Kaplan EMT-Basic Exam by Richard Lapierre

About the Author     ix
How to Use This Book     xi
Author's Note     xiii
The Basics
Inside the EMT-Basic Exam     3
Qualifying for the Test     3
Job Description of an EMT-Basic     4
The EMT Course     4
The National Registry of Emergency Technician (NREMT) Exam     5
State Licensing Exams     6
EMT-Basic Test Strategies: It's Not Always How Much You Know     7
Test Mentality     9
Kaplan's Top Ten EMT-Basic Tips     11
On Test Day     12
Computer Testing     13
For More Information     13
EMT-Basic Review
Well-Being of the EMT/Legal and Ethical Issues     17
Physical Risks     17
Mental and Emotional Risks     18
Medical, Legal, and Ethical Issues     19
Practice Set     21
Answer Explanations     23
Anatomy, Physiology, Sample, Vital Signs, and Moving Patients     25
Anatomical Planes     26
Skeletal System     28
Respiratory System     29
Circulatory System     31
Gastrointestinal System     34
Muscular System     35
Nervous System     35
Skin     35
Endocrine System     36
Sample History     37
Baseline Vital Signs     38
Moving and Lifting Patients     40
Practice Set     42
Answer Explanations     46
Airway     49
Opening the Airway     49
Airway Adjuncts     50
Respiratory Assessment     51
Techniques of Artificial Ventilation     52
Oxygen Delivery Systems     53
Practice Set     54
Answer Explanations     57
Patient Assessment, Communications, and Documentation     59
Scene Size-Up     59
Initial Patient Assessment     60
Focused History and Physical Exam: Medical     62
Focused History and Physical Exam: Trauma     63
Detailed Physical Exam     66
Ongoing Assessment     68
Communications     68
Documentation     70
Practice Set     72
Answer Explanations     77
Medical Emergencies     81
Pharmacology     81
Respiratory Emergencies     82
Cardiovascular Emergencies      84
Diabetes     87
Seizures     88
Allergies     88
Poisoning and Overdose     90
Environmental Emergencies     91
Behavioral Emergencies     94
Obstetric and Gynecological Emergencies     97
Practice Set     103
Answer Explanations     111
Trauma Emergencies     115
The Golden Hour of Trauma     115
Common Traumatic Injuries     116
Bleeding and Shock     117
Soft Tissue Injuries     119
Burns     122
Musculoskeletal Care     124
Injuries to the Head and Spine     126
Injuries to the Eyes, Face, and Neck     129
Injuries to the Chest, Abdomen, and Genitalia     129
Practice Set     131
Answer Explanations     136
Pediatrics     149
Pediatric Populations     150
Psychological and Social Factors     150
Physical Differences     150
Assessment     151
Airway, Breathing, and Circulation     151
Special Conditions     152
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)     153
Trauma      154
Child Abuse and Neglect     154
Special-Needs Infants and Children     155
Family Response     156
Practice Set     157
Answer Explanations     159
Ambulance Operations     161
Preparation     161
The Truck Check     162
Dispatch     162
En Route     162
Arrival on Scene     163
En Route to the Receiving Facility     164
At the Receiving Facility     164
Postrun     164
Air Medical Considerations     164
Practice Set     166
Answer Explanations     168
Full-Length Practice Test and Explanations
Practice Test     173
Practice Test: Answer Key     192
Practice Test Answers and Explanations     193
EMT-Basic Resources
Glossary     207
State EMS Certification Links     219