Acute Care Flashcards
7 cards from real ATC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Acute Care flashcards as text
Which sign best distinguishes heat stroke from heat exhaustion?
Answer: Core temperature above 104°F (40°C) with central nervous system dysfunction
Heat stroke is defined by a rectal temperature exceeding 104°F and CNS dysfunction such as confusion, combativeness, or loss of consciousness.
An athlete sustains a penetrating eye injury from a projectile. The athletic trainer should:
Answer: Cover the eye with a rigid shield without pressing on it and refer immediately
A penetrating eye injury requires a rigid protective shield placed over the eye without pressure, and immediate referral to ophthalmology to prevent further damage.
What is the recommended method to cool an athlete with exertional heat stroke in the field?
Answer: Cold-water immersion (tub or pool) targeting 38.3–39.4°C rectal temp
Cold-water immersion is the most effective field cooling method for exertional heat stroke and should target a safe rectal temperature before transport.
When evaluating an unconscious athlete's breathing, you should check for no more than:
Answer: 10 seconds
Current AHA guidelines recommend checking for breathing for no more than 10 seconds to minimize delay in initiating CPR if breathing is absent.
An athlete with a suspected pneumothorax will most likely present with:
Answer: Unilateral decreased breath sounds, dyspnea, and tracheal deviation in tension cases
Pneumothorax presents with absent or decreased breath sounds on the affected side, dyspnea, and in tension pneumothorax, tracheal deviation away from the injury.
Which statement about AED use in athletes is MOST accurate?
Answer: AEDs should be applied as soon as possible in cardiac arrest; they will only advise shock if a shockable rhythm is detected
AEDs automatically analyze the cardiac rhythm and will only deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm (VF or pulseless VT) is detected, making them safe for lay rescuer use.
Commotio cordis most commonly results from:
Answer: A low-energy blow to the chest during a vulnerable phase of the cardiac cycle
Commotio cordis is caused by a blunt, non-penetrating blow to the precordium during the T-wave vulnerable period, triggering ventricular fibrillation.