Patient Evaluation & Emergency Response Flashcards

How frequently should vital signs be reassessed for an unstable trauma patient during extended field care in the OEC setting?

Answer: Every 5 minutes

Unstable patients should have vital signs reassessed every 5 minutes to detect rapid changes and guide interventions.

A patient is found confused, ataxic, and slurring speech after spending time in a cold environment. Without any alcohol odor, the OEC rescuer should suspect:

Answer: Moderate to severe hypothermia

Confusion, ataxia, and slurred speech in a cold environment are classic signs of moderate-to-severe hypothermia affecting the central nervous system.

What is the correct sequence for the OEC primary assessment?

Answer: Airway → Breathing → Circulation → Disability → Expose/Environment

The primary assessment follows A-B-C-D-E: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability (neuro), and Expose/Environment.

When performing a secondary assessment on a responsive patient with a medical complaint, what should the OEC rescuer collect BEFORE performing the physical exam?

Answer: SAMPLE history

For a responsive medical patient, the SAMPLE history is obtained before the physical exam to guide which body systems need focused assessment.

A patient presents with hives, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing after a bee sting. After activating EMS, which intervention is the OEC rescuer's highest priority?

Answer: Assist with or administer epinephrine via auto-injector

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis because it rapidly reverses airway compromise and vascular collapse.

Which assessment finding suggests a tension pneumothorax in a trauma patient?

Answer: Absent breath sounds on one side, JVD, and tracheal deviation

Unilateral absent breath sounds, JVD, and tracheal deviation away from the injury are hallmark signs of tension pneumothorax.

During transfer of care to EMS, which information is MOST critical for the OEC rescuer to communicate first?

Answer: Chief complaint, mechanism of injury, and current vital signs

Chief complaint, mechanism of injury, and current vitals give EMS the clinical picture needed to continue appropriate care immediately.