Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

How should an EMT respond to a partially conscious patient with a weak carotid pulse?

1. Monitor vital signs and prepare for transport

2. Provide reassurance to the patient

3. Immediately begin CPR

4. Apply a cervical collar

The correct answer is: Monitor vital signs and prepare for transport

Monitoring vital signs and preparing for transport is the most appropriate response for a partially conscious patient with a weak carotid pulse. This suggests that the patient may be experiencing a significant medical issue that requires immediate medical attention. By monitoring vital signs, the EMT can track any changes in the patient’s condition, ensuring that they are aware of vital parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. This information is crucial for providing a comprehensive report to the hospital staff upon arrival. Preparing for transport is also essential since the patient’s condition necessitates further evaluation and treatment that can't be adequately provided in the field. EMTs must prioritize getting the patient to a medical facility where more advanced care can be administered. Providing reassurance to the patient is supportive but does not address the immediate medical needs indicated by the weak pulse. While it's important to offer comfort, the primary focus should remain on the assessment and stabilization of medical emergencies. Starting CPR would be appropriate only if the patient were unresponsive and pulseless, indicating cardiac arrest. Since the patient does have a weak pulse, immediate CPR is not necessary, but continuous monitoring is vital for signs of deterioration. Applying a cervical collar is relevant in cases of suspected spinal injury, but given the patient's weak pulse and partial consciousness