WFR - Wilderness First Responder Patient Assessment System Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a scene size-up in a wilderness environment, what is the FIRST and most critical priority for a Wilderness First Responder?
- Determining the mechanism of injury (MOI) for the patient.
- Checking the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).
- Ensuring the safety of the rescuer and the group. (Correct answer)
- Immediately beginning documentation on a SOAP note.
Correct answer: Ensuring the safety of the rescuer and the group.
The absolute first priority in any rescue situation is to ensure the scene is safe for the rescuer, bystanders, and then the patient. Approaching an unsafe scene can result in more casualties, including the rescuer. All other steps of the patient assessment system follow after confirming scene safety.
Question 2: A hiker is found conscious but confused after a fall. During the primary assessment, after establishing responsiveness, what is the next immediate step according to the ABCDE mnemonic used in WFR training?
- Exposing and examining the patient's injuries.
- Checking for a radial pulse and controlling major bleeding.
- Manually stabilizing the spine and checking the airway. (Correct answer)
- Assessing the level of consciousness using the AVPU scale.
Correct answer: Manually stabilizing the spine and checking the airway.
In the WFR Patient Assessment System, the primary survey follows the ABCDE mnemonic: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability/Decision, and Expose/Environment. After establishing responsiveness, the immediate next step is to manage the airway, especially if a spinal injury is suspected (Disability/Decision), which requires manual stabilization before proceeding.
Question 3: Which of the following components is part of the secondary assessment in the Wilderness First Responder Patient Assessment System?
- Controlling life-threatening external hemorrhage.
- Performing a scene size-up for hazards.
- Opening the patient's airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver.
- Obtaining a SAMPLE history from the patient. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Obtaining a SAMPLE history from the patient.
The secondary assessment occurs after the primary assessment has ruled out or managed immediate life threats. It involves a more detailed examination, which includes obtaining a SAMPLE history (Signs/Symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Pertinent history, Last oral intake, Events leading to injury), taking vital signs, and performing a head-to-toe physical exam.
Question 4: You are assessing a patient who is shivering uncontrollably and has pale, cool skin. In the WFR Patient Assessment System, under which part of the secondary assessment would you primarily record these observations?
- SAMPLE History
- Chief Complaint
- Vital Signs (Correct answer)
- Mechanism of Injury
Correct answer: Vital Signs
Vital signs in a wilderness context include assessing the patient's skin color, temperature, and moisture (SCTM), along with Level of Responsiveness (LOR), Heart Rate (HR), and Respiratory Rate (RR). Shivering and pale, cool skin are key observations related to the patient's circulatory and thermoregulatory status, which are documented as part of the vital signs assessment.
Question 5: A climber falls and complains of severe pain in their lower leg. The leg is obviously deformed. After completing the primary survey and confirming no immediate life threats, you begin the secondary assessment. What is the most appropriate first step for assessing the injured leg?
- Immediately splint the leg in the position found.
- Check for Circulation, Sensation, and Movement (CSM) distal to the injury. (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to stand and see if they can bear weight.
- Administer pain medication before any further assessment.
Correct answer: Check for Circulation, Sensation, and Movement (CSM) distal to the injury.
During the head-to-toe physical exam of the secondary assessment, it is crucial to check for Circulation, Sensation, and Movement (CSM) in all extremities, especially distal to a known injury. This helps determine if blood flow and nerve function are compromised, which is a critical finding that influences treatment and evacuation urgency.
Question 6: When documenting your patient encounter using the SOAP note format, what information would be included in the 'A' (Assessment) section?
- The patient's statement that their ankle 'is a 7 out of 10' on the pain scale.
- Your field diagnosis or a list of suspected problems. (Correct answer)
- Your plan to splint the injury and monitor vital signs every 15 minutes.
- The patient's heart rate is 110 bpm and their respiratory rate is 20 bpm.
Correct answer: Your field diagnosis or a list of suspected problems.
The 'A' in the SOAP note stands for Assessment. This section is where the rescuer synthesizes the subjective and objective information to form a field diagnosis or a list of potential problems. It is your professional summary of what you believe is wrong with the patient.
WFR - Wilderness First Responder Patient Assessment System Questions and Answers
During a scene size-up in a wilderness environment, what is the FIRST and most critical priority for a Wilderness First Responder?