Paramedic Patient Assessment Flashcards

During the secondary assessment of a trauma patient, which mnemonic is used to evaluate each injury site systematically?

Answer: DCAP-BTLS

DCAP-BTLS stands for Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, and Swelling, used in hands-on physical exam.

A patient is found unresponsive with snoring respirations. What is the FIRST intervention the paramedic should perform?

Answer: Open the airway with a head-tilt chin-lift or jaw thrust

Airway opening is always the first priority; snoring indicates partial airway obstruction that may resolve with proper positioning.

Which finding during auscultation of lung sounds would MOST suggest a tension pneumothorax?

Answer: Absent breath sounds on one side with tracheal deviation

Absent unilateral breath sounds combined with tracheal deviation and hemodynamic instability are hallmark signs of tension pneumothorax.

When assessing skin perfusion in a patient with suspected shock, which combination of findings is MOST consistent with early compensated shock?

Answer: Pale, cool, diaphoretic skin with tachycardia

Sympathetic compensation causes vasoconstriction and tachycardia, producing pale, cool, diaphoretic skin before blood pressure drops significantly.

A 45-year-old male presents with crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm. Using OPQRST, which component addresses the radiation of pain?

Answer: Radiation

The 'R' in OPQRST specifically asks where the pain spreads or radiates beyond the primary site.

During a scene size-up, a paramedic notices a patient lying next to an overturned tractor. What is the PRIMARY concern before approaching?

Answer: Ensuring scene safety for all responders

Scene safety is always assessed first to prevent responders from becoming additional casualties.

Which Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score indicates a severe traumatic brain injury?

Answer: 8 or below

A GCS of 8 or below is the threshold for severe TBI and typically warrants early airway management.