Head and Spine Injury Management Flashcards
6 cards from real NATA-BOC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Head and Spine Injury Management flashcards as text
According to the most current concussion consensus guidelines, which symptom most reliably indicates an athlete should be immediately removed from play?
Answer: Any observable signs of confusion or disorientation
Observable confusion or disorientation is a red flag that mandates immediate removal from play. The 'when in doubt, sit them out' principle applies, and any signs of altered mental status are the most reliable indicators for removal.
An athlete sustains a concussion and is being monitored. Which finding would necessitate emergency transport to a hospital?
Answer: Progressive deterioration of consciousness
Progressive deterioration of consciousness is a danger sign that may indicate an epidural or subdural hematoma or cerebral edema. This requires immediate emergency transport for neuroimaging.
Which grading scale has been recommended for sideline concussion assessment by the Concussion in Sport Group?
Answer: Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT)
The SCAT (currently SCAT6) is the standardized tool recommended by the Concussion in Sport Group for sideline concussion evaluation. It includes symptom evaluation, cognitive screening, balance assessment, and neurological screening.
An athletic trainer is managing an athlete with a suspected cervical spine injury in a football helmet and shoulder pads. According to current best practices, what should be done with the equipment?
Answer: Leave both in place; remove the facemask only
Current guidelines recommend leaving both the helmet and shoulder pads in place to maintain neutral cervical alignment. The facemask should be removed to allow airway access. Removing only one piece of equipment creates cervical hyperflexion or hyperextension.
Which of the following best describes second impact syndrome?
Answer: Diffuse cerebral swelling after a second concussion before the first has resolved
Second impact syndrome (SIS) occurs when an athlete sustains a second concussion before fully recovering from a first concussion. It results in rapid, often fatal, diffuse cerebral edema due to loss of cerebrovascular autoregulation.
During the return-to-play protocol after concussion, at which step is resistance training first introduced?
Answer: Step 4: Non-contact training drills
Resistance training is first introduced at Step 4 (non-contact training drills) of the graduated return-to-play protocol. Prior steps focus on light aerobic and sport-specific exercise without resistance or contact.