New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

A 65-year-old male involved in a two-motor vehicle crash complains of chest pain when breathing. Your INITIAL care should include:

1. Stabilizing the sternum

2. Positioning the patient on his side

3. Administering high-concentration oxygen

4. Administering the patient's prescribed nitroglycerin

The correct answer is: Administering high-concentration oxygen

In this scenario involving a 65-year-old male with chest pain following a motor vehicle crash, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation and address potential hypoxia that may arise from respiratory distress or injury. Administering high-concentration oxygen is essential as it helps to increase the oxygen saturation in the blood, which can be crucial for a patient who may be experiencing respiratory compromise due to chest injury, rib fractures, or other related complications from the crash. Providing high-concentration oxygen can also assist in alleviating symptoms of respiratory distress and improve overall oxygen delivery to vital organs. This is particularly important in older adults, who may have underlying health conditions or reduced physiological reserves. The other options may be relevant but are not the immediate priority in this emergency situation. For instance, while stabilizing the sternum might be necessary in a more advanced stage of care or in specific injuries, it does not directly address the immediate concern of oxygenation. Positioning the patient on his side could be considered if it aids in breathing or comfort, but it doesn't provide the critical intervention of improving oxygen levels. Administering the patient's prescribed nitroglycerin is appropriate for managing chest pain related to heart conditions, but this assumes the patient's pain is of cardiac origin and does