Transport Decision and Priority Determination

Help Questions

NREMT: EMT Level › Transport Decision and Priority Determination

Questions 1 - 10
1

What is the most appropriate transport decision for this patient?

Delayed transport while waiting for ALS to arrive and establish IV access for advanced medication protocols

Immediate transport to the nearest facility capable of cardiac catheterization with continuous cardiac monitoring

Non-urgent transport to the local emergency department after completing detailed secondary assessment on scene

Routine transport to the closest hospital after administering oxygen and obtaining complete medical history

Explanation

This patient presents with classic signs of acute myocardial infarction (crushing chest pain, radiation, diaphoresis, nausea). The time-sensitive nature of cardiac emergencies requires immediate transport to a facility capable of definitive cardiac intervention such as catheterization. Options B and D inappropriately delay transport when time equals myocardium. Option C delays transport unnecessarily when BLS interventions and rapid transport are indicated.

2

What is the most appropriate transport decision for this patient?

Critical priority transport with immediate hyperventilation to prevent further brain damage

Routine transport to the nearest hospital for basic neurological evaluation and supportive care

High priority transport to designated stroke center with stroke scale assessment and time documentation

Moderate priority transport after completing detailed neurological examination on scene

Explanation

This patient presents with classic stroke symptoms (weakness, speech changes, confusion) with recent onset within the treatment window. High priority transport to a stroke center is indicated with stroke scale assessment and careful time documentation for potential intervention. Option A doesn't recognize the time-sensitive nature of stroke. Option C delays transport when time is critical. Option D suggests inappropriate hyperventilation which is not indicated for stroke without signs of herniation.

3

What transport decision should be made for this patient?

Moderate priority transport with preparation for possible delivery en route

High priority transport with immediate departure and delivery preparation

Routine transport as first babies typically take many hours to deliver

Delayed transport to allow labor to progress further before moving the patient

Explanation

This multipara (third pregnancy) patient with frequent contractions (every 3 minutes) and urge to push indicates imminent delivery. Multiparous women typically have faster labors. High priority transport with immediate departure and delivery preparation is warranted. Option A incorrectly assumes this is a first pregnancy and ignores signs of imminent delivery. Option B underestimates urgency. Option D could result in uncontrolled delivery on scene.

4

What transport priority is most appropriate for this patient?

Critical priority requiring immediate positive pressure ventilation and emergency transport

Moderate priority with supplemental oxygen and transport for medication adjustment

High priority transport with controlled oxygen therapy and monitoring for respiratory failure

Low priority as this appears to be a routine COPD exacerbation requiring standard care

Explanation

COPD exacerbation with accessory muscle use, limited speech, and cyanosis indicates severe respiratory compromise requiring high priority transport with careful oxygen therapy. Option A underestimates severity shown by accessory muscle use and cyanosis. Option B doesn't recognize the severity of the presentation. Option D is premature - patient is still ventilating adequately though compromised, and high-flow oxygen should be used cautiously in COPD patients.

5

What is the most appropriate transport decision for this patient?

Routine transport with oxygen administration and positioning for comfort en route

Critical priority transport with immediate vasopressor medications and cardiac monitoring

High priority transport with shock position and preparation for further deterioration

Moderate priority transport with position of comfort and standard monitoring procedures

Explanation

This patient shows clear signs of shock: hypotension, tachycardia, altered mental status, and poor perfusion. High priority transport with shock positioning and preparation for deterioration is appropriate. Option A underestimates severity of clear shock signs. Option B underestimates severity - clear signs of shock require more than standard monitoring. Option D suggests interventions outside EMT scope (vasopressors, cardiac monitoring beyond pulse assessment).

6

What transport recommendation should you make for this patient?

Recommend ambulance transport due to the child's age and potential for complications

Insist on ambulance transport because all pediatric injuries require professional medical supervision

Suggest EMS transport for proper immobilization and pain management during transport

Allow parents to transport since the injury is minor and they are capable drivers

Explanation

While the injury appears isolated and non-life-threatening, EMS transport provides proper splinting, immobilization, and pain management that parents cannot provide. A suspected fracture benefits from professional care during transport. Option A ignores the benefits of proper medical care during transport. Option B overstates risk but doesn't explain why EMS transport is preferable. Option D is incorrect - not all pediatric injuries require ambulance transport, but this one would benefit from it.

7

What transport priority should be assigned to this patient?

Moderate priority for evaluation of possible kidney stones or other urological conditions

High priority due to sudden onset and severity suggesting possible surgical emergency

Critical priority because severe abdominal pain always indicates life-threatening pathology

Low priority as vital signs are stable and there are no signs of shock

Explanation

Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain in a young adult, especially with inability to find comfort, suggests serious conditions like appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or other surgical emergencies. High priority transport is warranted despite stable vitals. Option A ignores the significance of sudden severe pain. Option B underestimates potential severity - kidney stones typically present differently. Option D overstates by saying severe pain always indicates life-threatening conditions, though this presentation is concerning.

8

What is the most appropriate transport decision for this patient?

Moderate priority transport with IV fluid therapy and insulin administration en route

High priority transport with airway management and preparation for potential deterioration

Routine transport with oral glucose administration and standard monitoring procedures

Critical priority transport with immediate intubation due to altered mental status

Explanation

This patient shows signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): unconsciousness, Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, warm/dry skin, severe hyperglycemia. This requires high priority transport with airway management as acidosis can lead to rapid deterioration. Option A is inappropriate - oral glucose cannot be given to unconscious patients and wouldn't help hyperglycemia. Option B suggests interventions outside EMT scope (IV fluids, insulin). Option D is premature - intubation may not be immediately necessary.

9

What transport priority should be assigned to this patient?

Low priority with supportive care as this is typical alcohol-related illness

Moderate priority for evaluation and IV fluid therapy for dehydration

Critical priority because prolonged vomiting can lead to life-threatening complications

High priority due to potential alcohol poisoning and electrolyte imbalances

Explanation

A young adult with dehydration from prolonged vomiting needs evaluation and likely IV fluid replacement, warranting moderate priority transport. While concerning, the patient is alert and stable. Option A underestimates the need for fluid replacement after 12 hours of vomiting. Option C overstates urgency in an alert, stable patient. Option D exaggerates immediate risk when the patient is conscious and able to communicate.

10

What transport priority is most appropriate for this patient?

High priority due to potential compartment syndrome requiring immediate surgical intervention

Critical priority because of the risk of fat embolism from possible fracture

Moderate priority requiring rapid transport due to significant mechanism of injury

Low priority with routine transport after splinting and providing comfort measures

Explanation

This patient has an isolated, minor extremity injury with stable vital signs and no signs of systemic compromise. This warrants low priority transport after appropriate splinting and comfort measures. Option A overestimates the risk - compartment syndrome is rare with simple ankle injuries. Option C is inappropriate as fat embolism typically occurs with long bone fractures, not ankle injuries. Option D overstates the significance of a simple sports-related ankle twist.

Page 1 of 3