Trauma Benchmark Exam questions
Which layer of the skin does NOT contain vasculature? a. Tragus b. Epidermis c. Dermis d. Subcutaneous layer
b. Epidermis
Which of the following musculoskeletal injuries would pose the greatest threat to a patient's life? a. Nondisplaced long bone fractures b. Pelvic fracture with hypotension c. Bilateral femur fractures d. An amputated extremity
b. Pelvic fracture with hypotension
Early bruising following abdominal trauma often manifests as: a. localized pain. b. red areas of skin. c. dark-purple marks. d. gross distention.
b. red areas of skin.
What is the correct progression of hyperthermia? a. Hypertension, bradycardia, decorticate posturing. b. Heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke. c. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke. d. Mild hypothermia, moderate hypothermia, severe hypothermia.
c. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke.
An epidural hematoma is MOST accurately defined as: a. venous lacerations that occur within the brain. b. an injury caused by a damaged cerebral artery. c. bleeding between the skull and dura mater. d. bleeding between the dura mater and brain.
c. bleeding between the skull and dura mater.
Hypothermia can worsen internal bleeding secondary to: a. cardiac arrhythmias. b. a decreased heart rate. c. blood-clotting abnormalities. d. severe muscular rigidity.
c. blood-clotting abnormalities.
A 54-year-old male accidentally shot himself in the leg while cleaning his gun. Your assessment reveals a small entrance wound to the medial aspect of his right leg. The exit wound is on the opposite side of the leg and is actively bleeding. The patient complains of numbness and tingling in his right foot. You should: a. manually stabilize the leg above and below the site of injury. b. gently manipulate the injured leg until the numbness dissipates. c. control the bleeding and cover the wound with a sterile dressing. d. assess distal pulses as well as sensory and motor functions.
c. control the bleeding and cover the wound with a sterile dressing.
The MOST significant hazard associated with splinting is: a. aggravation of the injury or worsened pain. b. reduction in circulation distal to the injury site. c. delaying transport of a critically injured patient. d. compression of nerves, tissues, and vasculature.
c. delaying transport of a critically injured patient.
Patients with chest injuries will often present with _______. a. Cheyne-Stokes respirations b. Kussmaul respirations c. tachypnea d. agonal respirations
c. tachypnea
Which organ or organ system has the greatest tolerance for lack of perfusion (shock)? a. Skeletal muscle b. Brain c. Kidneys d. Gastrointestinal system
d. Gastrointestinal system
Which clinical finding would indicate that a chest trauma patient is experiencing a tension pneumothorax? a, Blood flowing from an open chest penetration accompanied by tachypnea. b. Substernal chest pain accompanied with hypertension. c. Paradoxical chest movement during respiration d. Unequal chest rise and fall accompanied with narrowing pules pressures.
d. Unequal chest rise and fall accompanied with narrowing pules pressures.
An indicator of an expanding intracranial hematoma or rapidly progressing brain swelling is: a. a progressively lowering blood pressure. b. an acute increase in the patient's pulse rate. c. acute unilateral paralysis following the injury. d. a rapid deterioration of neurologic signs.
d. a rapid deterioration of neurologic signs.
Common signs and symptoms of a serious head injury include all of the following, EXCEPT: a. CSF leakage from the ears. b. decerebrate posturing. c. widening pulse pressure. d. a rapid, thready pulse.
d. a rapid, thready pulse.
In addition to severe bleeding, the MOST life-threatening complication associated with an open neck injury is: a. nerve fiber damage. b. a spinal fracture. c. an ischemic stroke. d. an air embolism.
d. an air embolism.
A 38-year-old male was electrocuted while attempting to wire a house. Your assessment reveals that he is unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic. A coworker has shut off the power to the house. You should: a. begin CPR and transport at once. b. fully immobilize his spinal column. c. assess for entry and exit wounds. d. begin CPR and apply the AED.
d. begin CPR and apply the AED.
The phenomenon of pressure waves emanating from the bullet, causing damage remote from its path, is known as: a. conversion. b. congruent. c. capitation. d. cavitation.
d. cavitation.
