North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

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Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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When should frostbite be thawed?

Always, regardless of conditions
Only if there is a chance of refreezing
Only in warm environments
Immediately after the injury occurs

The correct answer is: Only if there is a chance of refreezing

Frostbite should be thawed only if there is a chance of refreezing because doing so prevents the tissue from sustaining further damage. If the affected area is thawed and there is a risk of it refreezing, the newly thawed tissue can experience more severe and permanent injury. In cases where the individual is in a controlled, warm environment, or if there is certainty that the affected area will remain warm and safe from refreezing, thawing can be more appropriate. Therefore, assessing the conditions and ensuring that the thawed areas will not be subjected to cold temperatures again is crucial before proceeding to thaw frostbite. This approach minimizes the risk of complications associated with thawing frostbitten tissues in a non-ideal environment.