A ________ is a thin layer of microorganisms spread on a glass slide for identification purposes.

Your patient's initial vital signs were a pulse of 120 per minute and weak, a blood pressure of 90/50 mmHg, and a respiratory rate of 24 per minute. Upon reassessment, you note that the patient now has a weak pulse of 100 per minute, a blood pressure of 110/60 mmHg, and a respiratory rate of 20 per minute. Which of the following can you conclude from this information?

A) The baseline vital signs were inaccurate. B) The patient's condition may be improving. C) You can transport the patient to a lower level trauma center. D) The patient will survive.

The MOST critical treatment for a tension pneumothorax involves:

A. placing a bulky dressing over the affected side of the chest. B. assisting the patient's breathing with increased tidal volume. C. surgically removing the portion of the lung that is damaged. D. inserting a needle through the rib cage into the pleural space.