JBL EMT Practice Exam

Law enforcement has summoned you to a nightclub, where a 22-year-old female was found unconscious in an adjacent alley. Your primary assessment reveals that her respirations are rapid and shallow and her pulse is rapid and weak. She is wearing a medical alert bracelet that identifies her as an epileptic. There is an empty bottle of vodka next to the patient. You should:

1. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask and transport her for a blood-alcohol test

2. apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask, place her on her left side, and transport

3. assist ventilations, perform a rapid exam, and prepare for immediate transport

4. place a bite block in her mouth in case she has a seizure and transport at once

The correct answer is: apply oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask and transport her for a blood-alcohol test

Applying oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask is the most appropriate action in this situation as the patient is showing signs of respiratory distress, which may be due to alcohol intoxication. Transporting her to a hospital for a blood-alcohol test will also allow medical professionals to monitor and treat her if necessary. Option B of placing her on her left side may increase the risk of aspiration if she vomits, and option C of assisting ventilations and performing a rapid exam does not address the respiratory distress. Option D of placing a bite block in her mouth is not necessary as it is not confirmed if she is having a seizure.