Author Question: A young male who was angry with friends wandered away from a party and spent the night outside ... (Read 59 times)

Collmarie · **on:** Jul 2, 2018

A young male who was angry with friends wandered away from a party and spent the night outside uncovered in 40 to 50 degree temperatures. He is confused, has decreased but adequate breathing, and a weak radial pulse. His skin is cool and capillary refill delayed. When looking to see if he is shivering, you note that he is not. Based on this presentation, which one of the following can the EMT safely conclude?

A) The patient is exhibiting signs that he is compensating and conserving heat.
B) The patient's body temperature is most likely dangerously low.
C) The absence of shivering indicates the body temperature is almost back to normal.
D) The cause of his confusion is related to alcohol and not the overnight temperatures.

Question 2

You have been dispatched to a home for a 16-year-old female with shortness of breath. On scene you find the patient in bed with her mother at her side. Her mother states that her daughter has a fever with a past medical history of cystic fibrosis and would like to have her transported to the hospital for evaluation of possible pneumonia. As a knowledgeable EMT, you know that the underlying pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis is a:

A) contagious disease in which the lungs are damaged by bacteria and excessive coughing.
B) condition in which excessive and thick mucus often plugs the airways.
C) disease in which lifelong antibiotic medications are needed for survival.
D) hereditary disease in which the lungs are malformed and smaller than normal.