Chapter 4 Workbook

Question 1

A special line or frequency used exclusively for point‑to‑point contact

Answer 1

Dedicated line

Question 2

A trusting relationship built with your patient

Answer 2

Rapport

Question 3

Utilizes an interconnected series of repeater stations for communication

Answer 3

Cellular telephone

Question 4

An assigned frequency used to carry voice and/or data communications

Answer 4

Channel

Question 5

Radio receiver that searches across several frequencies until the message is completed

Answer 5

Scanner

Question 6

VHF and UHF channels designated exclusively for EMS use

Answer 6

MED channels

Question 7

A vehicle‑mounted device that operates at a lower power than a base station

Answer 7

Mobile radio

Question 8

A process in which electronic signals are converted into coded, audible signals

Answer 8

Telemetry

Question 9

Radio frequencies between 30 and 300 MHz

Answer 9

VHF

Question 10

Hand‑carried or handheld devices that operate at 1 to 5 watts

Answer 10

Portable radio

Question 11

A special base station radio that receives messages and signals on one frequency and then automatically retransmits them on a second frequency

Answer 11

Repeater

Question 12

Radio frequencies between 300 and 3,000 MHz

Answer 12

UHF

Question 13

Radio hardware containing a transmitter and receiver that is located in a fixed location

Answer 13

Base station

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of a closed-ended question?
A. What seems to be bothering you today?
B. Has this ever happened before?
C. What were you doing over the past few hours?
D. Can you describe the pain for me?

Answer 14

B. Has this ever happened before

Question 15

The transmission range of a(n) __________ __________ is more limited than that of mobile or base station radios.
A. portable radio
B. 800-MHz radio
C. cellular phone
D. UHF radio

Answer 15

A. portable radio

Question 16

Which of the following is TRUE when communicating with a child?
A. Children are easily fooled by lies and deception.
B. Avoid eye contact when speaking to a child.
C. Children are rarely frightened by EMS providers.
D. Calming the parents will often aid in calming the child.

Answer 16

D. Calming the parents will often aid in calming the child

Question 17

What is your first step when initiating communication with a non-English-speaking patient?
A. Find out how much English the patient can speak.
B. Speak louder to see if the patient can understand you.
C. Skip over obtaining a medical history and go to the secondary assessment.
D. Wait on the scene for a translator to arrive.

Answer 17

A. Find out how much English the patient can speak

Question 18

Digital signals are also used in some kinds of paging and tone-alerting systems because they transmit __________ and allow for more choices and flexibility.
A. numerically
B. faster
C. alphanumerically
D. encoded messages

Answer 18

B. faster

Question 19

The transfer of care officially occurs during:
A. the documentation of the incident
B. the radio report to the hospital while en route
C. your oral report at the hospital
D. the restocking of the unit

Answer 19

C. your oral report at the hospital

Question 20

Which of the following is FALSE with regard to simplex mode?
A. When one party transmits, the other must wait to reply.
B. You must push a button to talk.
C. It is called a “pair of frequencies.”
D. Radio transmissions can occur in either direction but not simultaneously in both.

Answer 20

C. It is called a “pair of frequencies”

Question 21

Which of the following is NOT an FCC principal EMS-related responsibility?
A. Monitoring radio operations
B. Establishing limitations for transmitter power output
C. Allocating specific radio frequencies for use by EMS providers
D. Ensuring that all radios contain lithium batteries

Answer 21

D. Ensuring that all radios contain lithium batteries

Question 22

Information given to the responding unit(s) should include all of the following EXCEPT:
A. the number of patients
B. a list of all patient medications
C. the exact location of the incident
D. responses by other public safety agencies

Answer 22

D. responses by other public safety agencies

Question 23

Which of the following is a reason to contact medical control?
A. Notify the hospital of the patient’s diet preference
B. Direct orders needed to administer certain treatments
C. Advise the hospital of the patient’s primary care physician
D. Discuss how to troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment

Answer 23

B. Direct orders needed to administer certain treatments

Question 24

The patient report commonly includes all of the following EXCEPT:
A. a list of the patient’s childhood illnesses
B. the patient’s age and sex
C. a brief history of the patient’s current problem
D. your estimated time of arrival

