IHSA Patient Assessment & Evaluation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a primary assessment at a worksite, what does the 'C' in the modified C-ABCDE framework stand for when dealing with trauma patients?
- Circulation
- Catastrophic hemorrhage control (Correct answer)
- Cervical spine
- Consciousness
Correct answer: Catastrophic hemorrhage control
In trauma assessment the 'C' before airway stands for Catastrophic hemorrhage control, addressing life-threatening bleeding before the airway.
Question 2: A construction worker is found unresponsive after a fall. What is the FIRST step in the primary assessment?
- Check for breathing
- Establish scene safety and form a general impression (Correct answer)
- Open the airway
- Check for a pulse
Correct answer: Establish scene safety and form a general impression
Scene safety and forming a general impression of the patient's condition must occur before any hands-on assessment begins.
Question 3: Which AVPU level best describes a patient who only responds when you apply a sternal rub?
- Alert
- Voice
- Pain (Correct answer)
- Unresponsive
Correct answer: Pain
A patient who responds only to painful stimuli is classified as 'P' (Pain) on the AVPU scale.
Question 4: When assessing skin condition during a primary survey, which combination of findings suggests severe shock?
- Warm, dry, pink
- Cool, clammy, pale (Correct answer)
- Hot, dry, flushed
- Warm, moist, yellow
Correct answer: Cool, clammy, pale
Cool, clammy, pale skin indicates peripheral vasoconstriction and reduced perfusion consistent with hypovolemic shock.
Question 5: A worksite coach arrives to find a patient with a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute. What is the priority intervention?
- Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask
- Begin assisted ventilations (Correct answer)
- Place in recovery position
- Perform a full secondary assessment
Correct answer: Begin assisted ventilations
A respiratory rate below 8 bpm is critically slow and requires assisted ventilations to prevent hypoxic injury.
Question 6: What does 'mechanism of injury' (MOI) help the rescuer determine during patient assessment?
- The patient's past medical history
- The likely pattern and severity of injuries (Correct answer)
- Whether bystanders are reliable witnesses
- The appropriate transport destination
Correct answer: The likely pattern and severity of injuries
MOI guides the rescuer to anticipate hidden or internal injuries based on the forces involved in the incident.
Question 7: During a primary assessment, after controlling catastrophic bleeding and ensuring an open airway, what is assessed next?
- Disability (neurological status)
- Exposure and environment
- Breathing adequacy (Correct answer)
- Circulation and perfusion
Correct answer: Breathing adequacy
Following airway confirmation, breathing adequacy—rate, depth, and symmetry—is the next priority in the C-ABCDE sequence.
IHSA Patient Assessment & Evaluation 2
During a primary assessment at a worksite, what does the 'C' in the modified C-ABCDE framework stand for when dealing with trauma patients?