Paramedics Exam Trauma Management 4

Question 1

A patient presents with Beck's triad after a stab wound to the chest. Which condition does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Traumatic cardiac tamponade

Answer

Beck's triad (hypotension, JVD, muffled heart sounds) is the classic presentation of traumatic cardiac tamponade requiring rapid transport for pericardiocentesis or thoracotomy.

Question 2

When immobilizing a pediatric patient on a long backboard, what modification is necessary for children under 8 years old?

Accepted Answer

Pad under the thorax to maintain neutral alignment

Answer

Children under 8 have proportionally larger heads, so padding under the thorax raises the body to maintain a neutral cervical spine position and prevent inadvertent flexion.

Question 3

A construction worker fell 30 feet onto his back. He has no sensation or movement below T4 and his BP is 80/50 with HR 52. What type of shock is this?

Accepted Answer

Neurogenic shock

Answer

Neurogenic shock results from cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injury causing loss of sympathetic tone, presenting with hypotension and paradoxical bradycardia.

Question 4

Which burn depth classification involves destruction of the epidermis, dermis, and underlying subcutaneous tissue?

Accepted Answer

Full thickness (third-degree)

Answer

Full-thickness burns destroy all skin layers including subcutaneous tissue, appearing leathery and white/charred, with no pain sensation due to nerve destruction.

Question 5

Using the Parkland formula, what is the 24-hour fluid requirement for an 80 kg patient with 40% TBSA burns?

Accepted Answer

12,800 mL

Answer

Parkland formula: 4 mL × weight (kg) × %TBSA = 4 × 80 × 40 = 12,800 mL over 24 hours, with half given in the first 8 hours.

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Practice Test

Paramedics Exam Trauma Management 4