EMS Pre-Hospital Care & Treatment 3

Question 1

When treating a patient in hemorrhagic shock, which fluid resuscitation strategy is preferred in current EMS practice?

Accepted Answer

Permissive hypotension with small boluses to maintain a systolic BP of 80-90 mmHg

Answer

Permissive hypotension (systolic ~80-90 mmHg) minimizes clot disruption and dilution of clotting factors in hemorrhagic shock.

Question 2

A diabetic patient is confused, diaphoretic, and tachycardic with a blood glucose of 42 mg/dL. The appropriate treatment is:

Accepted Answer

Administer glucagon IM if no IV access

Answer

Glucagon IM raises blood glucose when IV access is unavailable and the patient cannot swallow oral glucose.

Question 3

Which sign is most specific for a basilar skull fracture?

Accepted Answer

Battle's sign (mastoid ecchymosis)

Answer

Battle's sign is retroauricular ecchymosis that specifically indicates basilar skull fracture.

Question 4

A patient stung by a bee develops urticaria, throat tightness, and hypotension. The first-line treatment is:

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine 1:1000 0.3 mg IM in the thigh

Answer

Epinephrine IM is the first-line and life-saving treatment for anaphylaxis.

Question 5

During extrication, a patient's leg is trapped and has been for over 4 hours. After release, the EMT should anticipate:

Accepted Answer

Crush syndrome with potential hyperkalemia and renal failure

Answer

Prolonged compression causes rhabdomyolysis and release of myoglobin and potassium upon reperfusion (crush syndrome).

(EMS) Emergency Medical Services Certified Practice Test