EMT Trauma Practice Test 1

Question 1

You arrive on the scene of a patient who fell from a ladder. Which of the following information is NOT an important factor in care of the patient?

Accepted Answer

Height of the ladder

Answer

When assessing a patient who fell from a ladder, the critical factor for determining the mechanism of injury and potential severity is the actual distance the patient fell. While the ladder's height provides context, the specific fall distance, the surface landed on, and the body part that hit first are all more direct indicators of the impact forces and potential injuries sustained.

Question 2

You are at the scene of an MVA, in which there are three patients, all of which have minor visible injuries. Two are refusing treatment and the last is complaining of neck and back pain. How should you proceed?

Accepted Answer

Have your partner obtain refusals from the two patients who refused treatment, while you treat the last patient.

Answer

In a multi-patient scenario where some patients refuse care and one requires immediate attention, it is efficient and appropriate to delegate tasks. Your priority is the patient with potential spinal injuries (neck and back pain), requiring immediate assessment and stabilization. Simultaneously, your partner can obtain legally binding refusals from the other two patients, ensuring proper documentation and respecting patient autonomy.

Question 3

Your patient is a 17 year old male found face down in a swimming pool. He is currently being held face up at the surface of the water. He is unconscious but breathing and has a pulse. What is the best course of action for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Apply cervical and spinal immobilization while the patient is still in the pool

Answer

A patient found unconscious and face down in a swimming pool must be treated as if they have a potential spinal injury due to the mechanism of injury. Therefore, the priority is to apply cervical and spinal immobilization while the patient is still in the water, before attempting any extrication. This prevents further injury during removal from the pool.

Question 4

A laceration, spurting brigA laceration, spurting bright red blood, most likely means what type of injury?ht red blood most likely means what type of injury.

Accepted Answer

Arterial

Answer

Arterial bleeding is characterized by bright red blood that often spurts or pulses rhythmically with each heartbeat. This is because arteries carry oxygenated blood directly from the heart under high pressure. Venous blood is typically darker red and flows steadily, while capillary bleeding is a slow ooze.

Question 5

Your patient has a laceration to the right leg which has intersected the femoral artery. You have applied direct pressure to the wound, but it continues to soak through the bandages. What should you do next?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the leg

Answer

After applying direct pressure, if severe bleeding continues to soak through bandages, the next step in hemorrhage control is to elevate the injured extremity above the level of the heart. This utilizes gravity to reduce blood flow to the area, thereby helping to decrease bleeding. Applying a tourniquet is a last resort for uncontrolled, life-threatening hemorrhage.

NREMT Practice Test

NREMT Practice Test

EMT Trauma Practice Test 1