EMT Practice Questions

Laundry detergent ingestion — especially in the case of liquid detergent pods — is associated with caustic airway and gastrointestinal injuries. The presence of crackles and drowsiness are signs of aspiration and possible respiratory failure. Vomiting increases the risk of aspiration pneumonitis, and esophageal perforation is a life-threatening complication from corrosive ingestion.

While seizure and hypoglycemia are possible complications of toxic ingestion, they are not as immediately linked to the detergent profile as airway injury and aspiration risk.

Dehydration signs in infants include:

Poor skin turgor (elasticity)

Sunken fontanelles (indicative of fluid loss)

Delayed capillary refill ( > 2 seconds)

Flushed skin is more common in fever or heat illness, not dehydration. Hypotension, not hypertension, is associated with dehydration in late stages.

To rapidly determine a pediatric patient’s condition, NREMT emphasizes the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), which allows EMTs to form a quick clinical impression without hands-on assessment. The PAT consists of appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to skin.

Option F (Response to environment) evaluates appearance, including interaction, awareness, and mental status—critical in a confused child.

Option E (Accessory muscle use) assesses work of breathing, identifying respiratory compromise through visible effort such as retractions or nasal flaring.

Option A (Pallor) reflects circulation to skin, helping identify poor perfusion or shock.

Options B, C, and D are part of more detailed assessments but are not part of the rapid initial determination emphasized by NREMT.

Using the PAT allows EMTs to quickly identify life-threatening problems and prioritize care.