ABEM Trauma & Procedural Skills

Question 1

What is the first step in trauma assessment?

Accepted Answer

Primary survey

Answer

In trauma assessment, the primary survey is the crucial first step, focusing on identifying and immediately treating life-threatening injuries. It follows the ABCDE mnemonic (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) to systematically assess and manage critical issues, ensuring the patient's immediate survival before proceeding to a more detailed secondary assessment.

Question 2

What is the purpose of cervical spine immobilization?

Accepted Answer

Prevent spine injury

Answer

Cervical spine immobilization is crucial in trauma to stabilize the neck and prevent movement of potentially fractured or damaged vertebrae. This stabilization minimizes the risk of further injury to the spinal cord, which could lead to permanent neurological deficits. It's a prophylactic measure to protect the delicate spinal cord from secondary damage.

Question 3

Which tool is used to stop external bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Tourniquet

Answer

A tourniquet is a life-saving device specifically designed to apply circumferential pressure to a limb, thereby occluding arterial blood flow. This extreme pressure is highly effective in stopping severe, life-threatening external bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure alone. While bandages cover wounds, a tourniquet actively stops the hemorrhage.

Question 4

What is a FAST exam used for?

Accepted Answer

Internal bleeding

Answer

A FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) exam is a rapid ultrasound scan performed in emergency settings. Its primary purpose is to quickly identify free fluid, typically blood, in specific body cavities like the pericardium, perihepatic, perisplenic, and pelvic regions. This helps detect significant internal bleeding in trauma patients, guiding immediate management decisions.

Question 5

What needle size is typically used for trauma IV access?

Accepted Answer

14-16 gauge

Answer

In trauma, rapid fluid resuscitation and blood product administration are often critical. Larger bore IV catheters, specifically 14-16 gauge, are preferred because their wider lumen allows for a much faster flow rate of fluids and blood compared to smaller gauges. This enables efficient volume replacement to combat hypovolemic shock.

(ABEM) American Board of Emergency Medicine Practice Test

(ABEM) American Board of Emergency Medicine Practice Test

ABEM Trauma & Procedural Skills