Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

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Prepare for your EMT Test with flashcards and practice questions. Each question includes explanations. Test your knowledge and get ready for your EMT exam!

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What is the appropriate immediate action for hematochezia?

  1. Consult a specialist

  2. Monitor blood pressure

  3. Look for injuries on the skin

  4. Bright red blood in feces; indicates a bleed in the lower GI tract

The correct answer is: Bright red blood in feces; indicates a bleed in the lower GI tract

The presence of bright red blood in feces, known as hematochezia, is a significant indicator that suggests there is a bleed occurring in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This condition can be associated with various underlying causes, such as hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, or even more serious conditions like colorectal cancer. Recognizing the characteristics of the blood in the stool as bright red is crucial because it helps triage and guide immediate patient management. Understanding that this type of bleeding is a lower GI issue prompts the responder to focus on appropriate interventions, potentially including assessment of the patient's condition and transport to a facility for further evaluation and treatment.