NATA-BOC Head and Spine Injury Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

An athlete sustains a blow to the head and is removed from play.
After being asymptomatic for 10 minutes, they receive a second, minor impact and rapidly deteriorate, showing signs of brainstem failure.
This catastrophic event is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Second impact syndrome

Answer

Post-concussion syndrome

Answer

An epidural hematoma

Answer

A diffuse axonal injury

Question 2

When managing a football player with a suspected cervical spine injury, which of the following is the MOST appropriate immediate action regarding their equipment according to NATA position statements?

Accepted Answer

Remove the face mask, but leave the helmet and shoulder pads on unless airway access is compromised.

Answer

Remove the helmet immediately to assess the airway, but leave the shoulder pads on.

Answer

Remove both the helmet and shoulder pads on the field to allow for chest compressions.

Answer

Leave both the helmet and shoulder pads in place and stabilize the head and neck in the position found.

Question 3

A 19-year-old collegiate soccer player is involved in a head-to-head collision. They are alert (GCS 15), have no midline cervical spine tenderness, and are ambulatory on the sideline. However, they report numbness and tingling in their right arm. According to the Canadian C-Spine Rule, what is the appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Refer the athlete for radiographic imaging of the cervical spine.

Answer

Perform active range of motion testing of the neck.

Answer

Clear the athlete from a cervical spine injury as they are ambulatory.

Answer

Apply a cervical collar and have them rest for 30 minutes before reassessing.

Question 4

Which of the following signs is classically associated with an epidural hematoma following a head injury?

Accepted Answer

A lucid interval followed by rapid deterioration

Answer

Gradual onset of headache and confusion over several days

Answer

A crescent-shaped finding on a CT scan

Answer

Symptoms caused by tearing of bridging veins

Question 5

An athletic trainer is conducting a sideline concussion assessment using the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5). Which of the following components is used to assess the athlete's immediate memory?

Accepted Answer

Giving the athlete a list of 10 words and asking them to repeat as many as possible.

Answer

Asking the athlete to recite the months in reverse order.

Answer

The Modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS).

Answer

Performing a delayed word recall test after 5 minutes.

Question 6

According to the most recent NATA position statements and return-to-play guidelines for sport-related concussion, what is the recommended first step in the exertional progression once an athlete is symptom-free at rest?

Accepted Answer

Light aerobic exercise such as walking or stationary cycling.

Answer

Sport-specific, non-contact training drills.

Answer

Moderate-intensity weightlifting.

Answer

A 24-48 hour period of complete cognitive and physical rest.