Answer 24

A. a list of the patient’s childhood illnesses

Question 25

In most areas, medical control is provided by the __________ who work at the receiving hospital. A. nurses B. physicians C. interns D. staff

Answer 25

B. physicians

Question 26

In regard to therapeutic communication techniques, what does the term reflection mean? A. Asking the patient to explain what he or she meant by an answer B. Being sensitive to the patient’s feelings and thoughts C. Providing factual information to support a conversation D. Restating a patient’s statement made to you to confirm your understanding

Answer 26

D. Restating a patient’s statement made to you to confirm your understanding

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT helpful when attempting to effectively communicate with a hearing-impaired patient? A. Having paper and a pen available B. Learning some simple phrases in sign language C. Shouting D. Speaking distinctly and at a normal pace

Answer 27

C. Shouting

Question 28

When delivering a patient report, be sure that you report all patient information in a(n) __________ manner. A. objective B. accelerated C. sarcastic D. condescending

Answer 28

A. objective

Question 29

Medical control guides the treatment of patients in the system through all of the following EXCEPT: A. hands-on care B. protocols C. direct orders D. post-call review

Answer 29

A. hands-on care

Question 30

When is using a closed-ended question appropriate? A. When patients are unable to provide long answers B. When you are trying to obtain the details of an event C. When asking about past medical history D. When patients are trying to explain their pain

Answer 30

A. When patients are unable to provide long answers

Question 31

When you encounter a patient who is angry, you should: A. threaten the patient B. assume an aggressive posture C. stare down the patient D. speak calmly and slowly

Answer 31

D. speak calmly and slowly

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT included in the patient care report (PCR) narrative? A. Time of events B. Opinions about the patient C. Assessment findings D. Care provided

Answer 32

B. Opinions about the patient

Question 33

If you make an error when documenting in a patient’s record, you should: A. erase the error, then correct it B. cover it with correction fluid, then write over the top C. draw a single horizontal line through the error and initial it D. highlight the error with a marker, then write the correction next to it

Answer 33

C. draw a single horizontal line through the error and initial it

Question 34

When caring for a visually impaired patient, you should: A. use sign language B. touch the patient only when necessary to render care C. try to avoid sudden movements D. never walk him or her to the ambulance

Answer 34

C. try to avoid sudden movements

Question 35

Instances in which you may be required to file special reports with appropriate authorities include all of the following EXCEPT: A. gunshot wounds B. dog bites C. suspected physical, sexual, or substance abuse D. diabetic emergencies

Answer 35

D. diabetic emergencies

Question 36

True/False The two-way radio is at least two units: a transmitter and a receiver.

Answer 36

True

Question 37

True/False One of the most fundamental aspects of what EMTs do is to ask questions.

Answer 37

True

Question 38

True/False Ethnocentrism occurs when you consider your own cultural values to be equal to those of others.

Answer 38

False

Question 39

True/False Speaking louder to a non-English-speaking patient will increase his or her ability to understand you.

Answer 39

False

Question 40

True/False If a patient refuses care and transport, you do not need to complete a PCR.

Answer 40

False

Question 41

True/False Falsifying information on the PCR may result in suspension and/or revocation of your certification or license.

Answer 41

True

Question 42

True/False EMS systems that use repeaters are unable to get good signals from portable radios.

Answer 42

False

Question 43

True/False Children can easily see through lies or deception.

Answer 43

True

Question 44

True/False When speaking on the radio, speak in plain English and avoid code words.

Answer 44

True

Question 45

True/False Your PCR will reflect on you professionally and can be used as evidence in court.

Answer 45

True

Question 46

The __________ section of the PCR is arguably the most important portion.

Answer 46

narrative

Question 47

A two-way radio consists of two units: a(n) __________ and a(n) __________.

Answer 47

transmitter, receiver

Question 48

A(n) __________ __________, also known as a “hot line,” is always open or under the control of the individuals at each end.

Answer 48

dedicated line

Question 49

__________ is anything that dampens or obscures the true meaning of a message.

Answer 49

Noise

Question 50

Refusal of care is a common source of __________ in EMS.