Using the "Rule of Nines" to evaluate a burn victim, what percentage of an adult PT's body is burned if you note burns on the anterior abdomen, anterior thorax, and bilateral anterior upper extremities? a. 27% b. 50% c. 45% d. 36%
a. 27%
You are the first on scene to a high velocity auto vs tree accident. The driver is still in the car and appears asleep. Which action should you take FRIST in your assessment? a. Assess the PT's response to voice and pain. b. Check for a carotid pulse and note any bleeding. c. Check the PTs mouth for blood or other obstructions. d. Apply a rigid c-collar to the PT's neck and extricate the PT using a K.E.D.
a. Assess the PT's response to voice and pain.
"Wind chill factor" is an example of what kind of heat loss? a. Convection b. Conduction c. Evaporation d. Enviromental
a. Convection
Which set of vital is indicative of Cardiac Tamponade? a. HR: 115 bpm, RR: 30 bpm, BP 86/70 mmHg, SpO2 98%, clear lung sounds, JVD, pale/cool/diaphoretic skin. b. HR 130 bpm, RR:40 bpm, BP 92/78 mmHg, SpO2 84%, unilateral diminished lung sounds, JVD, hemoptysis. c. HR: 55 bpm, RR 6 bpm, BP 178/122 mmHg, SpO2 90%, irregular respiratory patten, altered mental status, decorticate posturing. d. HR: 124 bpm, RR: 28 bpm, BP 90/64, SpO2 96%, fever, pale/hot/diaphoretic skin.
a. HR: 115 bpm, RR: 30 bpm, BP 86/70 mmHg, SpO2 98%, clear lung sounds, JVD, pale/cool/diaphoretic skin.
Which of the following interventions is the MOST critical to the outcome of a patient with multisystem trauma? a. Rapid transport to a trauma center b. Intravenous fluid administration c. Elevation of the lower extremities d. Early administration of oxygen
a. Rapid transport to a trauma center
Which of the following statements regarding a basilar skull fracture is correct? Correct answer: a. The absence of Raccoon Eyes or Battle sign does not rule it out. b. In most cases, mastoid bruising occurs. c. It is typically the result of local, low-energy trauma to the head. d. Bloody CSF commonly leaks from the nose.
a. The absence of Raccoon Eyes or Battle sign does not rule it out.
Which of the following body systems or components is the LEAST critical for supplying and maintaining adequate blood flow to the body? a. The filtering of blood cells in the spleen b. Adequate blood in the vasculature c. An effectively pumping heart d. An intact system of blood vessels
a. The filtering of blood cells in the spleen
The MOST reliable sign of a head injury is: a. a decreased level of consciousness. b. a pulse that is rapid and thready. c. an abnormally low blood pressure. d. decreased sensation in the extremities.
a. a decreased level of consciousness.
When assessing a patient with a head injury, you note a thin yellow substance draining from the PT's ear. This is indicative of what type of injury? a. a skull fracture allowing cerebral spinal fluid to exit the cranium. b. significant pressure and bleeding in between the skull and dura mater. c. a subdural hematoma with an increase in intracranial pressure. d. fractures to the internal structures of the ear following direct trauma.
a. a skull fracture allowing cerebral spinal fluid to exit the cranium.
If direct pressure fails to immediately stop severe bleeding from an extremity, you should apply: a. a tourniquet proximal to the injury. b. continuous layers of sterile dressings. c. digital pressure to a proximal artery. d. a splint and elevate the extremity.
a. a tourniquet proximal to the injury.
Your patient has suffered a head trauma and is supine on the ground. After your partner assumes manual in-line C-spine stabilization, your assessment shows a conscious, breathing patient with a strong regular pulse. Your next action should be: a. assess for neurovascular function in the extremities. b. use four people to log roll the patient onto a backboard. c. thoroughly palpate the patient's head for deformities. d. apply an appropriately sized rigid cervical collar.
a. assess for neurovascular function in the extremities.
An injury that separates various layers of soft tissue, resulting in complete detachment or a flap of skin, is called a(n): a. avulsion. b. amputation. c. laceration. d. incision.
a. avulsion.
