Exam 13: Scene Size-Up and Primary Assessment

Wearing a uniform is one of the most important things that the Paramedic can do to prevent the spread of infection.

If a Paramedic notices any unusual or abnormal breath sounds, a full assessment of breath sounds should be made immediately.

For medical patients who are responsive, the Paramedic should conduct a ____.

If the carotid pulse is present, but the radial pulse is not, the patient's blood pressure should be assumed to be quite low.

The ____ priority type of patient generally receives a minimal amount of interventions while on scene.

The best place to listen during the primary assessment is just below the ____________________ on each side.

The goal of the ____ is to find and manage any life-threatening injuries or conditions the patient might have by assessing for, and correcting, if possible, any threats to airway, breathing, and circulation.

Scene safety assures the patient's well-being.

If the patient's ventilatory rate is greater than ____ breaths per minute, then the Paramedic should consider the possible need for ventilatory support.

After assessing for the presence and quality of pulses, the next step is to check for internal bleeding.

Patient ____________________ is required as part of every patient contact.

An experienced care provider at any level may take only minutes to complete a primary assessment.

The abbreviation ____ is often used to report the patient's general level of consciousness.

For trauma patients with significant mechanism of injury, the Paramedic should carry out a rapid trauma assessment with a detailed physical exam being performed en route to the hospital.

If a(n) ____ pulse is present, it is reasonable to assume that the patient's blood pressure is adequate to supply perfusion to that peripheral site.

____ should include, at a minimum, an assessment of pulse, respirations, and blood pressure.

Knowing how to size-up a scene reduces the risk for injury or exposure and offers an organized way to assess environmental conditions, type and number of patients, and need for additional resources.

For medical patients who are responsive, the Paramedic should conduct a rapid physical exam.

The primary assessment involves forming a ____ of the patient, assessing the patient's mental status, airway, breathing, and circulation and determining which patients require immediate transport.

Once the primary assessment has been completed, the Paramedic must make a determination of the patient's priority.