Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

Are open-ended or close-ended questions better to ask?

1. close-ended questions; they provide more detailed information

2. open-ended questions; they avoid lengthy responses

3. open-ended questions; they encourage exploration and detailed answers

4. close-ended questions; they avoid the yes/no answer

The correct answer is: open-ended questions; they encourage exploration and detailed answers

Open-ended questions are highly effective in prompting more detailed and expansive responses from individuals. By allowing the person to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their own words, these types of questions foster a deeper exploration of the subject matter. This can be particularly important in emergency medical situations, where understanding a patient's circumstances, symptoms, and emotional state can lead to better assessments and interventions. When using open-ended questions, the responder is encouraged to share more comprehensive information, which can be invaluable for EMTs in gathering necessary details that may not be captured through more restrictive questioning. This approach not only builds rapport but also allows for the discovery of nuances that might be critical in formulating a proper response or treatment plan. In contrast, while close-ended questions can be useful for obtaining specific data points, they often result in limited responses that do not delve into the complexities of a situation. Thus, recognizing the strengths of open-ended questioning is vital in emergency medical contexts, where the depth of information can directly impact patient care.