CPR Trauma Management & Intervention 2

Question 1

A patient with a suspected pelvic fracture is hemodynamically unstable. Which intervention is the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Apply a commercial pelvic binder or improvised sheet wrap

Answer

A pelvic binder reduces pelvic volume, tamponades venous bleeding, and is the primary mechanical intervention for unstable pelvic fractures.

Question 2

Which assessment finding most strongly indicates a tension pneumothorax rather than a simple pneumothorax?

Accepted Answer

Absent breath sounds on one side with tracheal deviation and hypotension

Answer

Tension pneumothorax classically presents with absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation away from the affected side, and hypotension due to mediastinal shift impairing venous return.

Question 3

During a high-speed MVC, a restrained driver presents with bruising across the upper abdomen in a seatbelt pattern. Which injury should you most suspect?

Accepted Answer

Hollow organ injury (bowel or bladder)

Answer

The 'seatbelt sign' across the abdomen is strongly associated with hollow viscus injuries such as small bowel rupture or bladder laceration due to compression forces.

Question 4

A paramedic applies a tourniquet to a patient's mid-thigh for arterial bleeding. The bleeding does not stop. What is the correct next step?

Accepted Answer

Apply a second tourniquet proximal to the first

Answer

If a single tourniquet fails to control arterial hemorrhage, a second tourniquet should be applied immediately proximal to the first to achieve adequate occlusion pressure.

Question 5

When managing a trauma patient in hemorrhagic shock, the ideal initial fluid resuscitation strategy in the prehospital setting is:

Accepted Answer

Permissive hypotension with small boluses targeting a systolic of 80–90 mmHg

Answer

Permissive hypotension (targeting SBP 80–90 mmHg in penetrating trauma, ~90 mmHg in blunt) limits clot disruption and reduces coagulopathy while maintaining minimal perfusion.

(CPR) Certified Paramedic Response Practice Test

(CPR) Certified Paramedic Response Practice Test

CPR Trauma Management & Intervention 2