EMR Care 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient is found unconscious with empty pill bottles nearby. Which position is most appropriate if the patient is breathing and you suspect overdose?
- Supine with legs elevated
- Recovery (lateral) position (Correct answer)
- Seated upright
- Prone position
Correct answer: Recovery (lateral) position
The recovery position keeps the airway open and allows fluids to drain, reducing the risk of aspiration in an unconscious but breathing patient.
Question 2: During CPR, you notice the AED is available. When should you use it?
- Only after 5 cycles of CPR
- As soon as it is available (Correct answer)
- Only if the patient has no pulse for more than 2 minutes
- After two rounds of rescue breathing
Correct answer: As soon as it is available
You should attach and use the AED as soon as it is available, since early defibrillation significantly improves survival from cardiac arrest.
Question 3: A diabetic patient is found confused, sweating, and shaking. What is the most likely condition and appropriate care?
- Hyperglycemia — withhold fluids and call 911
- Hypoglycemia — give oral glucose if the patient can swallow (Correct answer)
- Stroke — perform FAST assessment
- Seizure — protect from injury and monitor airway
Correct answer: Hypoglycemia — give oral glucose if the patient can swallow
The classic signs of hypoglycemia include confusion, diaphoresis, and tremors; if the patient is conscious and can swallow, oral glucose is appropriate.
Question 4: An EMR arrives at a scene where a patient has a femur fracture from a car crash. Which splinting principle is most important before transport?
- Realign the bone before splinting
- Splint the joint above and below the fracture site (Correct answer)
- Apply ice directly to the fracture
- Elevate the limb above heart level immediately
Correct answer: Splint the joint above and below the fracture site
Proper splinting immobilizes the joints above and below the fracture to prevent movement and further injury.
Question 5: A patient is experiencing a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Which action is correct during the seizure?
- Restrain the patient to prevent injury
- Place a bite stick or wallet between the teeth
- Protect the patient from the environment and time the seizure (Correct answer)
- Give oral fluids to prevent dehydration
Correct answer: Protect the patient from the environment and time the seizure
During a seizure, EMRs should clear the area, protect the patient from injury, and time the duration; restraining or inserting objects into the mouth can cause harm.
Question 6: When applying a tourniquet, what information must always be documented?
- Patient weight and age
- Time of tourniquet application (Correct answer)
- Type of bleeding (arterial or venous)
- Blood pressure before application
Correct answer: Time of tourniquet application
The time of tourniquet application must be documented on the tourniquet and relayed to incoming providers to prevent prolonged ischemia.
Question 7: A patient has a partial-thickness burn covering one entire arm. Using the Rule of Nines for an adult, what percentage of the body surface area (BSA) is affected?
- 4.5%
- 9% (Correct answer)
- 18%
- 13.5%
Correct answer: 9%
Each arm represents 9% of total BSA in the Rule of Nines for adults.
EMR Care 3
A patient is found unconscious with empty pill bottles nearby.
Which position is most appropriate if the patient is breathing and you suspect overdose?