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

How many spots are designated for writing vital signs in a PCR?

1. 1 spot

2. 2 spots

3. 3 spots

4. 4 spots

The correct answer is: 3 spots

In a Patient Care Report (PCR), having multiple designated spots for recording vital signs is essential for thorough documentation and clinical assessment. Vital signs typically include measurements of heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature. When a PCR allows for three spots to document vital signs, it enables an EMT to record readings either at different times during the assessment or to capture a more comprehensive view of the patient's condition by documenting variations, such as pre-treatment and post-treatment vital signs. This three-spot approach ensures that the EMT provides adequate information for healthcare providers who will later review the PCR, contributing significantly to the continuity of care and accurate patient management. Thus, the rationale behind being able to document three sets of vital signs is to ensure a more complete and accurate understanding of the patient's status over time.