Paramedics Exam Trauma Management 3

Question 1

A motorcyclist ejected at high speed has bruising across the flank and a rigid abdomen. Which organ injury is most suspected?

Accepted Answer

Splenic laceration

Answer

Flank bruising (Grey Turner's sign), combined with peritoneal signs, strongly suggests splenic laceration, the most commonly injured solid organ in blunt abdominal trauma.

Question 2

After needle decompression of a tension pneumothorax, the patient's condition does not improve. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Perform a finger thoracostomy

Answer

If needle decompression fails to relieve tension pneumothorax, a finger thoracostomy provides a definitive prehospital decompression by creating an open chest wall opening.

Question 3

Which mechanism is associated with a Chance fracture of the lumbar spine?

Accepted Answer

Lap belt restraint in a high-speed MVC

Answer

A Chance fracture is a flexion-distraction injury associated with lap belt use during high-speed collisions, causing the vertebra to split horizontally.

Question 4

In the context of traumatic cardiac arrest, which reversible cause should be addressed first?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax is the most rapidly correctable cause of traumatic cardiac arrest and should be immediately decompressed bilaterally during resuscitation.

Question 5

A patient struck by a vehicle has anterior neck ecchymosis, hoarseness, and subcutaneous emphysema. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Early definitive airway via RSI

Answer

Laryngeal fracture can rapidly progress to complete airway obstruction; early RSI or surgical airway is indicated before edema eliminates the airway.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Trauma Management 3