Patient Assessment

When assessing a sick or injured patient, which of the following indicates the appropriate order?

• Primary, reassess, secondar

• Scene size up, secondary, primary

• Scene size up, primary, secondary

• Scene size up, history, secondary, primary

You have been dispatched to a residence for an 89-year-old female with a nonspecific complaint. When assessing this patient, which of the following will you do first to develop a better understanding of the emergency?

• Obtain the patient's vital signs and current medications.

• Gather a medical history including allergy information.

• Contact medical direction for advisement.

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  Determine if the complaint is medical or trauma related.

Which of the following statements made by the EMT indicates that he has appropriately initiated the first phase of the patient assessment?

• I have placed an oral airway in patient

• THe scene seems free of hazards

• Blood pressure is 124/80

• Can you tell me why you called?

You arrive at the scene of a fall, where a 42-year-old woman fell backward off a step ladder while cleaning her kitchen windows. She is seated on the floor complaining of pain to her ankle. She tells you, "If I had just gone to work today instead of using vacation time, this would have never happened!" Based on information thus far, which of the following can you conclude?

• She is alert with open airway

• Her pulse rate is within normal limits

• She does not require rapid transport

• She does not have any other injuries

You have been dispatched to an apartment for an elderly male complaining of shortness of breath. When do you start the process of forming a general impression about this patient?

• As you and your partner approach him

• After completing the primary assessment

• As soon as you obtain his chief complaint

• Following the completion of vital signs

The EMT shows she understands the importance and reason for forming a general impression when she states:

• "The general impression permits a rapid diagnosis of the patient's problem."

• "Forming a general impression allows me to fully assess the emergency situation."

• "The general impression enables me to rule out any life-threatening conditions."

• "Forming a general impression provides me with a rough idea of the patient's overall status."

You have been called for an adult patient who suffered a seizure. He is sitting on the floor, and looks at you as you enter the room. When questioned, he cannot remember the date or where he is. The patient's mental status can best be described as:

• Alert but confused

• lethargic and agitated

• altered

• verbally disoriented

You have been called for an adult patient who suffered a seizure. He is sitting on the floor, and looks at you as you enter the room. When questioned, he cannot remember the date or where he is. The patient's mental status can best be described as:

• She is able to answer all questions appropriately when asked.

• She cannot be awakened when her name is called.

• Her eyes are closed, but she will wiggle her fingers if told.

• She is awake, but having difficulty telling you her name and where she is.

A 36-year-old patient who has overdosed on an unknown drug presents with his eyes closed, even when his name is loudly called. Which one of the following should the EMT do first?

• Check the patient's vital signs.

• Check the mental status

• Assess for a radial pulse.

• Determine what drug was taken.

Which patient would be classified as unresponsive?

• 39-year-old-female who is confused

• 52-year-old who cannot answer your question

• 70-year-old female who has suffered a stroke

• 46-year-old-male who does not respond when his fingers are pinched