Question 1

Which of the following best describes training that supplements the EMT's original training and that is usually taken in regular intervals?

Accepted Answer

Continuing education (CE) is training that supplements an EMT's original training and is usually taken in regular intervals to maintain and update their knowledge and skills. These classes cover a variety of topics and are required for EMT recertification.

Question 2

You have just come on duty.The EMT on the previous shift complains to you that the QI manager was giving him grief because he did not document three sets of vital signs on the patient record.The EMT is angry and does not understand why documenting three sets of vital signs is so important.What is the best answer you could give him?

Accepted Answer

Recording three sets of vital signs is important because it allows you to trend the patient's condition over time. It helps you to identify any changes in the patient's condition and adjust your interventions appropriately. This is a critical aspect of patient care, and it is important that you document it accurately. Additionally, the documentation of three sets of vital signs is often a requirement for reimbursement from insurance companies, so it is important that you do it correctly.

Question 3

Why is it important for EMTs to participate in quality improvement programs?

Accepted Answer

Quality improvement programs allow EMTs to identify problems in their practices and develop a plan to prevent their recurrence. This leads to better patient outcomes and a higher level of care. Prosecuting false calls and identifying problem employees are not the primary focus of quality improvement programs, and ensuring adequate personnel levels is a separate issue from improving the quality of care provided.

Question 4

A written authorization for an EMS provider to perform a particular skill in a specific situation is a(n):

Accepted Answer

A standing order is a written authorization that allows EMS providers to perform particular skills or administer specific medications in certain situations without needing to directly communicate with a medical director at the moment. This enables them to act quickly and efficiently in emergencies based on predefined protocols.

Question 5

After delivering a patient to the emergency department,you discuss with hospital staff the details of your care and ask for suggestions to improve your care.This is an example of your role in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Discussing care details and seeking suggestions for improvement with hospital staff after delivering a patient is an example of engaging in quality improvement activities. This process involves evaluating and enhancing care practices to ensure the highest standards are met.

Question 6

Which of the following is a personality trait required of EMTs?

Accepted Answer

Control of personal habits is essential for EMTs as they need to maintain a professional and responsible attitude at all times. The other options are not personality traits and are either physical requirements or potential limitations.

Question 7

Who assumes the ultimate responsibility for patient care rendered by the EMT?

Accepted Answer

The Medical Director assumes the ultimate responsibility for patient care rendered by the EMT, as they oversee the clinical and patient care aspects of an EMS system.

Question 8

You respond to a 35-year-old male patient who fell 50 feet from a bluff.Your authority to provide emergency care is an extension of the Medical Director's license to practice medicine.You are acting as a(n)________ of the Medical Director.

Accepted Answer

As an individual authorized to act on behalf of the Medical Director, the EMT is acting as a designated agent. This means that the EMT has been given the authority to perform certain acts or make certain decisions, such as providing emergency medical care, under the direction of the Medical Director.

Question 9

What is NOT one the common settings that an EMT may work in?

Accepted Answer

EMTs may interact with hospitals and transport patients to them, but they typically do not work in hospitals as EMTs themselves.

Question 10

A fellow EMT is talking with the Medical Director at a staff meeting.The EMT states that the neighboring ambulance service is carrying special clotting bandages for serious bleeding wounds.The special bandages cost five times as much as the regular bandages,but the EMT claims they work ten times better.The EMT wants the Medical Director to approve the bandages for use in their ambulances.The Medical Director responds to the EMT by saying he will not approve the bandages until he can prove they are worth the additional cost.How can the EMT best prove the worth of the special bandages?

Accepted Answer

Performing a literature search to report findings to the Medical Director would provide objective evidence of the effectiveness of the special bandages. This approach would be more reliable than relying on the opinion of another ambulance service or a manufacturer's promotional materials. Additionally, comparing the bandages side-by-side may not provide a comprehensive evaluation of their effectiveness.

Question 11

Which of the following BEST describes a list of steps the EMT should perform while assessing and managing emergency medical situations?

