Question 1

You have been charged with writing a policy regarding reaching for equipment. In that policy, you indicate that the maximum distance an EMT should reach is no more than:

Accepted Answer

C

Question 2

When lifting the stretcher with a patient secured to it, the EMT must avoid which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Bending at the waist puts excessive strain on the lower back, which can cause injury. Instead, the EMT should maintain a straight back and lift with the thigh muscles while also engaging the abdominal muscles to stabilize the core.

Question 3

The EMT would perform an urgent move when the:

Accepted Answer

An urgent move should be performed when the patient is suffering from an immediate threat to life. This move is used to quickly move the patient to a safe location so that life-saving interventions can be implemented.

Question 4

A patient involved in a motor vehicle collision has critical injuries and must be immediately removed from the car for lifesaving care and transport to the hospital. Prior to removing the patient from the vehicle, which one of the following must be done?

Accepted Answer

Application of a cervical-spine immobilization collar is essential prior to removing the patient from the car to prevent any further damage to the spinal cord or neck. Once the collar is in place, the patient can be safely removed and further assessments can be conducted en-route to the hospital. A vest-type immobilization device may be used after the patient is removed from the vehicle and stabilized. Completion of the primary and secondary exams, as well as vital sign assessment, can be done after the patient is removed from the vehicle and is in a safe location.

Question 5

To improve your physical fitness and decrease the risk of injury when lifting and moving patients, you should combine proper body mechanics with:

Accepted Answer

Proper nutrition is necessary for maintaining good physical fitness and reducing the risk of injury when lifting and moving patients. Eating a balanced diet that includes adequate protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal muscle strength and endurance. Vitamin supplements, protein drinks, and caffeine substitutes are not necessary for improving physical fitness and reducing the risk of injury when lifting and moving patients.

Question 6

You have been asked to present a continuing education session on body mechanics and posture. In your presentation, you would advise the participants that proper posture is achieved when your:

Accepted Answer

According to the advice given in the question, proper posture is achieved when the ears, shoulders, and hips are vertically aligned when standing. This is considered the most correct answer as it is the most comprehensive, includes the three most important body parts, and pertains to standing posture, which is a more natural and common position for most people. Option A is also important, but it only pertains to sitting posture, which is a much less common position for most people, and it does not include the hips. Option B is incorrect as it advises a posterior tilt of the pelvis, which is not necessary for proper posture and may even cause problems. Option C is also incomplete as it only pertains to sitting posture and it does not include the hips.

Question 7

In preparing the schedule, you have been instructed to pair EMTs in a way that decreases the chance of injury when lifting and moving patients. Given this directive, who would make the best partner for a tall and very strong EMT?

Accepted Answer

Pairing a tall and very strong EMT with another tall and very strong EMT would be the best option to decrease the chance of injury when lifting and moving patients. This is because their similar physical statures and strengths would allow for better coordination and distribution of the patient's weight, reducing the risk of strain or injury.

Question 8

A large patient has been placed on the stretcher, and you and your partner are preparing to raise the stretcher using the power lift. Which one of the following observations of your partner would cause you to stop the lift in order to correct his technique?

Accepted Answer

Having the feet positioned closely together can compromise balance and does not provide a stable base for lifting, increasing the risk of injury. Proper lifting technique involves keeping the feet shoulder-width apart for stability.

Question 9

A small car and tanker truck loaded with gasoline have collided. The car is lodged under the tanker, from which gasoline is leaking from a ruptured valve. The car engine is smoking and the threat of fire and explosion is great. Assessment reveals your patient to be unresponsive with a patent airway, but breathing with difficulty at 8 times a minute. In caring for this patient, your immediate action should be to:

Accepted Answer

In this scenario, the threat of fire and explosion is great, and the leak in the tanker truck loaded with gasoline can cause a massive blast. Therefore, the priority is to rapidly extricate the patient from the wreckage to a safe area away from the leaking gasoline to prevent injury from a possible explosion. As the patient has an unresponsive airway with breathing difficulty at 8 times a minute, the rescuer can provide manual stabilization of the cervical spine while rapidly removing the patient from the car, clear the airway, provide high-flow oxygen, and initiate positive pressure ventilation if necessary as soon as possible. Obtaining vital signs can be performed while moving the patient to a safe area. Suctioning can be performed en route to the safe area. Placing the vest immobilization device is necessary before extrication if there is a suspected spinal injury.

Question 10

Which one of the following instructions would you give to a new EMT who is preparing to use a squat lift to raise a patient secured to a stretcher?

Accepted Answer

The correct technique for a squat lift involves using the stronger leg to provide the primary force for lifting, ensuring stability and reducing the risk of injury.

