Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

In an emergency situation, what should you do for a young female with severe lower abdominal pain and low blood pressure?

1. Provide warm compresses

2. Assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device

3. Elevate her legs while keeping her supine

4. Encourage her to breathe deeply

The correct answer is: Assist her ventilations with a bag-mask device

The situation described involves a young female experiencing severe lower abdominal pain along with low blood pressure. In such cases, it is crucial to address potential shock or inadequate circulation, which can be indicated by the low blood pressure. Assisting her ventilations with a bag-mask device is important if she is showing signs of respiratory distress or ineffective breathing. This intervention ensures that she receives adequate oxygenation, which is critical in a scenario where she may be experiencing internal bleeding or another serious condition that can compromise her respiratory or circulatory status. Maintaining proper oxygenation can help stabilize her condition while additional care is initiated, such as intravenous fluids or transport to a medical facility. Other choices, like providing warm compresses or encouraging deep breathing, may not adequately address the urgency of her symptoms given the low blood pressure, and positioning her supine while elevating her legs could be beneficial but is secondary to ensuring her airway and breathing are adequately managed.