Skills and Training Flashcards
7 cards from real EMT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Skills and Training flashcards as text
An EMT is preparing to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). Which of the following patients should NOT receive a shock from an AED?
Answer: A patient in asystole
Asystole ('flatline') is a non-shockable rhythm; defibrillation is only effective for shockable rhythms like ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
When performing a secondary assessment on a medical patient, what does the acronym OPQRST help the EMT evaluate?
Answer: Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time
OPQRST stands for Onset, Provocation/Palliation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, and Time, and is used to thoroughly assess a patient's chief complaint.
What is the most important action an EMT can take to prevent infection transmission between patients?
Answer: Proper hand washing or use of hand sanitizer between patient contacts
Hand hygiene—washing hands or using alcohol-based sanitizer between patient contacts—is the single most effective measure to prevent disease transmission.
A patient has an impaled object in the eye. What is the correct EMT management?
Answer: Stabilize the object in place and cover both eyes with loose dressings
Impaled objects should never be removed; they must be stabilized in place, and both eyes should be covered to reduce sympathetic movement.
During patient extrication from a vehicle, the EMT should prioritize which of the following?
Answer: Scene safety and spinal motion restriction during removal
Safe extrication requires maintaining scene safety and applying spinal motion restriction techniques to prevent further injury during removal.
When treating a patient with a suspected closed head injury and signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), the EMT should:
Answer: Maintain normal ventilation rates and transport rapidly
EMTs should maintain normal ventilation rates (10-12 breaths/min for adults) and transport rapidly, as aggressive hyperventilation is no longer recommended except for impending herniation.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a SAMPLE history in patient assessment?
Answer: To gather a structured medical history including signs/symptoms, allergies, medications, past history, last oral intake, and events
SAMPLE (Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent past history, Last oral intake, Events leading to illness) provides a structured framework for obtaining a relevant medical history.