West Coast EMT Final Exam Study Guide
(Complete and Rated A+ Solutions)
What makes up the axial skeleton? – skull, vertebral column, thoracic cage
what is the epiglottis? – a flap that flips down to cover the entry to the trachea during swallowing
what is croup? – acute VIRAL inflammatory disease of larynx, primarily w/in the subglottic space
-6 months to 6 years
what is a pulmonary embolism? – A condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become
blocked by a blood clot.
what is an aneurysm? – an excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of
the artery wall.
what is a thrombus? – stationary blood clot
what is an embolism? – A piece of a blood clot that enters the bloodstream
What is subcutaneous emphysema? – a characteristic crackling sensation felt on palpation of the
skin, caused by the presence of air in the soft tissue
-may feel like rice crispy treats
what is hemoptysis? – Coughing up blood; blood in sputum generally from the lungs.
what is hematuria? – presence of blood in the urine
What is hematemesis? – vomiting blood
What is capnography? – A noninvasive technique to alert you to hypoventilation even when your
patient’s pulse ox reading are fine. Carbon dioxide is the most significant factor in monitoring
ventilation. Capnography measures the CO2 in every breath to monitor air exchange in the patient’s
alveoli.
Trendelenburg position – A position in which the patient’s feet and legs are higher than the head
What is CPAP? Why is it used? – continuous positive airway pressure; used to deliver pressure to
the airways to keep the airway open while the individual sleeps
small-volume nebulizer – a device that uses compressed air or oxygen to nebulize a liquid
medication into a mist that a patient can inhale
How to care for a patient who has been sexually assaulted: – Have female be treated by female EMT
- First component is medical treatment.
- Second is psychologic care of the patient – don’t cross-examine patient or attempt to obtain info
- Don’t tamper any evidence. Put evidence in paper bags, not plastic.
types of consent: expressed – Patient verbally or otherwise acknowledges that he/she wants you to
provide care or transport. May be nonverbal.
informed consent – you explained the nature of treatment being offered, along with potential risks,
benefits, and alternatives to treatment, as well as consequences of refusing treatment.
types of consent: implied – Legal principle that allows treatment under circumstances, such as
intoxication, mentally impaired, or suffering from certain conditions such as head injury.
- applies only when a serious medical condition exists and should never be used unless there is a
threat to life or limb
types of consent: involuntary – Applies when a person is mentally ill, developmentally delayed, or
who is in a behavioral (psychological) crisis. Someone makes the decision on their behalf (legally
responsible).
types of consent: minors – – When a parent cannot be reached to provide consent, health care
providers are allowed to give emergency care to a child. - If a minor is injured and requires medical treatment in a school or camp setting, teachers and
officials may act in loco parentis, meaning in position of parent.
emancipated minors: – People who, despite being under the legal age in a given state, can be legally
treated as adults based on certain circumstances, such as being married, members of armed
services, or if they are parents.
Bradycardia – A slow heart rate.
-less than 60 beats/min for adults and children (older than 10)
-less than 60 beats/min for preschoolers and school-aged children (2 years to 10 years)
-less than 100 for infants and toddlers (3 months to 2 years)
-less than 85 for infants (up to 3 months)