Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

An AEMT administers 1,000 mL of IV fluid to a patient with severe pulmonary edema and stable blood pressure. The patient then becomes apneic. This situation represents:

1. Routine care procedure

2. Standard practice

3. Gross negligence

4. Proper patient management

The correct answer is: Gross negligence

In this scenario, the administration of a significant volume of IV fluid to a patient with severe pulmonary edema raises immediate concerns about the appropriateness of that intervention. Severe pulmonary edema is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which can lead to respiratory distress or failure. Overloading a patient with fluids in this condition can exacerbate their respiratory issues, potentially leading to apnea, as seen in this case. By administering 1,000 mL of IV fluid without adequate monitoring or consideration of the patient's condition, the action deviates significantly from standard protocols for managing a patient with pulmonary edema. Proper management would typically involve restricting fluid intake and using diuretics to help eliminate excess fluid. Therefore, the decision to provide such a substantial amount of fluid is not only inconsistent with evidence-based guidelines but also places the patient at risk, demonstrating a lack of appropriate clinical judgment. This scenario exemplifies a potential failure to adhere to the expected standards of care, thus reflecting gross negligence in the decision-making process regarding patient management.