Patient Evaluation & Stabilization Flashcards

During a secondary assessment, you note paradoxical chest wall movement on the left side. This finding is MOST consistent with:

Answer: Flail chest

Paradoxical movement (segment moves inward on inspiration) indicates flail chest from multiple rib fractures.

A patient is found unresponsive with a GCS of 6. Which component breakdown is MOST likely?

Answer: E1V2M3

GCS of 6 can be E1+V2+M3, totaling 6, representing no eye opening, incomprehensible sounds, and abnormal flexion.

When assessing skin color in a patient with dark pigmentation, which site is MOST reliable for detecting cyanosis?

Answer: Oral mucosa and conjunctiva

The oral mucosa and conjunctiva provide the most reliable cyanosis assessment in patients with darker skin tones.

You are treating a patient in hemorrhagic shock. After two large-bore IV lines fail, your NEXT best vascular access option is:

Answer: Intraosseous access

Intraosseous (IO) access provides rapid, reliable vascular access when peripheral IV placement fails in critical patients.

During patient packaging, a trauma patient with suspected spinal injury should be immobilized in which position?

Answer: Neutral anatomical alignment

Neutral anatomical alignment minimizes movement and potential spinal cord compromise during immobilization.

Which vital sign change is a late and ominous sign of decompensated shock in adults?

Answer: Hypotension

Hypotension is a late sign because compensatory mechanisms maintain blood pressure until approximately 30% blood volume is lost.

A SAMPLE history reveals a patient takes warfarin daily. How does this MOST directly impact your stabilization plan?

Answer: Anticipate severe bleeding and prepare hemorrhage control measures

Warfarin impairs clotting, so patients are at high risk for uncontrolled hemorrhage requiring aggressive bleeding control.