FCTC Reading Comprehension Skills 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A training bulletin reads: 'Personnel are encouraged, but not required, to attend the optional hazmat refresher course offered on Saturday.' What does this tell you about attendance?
- Attendance is mandatory for all personnel
- Attendance is voluntary and there is no penalty for not going (Correct answer)
- Personnel will be disciplined for missing the course
- The course is required only for hazmat-certified personnel
Correct answer: Attendance is voluntary and there is no penalty for not going
'Encouraged, but not required' clearly indicates attendance is optional and not mandatory.
Question 2: Read: 'Scene safety is the provider's first priority; no intervention should be initiated until the scene has been declared safe.' A provider arrives and sees a patient in cardiac arrest but notices a downed power line nearby. What does the passage support?
- Begin CPR immediately because cardiac arrest is life-threatening
- Wait until the scene is safe before initiating any intervention (Correct answer)
- Call for backup and begin CPR simultaneously
- Ignore the power line if the patient's condition is critical
Correct answer: Wait until the scene is safe before initiating any intervention
The passage explicitly states no intervention should begin until the scene is declared safe, making scene safety the first step.
Question 3: An EMS policy document uses the phrase 'shall' repeatedly throughout its directives. In regulatory or policy language, 'shall' most commonly indicates:
- A suggestion that may be followed at the provider's discretion
- A mandatory action that must be performed (Correct answer)
- An action that was previously required but is now optional
- A preferred practice with no enforcement mechanism
Correct answer: A mandatory action that must be performed
In regulatory and policy writing, 'shall' indicates a mandatory requirement rather than a recommendation.
Question 4: After reading a lengthy protocol, you are unsure whether a step applies to pediatric patients. Where should you look FIRST for clarification?
- The glossary at the back of the protocol manual
- The 'Special Populations' or 'Pediatric Considerations' section of the protocol (Correct answer)
- Your personal experience with pediatric patients
- The medication reference card in your jump bag
Correct answer: The 'Special Populations' or 'Pediatric Considerations' section of the protocol
Protocols typically include a dedicated section for special populations such as pediatric patients that addresses age-specific modifications.
Question 5: A passage reads: 'The patient was diaphoretic, pale, and tachycardic, presenting with classic signs of shock.' The word 'diaphoretic' most likely means:
- Breathing rapidly
- Sweating profusely (Correct answer)
- Confused and disoriented
- Having a low blood pressure
Correct answer: Sweating profusely
Diaphoretic is a medical term meaning sweating excessively, which is a classic sign of shock.
Question 6: Which of the following BEST describes the difference between a passage's main idea and a supporting detail?
- The main idea is always stated in the last paragraph; details appear first
- The main idea is the central point the passage conveys; details provide evidence or examples (Correct answer)
- The main idea is a fact; supporting details are always opinions
- Supporting details are more important than the main idea for comprehension
Correct answer: The main idea is the central point the passage conveys; details provide evidence or examples
The main idea is the overall central point, while supporting details are specific pieces of information that back it up.
Question 7: A protocol states: 'In the absence of standing orders, contact medical direction before administering any medication.' A provider cannot reach medical direction by radio. What does the protocol imply the provider should do?
- Administer the medication based on their best clinical judgment
- Continue attempting to contact medical direction before acting (Correct answer)
- Skip medication administration entirely and transport immediately
- Ask the patient for permission to administer the medication
Correct answer: Continue attempting to contact medical direction before acting
The protocol requires contact with medical direction before medication administration, implying the provider must keep trying rather than act unilaterally.
FCTC Reading Comprehension Skills 5
A training bulletin reads: 'Personnel are encouraged, but not required, to attend the optional hazmat refresher course offered on Saturday.' What does this tell you about attendance?