FREE PCP Medical Emergencies Questions and Answers
What is one thing you should NOT do when treating a patient with an acute abdomen?
Explanation:
One thing you should NOT do when treating a patient with an acute abdomen is to attempt to diagnose the cause of the problem. Diagnosing the cause of an acute abdomen requires medical expertise and diagnostic tests that are beyond the scope of practice for a paramedic. Instead, focus on managing the patient's symptoms, providing supportive care, and promptly transporting the patient to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment by a physician.
Every squad should contact dispatch a certain minimum number of times on every call. What is this number?
Explanation:
Contacting dispatch at least six times during a call is a standard protocol to ensure effective communication and coordination between the paramedics on-site and the dispatch center. These communications include initial dispatch, arrival at the scene, patient assessment updates, requesting additional resources if needed, departure from the scene, and arrival at the hospital.
What oxygen concentration can a Bag Valve Mask (BVM) supply?
Explanation:
A Bag Valve Mask (BVM) can supply 100 percent oxygen concentration when properly fitted and used with an oxygen reservoir. This makes it an essential device for delivering high-flow oxygen to patients experiencing respiratory distress or failure.
You are assessing a diabetic patient who is conscious, but extremely confused. You are unable to determine whether the condition is hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. What do you do?
Explanation:
In a conscious diabetic patient with confusion and uncertain glycemic status, administering oral glucose is the appropriate initial intervention. This helps to raise blood sugar levels in cases of hypoglycemia and does not pose a risk if the patient's condition is hyperglycemia. It's a safe and effective way to manage potential hypoglycemia while further assessing the patient's condition.
A paramedic is attending to a patient who is experiencing non-traumatic back pain. As the paramedic is going through SAMPLE with the patient, what question should be asked when the M is reached?
Explanation:
When the paramedic reaches the "M" in the SAMPLE acronym (Signs and Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last oral intake, Events leading up to the incident), they should ask if the patient is on any medications. This information is crucial for understanding the patient's medical history, potential interactions with any medications administered, and informing further treatment decisions.
You are assessing a stroke patient and are trying to determine if advanced therapy will be effective. What is the critical factor you need to determine?
Explanation:
The critical factor to determine when assessing a stroke patient to decide if advanced therapy will be effective is when the patient's symptoms began. The time of symptom onset helps determine if the patient is within the window for receiving certain time-sensitive treatments, such as thrombolytic therapy or mechanical thrombectomy, which are most effective when administered promptly after the onset of symptoms.
What flow rate should a nasal cannula have?
Explanation:
Nasal cannula oxygen therapy typically delivers oxygen at a flow rate between 1 to 6 liters per minute (LPM). This range allows for adjusting the oxygen flow based on the patient's oxygenation needs and respiratory status.
You must follow protocol when using the radio in your emergency vehicle. Which of the following is NOT required by this protocol?
Explanation:
While it's important to transmit pertinent information about the patient to the hospital, using coded language is not typically required. Instead, clear and concise communication using standard medical terminology and patient information is preferred to ensure accurate understanding and appropriate response from hospital staff.
What should you look for to determine if a scene is safe to enter?
Explanation:
When determining if a scene is safe to enter, you should consider all of the options listed. This includes assessing for environmental problems, hazardous substances or dangers, and traffic from civilians, law enforcement, or other rescue personnel. Ensuring scene safety is crucial to protect both the paramedic and the patient from potential hazards.
A 90-year-old woman is having an acute ischemic stroke. She is conscious. What should you do?
Explanation:
In the case of an acute ischemic stroke in a conscious patient, the priority is to administer oxygen and transport the patient to a hospital capable of managing stroke patients promptly. Oxygen therapy helps ensure adequate oxygenation, while prompt transportation is crucial to access timely medical interventions such as thrombolytic therapy, which can improve outcomes for stroke patients.
What are the most important things to notice when doing a rapid trauma assessment?
Explanation: :
When conducting a rapid trauma assessment, it's crucial to notice all of the mentioned signs: pooling of blood around the patient's head, torso, or extremities; abnormal angulations or holes in the patient's body; and bruises or tears to the skin. These observations help identify potential life-threatening injuries or conditions that require immediate attention and intervention.