JIBC Paramedic Patient Assessment 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

DCAP-BTLS

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Absent breath sounds on one side with tracheal deviation

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Pale, cool, diaphoretic skin with tachycardia

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Radiation

Answer

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

JIBC - Justice Institute of British Columbia Practice Test