JIBC Paramedic Patient Assessment 4

Question 1

Which reassessment interval is recommended for an unstable critical patient during transport?

Accepted Answer

Every 5 minutes

Answer

Unstable patients require reassessment every 5 minutes to detect deterioration and evaluate treatment effectiveness during transport.

Question 2

A trauma patient presents with Beck's triad (hypotension, muffled heart sounds, JVD). Which condition does this MOST suggest?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Beck's triad of hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension is the classic presentation of pericardial tamponade.

Question 3

When documenting patient assessment findings, what does 'pertinent negatives' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms that are absent but relevant to the suspected diagnosis

Answer

Pertinent negatives are symptoms or signs that would be expected given the suspected condition but are absent, which aids in narrowing the differential diagnosis.

Question 4

During the environmental assessment of a suicide attempt, which action is MOST important before entering the scene?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring law enforcement has cleared the scene for safety

Answer

Law enforcement must clear potential threat scenes before EMS personnel enter to ensure responder safety.

Question 5

A patient involved in a high-speed MVA is ambulatory at the scene. Which finding should MOST increase the paramedic's index of suspicion for significant internal injury?

Accepted Answer

Seatbelt sign (bruising across the abdomen/chest)

Answer

A seatbelt sign indicates significant deceleration force was transmitted to the torso, raising concern for solid organ, hollow organ, or vascular injuries.

JIBC - Justice Institute of British Columbia Practice Test

JIBC - Justice Institute of British Columbia Practice Test

JIBC Paramedic Patient Assessment 4