38) Your patient is a 17-year-old with a history of asthma. She is complaining of pain in her
lower abdomen. Assessment reveals that her breath sounds are clear and equal, she has a
respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute, a heart rate of 96 beats per minute, and a blood pressure
of 112/74 mmHg. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step?
A) Provide high-concentration oxygen.
B) Assist the patient in the administration of her metered-dose inhaler.
C) Have the patient breathe into a paper bag to rebreathe some of her carbon dioxide.
D) Insert a nasopharyngeal airway in the patient’s nose.
Objective: 22.7
39) You respond to a 75-year-old female who is complaining of epigastric pain that feels like
heartburn and radiates to the right shoulder. Her vital signs are stable and she has a previous
history of myocardial infarction. She has prescription nitroglycerine tablets. An ALS unit is en
route. After performing a physical examination and applying oxygen by nasal cannula, you
should:
A) transport the patient in the Trendelenburg position for shock.
B) apply the AED and prepare for imminent cardiac arrest from a myocardial infarction.
C) contact medical control regarding the administration of the patient’s nitroglycerin.
D) cancel the ALS unit: this is just gallstones and BLS can transport.
Objective: 22.7
19
40) You are treating a 38-year-old female patient with abdominal distress. The patient’s vital
signs are stable and you are getting ready to transport. What is the BEST position to transport the
patient?
A) Right lateral
B) On side with knees bent
C) Trendelenburg
D) Left lateral
Objective: 22.7
41) In what position should the patient complaining of severe abdominal pain be placed if there
are no signs or symptoms of shock?
A) Supine with feet elevated
B) One of comfort
C) Left lateral recumbent
D) Semi-Fowler with knees bent
Objective: 22.7
20
42) You are called to a nursing home for an 85-year-old patient complaining of abdominal pain.
The patient has a history of dementia and cannot describe the pain to you. The nurse states the
patient has n vomiting dark coffee ground emesis for about an hour. His blood pressure is 90/40,
pulse 100, and respiratory rate of 24. In what position should you transport the patient?
A) Trendelenburg
B) Supine
C) Semi-Fowler’s
D) Supine with knees bent
Objective: 22.7
43) You are called to a nursing home for an 85-year-old patient complaining of abdominal pain.
The patient has a history of dementia and cannot describe the pain to you. The nurse states the
patient has n vomiting dark coffee ground emesis for about an hour. His blood pressure is 90/40,
pulse 100, and respiratory rate of 24. Why should the EMT use an oxygen mask with caution?
A) The oxygen will cause the patient to start vomiting again.
B) The patient may hyperventilate.
C) The patient may go unresponsive.
D) The patient cannot clear any additional emesis.
Objective: 22.7
21
44) When treating a patient with acute abdominal pain, you should do which of the following?
A) Have him take antacids in an attempt to decrease the pain
B) Administer sips of water if patient complains of thirst
C) Have him drink milk to coat the stomach and reduce the pain
D) Have the patient lie still and assume a position of comfort
Objective: 22.7
45) You are examining a 24-year-old female patient with lower quadrant abdominal pain. What is
the MOST lethal possibility?
A) Pelvic inflammatory disease
B) Ectopic pregnancy
C) Cholecystitis
D) Mittelschmerz
Objective: 22.8
22
46) Which of the following questions may help the EMT assess a patient with abdominal pain?
A) Do you have any allergies to foods or medicines?
B) Do you have any medical problems, such as diabetes or heart problems?
C) What medications are you taking?
D) All of the above
Objective: 22.8
47) Which of the following questions is inappropriate when taking the history of a female patient
with abdominal pain?
A) Are you having vaginal bleeding or discharge now?
B) What is your sexual orientation?
C) Have you had sexual intercourse since your last menstrual period?
D) If you are menstruating, is the flow normal?
Objective: 22.8
23
48) Which of the following is NOT true concerning abdominal pain in geriatric patients?
A) The elderly person may not be able to give a specific description of the pain.
B) The elderly have a decreased ability to perceive pain.
C) Medications may mask signs of shock associated with an abdominal complaint.
D) The causes of abdominal pain in the elderly are rarely serious.
Objective: 22.8
49) Which of the following is a cause of gynecological emergencies?
A) Soft-tissue trauma to the external genitalia
B) Sexual assault
C) Disorders of the female reproductive organs
D) All of the above
Objective: 22.8
24
50) Which of the following is of greatest concern for the EMT in the prehospital care of a
woman with vaginal bleeding?
A) Finding out if the patient is currently sexually active
B) Monitoring for hypovolemic shock
C) Obtaining a thorough gynecological history
D) Preventing infection
Objective: 22.8
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