North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is included in the Minimum Data Set on a patient report?

1. Patient's medical history

2. Chief complaint

3. Treatment administered

4. Family medical history

The correct answer is: Chief complaint

The Minimum Data Set on a patient report is designed to capture essential information that is critical for patient care and documentation. The chief complaint is a key component because it provides the primary reason for the patient's call for emergency services. This information is vital for triaging the patient and directing the appropriate pre-hospital care. Including the chief complaint ensures that the healthcare team has a clear understanding of the patient's immediate needs and concerns, which is crucial for determining appropriate treatment and transport priorities. Essentially, it reflects the patient's perspective on their condition and guides initial assessments. While aspects like medical history, treatment administered, and family medical history are important in the broader context of patient care, they are not part of the Minimum Data Set focused specifically on immediate and critical information needed in emergency situations. The Minimum Data Set prioritizes data that enhances immediate decision-making in the field.