Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

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Study for the EMT Intermediate Exam. Access detailed flashcards and multiple-choice questions that come with hints and explanations. Prepare comprehensively for your EMT certification!

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Which patient would be classified as experiencing a critical burn?

A child with 10% partial-thickness burns
A 30-year-old with 15% full-thickness burns
A 65-year-old with 18% partial-thickness burns to both upper extremities
A teenager with 5% superficial burns

The correct answer is: A 65-year-old with 18% partial-thickness burns to both upper extremities

The patient classified as experiencing a critical burn would be the 65-year-old with 18% partial-thickness burns to both upper extremities. The classification of burns as critical takes into account several factors, including the total body surface area (TBSA) affected, the depth of the burns, and the patient’s age. In this specific case, burns that total more than 10% TBSA in an adult can be considered critical, particularly when they involve partial-thickness or deeper burns. Furthermore, older adults typically have a much higher risk of complications from burns due to factors such as decreased skin elasticity, comorbidities, and overall skin health. This patient's age, combined with the significant percentage of their body affected by burns, qualifies them under the critical category for burn injuries. The other patients may not meet the criteria for critical burns due to their burn percentages or the affected areas, especially when considering age and burn depth. Understanding these criteria is essential for triaging and prioritizing burn care.