NFHS Emergency Response & Immediate Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which sideline assessment tool is widely recommended for evaluating a suspected concussion during a sporting event?
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
- Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) (Correct answer)
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
- Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire
Correct answer: Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT)
The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) is specifically designed for sideline use and evaluates symptoms, cognitive function, and balance in athletes.
Question 2: What is the primary danger of allowing an athlete with an unresolved concussion to return to contact activity too soon?
- Delayed onset muscle soreness
- Second-impact syndrome (Correct answer)
- Overuse injury to the cervical spine
- Increased risk of dehydration
Correct answer: Second-impact syndrome
Second-impact syndrome occurs when a second concussion is sustained before the first has healed, and can cause rapid, potentially fatal brain swelling.
Question 3: An athlete loses consciousness for 30 seconds after a collision. Upon regaining consciousness, they appear alert and say they feel fine. What should happen?
- Allow return after 15 minutes of observation
- Activate EMS and treat as a potential spinal injury (Correct answer)
- Allow return if balance test is normal
- Have them rest on the bench for one quarter
Correct answer: Activate EMS and treat as a potential spinal injury
Any loss of consciousness requires EMS activation and spinal precautions until a physician rules out cervical spine injury, as unconsciousness indicates a significant force.
Question 4: Which of the following should NOT be given to an athlete with a suspected concussion?
- Water or clear fluids
- Aspirin or ibuprofen (NSAIDs) (Correct answer)
- Rest in a quiet environment
- Written concussion information sheet
Correct answer: Aspirin or ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin can increase bleeding risk in the brain; their use should be avoided until a physician has cleared the athlete.
Question 5: What key information should be documented at the time of a suspected concussion on the sideline?
- Only the player's jersey number and sport
- Time of injury, observed symptoms, and mechanism of injury (Correct answer)
- The score of the game at the time of injury
- Parent contact info only
Correct answer: Time of injury, observed symptoms, and mechanism of injury
Accurate documentation of the time, symptoms, and mechanism of injury helps healthcare providers make informed decisions about diagnosis and management.
Question 6: During a football game, a player takes a hit and exhibits a 'vacant stare' and unsteady gait. What is the MOST likely concern?
- Heat exhaustion
- Concussion (Correct answer)
- Torn ACL
- Cardiac arrhythmia
Correct answer: Concussion
A vacant stare and unsteady gait (ataxia) are classic observable signs of a concussion following a head impact in sport.
Question 7: A coach disagrees with the athletic trainer's decision to remove an athlete for a suspected concussion. What is the correct course of action?
- The coach's decision overrides the athletic trainer
- The athletic trainer's medical judgment must be respected and the athlete must remain out (Correct answer)
- A vote among staff determines the outcome
- The athlete decides whether to return
Correct answer: The athletic trainer's medical judgment must be respected and the athlete must remain out
Licensed healthcare professionals have medical authority over return-to-play decisions; a coach cannot override a healthcare professional's clinical judgment regarding concussion.
NFHS Emergency Response & Immediate Care 2
Which sideline assessment tool is widely recommended for evaluating a suspected concussion during a sporting event?