Rapid deceleration of the head, such as when it impacts the windshield, causes: a. compression injuries or bruising to the anterior portion of the brain and stretching or tearing of the posterior portion of the brain. b. compression injuries and contusions to the anterior, posterior, and lateral aspects of the brain. c. stretching or tearing of the anterior aspect of the brain and compression injuries or bruising to the posterior aspect of the brain. d. primary impact to the posterior aspect of the brain, resulting in compression injuries, bruising, or torn blood vessels.
a. compression injuries or bruising to the anterior portion of the brain and stretching or tearing of the posterior portion of the brain.
An injury in which blunt force trauma occurs first on the anterior aspect to the brain followed by additional injury to the posterior aspect of the brain is known as: a. coup contrecoup. b. intracerebral hemorrhaging. c. chordae tendinea. d. subdural hematoma.
a. coup contrecoup.
A simple pneumothorax: a. creates a void between the visceral and parietal pleura. b. results in fluid trapped in alveoli. c. requires positive pressure ventilation to reinflate the collapsed lung. d. causes an increased pressure in the peritoneum.
a. creates a void between the visceral and parietal pleura.
The thoracic cavity is separated from the abdominal cavity by the: a. diaphragm. b. costovertebral angle. c. intercostal margin. d. anterior rib cage.
a. diaphragm
A 39-year-old male sustained a large laceration to his leg during an accident with a chainsaw and is experiencing signs and symptoms of shock. You should first: a. follow appropriate standard precautions. b. apply direct pressure to the wound. c. place the patient on high-flow oxygen. d. perform a rapid head-to-toe assessment.
a. follow appropriate standard precautions.
Bleeding within the brain tissue itself is called a(n): a. intracerebral hematoma. b. epidural hematoma. c. subdural hematoma. d. subarachnoid hemorrhage.
a. intracerebral hematoma.
In order for sweating to be an effective cooling mechanism: a. it must be able to evaporate from the body. b. the body must produce at least 1 L per hour. c. the relative humidity must be above 80%. d. several layers of clothing must be worn.
a. it must be able to evaporate from the body.
Which of the following organs would MOST likely bleed profusely when injured? a. Liver b. Intestine c. Bladder d. Stomach
a. liver
During your secondary assessment of a 30-year-old male who fell 25 feet, you note crepitus when palpating his pelvis. Your partner advises you that the patient's blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg and his heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak. After completing your assessment, you should: a. manually protect the spine, initiate rapid transport to the trauma center, and apply a pelvic binder while en route. b. perform a focused physical exam with emphasis on the pelvis. c. extremity lift the patient to the stretcher, defer spinal immobilization, and transport to a trauma center. d. apply c-collar, secure the patient to a long back board, call for ALS, and preform the secondary assessment on scene while waiting for ALS to arrive for transport.
a. manually protect the spine, initiate rapid transport to the trauma center, and apply a pelvic binder while en route.
Early signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal bleeding include: a. pain and distention. b. bruising only. c. widespread ecchymosis. d. significant hypotension.
a. pain and distension.
Circulation of blood within an organ or tissue in adequate amounts to meet the cells' oxygen, nutritional, and waste-removal needs is termed _______. a. perfusion b. hemorrhage c. coagulation d. hypoperfusion
a. perfusion
A patient who presents with profound cyanosis following a chest injury: a. requires prompt ventilation and oxygenation. b. is most likely experiencing severe blood loss. c. should be placed in Trendelenburg position. d. has most likely experienced a ruptured aorta.
a. requires prompt ventilation and oxygenation.
During your assessment of a patient who was shot in the abdomen, you notice a large entrance wound with multiple small puncture wounds surrounding it. This wound pattern is MOST consistent with a: a. shotgun. b. .22-caliber pistol. c. handgun. d. .357 magnum.
a. shotgun.
A 22-year-old female was ejected from her car after striking a tree head-on. As you approach her, you note obvious closed deformities to both of her femurs. She is not moving and does not appear to be conscious. You should: a. stabilize her head and perform a primary assessment. b. assess for a carotid pulse and assist her ventilations. c. apply manual stabilization to both of her femurs. d. administer oxygen and perform a rapid assessment.
a. stabilize her head and perform a primary assessment.
The severity of bleeding should be based on all of the following findings, EXCEPT: a. systolic blood pressure. b. the mechanism of injury. c. poor general appearance. d. clinical signs and symptoms.
a. systolic blood pressure.
