EFMB Trauma Care & Physical Fitness 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct technique for applying an occlusive chest seal to a sucking chest wound?
- Apply during full inhalation and seal all four sides
- Apply during exhalation, vented seal with valve directed downward (Correct answer)
- Apply with petroleum gauze packed into the wound first
- Apply only after needle decompression is performed
Correct answer: Apply during exhalation, vented seal with valve directed downward
Vented chest seals are applied during exhalation to minimize trapped air, with the valve positioned to allow air to escape but not enter.
Question 2: In a mass casualty scenario, a casualty with an open fracture and intact pulses is categorized as which triage category?
- T1 – Immediate
- T2 – Delayed (Correct answer)
- T3 – Minimal
- T4 – Expectant
Correct answer: T2 – Delayed
An open fracture with intact distal pulses is serious but not immediately life-threatening, placing the casualty in T2 (Delayed) triage category.
Question 3: What is the recommended method for confirming correct placement of a nasopharyngeal airway?
- Chest x-ray confirmation
- Listen for air movement through the device during breathing (Correct answer)
- Measure end-tidal CO2 continuously
- Inflate the cuff with 10 mL of air
Correct answer: Listen for air movement through the device during breathing
In the field, NPA placement is confirmed by listening and feeling for air movement through the tube during the casualty's respirations.
Question 4: A Soldier passes out during the EFMB 12-mile ruck in hot weather with hot, dry skin and altered mental status. What is the priority intervention?
- Administer oral hydration salts and rest in the shade
- Initiate aggressive cooling immediately and arrange emergency evacuation (Correct answer)
- Apply ice packs to the groin only and monitor
- Give IV fluids and continue the march
Correct answer: Initiate aggressive cooling immediately and arrange emergency evacuation
Hot, dry skin with altered mental status indicates exertional heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate aggressive cooling and evacuation.
Question 5: When using the Combat Application Tourniquet (CAT), after tightening the rod until bleeding stops, the medic should:
- Remove it after 30 minutes to restore circulation
- Lock the rod and document the time of application (Correct answer)
- Loosen by half a turn to prevent nerve damage
- Cover the tourniquet with a bandage to prevent loss of tension
Correct answer: Lock the rod and document the time of application
After tightening the CAT rod until hemorrhage is controlled, lock it in place and clearly document the time of application on the tourniquet or the casualty's forehead.
Question 6: Which of the following is an absolute contraindication to using a nasopharyngeal airway?
- Patient is semi-conscious with intact gag reflex
- Suspected mid-face fracture or basilar skull fracture (Correct answer)
- Patient has a bloody nose from trauma
- Patient is in respiratory distress
Correct answer: Suspected mid-face fracture or basilar skull fracture
Suspected basilar skull or mid-face fractures are contraindications for NPA because the tube could inadvertently enter the cranial vault.
Question 7: Which ACFT event specifically tests a Soldier's explosive power relevant to combat movements like sprinting to cover?
- 3 Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
- Standing Power Throw (SPT) (Correct answer)
- Hand Release Push-Up (HRP)
- Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
Correct answer: Standing Power Throw (SPT)
The Standing Power Throw measures explosive power by having the Soldier throw a 10-pound medicine ball backward overhead for maximum distance.
EFMB Trauma Care & Physical Fitness 4
What is the correct technique for applying an occlusive chest seal to a sucking chest wound?