CHAPTER 4 - PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Question 1

A paramedic uses judgmental language about a patient in their patient care report. The paramedic could be sued for which of the following?
A. Defamation
B. Libel
C. Assault
D. Slander

Answer 1

B. Libel

Question 2

A patient who is intentionally and unjustifiably detained by the EMS provider has experienced which of the following?
A. Assault
B. Abandonment
C. False imprisonment
D. Battery

Answer 2

C. False imprisonment

Question 3

A patient who was involved in a serious car accident shares with you that they do not want a blood transfusion due to their religious beliefs. What should you say to the patient?
A. “You will need the blood transfusion since you have lost a lot of blood in the accident.”
B. “If you do not allow a blood transfusion, you will probably die.”
C. “I’m sorry that you feel that way, but the blood transfusion is a necessary life-saving treatment.”
D. “Thank you for sharing. We will be sure to honor your request.”

Answer 3

D. “Thank you for sharing. We will be sure to honor your request.”

Question 4

An advance directive is defined as a:
A. legal document that describes which life-sustaining procedures are to be performed if the patient’s condition acutely deteriorates.
B. notarized document executed by a terminally ill patient’s family.
C. guideline provided by the medical director about terminal patients.
D. written document that expresses the wants, needs, and desires of a patient in reference to future medical care.

Answer 4

D. written document that expresses the wants, needs, and desires of a patient in reference to future medical care.

Question 5

Every decision regarding patient care that a paramedic makes should be based on the:
A. patient’s family’s personal requests.
B. standards of good medical care.
C. possible legal ramifications involved.
D. patient’s perception of the problem.

Answer 5

B. standards of good medical care.

Question 6

If a paramedic is on duty and receives a 9-1-1 call in his or her jurisdiction:
A. the Good Samaritan law will provide limited immunity.
B. he or she cannot be held liable if a fee is not charged.
C. he or she is not covered by the Good Samaritan law.
D. state law requires a response within 5 minutes.

Answer 6

C. he or she is not covered by the Good Samaritan law.

Question 7

One of the major differences between laws and ethics is that laws:
A. have sanctions for violation that are enforceable.
B. are usually broken because of an unethical act.
C. reflect a person’s moral responsibilities.
D. allow a person to determine right from wrong.

Answer 7

A. have sanctions for violation that are enforceable.

Question 8

Patients with decision-making capacity:
A. cannot refuse EMS treatment once they give consent.
B. can only withdraw consent if their condition is non–life threatening.
C. must agree to transport if they accept treatment.
D. have the right to refuse all or part of emergency medical care.

Answer 8

D. have the right to refuse all or part of emergency medical care.

Question 9

The judicial branch at the state level is responsible for:
A. establishing and defining the law.
B. resolving disputes based on interpretation of law.
C. carrying out and administering laws.
D. reporting to the governor.

Answer 9

B. resolving disputes based on interpretation of law.

Question 10

Upon arriving at a car crash scene where the driver fled, what should you do with nearby debris?
A. Gather it into a pile for law enforcement.
B. Leave everything until law enforcement investigates.
C. Clear the debris for traffic to pass.
D. Sweep debris aside and inform police.

Answer 10

B. Leave everything until law enforcement investigates.

Question 11

What is the first step when obtaining informed consent from a patient?
A. Describe the treatment you want to give.
B. Discuss alternatives.
C. Advise on consequences of refusal.
D. Describe the suspected injury or illness.

Answer 11

D. Describe the suspected injury or illness.

Question 12

When caring for any patient, it is important to remember that:
A. their wishes usually align with your morals.
B. your morals should guide treatment.
C. most patients share your morals.
D. your morals may conflict with the patient’s best interests.

Answer 12

D. your morals may conflict with the patient’s best interests.

Question 13

When transporting a patient having a psychotic episode who refuses care but is a risk to themselves and others, you should:
A. Sedate them.
B. Respect their wishes.
C. Transport them because it’s in their best interest.
D. Tell them they can’t make that decision.

Answer 13

C. Transport them because it’s in their best interest.

Question 14

When choosing a hospital based on insurance coverage during transport, this is known as:
A. Patient dumping
B. Due regard
C. Economic triage
D. Due process

Answer 14

C. Economic triage

Question 15

If a patient needs immediate care but their family requests transport to a farther hospital with bigger rooms, what should you do?
A. Take them to the closer hospital for best outcome.
B. Go to the requested hospital and call medical control later.
C. Ask your partner to convince the family.
D. Tell them the patient may die if they go to the farther hospital.

Answer 15

A. Take them to the closer hospital for best outcome.

Question 16

If a physician orders oral glucose but you believe another treatment may be better, you should:
A. Propose your suggested treatment to the physician.
B. Refuse to give the glucose.
C. Tell the doctor you won’t carry out the order.
D. Give your preferred treatment instead.

Answer 16

A. Propose your suggested treatment to the physician.

Question 17

Which aspect of HIPAA is most pertinent to paramedics?
A. Ensuring the patient’s privacy
B. Documenting thorough assessments
C. Sharing info with media
D. Insurance reimbursement

Answer 17

A. Ensuring the patient’s privacy

Question 18

Which of the following is an act of commission?
A. Charging for services
B. Suturing a patient’s arm
C. Failing to splint a fracture
D. Accepting care transfer

Answer 18

B. Suturing a patient’s arm

Question 19

Which of the following would violate HIPAA?
A. Giving a report to the receiving physician
B. Leaving patient info in a public area
C. Discussing patient info with your partner
D. Using a patient’s name during care

Answer 19

B. Leaving patient info in a public area

Question 20

You arrive to find a 29-year-old cardiac arrest patient who was an organ donor. What should you do?
A. Attempt resuscitation since organs are likely viable
B. Begin resuscitation and transport for tissue donation
C. Perform BLS until family is contacted
D. Stop CPR since organs are not usable

Answer 20

B. Begin full resuscitative efforts and transport to a trauma center because certain tissues may be viable for harvesting