Which of the following would be the LEAST likely to occur in a patient with and a core temperature between 89°F (32°C) and 92°F (33°C) [a.k.a. Moderate Hypothermia]? a. Tachycardia b. Bradypnea c. Confusion d. Stiff muscles
a. tachycardia
An open fracture is MOST accurately defined as a fracture in which: a. the overlying skin is no longer intact. b. a bullet shatters the underlying bone. c. a large laceration on the extremity of the fracture. d. bone ends protrude through the skin.
a. the overlying skin is no longer intact.
When immobilizing a trauma patient's spine, the EMT manually stabilizing the head should not let go until: a. the patient has been completely secured to the backboard. b. the patient has been secured to the ambulance stretcher. c. an appropriately sized cervical collar has been applied. d. the head has been stabilized with lateral immobilization.
a. the patient has been completely secured to the backboard.
A 77-year-old woman slipped and fell on a throw rug and landed on her left hip. She denies striking her head or losing consciousness. Assessment of her left leg reveals that it is shortened and externally rotated. Distal pulses, sensory, and motor functions are intact. You should: a. use a scoop stretcher to move her to the cot, pad around her left hip with pillows, and secure her with straps. b. carefully slide a long backboard underneath her, keep her in a supine position, and apply a splint to her leg. c. manually stabilize her left leg, apply a traction splint, and then secure her to a long backboard or scoop. d. bind both of her legs together with triangular bandages and carefully secure her onto the ambulance stretcher.
a. use a scoop stretcher to move her to the cot, pad around her left hip with pillows, and secure her with straps.
The index of suspicion is MOST accurately defined as: a. your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying injuries. b. the way in which traumatic injuries occur. c. the detection of less obvious life-threatening injuries. d. a predictable pattern that leads to serious injuries.
a. your awareness and concern for potentially serious underlying injuries.
Femoral shaft fractures can result in approximately _____ mL of internal blood loss. a. 4,000 b. 1,000 c. 2,000 d. 3,000
b. 1,000
In which of the following patients should you remove an impaled object? a. A conscious and alert patient with a fishhook impaled in the eye b. A pulseless and apneic patient with a knife impaled in the back c. An apneic patient with a shard of glass impaled in the abdomen d. A semiconscious patient with an ice pick impaled in the chest
b. A pulseless and apneic patient with a knife impaled in the back
Which of the following sets of vital signs depicts Cushing triad? a. Blood pressure, 90/50 mm Hg; pulse, 120 beats/min; respirations, 10 breaths/min b. Blood pressure, 190/110 mm Hg; pulse, 55 beats/min; respirations, 30 breaths/min c. Blood pressure, 80/40 mm Hg; pulse, 30 beats/min; respirations, 32 breaths/min d. Blood pressure, 200/100 mm Hg; pulse, 140 beats/min; respirations, 28 breaths/min
b. Blood pressure, 190/110 mm Hg; pulse, 55 beats/min; respirations, 30 breaths/min
Which of the following findings would be the MOST significant when assessing a patient with possible internal bleeding? a. The patient has a history of diabetes and takes Humalog (intramuscular insulin). b. The patient has a history of atrial fibrillation and takes Xarelto (a blood thinner). c. The patient has a history of hypertension and takes Metoprolol (a beta blocker). d. The patient has a history of seizures and takes Keppra (an anticonvulsant).
b. The patient has a history of atrial fibrillation and takes Xarelto (a blood thinner).
Which of the following statements regarding gunshot wounds is correct? a. Low-velocity bullets will cause the greatest amount of trauma. b. The speed of a bullet has the greatest impact on the injury produced. c. High-velocity bullets will cause less severe internal injuries. d. The size of a bullet has the greatest impact on the injury produced.
b. The speed of a bullet has the greatest impact on the injury produced.
A 39-year-old male was struck in the head by a baseball during a game. He is confused and has slurred speech. He has a large hematoma in the center of his forehead and cannot remember the events preceding the injury. After manually stabilizing his head and assessing his airway, you should: a. perform a neurologic exam. b. administer high-flow oxygen. c. apply ice to the hematoma. d. palpate his radial pulses.
b. administer high-flow oxygen.
