First Aid Head, Neck, and Spine Injuries 2

Question 1

Which of the following mechanisms is most likely to cause a cervical spine injury?

Accepted Answer

Diving headfirst into shallow water

Answer

Diving into shallow water causes sudden forceful impact to the top of the skull, commonly resulting in cervical spine fractures.

Question 2

What is the correct manual stabilization technique when a spinal injury is suspected?

Accepted Answer

Neutral, in-line stabilization of the head and neck

Answer

Neutral, in-line stabilization prevents rotation or bending of the cervical spine that could cause or worsen spinal cord damage.

Question 3

Clear fluid leaking from a person's ear following a head injury most likely indicates what?

Accepted Answer

A possible skull fracture

Answer

Clear fluid leaking from the ear is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which strongly suggests a basilar skull fracture.

Question 4

What is 'Battle's sign' in the context of head trauma?

Accepted Answer

Bruising behind the ears indicating a skull fracture

Answer

Battle's sign is bruising over the mastoid process (behind the ear), which is a delayed indicator of a basilar skull fracture.

Question 5

If a head-injured person begins vomiting, how should you respond while maintaining spinal precautions?

Accepted Answer

Log roll them onto their side as a unit

Answer

Log rolling maintains spinal alignment while allowing the airway to clear during vomiting, addressing both the spine and airway simultaneously.

First Aid Practice Test