SRT Rapid Trauma Assessment 3

Question 1

During rapid trauma assessment of an unconscious swiftwater victim, the MOST important initial action after ensuring scene safety is:

Accepted Answer

Establishing manual spinal motion restriction and opening the airway

Answer

In an unconscious trauma patient, securing the airway with spinal precautions simultaneously is the highest priority before any further assessment.

Question 2

Which assessment finding in a swiftwater trauma patient would cause you to immediately transition from assessment to hemorrhage control?

Accepted Answer

Bright red blood spurting from the thigh

Answer

Arterial hemorrhage (bright red, spurting blood) is an immediate life threat requiring direct pressure or tourniquet application before the assessment continues.

Question 3

Tracheal deviation away from the side of injury in a swiftwater trauma patient most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax causes mediastinal shift that displaces the trachea away from the affected side as intrathoracic pressure builds.

Question 4

When assessing a swiftwater victim's neck during rapid trauma assessment, JVD (jugular venous distension) combined with absent breath sounds on one side most suggests:

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax classically presents with JVD (impaired venous return), absent ipsilateral breath sounds, and tracheal deviation — a triad requiring immediate needle decompression.

Question 5

During the extremity assessment in a rapid trauma assessment, which finding is LEAST immediately life-threatening?

Accepted Answer

Open tibia fracture with venous bleeding

Answer

While an open tibia fracture with venous bleeding is serious, it is less immediately life-threatening than arterial hemorrhage, absent pulse from vascular injury, or compartment syndrome affecting viability.

(SRT) Swiftwater Rescue Technician Certification Practice Test

(SRT) Swiftwater Rescue Technician Certification Practice Test

SRT Rapid Trauma Assessment 3