expel the placenta. This natural method can be effective in stimulating contractions and facilitating the delivery of the placenta.
20.
En route to the hospital with a woman who is 9 months' pregnant and in active labor, you notice that the umbilical cord is prolapsed. You should first:
Correct Answer
C. Position the mother with her head down and/or hips raised
Explanation
In the given scenario, the correct first step is to position the mother with her head down and/or hips raised. This position helps to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord and prevent further complications. By lowering the mother's head and raising her hips, gravity can assist in reducing the pressure on the cord and increasing blood flow to the baby. This immediate action can help buy time until medical professionals can provide further assistance.
21.
Proper care for a premature infant should include:
Correct Answer
A. Warming the patient compartment of the ambulance to 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit
Explanation
Premature infants have underdeveloped thermoregulation systems, making them more susceptible to heat loss. Therefore, it is crucial to provide a warm environment for them to prevent hypothermia. Warming the patient compartment of the ambulance to 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that the infant remains at an appropriate temperature during transportation. Placing hot water bottles on the infant may cause burns or overheating, and allowing family members to handle the infant may increase the risk of infection. Giving oxygen with an infant-sized face mask may be necessary in certain cases, but it is not specifically mentioned as a part of proper care for a premature infant.
22.
Which of the following organs is responsible for labor and delivery of the baby?
Correct Answer
B. Uterus
Explanation
The uterus is responsible for labor and delivery of the baby. During labor, the muscles of the uterus contract and push the baby down into the birth canal. The uterus also helps in the delivery process by continuing to contract after the baby is born, helping to expel the placenta. The cervix, on the other hand, plays a role in labor by dilating and effacing to allow the baby to pass through. The placenta is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the baby during pregnancy but is not directly involved in labor and delivery. The perineum is the area between the vagina and anus and is not directly responsible for labor and delivery.
23.
In a multiple birth delivery, you should:
Correct Answer
B. Clamp and cut the umbilical cord after the first birth
Explanation
In a multiple birth delivery, it is important to clamp and cut the umbilical cord after the first birth. This is because each fetus has its own placenta and umbilical cord, and cutting the cord prevents any potential complications or entanglement between the fetuses. It also allows for proper monitoring and care of each individual newborn.
24.
A 17-year-old women has delivered a small infant breech. The head remains in the birth canal. The EMT-B should immediately:
Correct Answer
D. Make a "V" with your fingers and create an airway for the infant
25.
After the placenta is delivered, it should be:
Correct Answer
D. Wrapped in a towel, placed in a plastic bag, and transported to the hospital for inspection
Explanation
After the placenta is delivered, it should be wrapped in a towel to prevent any leakage or contamination. It should then be placed in a plastic bag to further secure it and prevent any odors or fluids from escaping. Finally, it should be transported to the hospital for inspection to ensure that it is intact and that there are no missing tissue or abnormalities present. This process ensures proper handling and disposal of the placenta.
26.
Thick meconium staining is most likely to result in:
Correct Answer
C. Aspiration and respiratory distress
Explanation
Thick meconium staining is most likely to result in aspiration and respiratory distress. Meconium is the first stool of a newborn and if it is thick and stained, it can indicate that the baby has passed stool while still in the womb. This can lead to the baby inhaling or aspirating the meconium into their lungs during delivery, causing respiratory distress. This can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to ensure the baby's airways are clear and they can breathe properly.
27.
Which of the following, combined with a breech birth, puts the delivery of a newborn at a higher risk?
Correct Answer
D. Rapid labor and delivery
Explanation
Rapid labor and delivery can put the delivery of a newborn at a higher risk when combined with a breech birth. This is because a breech birth already presents challenges as the baby is positioned feet or buttocks first instead of head first. Rapid labor and delivery in this situation may not allow enough time for the baby's body to properly rotate and navigate through the birth canal, increasing the risk of complications such as head entrapment or umbilical cord compression.
28.
Para refers to the number of:
Correct Answer
B. Live births
Explanation
The term "para" refers to the number of live births a woman has had, excluding miscarriages or stillbirths. It is used to indicate the number of times a woman has given birth to a baby who has survived beyond the first few days of life. This term is commonly used in medical and obstetric contexts to track a woman's reproductive history and to assess her risk factors for future pregnancies.
29.
Which of the following would NOT be an indication of imminent birth?
Correct Answer
C. Gushing amniotic fluid
Explanation
Gushing amniotic fluid would not be an indication of imminent birth. While amniotic fluid does break when a woman's water breaks, it is not necessarily a sign that birth is imminent. The other options, such as the mother feeling the urge to move her bowels, crowning, and stating the need to push, are all signs that indicate the baby is ready to be born.