In contrast to the assessment of a trauma patient, assessment of a medical patient:
almost exclusively focuses on physical signs that indicate the
... [Show More] patient is experiencing a problem.
is focused on the nature of illness, the patient's chief complaint, and his or her symptoms.
requires a thorough head-to-toe exam that involves a detailed assessment of all body systems.
is not as complex for the EMT because most patients typically present with classic symptoms.
b
Which of the following statements regarding medical emergencies is correct?
Medical emergencies always take priority over traumatic injuries.
Medical emergencies can appear to be trauma in nature.
Medical emergencies and traumatic injuries always have distinctive presentations.
Medical emergencies rarely precipitate traumatic injuries.
b
You and your EMT partner arrive at the residence of a 50-year-old man who complains of weakness. Your primary assessment reveals that he is critically ill and will require aggressive treatment. The closest hospital is 25 miles away. You should:
perform a detailed secondary assessment, assess his vital signs, and then transport rapidly.
manage all threats to airway, breathing, and circulation and consider requesting an ALS unit.
administer oxygen via nonrebreathing mask and obtain as much of his medical history as possible.
load him into the ambulance, begin transport, and perform all treatment en route to the hospital.
b
ou have just completed your primary assessment of a 48-year-old man with crushing chest pain. The patient has been given 324 mg of aspirin and is receiving high-flow oxygen via nonrebreathing mask. As you begin your secondary assessment, you note that his mental status has deteriorated and he is now bradycardic. You should:
continue with your secondary assessment.
prepare the patient for immediate transport.
insert a nasal airway and assist his breathing.
request an ALS unit to respond to the scene.
b [Show Less]