Equipment and Tools Flashcards

A pulse oximeter reading may be FALSELY elevated in a patient with:

Answer: Carbon monoxide poisoning

Pulse oximeters cannot differentiate carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin, so CO poisoning produces falsely high SpO2 readings.

Which capnography waveform finding in a ventilated patient suggests esophageal intubation?

Answer: EtCO2 near zero with no waveform after several breaths

Esophageal intubation produces no CO2 waveform (or a brief initial reading that quickly drops to near zero) because the stomach generates no CO2.

The cardiac monitor shows a rhythm with a rate of 150 bpm, narrow QRS complexes, and no visible P waves. Which rhythm does this MOST likely represent?

Answer: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

A regular narrow-complex tachycardia at ~150 bpm with absent or hidden P waves is classic SVT.

An automated external defibrillator (AED) advises 'no shock recommended' after analyzing a patient in cardiac arrest. The EMT should:

Answer: Check for a pulse and, if absent, immediately resume high-quality CPR

A 'no shock' advisory means the rhythm is non-shockable (e.g., PEA or asystole); CPR must resume immediately without delay.

The correct pad placement for an AED on an adult patient is:

Answer: Right upper chest and left lower chest (apex)

Standard AED pad placement is right (sternal) pad below the clavicle and left (apex) pad on the lateral left chest below the axilla.

Which glucometer result in a patient with altered mental status should prompt the EMT to consider oral glucose administration (if the patient can swallow)?

Answer: Blood glucose < 60 mg/dL

Hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 60 mg/dL) with altered mental status is the indication for oral glucose in a patient with an intact gag reflex.

A blood pressure cuff that is TOO SMALL for a patient's arm will produce a blood pressure reading that is:

Answer: Falsely high

An undersized cuff requires greater pressure to occlude arterial flow, producing a falsely elevated blood pressure reading.