EMTB9e: Assessment in Action: All Chapters

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Interactivities: Assessment in Action: All Chapters

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Interactive Skill Drills

Assessment in Action

Ambulance Calls

9-1-1 Scenarios

Videos: Skills in Action

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Read the scenario and ask yourself, What would I do?

Scenario:

A college student returns to his apartment and finds his roommate lying on the bed, unconscious and unresponsive. He immediately calls EMS. When you arrive, you find a 20-year-old man dressed in jogging gear. The patient appears very pale, is unresponsive to any stimuli, and is breathing quickly with no apparent airway problems.

As you check for a pulse, you notice that his skin is cool and clammy. The roommate states that your patient said he was not feeling well at breakfast and promised to eat something later. He also tells you that the patient has no known allergies and does not take any medicine except insulin. Finally, he tells you that the patient began jogging a few weeks ago to try to get back into shape. Baseline vital signs obtained by your partner include a pulse of 128 beats/min, respirations of 28 breaths/min, and a blood pressure of 88/54 mm Hg.

1: The most important part of this patient's history that helps determine your treatment is a history of:
	A: unresponsiveness.
	B: not feeling well.
	C: recent jogging.
	D: diabetes.

2: Your protocol allows you to test his blood sugar with a glucometer. On the basis of the rapid onset of symptoms and the history provided by the patient's roommate, you expect the patient's blood glucose level to be:
	A: very low.
	B: within normal limits.
	C: very high.
	D: too high to measure.

3: Based on this patient's assessment findings and history, the best position for transport would be:
	A: supine.
	B: Fowler's.
	C: lateral recumbent.
	D: prone.

4: Which of the following indicates treatment with oral glucose?
	A: A history of diabetes with unconsciousness
	B: Altered mental status with a history of diabetes
	C: Altered mental status in any adult
	D: A history of diabetes in any patient with a complaint

5: Proper administration of oral glucose in a diabetic patient with an altered mental status includes confirming that the patient is conscious and able to swallow and:
	A: applying it as a topical ointment.
	B: placing it between the cheek and gum.
	C: placing it in an inhaler.
	D: injecting it in the outer thigh.

6: In situations where oral glucose has been given, what complications should you watch for and be prepared to manage?
	A: Airway problems, sudden loss of consciousness, and seizures
	B: Sudden loss of consciousness, vomiting, and severe headache
	C: A drop in blood pressure, chest pain, and difficulty breathing
	D: A rise in blood pressure, severe headache, and chest pain

7: Several months have passed when you are again dispatched to this same patient. On arrival you find that he is awake, alert, and oriented but is very anxious and complaining of chest pain. His color is very pale and he is cool and clammy. Knowing his history of diabetes, insulin injections, and desire to exercise, you should suspect that:
	A: he has probably exercised too much and pulled a muscle.
	B: this is not related to his diabetes because his mental status is intact
	C: he may very well be having a heart attack and should be treated.
	D: this is highly suggestive of a hyperglycemic diabetic reaction.

All Learning Resources for Chapter 15

Assessment in Action for All Chapters