CEP Trauma Assessment & Prehospital Interventions 2

Question 1

During a rapid trauma assessment, you find a 28-year-old male with a gunshot wound to the right chest showing decreased breath sounds and JVD. Which intervention takes priority?

Accepted Answer

Needle decompression of the right chest

Answer

JVD with decreased unilateral breath sounds following penetrating chest trauma indicates tension pneumothorax requiring immediate needle decompression.

Question 2

A patient involved in a high-speed MVC has a GCS of 10, BP 88/60, HR 128, and an obviously deformed femur. What is the PRIMARY cause of hypotension in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Hemorrhagic shock from femur fracture

Answer

A femur fracture can cause 1–2 liters of blood loss into the thigh, making hemorrhagic shock the most likely cause of hypotension in this mechanism.

Question 3

You are assessing an unconscious trauma patient. After opening the airway, you note absent breathing. What is your NEXT action?

Accepted Answer

Begin 2 rescue breaths

Answer

Per PHTLS/AHA trauma protocols, after opening the airway in an apneic patient, provide 2 rescue breaths before moving to circulation assessment.

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the 'platinum ten minutes' concept in trauma care?

Accepted Answer

Total prehospital time goal before transport for critical trauma patients

Answer

The platinum ten minutes refers to limiting total on-scene time to under 10 minutes for critical trauma patients to minimize time to definitive surgical care.

Question 5

A patient has an impaled object in the left eye. The correct prehospital management is to:

Accepted Answer

Stabilize the object in place and cover both eyes

Answer

Impaled objects should be stabilized in place; covering both eyes prevents consensual movement, and removal risks vitreous extrusion.

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

CEP Trauma Assessment & Prehospital Interventions 2