Pre-Hospital Care & Treatment Flashcards

When assessing a patient using the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale, which three findings are evaluated?

Answer: Facial droop, arm drift, abnormal speech

The Cincinnati Stroke Scale evaluates facial droop, arm drift, and speech abnormality.

A patient with a sucking chest wound has a three-sided occlusive dressing applied. Why is one side left open?

Answer: To act as a flutter valve allowing air to escape but not enter

A three-sided dressing acts as a flutter valve, preventing air from entering the pleural space on inspiration while allowing it to escape on expiration.

Which of the following is a contraindication to using a tourniquet?

Answer: Bleeding from the neck or groin

Tourniquets cannot be used on junctional wounds (neck, groin, axilla) — these require wound packing or junctional hemostatic devices.

The recommended rate for rescue breathing in an adult with a pulse but absent respirations is:

Answer: 10-12 breaths per minute

AHA guidelines recommend 10-12 breaths per minute (one breath every 5-6 seconds) for rescue breathing in adults.

A patient presents with a blood pressure of 220/130 mmHg, severe headache, and blurred vision. This is best described as:

Answer: Hypertensive emergency

Severe hypertension with evidence of acute end-organ damage (neurological symptoms) is a hypertensive emergency.

When managing an impaled object in the field, the EMT should:

Answer: Stabilize the object in place and transport

Impaled objects should be stabilized in place to prevent further injury; removal can cause massive hemorrhage.

A 3-year-old is found unresponsive. Using the Pediatric Assessment Triangle (PAT), which component assesses work of breathing?

Answer: Work of breathing (retractions, abnormal sounds)

The PAT assesses Appearance, Work of Breathing, and Circulation to skin — work of breathing includes retractions, nasal flaring, and abnormal breath sounds.