Answer 50

litigation

Question 51

__________ are commonly used in EMS operations to alert on- and off-duty personnel.

Answer 51

Pagers

Question 52

When the first call to 9-1-1 comes in, the dispatcher must try to judge its relative __________ to begin the appropriate EMS response using emergency medical dispatch protocols.

Answer 52

importance

Question 53

The principal reason for radio communication is to facilitate communication between you and __________ __________.

Answer 53

medical control

Question 54

A(n) __________ is an assigned frequency or frequencies used to carry voice and/or data communications.

Answer 54

channel

Question 55

__________-__________ __________ are important to use when patients are unable to provide long or complete answers to questions.

Answer 55

Closed-ended questions

Question 56

To ensure complete understanding, once you receive an order from medical control, you must __________ the order back, word for word, and then receive confirmation.

Answer 56

repeat

Question 57

By their very nature, __________ __________ do not require direct communication with medical control.

Answer 57

standing orders

Question 58

The __________, pace, and __________ of the language will tell you about the mood of the person communicating.

Answer 58

tone, volume

Question 59

Children can easily see through lies or deception, so you must always be __________ with them.

Answer 59

honest

Question 60

If the patient does not speak any English, in an emergency, you can use a family member or friend to act as a(n) __________.

Answer 60

interpreter

Question 61

It is __________ __________ to use military time in EMS documentation.

Answer 61

standard procedure

Question 62

__________ adult patients have the right to refuse treatment.

Answer 62

Competent

Question 63

You have just finished an ambulance run where a 45-year-old man had driven his SUV into a utility pole. The driver was found slumped over the steering wheel, unconscious. A large electrical wire was lying across the hood of the vehicle. After securing scene safety, you were able to approach the patient and complete a primary assessment, in which you found a 6-inch (15.4-cm) laceration across his forehead. The patient regained responsiveness, was alert and oriented, and refused care. Should an EMT document this call, even though the patient refused care? A. No. You only need to document when you have actually provided care. B. No. This was not a billable run. C. Yes. Documentation is needed regardless. D. Both A and B

Answer 63

C. Yes. Documentation is needed regardless

Question 64

You have just finished an ambulance run where a 45-year-old man had driven his SUV into a utility pole. The driver was found slumped over the steering wheel, unconscious. A large electrical wire was lying across the hood of the vehicle. After securing scene safety, you were able to approach the patient and complete a primary assessment, in which you found a 6-inch (15.4-cm) laceration across his forehead. The patient regained responsiveness, was alert and oriented, and refused care. Which of the following would NOT be important to document? A. That the scene needed to be made safe B. That ensuring scene safety delayed care C. That you completed a primary assessment D. What you and your partner were doing prior to receiving the call

Answer 64

D. What you and your partner were doing prior to receiving the call

Question 65

You have just finished an ambulance run where a 45-year-old man had driven his SUV into a utility pole. The driver was found slumped over the steering wheel, unconscious. A large electrical wire was lying across the hood of the vehicle. After securing scene safety, you were able to approach the patient and complete a primary assessment, in which you found a 6-inch (15.4-cm) laceration across his forehead. The patient regained responsiveness, was alert and oriented, and refused care. While writing the report, you made an error. How should this be corrected? A. Draw a single line through it. B. Erase the mistake. C. Cover up the mistake with correction fluid. D. Completely cross out the error by repeatedly drawing multiple lines through it.

Answer 65

A. Draw a single line through it

Question 66

You have just finished an ambulance run where a 45-year-old man had driven his SUV into a utility pole. The driver was found slumped over the steering wheel, unconscious. A large electrical wire was lying across the hood of the vehicle. After securing scene safety, you were able to approach the patient and complete a primary assessment, in which you found a 6-inch (15.4-cm) laceration across his forehead. The patient regained responsiveness, was alert and oriented, and refused care. What is NOT a consequence of falsifying a report? A. It may result in the suspension and/or revocation of your license. B. It gives other health care providers a false impression of assessment/findings. C. It results in poor patient care. D. It results in good patient care.

