Question 1

When assessing and treating a 15-year-old female for abdominal pain, the EMT must remember that:

Accepted Answer

As the patient is a minor, a parent or guardian's consent must be obtained prior to assessment and treatment. This is important from both a legal and ethical standpoint. Additionally, the EMT should ensure that the patient feels comfortable and at ease during the assessment, but should not assume that the presence of a parent or guardian will automatically calm the patient. The EMT should also ask about previous sexual activity, as this could be a potential cause of the abdominal pain. If the patient has experienced menstruation, the EMT should still assess and provide treatment as needed, but may want to consider the possibility of pregnancy or other gynecological issues.

Question 2

You have received a grant to promote healthy living habits among the 20- to 40-year-old age group. Given the most common cause of death within this age group, which topic should be the focus of your program?

Accepted Answer

The most common cause of death among the 20- to 40-year-old age group is often related to accidents, particularly motor vehicle accidents, making safe driving a crucial focus for promoting healthy living habits.

Question 3

A 7-year-old has fallen and exhibits deformity of his left wrist. He will not cooperate with you as you attempt a closer examination of the wrist. Which of the following statements would be appropriate given the patient's age and behavior?

Accepted Answer

It is important to acknowledge the child's emotions and fear while still conveying the need to examine the injured wrist. Option A may not be truthful if the examination does cause some discomfort. Option C might cause further fear and anxiety, and option D is a form of bribery which is not appropriate in a medical setting. Option B shows empathy and sets clear boundaries while still addressing the need for examination.

Question 4

The EMT would recognize and categorize a 13-year-old female as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Adolescents are typically between the ages of 12 and 18, which would include a 13-year-old female. This age range is characterized by physical, emotional, and social changes that are distinct from younger children and adults. Categorizing this patient as an adolescent will help guide the EMT in providing appropriate care and communication.

Question 5

When assessing a 5-month-old baby girl, you note that she cries when her mother holds her, but is quiet and at peace when her father takes her. Assessment reveals no outward problems. Based on your knowledge of psychosocial development, which of the following is a likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

This behavior could be due to the baby having developed a closer attachment to her father, who may be her primary caregiver. This is a common occurrence in cases where one parent is more involved in childcare than the other. It does not necessarily indicate a problem with the baby's development.

Question 6

When assessing a sick 3-week-old baby, which finding would be most concerning?

Accepted Answer

Mucus occluding both nares can be a sign of respiratory distress in a newborn, which can quickly escalate and become life-threatening. The fontanelle level with the skull (option A) and a rectal temperature of 99.4°F (option D) both fall within normal ranges for a 3-week-old baby. The soft spot on top of the head (option B) is a normal anatomical feature of a newborn and shouldn't cause concern.

Question 7

You must assess a crying 7-month-old baby who is vomiting. To best assess the patient, you should:

Accepted Answer

Allowing the mother to hold the baby will provide comfort and security to the baby, which may help stop the crying and vomiting. It is important to assess the baby while he or she is in a comfortable and safe position, and being held by the mother can provide this.

Question 8

Which statement made by a 49-year-old female describes a situation common to those in this life stage?

Accepted Answer

Many people in their late 40s/early 50s find themselves in the sandwich generation, caring for both their children and their aging parents. This often leads to neglecting their own health and postponing medical appointments or check-ups. Option A may be true for some people, but it is not necessarily common for everyone in this life stage. Option C may also be true for some, but it is not a universal experience. Option D is a stereotype and does not necessarily apply to everyone in this life stage.

Question 9

The average years of life remaining based on an individual's date of birth is called:

Accepted Answer

Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person is expected to live, based on their birth year and other demographic factors. It takes into account statistical factors such as mortality rates and life span development. Maximum life span refers to the greatest age that a human being can reach, which is estimated to be around 120 years. Physiological expectancy is not a commonly used term.

Question 10

The mother of a 9-month-old baby informs you that her child has yet to make any sounds that resemble words or speech. She asks you if this is normal. You would respond by saying:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The mother of a 9-month-old baby informs...

Question 11

You are assessing a 4-year-old with a fever and cough. The child is very calm and receptive to your presence. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

It is important to establish rapport with the child and maintain their comfort level during the assessment. Having the mother present will help to reassure the child and make them more willing to cooperate. This also allows the mother to provide any necessary information and support during the assessment. Option A is not appropriate as it may increase anxiety for the child. Option B is not necessary unless the child requires transport to the hospital. Option D is not necessary as appropriate infection control measures can be taken while assessing the child.

