For EMS professionals to determine death in the pre-hospital environment, which of the following criteria must be met by the paramedic?

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Basic Care of Patient Questions

Question 1 of 5

For EMS professionals to determine death in the pre-hospital environment, which of the following criteria must be met by the paramedic?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: No electrical activity in the heart as confirmed by an EKG tracing indicating asystole. This is the most accurate criteria for determining death in the pre-hospital environment as it indicates complete cessation of cardiac activity. Asystole on an EKG is a definitive sign of cardiac arrest and irreversible death. Choice B is incorrect because apnea with a gag reflex does not confirm death. A gag reflex may still be present even in a deceased individual. Choice C is incorrect because lividity and skin condition are not definitive indicators of death and can be influenced by other factors. Choice D is incorrect because pinpoint pupils and decreased muscle tone are not exclusive to death and can be present in other medical conditions.

Question 2 of 5

A 22-year-old man is brought to the hospital after crashing his motorcycle into a telephone pole. He is unconscious and in profound shock. He has no open wounds or obvious fractures. The cause of his shock is MOST LIKELY caused by:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hemorrhage into the chest or abdomen. In this scenario, the man's profound shock without open wounds or fractures suggests internal bleeding, likely from hemorrhage into the chest or abdomen. This type of bleeding can lead to rapid blood loss and shock. Subdural and epidural hematomas involve bleeding in the brain, not the cause of shock in this case. A transected lumbar spinal cord may cause neurological deficits but is less likely to lead to profound shock without external injuries. Hemorrhage into the chest or abdomen is the most likely cause of shock in a trauma patient without external signs of bleeding.

Question 3 of 5

Which one of the following statements is true regarding access in pediatric resuscitation?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Blood transfusion can be delivered through an intraosseous access. In pediatric resuscitation, intraosseous access is commonly used for rapid vascular access when peripheral IV access is difficult. This route allows for the delivery of fluids, medications, and even blood products such as transfusions. It is a reliable and effective alternative in emergency situations. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: "Intraosseous access should only be considered after five percutaneous attempts" - This statement is incorrect as intraosseous access is often the preferred route in pediatric resuscitation when peripheral IV access is difficult. B: Cut down at the ankle is a preferred initial access technique - This statement is incorrect as intraosseous access is typically preferred over cut down procedures in pediatric resuscitation. D: Internal jugular cannulation is the next preferred option when percutaneous venous access fails - This statement is incorrect as intraosseous

Question 4 of 5

An 18 y/o man presents with paralysis in both legs and arms after a motorcycle crash. His BP is 60/40 and pulse 140 bpm. He should:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Be treated for hypovolemic shock. Rationale: 1. The patient's low blood pressure (60/40) and high pulse rate (140 bpm) indicate hypovolemic shock due to significant blood loss from the crash. 2. Treatment for hypovolemic shock involves restoring intravascular volume with intravenous fluids to improve perfusion and stabilize the patient's condition. 3. Initiating treatment for hypovolemic shock is crucial to prevent further complications and improve the patient's chances of survival. Summary: - Choice A (Undergo exploratory celiotomy) is incorrect as it involves abdominal surgery and is not indicated based on the presented symptoms. - Choice B (Be treated for neurogenic shock) is incorrect as the symptoms are more indicative of hypovolemic shock. - Choice D (Undergo immediate nasotracheal intubation) is incorrect as airway management is not the primary concern in this scenario, addressing hypov

Question 5 of 5

The most important consequence of inadequate organ perfusion is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Multiple organ failure. Inadequate organ perfusion leads to tissue hypoxia, causing cellular dysfunction and ultimately multiple organ failure. Vasodilatation (A) is a compensatory mechanism to increase blood flow, not a consequence of inadequate perfusion. Decreased base deficit (C) is not a direct consequence but rather an indicator of metabolic acidosis. Acute glomerulonephritis (D) is a specific kidney condition and not a general consequence of inadequate organ perfusion. Multiple organ failure is the most severe outcome of inadequate perfusion as it signifies the failure of various organs due to systemic hypoperfusion.

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