Patient Assessment Quiz for EMTs

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the primary assessment in patient care?

• To obtain a detailed medical history

• To identify and manage immediate life threats

• To determine the patient’s insurance status

• To perform a head-to-toe physical exam

When assessing a patient’s airway during the primary assessment, which action should you take first if the airway is not patent?

• Begin chest compressions

• Open the airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver

• Apply a cervical collar

• Obtain a blood pressure reading

Which of the following is a component of the secondary assessment?

• Scene size-up

• Focused physical examination

• Rapid transport decision

• Initial impression

When interpreting a patient’s vital signs, which of the following respiratory rates would be considered abnormal for an adult?

• 12 breaths per minute

• 16 breaths per minute

• 8 breaths per minute

• 18 breaths per minute

Which of the following best describes the SAMPLE history acronym?

• Signs, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading up

• Symptoms, Airway, Medications, Pulse, Last meal, Events

• Signs, Airway, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events

• Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past history, Last oral intake, Events leading up

During trauma assessment, what is the primary reason for performing a rapid head-to-toe exam?

• To identify all possible injuries quickly

• To determine the patient’s insurance provider

• To check for medication allergies

• To obtain a detailed medical history

Which of the following is the correct order of steps in the primary assessment?

• Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure

• Scene size-up, Primary assessment, Secondary assessment, Reassessment

• Airway, Circulation, Breathing, Disability, Exposure

• Breathing, Airway, Circulation, Disability, Exposure

Which vital sign is most directly used to assess perfusion in a trauma patient?

• Respiratory rate

• Pulse oximetry

• Capillary refill

• Temperature

When collecting a patient’s history, which question would best help determine the “E” in SAMPLE?

• “What medications are you currently taking?”

• “When did you last eat or drink?”

• “What were you doing when the symptoms started?”

• “Do you have any allergies?”

Which of the following findings during a trauma assessment would require immediate intervention?

• Bruising on the abdomen

• Open chest wound with bubbling

• Swelling of the ankle

• Minor laceration on the forearm