Question 12

When assessing a neonate, which of the following would deserve closer investigation?

Accepted Answer

A heart rate of 92 beats per minute is considered low for a neonate, as the normal range is typically between 120 to 160 beats per minute. This could indicate an underlying issue that needs further investigation.

Question 13

The most common threat to the well-being of a female patient in the 40- to 60-year-old age group is:

Accepted Answer

Cancer becomes more prevalent in women between the ages of 40 and 60, with breast cancer being the most common type. Therefore, it poses the greatest threat to the well-being of female patients in this age group.

Question 14

Five minutes have passed since you assisted in the delivery of a full-term baby boy. Based on your knowledge of physiological changes in the neonate, which would be most concerning?

Accepted Answer

A heart rate of 88 beats per minute is concerning for a neonate because the normal range is typically 120 to 160 beats per minute. Lower heart rates may indicate underlying issues such as hypoxia or cardiac problems.

Question 15

After transferring care of a 77-year-old female to the ED nurse, the patient informs her that she has a history of heart problems and is having chest pain. On scene and throughout transport, the patient denied any complaint, despite your repeated inquiry. This has greatly upset your partner since he feels the patient made him look foolish in front of the emergency department staff. Based on your knowledge of her age group, what explanation would you give your partner?

Accepted Answer

Many elderly patients fear losing their independence so they may try to minimize their symptoms or not report them at all. It's important to approach these patients with empathy and understanding.

Question 16

You have been called for a 2-week-old male whose mother feels as though he is "sick." When assessing the patient and obtaining a history from the mother, which of the following would be most concerning?

Accepted Answer

The fontanelles being lower than the level of the skull could indicate increased intracranial pressure, which is a medical emergency. A newborn may lose some weight in the first few days after birth, so option A is not necessarily concerning. Option C indicates a normal feeding schedule for a newborn. Option D is also common in newborns and not necessarily concerning.

Question 17

A mother has called 911 for medical assistance. She states that her 3-month-old has a rectal temperature of 99.7∘F and is not feeding. Which one of the following statements would be appropriate when talking with the mother?

Accepted Answer

A rectal temperature of 99.7°F is within the normal range for a 3-month-old infant. Therefore, it is important to reassure the mother that the temperature is not concerning at this point. Option A suggests giving Tylenol, which is not necessary or recommended for a temperature of 99.7°F. Option B raises unnecessary concerns about febrile seizures, which are rare and not usually seen at this temperature. Option C suggests cooling the infant down, which is not necessary or appropriate at this temperature. Therefore, the best option is D, which provides reassurance to the mother and correctly informs her that a temperature of 99.7°F is normal for a 3-month-old infant.

Question 18

A young new mother has called 911 because her baby will not stop crying. On scene, you find a 6-month-old baby who alternates between crying and sleep. Which of the following statements to the mother would be most appropriate in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Asking the mother if the cry seems different to her is appropriate because it assesses for a change in the baby's baseline behavior, which could indicate an underlying problem. It also engages the mother in the assessment process, valuing her insight into her baby's health.

Question 19

You are enroute to a home for an 8-year-old with "noisy" breathing and a cough. As you respond, which of the following pieces of advice would you give your partner, a new EMT?

Accepted Answer

Approaching slowly and making the scene work for us is the most appropriate advice to give because it recognizes that children are usually trusting of authority, and rushing could cause unnecessary anxiety or fear. It also shows an awareness of the importance of building rapport with the patient and the family. A and D are both inappropriate because they rely on generalizations and stereotypes about children that may not be true of this particular patient. B is also not appropriate because the assessment should begin as soon as possible and not be deferred until the ambulance.

Question 20

You have been asked to speak to a local EMT class about caring for the patient over the age of 60 years. When presenting your material, what point would you emphasize?

Accepted Answer

Although some persons over the age of 60 may have chronic health problems, it is not true for all of them. The majority of this age group can still live independently. It is important for EMTs to consider any age-related changes that may affect the patient's medical condition and to treat them with respect and dignity. It is crucial to assess each individual case separately and not to make any assumptions based on the patient's age.

Quiz 9: Life Span Development