ERT ERT Medical Emergencies & Triage 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the acronym AVPU stand for in patient assessment?
- Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive (Correct answer)
- Airway, Ventilation, Pulse, Unconscious
- Alert, Visual, Pressure, Unstable
- Airway, Voice, Perfusion, Unconscious
Correct answer: Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive
AVPU is a rapid neurological assessment scale: Alert, responds to Verbal stimuli, responds to Pain, or Unresponsive.
Question 2: Which of the following is a sign of anaphylactic shock that distinguishes it from other types of shock?
- Urticaria (hives) and wheezing (Correct answer)
- Bradycardia and hypertension
- Fever and chills
- Diaphoresis and cyanosis alone
Correct answer: Urticaria (hives) and wheezing
Anaphylaxis presents with urticaria and bronchospasm (wheezing) caused by the systemic allergic response, distinguishing it from other shock types.
Question 3: When applying a tourniquet to control severe limb hemorrhage, where should it be placed?
- 2–3 inches proximal to the wound (Correct answer)
- Directly over the wound
- 2–3 inches distal to the wound
- At the joint nearest the wound
Correct answer: 2–3 inches proximal to the wound
A tourniquet should be applied 2–3 inches proximal (above) the wound to occlude blood flow without damaging joint structures.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of the 'C' in the MARCH acronym used in tactical/emergency care?
- Control catastrophic hemorrhage (Correct answer)
- Check circulation
- Clear the airway
- Confirm consciousness
Correct answer: Control catastrophic hemorrhage
In the MARCH protocol (Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia), the 'M' and context of 'C' both emphasize stopping life-threatening bleeding first.
Question 5: A patient presents with a sucking chest wound. What is the immediate treatment?
- Apply a vented chest seal or occlusive dressing (Correct answer)
- Perform needle decompression immediately
- Administer oxygen and transport
- Pack the wound with gauze
Correct answer: Apply a vented chest seal or occlusive dressing
A vented chest seal (or three-sided occlusive dressing) prevents air entry into the pleural space while allowing air to escape, reducing tension pneumothorax risk.
Question 6: Which vital sign change is an EARLY indicator of hypoperfusion (shock) in an adult?
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia) (Correct answer)
- Decreased respiratory rate
- Bradycardia
- Hypertension
Correct answer: Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
Tachycardia is the earliest compensatory response as the body attempts to maintain cardiac output when blood volume or pressure drops.
ERT ERT Medical Emergencies & Triage 2
What does the acronym AVPU stand for in patient assessment?