CCSP On-Field Emergency Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A marathon runner collapses near the finish line with altered mental status, severe hyponatremia (Na+ 118 mEq/L), and signs of cerebral edema. What is the most appropriate immediate intervention?
- Administer isotonic normal saline IV bolus
- Restrict all fluids and monitor
- Administer hypertonic (3%) saline (Correct answer)
- Encourage oral water intake
Correct answer: Administer hypertonic (3%) saline
Symptomatic severe hyponatremia with cerebral edema requires hypertonic saline to rapidly correct sodium and reduce cerebral swelling.
Question 2: When activating the emergency action plan (EAP), which individual should be designated to meet and direct incoming EMS personnel?
- The team physician or chiropractor
- A designated personnel posted at the venue entrance (Correct answer)
- The athletic trainer managing the patient
- The team coach
Correct answer: A designated personnel posted at the venue entrance
A designated person should be posted at the entrance to guide EMS to the exact location of the emergency, minimizing response time.
Question 3: A gymnast falls from the uneven bars and is found unresponsive with suspected spinal injury. How many rescuers are recommended for a safe log roll?
- 2
- 3
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 5
Correct answer: 4
A minimum of 4 rescuers is recommended for a safe log roll: one stabilizing the head and directing, and three managing the body.
Question 4: Which of the following is the MOST reliable field indicator of adequate CPR compression depth in an adult?
- Visible chest recoil between compressions
- Compression rate of exactly 100/min
- Sternal depression of at least 2 inches (5 cm) (Correct answer)
- Carotid pulse palpable during compressions
Correct answer: Sternal depression of at least 2 inches (5 cm)
Guidelines specify that adult chest compressions should depress the sternum at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches for adequate perfusion.
Question 5: An athlete with a known peanut allergy ingests a food containing peanuts. Within 10 minutes they develop urticaria and throat tightness but maintain a normal blood pressure. What is the correct immediate treatment?
- Administer oral diphenhydramine and observe
- Administer IM epinephrine immediately (Correct answer)
- Apply ice to the throat area
- Administer inhaled albuterol only
Correct answer: Administer IM epinephrine immediately
Throat tightness indicates airway involvement; this is anaphylaxis requiring immediate IM epinephrine regardless of blood pressure status.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the 'scoop and run' principle in on-field trauma management?
- Perform all definitive care on scene before transport
- Stabilize the athlete completely before calling EMS
- Minimize scene time and transport rapidly to definitive care for critical patients (Correct answer)
- Scoop the athlete up without spinal precautions to save time
Correct answer: Minimize scene time and transport rapidly to definitive care for critical patients
Scoop and run prioritizes rapid transport for critical trauma patients, limiting scene time to life-saving interventions only.
Question 7: A cross-country runner collapses with suspected exertional sickling crisis. Which intervention is CONTRAINDICATED in this scenario?
- Supplemental oxygen administration
- Immediate cessation of activity and rest
- IV fluid administration
- Vigorous massage and stretching of affected muscles (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Vigorous massage and stretching of affected muscles
Massage and stretching can worsen vascular occlusion and muscle breakdown in sickle cell trait crisis and is contraindicated.
CCSP On-Field Emergency Procedures 4
A marathon runner collapses near the finish line with altered mental status, severe hyponatremia (Na+ 118 mEq/L), and signs of cerebral edema.
What is the most appropriate immediate intervention?