FISDAP Patient Assessment 2

Question 1

During a focused physical exam of a trauma patient with a mechanism of injury suggesting spinal involvement, which area should be assessed first?

Accepted Answer

Cervical spine

Answer

The cervical spine is assessed first in trauma patients with a suspicious mechanism to detect tenderness, deformity, or instability before moving the patient.

Question 2

A patient presents with altered mental status and a blood glucose reading of 38 mg/dL. After administering oral glucose, reassessment reveals no improvement. What is the NEXT appropriate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Establish IV access and administer dextrose 50%

Answer

When oral glucose fails in a hypoglycemic patient, IV dextrose (D50) is the next step to rapidly correct glucose levels.

Question 3

Which component of the SAMPLE history is being collected when the EMT asks, 'Have you had this type of chest pain before?'

Accepted Answer

Pertinent past history

Answer

Asking about prior episodes of the same complaint gathers pertinent past medical history, the 'P' in SAMPLE.

Question 4

When assessing a patient's pupils with a penlight, you note one pupil is fixed and dilated while the other is reactive. This finding is MOST consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Uncal herniation compressing cranial nerve III

Answer

Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil indicates compression of cranial nerve III, often from uncal herniation due to elevated intracranial pressure.

Question 5

A conscious adult patient refuses treatment after a thorough assessment. Which action is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal and have the patient sign an AMA form

Answer

A competent adult has the right to refuse care; EMTs must document the refusal thoroughly and obtain a signed against medical advice (AMA) form.

(FISDAP) Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project Practice Test

(FISDAP) Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project Practice Test

FISDAP Patient Assessment 2