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.
In the primary survey using the MARCH algorithm for hemorrhage control, what does 'M' stand for?