2 Patient Assessment and Clinical Judgment Free Online FlashCards

What makes patient assessment a continuous process?

Patient assessment is continuous: gather information, identify threats, act within scope and protocol, and check for changes.

What should you do when a scene is unsafe?

Do not enter. Stage or withdraw, communicate the hazard, and request appropriate support.

What should scene size-up establish?

Consider PPE, hazards, MOI or NOI, patient count, needed resources, and safe access and egress.

What is the initial impression?

It is a rapid overall view of the patient’s appearance and apparent severity that guides urgency; it is not a diagnosis.

What priorities guide the primary assessment?

Assess responsiveness, airway, breathing, and circulation, including major bleeding, to identify immediate threats.

How should EMTs respond to a critical threat found during assessment?

Treat critical threats as they are found; do not delay essential care to complete a detailed history or examination.

What information does OPQRST help characterize?

OPQRST characterizes a symptom: onset, provocation or palliation, quality, region or radiation, severity, and time or course.

What information does SAMPLE cover?

SAMPLE covers signs and symptoms, allergies, medications, pertinent medical history, last oral intake, and events leading to the illness or injury.

What is a pertinent negative?

A pertinent negative is an important symptom the patient denies; record it along with positive findings.

When is a focused examination appropriate?

Use a focused examination for a localized complaint when the patient’s condition allows. Consider a systematic head-to-toe examination for significant trauma, unclear history, or possible multiple injuries.

How should baseline measurements be interpreted?

Interpret measurements alongside the patient’s appearance and symptoms; a measurement does not replace clinical assessment.

When should EMTs reassess a patient?

Reassess after important interventions, during transport, and whenever the patient’s condition changes; compare findings with baseline and prior observations.