Patient Assessment System Flashcards
6 cards from real WFR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Patient Assessment System flashcards as text
During a scene size-up in a wilderness environment, what is the FIRST and most critical priority for a Wilderness First Responder?
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.
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?
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.
Which of the following components is part of the secondary assessment in the Wilderness First Responder Patient Assessment System?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
When documenting your patient encounter using the SOAP note format, what information would be included in the 'A' (Assessment) section?
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.