CEP Trauma Assessment & Prehospital Interventions 4

Question 1

A patient sustains blunt abdominal trauma with referred pain to the left shoulder (Kehr's sign). This finding MOST suggests injury to the:

Accepted Answer

Spleen

Answer

Kehr's sign — left shoulder pain due to diaphragmatic irritation from blood — is classically associated with splenic injury.

Question 2

Which of the following is the MOST reliable indicator of internal hemorrhage in a blunt abdominal trauma patient?

Accepted Answer

Decreasing blood pressure with tachycardia

Answer

Progressive hemodynamic instability (hypotension + tachycardia) is the most reliable field indicator of significant internal hemorrhage.

Question 3

During endotracheal intubation of a trauma patient, a right mainstem intubation is confirmed. Correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Deflate the cuff, withdraw tube 2–3 cm, re-inflate, and reconfirm

Answer

Withdrawing the ETT 2–3 cm above the carina and reconfirming placement corrects right mainstem intubation without removing the secured airway.

Question 4

A 60-year-old male on warfarin is involved in a ground-level fall and strikes his head. He is alert with a GCS of 15 and no neuro deficits. Your management should include:

Accepted Answer

Transport for evaluation due to anticoagulation increasing intracranial bleed risk

Answer

Anticoagulated patients have significantly higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage after even minor head trauma, requiring hospital evaluation.

Question 5

Which of the following BEST indicates successful needle decompression for tension pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Return of normal breath sounds bilaterally and hemodynamic improvement

Answer

Successful decompression is confirmed by bilateral breath sounds returning and hemodynamic improvement, not just air release or partial SpO2 improvement.

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

(CEP) Certified Emergency Paramedic Practice Test

CEP Trauma Assessment & Prehospital Interventions 4