An open pneumothorax occurs when: a. extreme pleural pressure causes the lung to rupture. b. air enters the pleural space from outside the body. c. air enters the pleural space from a perforated lung. d. a fractured rib perforates the tissue of the lung.
b. air enters the pleural space from outside the body.
Following direct trauma to the left upper back, a 44-year-old male presents with diaphoresis and restlessness. His blood pressure is 100/50 mm Hg, his pulse rate is 120 beats/min and weak, and his respirations are 24 breaths/min and labored. Your assessment reveals abrasions and contusions over the left scapula. You should: a. focus your assessment on his scapulae and clavicles and apply high-flow oxygen. b. apply high-flow oxygen, consider spinal precautions, and transport without delay. c. apply high-flow oxygen, perform a detailed secondary assessment, and transport. d. hyperventilate him with a BVM and monitor his oxygen saturation.
b. apply high-flow oxygen, consider spinal precautions, and transport without delay.
A young male sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen during an altercation. As your partner is assessing and managing his airway, you should control the obvious bleeding and then: a. apply a cervical collar. b. assess for an exit wound. c. auscultate bowel sounds. d. obtain baseline vital signs.
b. assess for an exit wound.
A utility worker was trimming branches and was electrocuted when he accidentally cut a high-power line. He fell approximately 20 feet and is lying unresponsive on the ground; the power line is lying across his chest. You should: a. manually stabilize his head as your partner assesses for breathing. b. assess the patient after ensuring that the power line is not live. c. apply insulated gloves and assume manual control of his c-spine. d. quickly but carefully move the patient away from the power line.
b. assess the patient after ensuring that the power line is not live.
The body's natural cooling mechanism, in which sweat is converted to a gas, is called: a. convection. b. evaporation. c. conduction. d. radiation.
b. evaporation.
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to assess: a. mental status, eye opening, and respiratory rate. b. eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. c. verbal response, eye opening, and mental status. d. sensory response, pupil reaction, and heart rate.
b. eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.
The MOST common and serious complication of a significant head injury is: a. airway compromise. b. increase of intracranial pressure. c. hypotension, tachycardia, and hypoxia.. d. a skull fracture
b. increase of intracranial pressure.
A driver involved in a rollover motor vehicle crash will MOST likely experience serious injuries or death if he or she: a. experiences multiple impacts. b. is ejected or partially ejected. c. is wearing only a lap belt. d. remains within the vehicle.
b. is ejected or partially ejected.
A 15-year-old female was struck by a small car while riding her bicycle. She was wearing a helmet and was thrown to the ground, striking her head. It is MOST important for you to immediately: a. clear her airway of fluids or obstructions and provide supplemental oxygen in necessary. b. manually stabilize her entire spine. c. palpate a carotid pulse while checking for bleeding and injuries. d. check her level of responsiveness and assess any neuro deficits.
b. manually stabilize her entire spine.
A 28-year-old male was struck in the chest with a baseball bat during an altercation. He is conscious and alert and complains of severe chest pain. Your assessment reveals a large area of ecchymosis over the sternum and a rapid, irregular pulse. In addition to providing supplemental oxygen, you should: a. determine if he has cardiac problems. b. prepare for immediate transport. c. apply bulky dressings to the sternum. d. apply an AED and assess his BP.
b. prepare for immediate transport.
A man called EMS 12 hours after injuring his chest. Your assessment reveals a flail segment to the right side of the chest. The patient is experiencing respiratory distress and his oxygen saturation is 78%. His breath sounds are equal bilaterally and his jugular veins are normal. You should suspect: a. massive hemothorax. b. pulmonary contusion. c. traumatic asphyxia. d. tension pneumothorax.
b. pulmonary contusion.
A 6-year-old female was riding her bicycle and struck a clothesline with her throat. She is breathing, but with obvious difficulty. Your assessment reveals a crackling sensation in the soft tissues of her neck and circumoral cyanosis. In addition to the appropriate airway management, the intervention that will MOST likely improve her chance of survival is: a. requesting a paramedic ambulance. b. rapidly transporting her to the hospital. c. careful monitoring her vital signs. d. quickly immobilizing her spinal column.
b. rapidly transporting her to the hospital.
