ATLS Test - Multisystem Trauma & Trauma in Special Patient Populations (40 + test)

A pregnant, 24-year-old female patient has been involved in a minor motor vehicle collision. She complains of abdominal pain. Based on this information, you should: A. check for crowning. B. lay the patient supine. C. measure the fundus height. D. assess for fetal heartbeat. - A If there is any complaint of abdominal pain or contractions, you must assess for crowning and vaginal bleeding. You are treating an 84-year-old male patient who fell down three stairs. You should check his vital signs every: A. 20 minutes. B. 5 minutes. C. 10 minutes. D. 15 minutes. - B Check and record vital signs every 5 minutes, staying alert to any changes. The normal vital signs are based on the patient's age. Remember that in pregnant women and the elderly, you might have what appear to be normal vital signs, even though the patient is in shock. A pediatric patient has an increased risk of neck hyperextension or flexion until about age: A. 8 years. B. 5 years. C. 7 years. D. 6 years. - A Up until 8 years of age, the pediatric cervical spine has a much higher fulcrum at C1 and C2 in a hyperextension or extreme flexion mechanism of injury (MOI) compared to an adult. This can lead to a high-level cervical injury. Which of the following has a high mortality rate? A. Isolated trauma B. Concussion C. Femur fracture D. Multisystem trauma - D Multisystem trauma has a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. The high displacement of the pediatric ribcage from improper placement of the lap belt across the abdomen can increase the risk of injury to the: A. kidneys. B. lungs. C. liver. D. heart. - C The high displacement of the ribcage and internal organ placement makes them more susceptible to injuries to the spleen and liver. Because patients benefit from rapid transport to a trauma center, it is important to limit time spent on scene to: A. 15 minutes. B. 1 hour. C. 10 minutes. D. 30 minutes. - C The shorter the time between injury and hospital care, the better the outcomes of the patients. This is not to say EMT care is unimportant, it's just some traumatic problems cannot be repaired outside of surgery. Which of the following populations is at a higher risk of pelvic and hip fractures, often due to falls? A. Middle-aged men B. Elderly adults C. Infants D. Female teenagers - B Elderly patients tend to fall more often than younger patients. When this occurs, chest wall injuries may happen, and hip and pelvic fractures are common in this population. A 23-year-old female patient was the unrestrained passenger of a vehicle involved in a rollover. The patient presents with signs of shock. Definitive treatment for this patient is most likely to be: A. advanced life support. B. fluid resuscitation. C. surgery. D. spinal immobilization. - C The definitive care for a patient with multisystem trauma may be surgery, which obviously cannot be performed in the prehospital environment. A special consideration when immobilizing a geriatric patient would be: A. padding around any spaces under the back. B. padding under the patient's head. C. leaving the straps loose to provide more comfort. D. that there are no special considerations in immobilizing these patients. - A Due to the changes in the curvature of the elderly vertebrae, the EMT may find the need to pad extra-large voids between the patient's back and the surface of the backboard. Which of the following is an example of multisystem trauma? A. A 28-year-old pregnant female with severe vaginal bleeding. B. A 17-year-old female who fell down the stairs and has no complaints. C. A 14-year-old male who suffered head and chest injuries in a car crash. D. A 24-year-old male who was shot in the chest after a bar fight. - C Typically, a patient is considered to have multisystem trauma when more than one major system is involved. A pregnant, 32-year-old female patient suffered an injury to her back during a motor vehicle collision. After establishing and maintaining spine motion precautions, if the patient is secured supine to a backboard, you should: A. transport the patient. B. administer oxygen. C. displace the uterus to the left. D. take standard precautions. - C If the patient is pregnant and at or beyond 20 weeks of gestation, elevate the right hip, tilt the backboard to the left, or displace the uterus to the left. When dealing with the victim of multisystem trauma, which of the following should receive your initial attention? A. Providing appropriate fluid resuscitation B. Providing airway protection C. Ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilations D. Stopping any minor external hemorrhage - B Anticipate that the seriously injured patient will deteriorate and be prepared to protect the airway early. Failure to do so could result in failure of all other body systems and care interventions. According to the Pediatric Assessment Triangle, which of the following is used to assess the work of breathing? A. Skin color B. Presence of grunting, stridor, wheezing, and crowing C. Auscultating the lung sounds D. Heart rate - B The work of breathing is assessed by detecting abnormal airway noises as you approach the patient, abnormal positioning, retractions, accessory muscle use, and nasal flaring. Which of the following are components of the pediatric assessment triangle? A. Appearance, grimace, and activity B. Activity, respiration, and skin color C. Appearance, breathing, and circulation D. Pulse, respiratory rate, and activity - C The PAT triangle is composed of three sides: appearance, work of breathing, and circulation to skin. When treating a developmentally disabled or cognitively impaired patient, who is usually the FIRST person you should address? A. The patient B. The person caring for the patient C. The physician D. The parent or guardian - A Treat developmentally impaired patients with respect and dignity, including addressing them directly. Enlist the assistance of caregivers and family members when needed and have them accompany the patient to the hospital with you. When transporting a pregnant patient on a backboard, it is important to: A. not tighten down the abdominal straps. B. place the patient in a semi-Fowler's position. C. tilt the backboard to the left. D. place the patient in a Trendelenburg position. - C