Answer 66

D. It results in good patient care

Question 67

You have just finished an ambulance run where a 45-year-old man had driven his SUV into a utility pole. The driver was found slumped over the steering wheel, unconscious. A large electrical wire was lying across the hood of the vehicle. After securing scene safety, you were able to approach the patient and complete a primary assessment, in which you found a 6-inch (15.4-cm) laceration across his forehead. The patient regained responsiveness, was alert and oriented, and refused care. If the patient refuses to sign the refusal form: A. Sign it yourself and state: “Patient refused to sign.” B. You cannot let the man leave the scene until he either goes with you or signs the form. C. Have a credible witness sign the form, testifying that he or she witnessed the patient’s refusal of care. D. If the patient refuses care, you don’t have to document it.

Answer 67

C. Have a credible witness sign the form, testifying that he or she witnessed the patient’s refusal of care

Question 68

Short Answers List the five principal FCC responsibilities related to EMS.

Answer 68

1. Allocating specific radio frequencies for use by EMS providers 2. Licensing base stations and assigning appropriate radio call signs for those stations 3. Establishing licensing standards and operating specifications for radio equipment used by EMS providers 4. Establishing limitations for transmitter power output 5. Monitoring radio operations

Question 69

Short Answers What are the 10 Golden Rules that will help calm a patient and establish a therapeutic rapport?

Answer 69

1. Make and keep eye contact with your patient at all times. 2. Provide your name and use the patient’s proper name. 3. Tell the patient the truth. 4. Use language that the patient can understand. 5. Be careful what you say about the patient to others. 6. Be aware of your body language. 7. Always speak slowly, clearly, and distinctly. 8. If the patient is hard of hearing, face the person so that he or she can read your lips. 9. Allow time for the patient to answer or respond to your questions. 10. Act and speak in a calm, confident manner while caring for the patient.

Question 70

Short Answers List the six functions of a PCR.

Answer 70

1. Continuity of care 2. Legal documentation 3. Education 4. Administrative information 5. Essential research record 6. Evaluation and continuous quality improvement

Question 71

Short Answers Describe the two types of PCRs generally in use in EMS systems.

Answer 71

1. Handwritten forms with checkboxes and a narrative section 2. Electronic PCRs (ePCRs) written using a tablet, laptop, or similar device

Question 72

Ambulance Calls You are in the dispatch office filling in for the EMS dispatcher, who needed to use the restroom. The phone rings, and you answer it to hear a hysterical woman screaming about a child falling into an old well. The only information she is providing is that he is 5 years old and is not making any noise. The address is on the computer display. How would you best manage this situation, and what additional help would you call for?

Answer 72

Dispatch the closest ambulance for an emergency response. Call for assistance from the fire department and local law enforcement. Try to calm down the caller to obtain additional information. If the caller is still of no help, ask her to get someone else to the phone. Relay any additional information to the responding units.

Question 73

Ambulance Calls You respond to an “unknown medical problem” in an area commonly populated by Hispanic Americans. You arrive to find several individuals speaking to a middle-aged man. They seem to be concerned about him and motion you toward the patient. You attempt to gain information about the situation, but your patient does not speak English, and you do not speak Spanish. The patient has no outward appearance of any problems. How would you best manage this situation?

Answer 73

You should determine whether anyone on scene can translate for you. (Children will often speak both English and Spanish.) If no one on scene can translate, you should contact a department translator. Every department should have a group of translators for different languages common to your community or an electronic translation device. (Ideally, you should speak languages commonly heard in your area.) If neither of these options is available, you should attempt as much nonverbal communication as possible, obtain baseline vital signs, and perform a primary assessment to determine the nature of the problem. If the patient appears to refuse your help, you are in a tough situation. You cannot leave without knowing what the medical emergency is (if any), and you cannot obtain an informed refusal if clear communication does not occur. Consider asking for law enforcement assistance as they have access to translation services as well.

Question 74

Ambulance Calls You are dispatched to the parking lot of a grocery store for a “confused child.” You arrive to find a young boy who is developmentally disabled. He cannot communicate who he is or where he lives. He is frightened but appears otherwise unharmed. How would you best manage this situation?

Answer 74

Attempt to locate any identification that he may have on his person. If this is not possible or you cannot locate any forms of identification, you should notify law enforcement officers. The child should undergo a medical examination to ensure that no injuries or other medical emergencies are present. Take care to communicate in a nonintimidating manner (taking care in level/tone of voice and posture) and attempt to establish trust with the patient.