Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Test with focused study methods including flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Practice with hints and detailed explanations to boost your readiness for the exam.

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An industrial worker suffered a chemical splash in the eye. What is the initial care measure for this injury?

Irrigate the eye laterally, away from the unaffected eye
Cover the eye with a sterile dressing
Apply an antibiotic ointment
Keep the eye closed until medical help arrives

The correct answer is: Irrigate the eye laterally, away from the unaffected eye

The initial care measure for a chemical splash in the eye is to irrigate the eye laterally, away from the unaffected eye. This approach is crucial because it helps to flush out any chemical substances that might be present. Rinsing the injured eye with water or saline solution must be done immediately and continuously for at least 15 to 20 minutes to minimize damage. The lateral irrigation technique ensures that the contaminated fluid is directed away from the other eye, preventing further injury. Using a sterile dressing to cover the eye, applying an antibiotic ointment, or keeping the eye closed until medical help arrives are not appropriate first responses for chemical splashes. These actions could potentially trap the harmful substance in the eye or delay necessary flushing out of the chemicals, leading to increased injury and complications. Prompt and thorough irrigation is the most effective way to mitigate the effects of the chemical exposure.