Patients with full-thickness (third-degree) burns generally do not complain of pain because: a. blister formation protects the burn. b. the nerve endings have been destroyed. c. they are generally not conscious. d. subcutaneous vessels are usually clotted.
b. the nerve endings have been destroyed.
In general, musculoskeletal injuries should be splinted before moving the patient unless: a. the patient is in severe pain. b. the patient is clinically unstable. c. transport time is less than 15 minutes. d. deformity and swelling are present.
b. the patient is clinically unstable.
A female patient with a suspected head injury has slow, shallow breathing. The MOST appropriate treatment for her includes: a. hyperventilating her at 30 breaths/min. b. ventilation assistance to maintain an ETCO2 of 30 to 35 mm Hg. c. ventilation assistance to maintain an oxygen saturation of 90%.. d. administering oxygen via a nonrebreathing mask.
b. ventilation assistance to maintain an ETCO2 of 30 to 35 mm Hg.
Significant vital sign changes will occur if the typical adult acutely loses more than ______ of his or her total blood volume (approximately 6L). a. 5% (approximately 300mL) b. 30% (approximately 1800ml) c. 20% (approximately 1200mL) d. 10% (approximately 600mL)
c. 20% (approximately 1200mL)
Hypothermia begins to occur when the core body temperature falls below: a. 88°F (31°C). b. 90°F (32°C). c. 95°F (35°C). d. 98°F (37°C).
c. 95°F (35°C).
Which of the following breathing patterns is MOST indicative of increased intracranial pressure? a. Slow, shallow, occasional gasps that progress to prolonged periods of apnea b. Increased rate with a normal inspiratory time and a prolonged expiratory time c. Irregular rate, pattern, and volume of breathing with intermittent periods of apnea d. Increased rate and depth with the distinct odor of acetone on the patient's breath
c. Irregular rate, pattern, and volume of breathing with intermittent periods of apnea
Which of the following is most likely to cause immediate death? a. Dissecting Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) b. Pulmonary Embolism (PE) c. Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) d. Myocardial Infarction (MI)
c. Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Which of the following statements regarding abdominal eviscerations is correct? a. Most eviscerations occur to the left upper quadrant. b. The organs should be replaced carefully to avoid heat loss. c. The protruding organs should be kept warm and moist. d. Adherent material is preferred when covering an evisceration.
c. The protruding organs should be kept warm and moist.
A 17-year-old male was shot in the right anterior chest during an altercation. As your partner is applying oxygen, you perform a rapid assessment and find an open chest wound with a small amount of blood bubbling from it. You should: a. control the bleeding from the wound and prepare to transport at once. b. direct your partner to assist the patient's ventilations with a BVM. c. apply an occlusive dressing to the wound and continue your assessment. d. place a sterile dressing over the wound and apply direct pressure.
c. apply an occlusive dressing to the wound and continue your assessment.
It would be appropriate to remain on scene to perform a secondary assessment for which patient: a. struck his or her head and is experiencing nausea or vomiting. b. was restrained during a high-speed motor vehicle crash. c. fainted and fell to the ground from a standing position. d. has blood draining from the ears following a head injury.
c. fainted and fell to the ground from a standing position.
Traction splints are used primarily to immobilize and secure fractures of the: a. hip. b. humerus. c. femur. d. pelvis.
c. femur.
The ability of a person's cardiovascular system to compensate for blood loss is MOST related to: a. how fast his or her heart beats. b. his or her baseline blood pressure. c. how rapidly he or she bleeds. d. the part of the body injured.
c. how rapidly he or she bleeds.
When splinting an injury of the wrist, the hand should be placed: a. into a fist. b. in a straight position. c. in a functional position. d. in an extended position.
c. in a functional position.
Approximately 25% of severe injuries to the aorta occur during: a. frontal collisions. b. rear-end collisions. c. lateral collisions. d. rollover collisions.
c. lateral collisions.
Bruising to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen following blunt trauma is MOST suggestive of injury to the: a. stomach. b. spleen. c. liver. d. kidney.
c. liver.
A 45-year-old female was the unrestrained passenger of a small car that rear-ended another vehicle at a moderate rate of speed. She is conscious and alert, but complains of pain to both of her knees. There is visible damage to the dashboard on the passenger's side of the vehicle. In addition to fractures or dislocations of the knees, you should be MOST suspicious for: a. fracture of the tibia or fibula. b. anterior hip dislocation. c. posterior hip dislocation. d. a thoracic spine fracture.
c. posterior hip dislocation.