Question 11

When lifting or moving any patient, the EMT must remember to primarily use the muscles of his or her:

Accepted Answer

When lifting or moving a patient, the EMT should primarily use the muscles of their legs, as they are the largest and strongest muscles in the body. This helps to distribute the weight evenly and reduce the risk of back injury. Using the muscles of the back, hips, or arms can lead to strain and injury.

Question 12

When an EMT places his palm and all fingers in contact with the object being lifted, he is using the:

Accepted Answer

The power grip involves placing the palm and all fingers in contact with the object being lifted, providing a strong and secure hold. The lock grip involves interlocking the fingers, which can be less effective and more prone to injury. The power lift and squat grip refer to lifting techniques rather than hand positioning.

Question 13

An obese patient cannot ambulate and must be carried down several flights of stairs. The patient exceeds your physical capabilities; however, your partner is very strong and physically fit. Which of the following statements, made by you, indicates the best means to safely lift and move the patient as well as minimize your opportunity of suffering an injury?

Accepted Answer

The best option is to call for assistance from additional personnel or specialized equipment, such as a stair chair, to safely move the patient without risking injury to the patient or yourselves. Option A suggests moving slowly down the stairs, which may still be unsafe without assistance or specialized equipment. Option B suggests that leaning backward will help, which is incorrect and may even increase the risk of injury. Option C suggests moving the patient quickly, which may also be unsafe and increase the risk of injury to all parties involved.

Question 14

When transferring a patient from a bed to a wheeled stretcher, an EMT uses proper body mechanics when he or she:

Accepted Answer

Aligning the shoulder, hips, and feet helps to distribute weight evenly and prevent injury. Using primarily back muscles (A) can cause strain and injury. Transferring the patient all at once (C) is not recommended as it can cause sudden jarring movements. Keeping arms locked and patient away from the body (D) is also not recommended as it can lead to muscle strain and loss of control.

Question 15

Kyphosis is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Kyphosis is an exaggerated forward curvature of the thoracic spine, which causes a rounded upper back appearance. Option B refers to scoliosis, option C is lordosis, and option D is not a type of spinal curvature.

Question 16

A patient has fallen in his upstairs bathroom and is lying on the floor. Assessment indicates no life threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation; however, he does have pain, deformity, and bruising to his right hip. In this situation, the EMT should recognize the need for what type of move?

Accepted Answer

Given the absence of life-threatening conditions but the presence of injury (pain, deformity, and bruising to the hip), a non-urgent move is appropriate to safely transport the patient for further evaluation and care, allowing time to take necessary precautions.

Question 17

When carrying equipment in the right hand, the EMT would:

Accepted Answer

The correct way to carry equipment in the right hand is to keep the back straight and locked to maintain balance and prevent injury. Leaning to the left, bending backward, or tilting the body to the right can all cause strain on the back and lead to musculoskeletal injuries.

Question 18

An elderly patient is being taken care of at home by family members and lies in a hospital-type bed in the living room. After providing necessary care, you prepare to move her from the bed to the stretcher. There is no mechanism that suggests a head, neck, or spinal injury. Which one of the following methods would be most appropriate in this situation?

Accepted Answer

The draw sheet method involves using a sheet to roll the patient onto their side and then onto the stretcher. This method is generally safe and effective for patients without suspected head, neck, or spinal injuries. Direct lift, extremity lift, and direct carry method are not appropriate as they may put additional strain on the patient's body and increase the risk of complications.

Question 19

Which of the following statements accurately describes the concept of body mechanics?

Accepted Answer

Body mechanics is the use of proper techniques to promote safe and efficient movement when lifting or moving objects or patients. It involves maintaining a stable base of support, using the strongest muscles, and using proper posture and body alignment. Options A, B, and D do not accurately describe the concept of body mechanics. Option A refers to an exercise program, while options B and D refer to specific types of exercises designed to prevent injuries.

Question 20

A patient must be removed immediately from a structure that is on the verge of collapse following an explosion. He is lying on the ground and dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. You are by yourself and have no other supplies or equipment. What type of move would be most appropriate in this situation?

Accepted Answer

The armpit-forearm drag is the most appropriate move in this situation. It is a simple move that can be done without any equipment or assistance, and it is effective for quickly removing a patient from a hazardous area. This move involves the rescuer positioning themselves behind the patient, placing their hands under the patient's armpits, and dragging them to safety using their forearms. It is important to note that this move may cause discomfort or pain for the patient due to the pressure on their armpits, but it is necessary in an emergency situation where time is critical.

Quiz 6: Lifting and Moving Patients