AEMCA Trauma and Shock Management 2

Question 1

A patient is found unresponsive after a high-speed MVA. During your rapid trauma assessment you note distended neck veins, absent breath sounds on the left, and hypotension. Which condition does this triad most suggest?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax classically presents with absent breath sounds on the affected side, jugular venous distension, hypotension, and tracheal deviation.

Question 2

During a scene size-up of an industrial accident, you note a worker with a large open wound to the thigh with arterial spurting. After BSI, what is your immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound

Answer

Arterial hemorrhage from an extremity requires immediate tourniquet application to control life-threatening bleeding before any other intervention.

Question 3

Which type of shock is most commonly associated with a cervical spinal cord injury at C5?

Accepted Answer

Neurogenic shock

Answer

High cervical cord injuries disrupt sympathetic tone, causing vasodilation and bradycardia — the hallmarks of neurogenic shock.

Question 4

A patient in compensated hemorrhagic shock will most likely demonstrate which early sign?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia with normal blood pressure

Answer

In compensated shock the body maintains blood pressure through tachycardia and vasoconstriction, so tachycardia is the earliest reliable indicator.

Question 5

When performing needle decompression for suspected tension pneumothorax, which landmark is the preferred insertion site?

Accepted Answer

2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line

Answer

The 2nd intercostal space at the midclavicular line is the standard landmark for needle decompression to avoid neurovascular bundles and major vessels.

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA Trauma and Shock Management 2