CEP Trauma Assessment & Prehospital Interventions 3

Question 1

When applying a tourniquet for extremity hemorrhage control, it should be placed:

Accepted Answer

2–3 inches proximal to the wound

Answer

Tourniquets are placed 2–3 inches proximal to the wound over long bone, avoiding joints, to effectively compress the artery.

Question 2

A 45-year-old restrained driver has an airbag deployment and complains of chest pain and dyspnea. Vitals: BP 100/70, HR 110, SpO2 93%. Lung sounds are equal. The MOST likely diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary contusion

Answer

Blunt anterior chest trauma from airbag/steering wheel impact with hypoxia and equal lung sounds is classic for pulmonary contusion.

Question 3

In a pediatric trauma patient, which vital sign abnormality is MOST concerning for decompensated shock?

Accepted Answer

Systolic BP below 70 mmHg + (2 × age in years)

Answer

Hypotension by pediatric formula (70 + 2×age) indicates decompensated shock, as children maintain BP until losing 25–30% of blood volume.

Question 4

Which mechanism of injury MOST warrants spinal motion restriction in a trauma patient?

Accepted Answer

Fall from greater than 3 times the patient's height

Answer

High-energy mechanisms such as falls from significant heights are associated with spinal injuries requiring motion restriction.

Question 5

A patient with a suspected pelvic fracture is hypotensive. Which prehospital intervention is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Application of a commercial pelvic binder or sheet wrap

Answer

A pelvic binder reduces pelvic volume and tamponades venous bleeding, making it the priority intervention before fluid administration.

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

CEP Trauma Assessment & Prehospital Interventions 3