You have been summoned for a diabetic patient with altered mental status. What sign would cause you to suspect that the patient is suffering from hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS)? Correct Answer: Complaint of thirst and dry mouth You have been called for a conscious and alert 83-year-old male complaining of a fever for three days. He has a history of peripheral vascular disease. When assessing the patient's circulation, you have a difficult time feeling his radial pulse. Your next action would be to: Correct Answer: locate the patient's carotid pulse. An 84-year-old male complains of generalized weakness and an ache in his left shoulder. He also reports mild shortness of breath, but has clear lung sounds and an SpO2 of 93%. When asked, he claims that the discomfort started after getting out of bed 2 hours ago. He denies any known injury to his shoulder or back. He has a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, TIA, and irritable bowel syndrome. Family members state that he has early dementia. There are no obvious life threats and his vital signs are normal for his age. The appropriate treatment for this patient would include: Correct Answer: provide oxygen and treat as a cardiac patient. You have just arrived by the side of an elderly patient who took excessive amounts of his daily medications after becoming confused about what to take and when. Which one of the following is the immediate priority in caring for this patient? Correct Answer: Evaluate and support the patient's airway and breathing. When assessing a patient, which finding should raise the EMT's suspicion that the patient may be suffering from a pulmonary embolism? Correct Answer: Sudden onset of shortness of breath A 77-year-old male got out of bed, became dizzy, and fell onto the floor, hitting the right side of his face. You find him sitting on the floor with his wife next to him. His wife states that he did not lose consciousness and that this has happened several times over the past few days, ever since the doctor put him on a new blood pressure medication. Presently, the patient is alert and oriented and complaining of dizziness and a headache. He has a history of coronary artery disease, emphysema, and hypertension. Which one of the following should you do first? Correct Answer: Take manual in-line spinal stabilization and begin assessment.