New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

How often should the EMS provider repeat the ongoing assessment for a stable patient?

1. Every 5 minutes

2. Every 10 minutes

3. Every 15 minutes

4. Every 20 minutes

The correct answer is: Every 15 minutes

For a stable patient, the ongoing assessment should be performed every 15 minutes. This time frame is essential to monitor any changes in the patient's condition while allowing sufficient time for any significant developments to occur. The ongoing assessment involves checking vital signs, the patient's responsiveness, and any changes in symptoms. In the case of a stable patient, shorter intervals, such as every 5 or 10 minutes, may be excessive since the patient's condition is not expected to change rapidly. Conversely, extending the assessment to every 20 minutes could risk missing critical changes in the patient's status that might require prompt intervention. Therefore, the 15-minute interval strikes a balance, ensuring that the EMS provider remains vigilant while providing appropriate monitoring for a stable patient.