Because the depth of an open abdominal wound is often difficult to determine: a. the EMT must perform a thorough exam. b. vital signs should be monitored frequently. c. prompt transport to the hospital is essential. d. the abdomen must be vigorously palpated.
c. prompt transport to the hospital is essential.
The presence of tachycardia following a significant abdominal injury: a. indicates a state of decompensated shock. b. is most commonly caused by severe pain. c. should be assumed to be a sign of shock. d. is always accompanied by hypotension.
c. should be assumed to be a sign of shock.
During your primary assessment of a 19-year-old unconscious male who experienced severe head trauma, you note that his respirations are rapid, irregular, and shallow. He has bloody secretions draining from his mouth and nose. You should: a. assist his ventilations with a BVM. b. pack his nostrils to stop the drainage of blood. c. suction his oropharynx for up to 10 seconds. d. immobilize his spine and transport immediately.
c. suction his oropharynx for up to 10 seconds.
Hypovolemic shock occurs when: a. the clotting ability of the blood is enhanced. b. the patient's systolic blood pressure is less than 100 mm Hg. c. the body cannot compensate for rapid blood loss. d. at least 10% of the patient's blood volume is lost.
c. the body cannot compensate for rapid blood loss.
Heat stroke occurs when: a. a person becomes dehydrated secondary to excess water loss. b. the ambient temperature exceeds 90°F (32°C) and the humidity is high. c. the body's heat-eliminating mechanisms are overwhelmed. d. a person's core body temperature rises above 103°F (39°C).
c. the body's heat-eliminating mechanisms are overwhelmed.
What mechanism(s) does the body use to control bleeding?
clotting, vasodilation, coagulation
A 33-year-old male sustained an abdominal evisceration to the left lower quadrant of his abdomen after he was cut with a large knife. After appropriately managing his ABCs and assessing him for other life-threatening injuries, how you should care for his wound? a. Carefully replace the exposed bowel into the abdomen and transport. b. Irrigate it with sterile water and cover it with a dry dressing. c. Cover the exposed bowel and keep his legs in a straight position. d. Cover it with moist, sterile gauze and secure with an occlusive dressing.
d. Cover it with moist, sterile gauze and secure with an occlusive dressing.
A flail chest occurs when: a. more than three ribs have simple, transverse fractures on the same side of the chest. b. a single segmented rib fracture bulges during the inhalation phase. c. a single rib is fractured d. chest trauma causes a decreased tidal volume during negative pressure ventilation.
d. chest trauma causes a decreased tidal volume during negative pressure ventilation.
All of the following terms refer to a body part that is cold but not frozen, EXCEPT: a. frostnip. b. immersion foot. c. trench foot. d. frostbite.
d. frostbite.
Immediately life-threatening chest injuries must be found and managed during the _______. a. secondary assessment b. patient history c. scene size-up: d. primary assessment
d. primary assessment
Significant trauma to the head and face should increase the EMT's index of suspicion of: a. dysphagia and dysphasia b. tachypnea and tachycardia c. basilar skull fracture and loss of balance d. spinal column injury and airway obstruction
d. spinal column injury and airway obstruction
Which of the following organs or structures does NOT reside within the mediastinum? a. Esophagus b. Trachea c. Vena cava d. Spleen
d. spleen
Pleural fluid is contained between the: a. parietal pleura and the chest wall. b. visceral pleura and the lung. c. parietal pleura and the heart. d. visceral and parietal pleurae.
d. visceral and parietal pleurae.
Define the clinical finding of the 6-year-old female described in Question 11: "Your assessment reveals a crackling sensation in the soft tissues of her neck and circumoral cyanosis." a. Pulmonary Contusion. b. Traumatic Asphyxiation c. Tension Pneumothorax d. Pulmonary Edema e. Subcutaneous Emphysema
e. Subcutaneous Emphysema
When caring for a patient with an open facial injury, the EMT's immediate priority should be to: a. closely assess the patient's airway. b. consider the mechanism of injury. c. manually stabilize the patient's head. d. wear gloves and facial protection.
wear gloves and facial protection.
