ATC Acute Care 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct compression depth for adult CPR?
- 1 inch
- At least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches (Correct answer)
- 3 inches
- 0.5 inches
Correct answer: At least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches
AHA guidelines recommend chest compressions of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) to optimize cardiac output without causing injury.
Question 2: An athlete collapses after a bee sting and develops urticaria, wheezing, and hypotension. The FIRST drug of choice is:
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- Albuterol inhaler
- Epinephrine 1:1000 IM (Correct answer)
- Oral corticosteroids
Correct answer: Epinephrine 1:1000 IM
Epinephrine 1:1000 administered intramuscularly (lateral thigh) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis due to its rapid reversal of bronchoconstriction and vasodilation.
Question 3: During a football game, a lineman clutches his chest and collapses. The athletic trainer notes no carotid pulse. The NEXT action is:
- Call EMS and wait
- Begin CPR and send for an AED (Correct answer)
- Perform a sternal rub
- Administer oxygen via mask only
Correct answer: Begin CPR and send for an AED
Sudden cardiac arrest requires immediate CPR and rapid AED deployment; every minute without defibrillation decreases survival by approximately 10%.
Question 4: A wrestling athlete sustains a cauliflower ear (auricular hematoma). The appropriate acute management is:
- Apply ice and return to practice
- Drain the hematoma and apply a compression dressing, then refer (Correct answer)
- Prescribe oral antibiotics immediately
- Tape the ear and monitor
Correct answer: Drain the hematoma and apply a compression dressing, then refer
Auricular hematomas must be drained promptly and a compressive dressing applied to prevent organization of the clot and permanent deformity.
Question 5: When splinting a suspected dislocated patella in the field, the knee should be:
- Forced back into position before splinting
- Splinted in the position of comfort, typically slight flexion (Correct answer)
- Placed in full extension and splinted
- Wrapped tightly in full flexion
Correct answer: Splinted in the position of comfort, typically slight flexion
Field splinting should immobilize the joint in the position of comfort to minimize pain and prevent further neurovascular compromise before transport.
Question 6: Secondary survey in emergency assessment is performed:
- Before the primary survey
- Only after life-threatening conditions are managed in the primary survey (Correct answer)
- During CPR
- Only at the hospital
Correct answer: Only after life-threatening conditions are managed in the primary survey
The secondary survey — a head-to-toe assessment for additional injuries — begins only after life-threatening issues identified in the primary survey (ABCs) are addressed.
Question 7: An athlete presents with altered mental status, seizure activity, and blood glucose of 42 mg/dL. Management should include:
- Insulin administration
- Oral glucose if the athlete can swallow, otherwise IV dextrose or glucagon (Correct answer)
- Withholding all carbohydrates
- Placing in a prone position and monitoring
Correct answer: Oral glucose if the athlete can swallow, otherwise IV dextrose or glucagon
Hypoglycemia with altered consciousness requires rapid glucose replacement; oral glucose is used for conscious athletes, while IV dextrose or IM glucagon is used if they cannot swallow.
ATC Acute Care 4
What is the correct compression depth for adult CPR?