COPR - Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators Examination Trauma Assessment and Management Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which finding on scene at a trauma call indicates a high-energy mechanism requiring full trauma protocol?

Answer: Rollover motor vehicle collision with intrusion

A rollover MVC with passenger compartment intrusion indicates high-energy transfer and mandates full trauma assessment and protocol activation.

When managing an open (sucking) chest wound, the initial prehospital treatment is to:

Answer: Apply a vented (flutter valve) chest seal over the wound

A vented chest seal allows air to escape during exhalation while preventing air entry on inhalation, reducing tension pneumothorax risk.

Head trauma patients should have their oxygen saturation maintained at a minimum of what level to avoid secondary brain injury?

Answer: 94%

Maintaining SpO2 ≥94% prevents hypoxia-induced secondary brain injury, as the brain is extremely sensitive to even brief periods of hypoxemia.

In a patient with suspected increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which ventilation rate is recommended?

Answer: 10–12 breaths/min (normal rate)

Normal ventilation at 10–12 breaths/min is recommended to avoid hypercapnia (which worsens ICP) and the risks of excessive hyperventilation causing vasoconstriction.

Which spinal injury level is associated with loss of diaphragmatic function, requiring ventilatory support?

Answer: C3–C4 and above

The phrenic nerve originates at C3–C5; injuries at C3–C4 and above can disrupt diaphragm innervation, leading to respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support.

What is the primary purpose of a pelvic binder in trauma management?

Answer: Reduce pelvic volume to tamponade internal hemorrhage from pelvic ring disruption

A pelvic binder compresses an unstable pelvic ring fracture, reducing the pelvic volume and creating a tamponade effect to control internal hemorrhage.