COPR COPR - Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators Examination Trauma Assessment and Management Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the primary survey using the MARCH algorithm for hemorrhage control, what does 'M' stand for?
- Monitoring
- Massive hemorrhage (Correct answer)
- Medications
- Movement
Correct answer: Massive hemorrhage
In the MARCH algorithm (used in tactical and civilian trauma), 'M' stands for Massive hemorrhage control, which is addressed before airway.
Question 2: A patient arrives with a penetrating chest wound on the right side with absent breath sounds. After sealing the wound, the patient deteriorates rapidly. What should you suspect?
- Massive hemothorax
- Tension pneumothorax (Correct answer)
- Cardiac tamponade
- Pulmonary contusion
Correct answer: Tension pneumothorax
Rapid deterioration after sealing a chest wound suggests tension pneumothorax, where air under pressure compresses mediastinal structures.
Question 3: Which mechanism of injury is MOST associated with a high index of suspicion for aortic injury?
- Low-speed rear-end collision
- High-speed deceleration (e.g., MVC at highway speed) (Correct answer)
- Fall from standing height
- Direct punch to the abdomen
Correct answer: High-speed deceleration (e.g., MVC at highway speed)
High-speed deceleration forces cause shear stress at the aortic isthmus, making aortic injury a critical concern in these mechanisms.
Question 4: What is the primary goal of the permissive hypotension strategy in penetrating trauma management?
- Maximize urine output
- Maintain MAP around 50–65 mmHg to limit re-bleeding while preserving perfusion (Correct answer)
- Achieve a systolic BP of 120 mmHg rapidly
- Prevent cerebral edema
Correct answer: Maintain MAP around 50–65 mmHg to limit re-bleeding while preserving perfusion
Permissive hypotension maintains a lower target MAP to avoid dislodging clots and worsening hemorrhage while ensuring minimal organ perfusion.
Question 5: During a trauma assessment, a GCS score is calculated. Which component assesses verbal response?
- Eye opening
- Motor response
- Verbal response (Correct answer)
- Pupillary response
Correct answer: Verbal response
The Glasgow Coma Scale has three components: eye opening (E), verbal response (V), and motor response (M), with verbal scored 1–5.
Question 6: A patient has a femur fracture. What estimated blood volume loss should be anticipated?
- 250–500 mL
- 500–1000 mL
- 1000–1500 mL (Correct answer)
- 2000–2500 mL
Correct answer: 1000–1500 mL
A closed femur fracture can result in 1000–1500 mL of blood loss due to the large surrounding muscle compartment and vascular supply.