Accepted Answer

Protocols are lists of steps and guidelines that EMTs should follow when assessing and managing emergency medical situations. These protocols are typically developed by medical directors and approved by the agency's medical oversight committee. Standing orders refer to predetermined orders that EMTs may execute without direct medical oversight, while on-line medical direction involves consulting with a physician over the phone or radio. Standard operating procedures refer to general guidelines for how an agency operates, but do not necessarily outline specific medical procedures.

Question 12

You and another new EMT are studying your local protocols.The other EMT notices that you may give oral glucose without utilizing on-line medical control,but you must get an on-line order from a physician before assisting a patient in taking his nitroglycerin for chest pain.The EMT asks you why some drugs require on-line medical control while others do not.What is the best answer to give him?

Accepted Answer

The physician wants to be sure it is appropriate for the patient. Nitroglycerin is a potent medication that can have significant effects on a patient's blood pressure and heart rate. The physician wants to consult with the EMT and gather more information about the patient's history and current vital signs before authorizing the use of nitroglycerin. Oral glucose is a relatively benign medication that can safely be administered by EMTs without consulting with a physician.

Question 13

The EMT's role in the quality improvement process includes becoming involved in the quality process,keeping carefully written documentation,obtaining feedback from patients and the hospital staff,continuing your education,and which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining equipment is part of ensuring that the EMT can provide quality care, which is a component of the quality improvement process.

Question 14

Which of the following is a physical trait necessary for performing the duties of an EMT?

Accepted Answer

The ability to speak clearly is a physical trait necessary for EMTs to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and other emergency personnel.

Question 15

Which of the following is a role of the EMT in the quality improvement process?

Accepted Answer

Writing complete patient care reports is a crucial role of the EMT in the quality improvement process, as it ensures accurate documentation of patient care, which is essential for review and improvement of services.

Question 16

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT)was founded to establish which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) was established to develop and maintain national standards of knowledge and skills for emergency medical services personnel, including Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and other EMS professionals. The NREMT certifies individuals who meet these standards, and it provides oversight and quality assurance for the certification process. However, the NREMT is not directly involved in developing education curricula or quality improvement programs for EMS practices.

Question 17

You and your EMT partner are assigned to spend a day at the senior center where you are to inspect the rooms and common areas for fall hazards.Your partner is upset that he is not in the ambulance where the "action is." He complains that "looking for loose rugs" is a waste of his time.What would be the best response to his complaints?

Accepted Answer

Injury prevention in the community is an important component of EMS. As EMTs, our job is not just to respond to emergencies, but also to promote health and safety within our communities. By taking the time to inspect for fall hazards, we can potentially prevent injuries and reduce the need for emergency calls in the future. This proactive approach is an essential part of our role as emergency medical responders.

Question 18

Which of the following is a personal trait an EMT should demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Being a self-starter means being proactive, taking the initiative, and being able to work independently without constant supervision, which is a desirable trait for an EMT. Strong academics (B) and good eyesight (D) are important, but they are not personal traits that EMTs should demonstrate. While strong communication (C) is also important, it is not the best choice because it is both a personal trait and a necessary professional skill, so it is not specific enough.

Question 19

The application of oxygen for a patient who is short of breath without having to contact the physician in the emergency department is an example of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Standing orders are pre-written and authorized protocols that allow emergency medical providers to administer specific treatments or medications without first communicating with a physician. Providing oxygen to a patient who is short of breath is a common example of a standing order. This protocol is established by the medical director and is based on the patient's symptoms or medical condition.

Question 20

During the new employee orientation,the training officer meets with the new EMTs and explains to them the monthly training schedule and the classes they must attend for EMT recertification.One of the new EMTs asks the training officer why they have to keep taking EMT courses if they already passed the EMT examination.What is the best answer?

Accepted Answer

EMS is a constantly evolving field that responds to evidence-based research. Continuing education is necessary to keep up with these changes and to provide the best possible care to patients. EMTs need to keep their knowledge and skills up-to-date to function effectively in the field.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Emergency Medical Care