JBL EMT Practice Exam

You are dispatched to the residence of an Asian family for a child with a high fever. When you assess the child, you note that he has numerous red marks on his back. The child's parents explain that these marks represent coining—a traditional Asian healing practice in which hot coins are rubbed on the back. You should:

1. acknowledge and respect this practice as a cultural belief, but advise the child's parents that it has no healing power

2. advise the child's parents that this is a harmful practice and is considered a form of child abuse in the United States

3. advise the emergency department physician that you believe the child was intentionally abused by his parents

4. document this finding on your patient care report and advise the emergency department staff of what the child's parents told you

The correct answer is: document this finding on your patient care report and advise the emergency department staff of what the child's parents told you

Option A is incorrect because it is not appropriate for a medical professional to dismiss or diminish a patient's cultural practices and beliefs. Acknowledge the parents' explanation and document it, but do not make any judgements about its effectiveness. Option B is incorrect because it is not helpful or respectful to label another culture's practices as harmful without fully understanding their beliefs and context. Option C is incorrect because it is not appropriate or ethical to immediately jump to accusations of child abuse without further investigation or evidence. Instead, it is important to document your findings and report them to the appropriate healthcare professionals for further assessment and treatment.