FREE PCP Patient Assessment Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT considered a part of the patient's Signs and Symptoms?
Explanation:
The patient's last oral intake is not typically considered a part of the signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms refer to observable or measurable indications of a patient's condition, such as vital signs, physical findings, complaints, and behaviors. Last oral intake, while important for certain assessments (e.g., assessing for dehydration), is more related to history-taking rather than immediate signs and symptoms.
You are assessing a patient who is breathing, but he or she is doing so very slowly. What is the proper term for this form of breathing?
Explanation:
Bradynea refers to abnormally slow breathing. In this scenario, the patient is breathing slowly, indicating Bradynea. This term helps paramedics accurately describe the patient's respiratory status during assessment.
Which is NOT part of the lower airway?
Explanation:
The epiglottis is a part of the upper airway, not the lower airway. It is a flap of cartilage that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. The lower airway includes structures such as the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, which are located below the level of the larynx.
Where do you begin a detailed physical examination?
Explanation:
A detailed physical examination typically begins with the patient's head. This involves assessing the head for any signs of trauma, abnormalities, or specific complaints related to the head and face. Starting with the head allows for a systematic approach to evaluating the patient's overall condition and identifying any potential concerns that may require further assessment or intervention.
Which of the following is NOT a part of the upper airway?
Explanation:
The carina is not part of the upper airway; it is the point at which the trachea divides into the right and left main bronchi in the lower respiratory system. The upper airway includes structures such as the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and pharynx, which are located above the carina in the respiratory tract.
Which of the following is the first step you should take in treating a medical patient?
Explanation:
Identifying the patient's signs and symptoms is the initial step in assessing their condition. This information helps paramedics understand the nature and severity of the medical issue, guiding further treatment decisions and interventions.
What is the first step you should take when you start to size up a scene?
Explanation:
While ensuring scene safety is critical, so is protecting oneself from potential exposure to infectious materials. Before engaging further, paramedics should prioritize their safety by donning appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and masks, to prevent contact with bodily fluids or other hazardous substances.
A patient you are treating has just lost consciousness. What is the first thing you should do?
Explanation:
When a patient loses consciousness, the first action should be to open the airway to ensure that the patient can breathe effectively. This involves techniques such as head tilt-chin lift or jaw thrust to position the airway correctly and allow for adequate airflow. Once the airway is open, assessing the patient's breathing can follow to determine if further interventions are necessary.
What is the final step you should take when performing an initial assessment?
Explanation:
The final step in performing an initial assessment is to make the transport decision or identify which patient is a priority for transport. This step involves considering the patient's condition, the severity of their injuries or illness, available resources, and the destination facility to determine the most appropriate course of action for patient care and transportation.
What is the third step of conducting an initial assessment?
Explanation:
The third step of conducting an initial assessment is to identify the patient's chief complaints or any life-threatening conditions. This step helps prioritize care by focusing on addressing immediate threats to the patient's life or well-being. Once identified, appropriate interventions can be initiated to stabilize the patient's condition.
Which of the following patients would need a rapid trauma assessment the most?
Explanation:
A rapid trauma assessment is crucial for patients with traumatic injuries that could be life-threatening. In this scenario, the young woman with a gunshot wound to the chest is at the highest risk of severe injury and requires immediate assessment to identify and manage any life-threatening conditions.