EMR: Principles of Patient Assessment

Front

For most patients, an Emergency Medical Responder's assessment begins with performing a scene size-up followed by:

Back

a primary assessment.

Answer explanation

After a scene size-up, an Emergency Medical Responder performs a primary assessment to identify immediate life threats and stabilize the patient, making it the correct next step.

Front

The assessment of a patient's level of responsiveness includes using the ________ scale.

Back

AVPU

Answer explanation

The AVPU scale is used to assess a patient's level of responsiveness by evaluating their Alertness, Verbal response, Pain response, and Unresponsiveness. It is the correct choice for this assessment.

Front

In a SAMPLE history, the E represents:

Back

events leading to the illness or injury.

Answer explanation

In a SAMPLE history, 'E' stands for events leading to the illness or injury, which helps in understanding the patient's condition and context. The other options do not accurately represent this aspect.

Front

When assessing a trauma patient with NO significant mechanism of injury, perform a focused secondary assessment, followed by:

Back

vital signs.

Answer explanation

In trauma assessment, after a focused secondary assessment with no significant mechanism of injury, checking vital signs is crucial to identify any hidden injuries or changes in the patient's condition.

Front

When assessing circulation for a responsive adult patient, you should assess the ___________ pulse.

Back

radial

Answer explanation

When assessing circulation in a responsive adult, the radial pulse is the most accessible and reliable indicator of peripheral circulation, making it the correct choice over carotid, pedal, or distal pulses.

Front

You are assessing a patient and discover her respirations to be 6 and shallow. You should:

Back

provide ventilation with a BVM.

Answer explanation

With respirations at 6 and shallow, the patient is likely in respiratory distress. Providing manual ventilations is crucial to ensure adequate oxygenation, making it the immediate priority over other assessments.

Front

A patient who presents with normal vital signs and shows no indications of a life-threatening problem may be described as:

Back

stable.

Answer explanation

A patient with normal vital signs and no life-threatening issues is best described as 'stable.' This indicates that their condition is not deteriorating and is under control.

Front

You have arrived to find a conscious and alert adult male complaining of moderate abdominal pain. You have completed a primary assessment. You should:

Back

perform a focused secondary assessment.

Answer explanation

In this scenario, performing a focused secondary assessment is appropriate to gather specific information about the abdominal pain, which will help in determining the cause and necessary interventions.

Front

The adequate flow of well-oxygenated blood to all cells of the body is called:

Back

perfusion

Answer explanation

Perfusion refers to the adequate flow of well-oxygenated blood to all cells in the body, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen for proper function. This distinguishes it from circulation and other terms.

Front

When assessing a patient's respirations, you must determine rate, depth, and:

Back

ease.

Answer explanation

When assessing respirations, it's essential to evaluate the rate, depth, and ease of breathing. 'Ease' indicates how comfortably the patient is breathing, which is crucial for understanding their respiratory status.