Trauma Management Flashcards
7 cards from real Paramedics Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Trauma Management flashcards as text
A patient with blunt abdominal trauma has Kehr's sign (left shoulder pain). Which organ injury does this suggest?
Answer: Splenic rupture
Kehr's sign is referred pain to the left shoulder caused by diaphragmatic irritation from blood pooling under the left hemidiaphragm due to splenic rupture.
Which parameter determines whether a trauma patient meets physiological criteria for trauma center activation?
Answer: SBP < 90 mmHg or GCS < 14
Physiological trauma triage criteria include SBP <90 mmHg or GCS <14, indicating hemodynamic or neurological compromise requiring highest-level trauma care.
What is the preferred first-line vasopressor for neurogenic shock refractory to fluid resuscitation?
Answer: Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is preferred in neurogenic shock for its combined alpha-1 (vasoconstriction) and beta-1 (chronotropy) effects, addressing both hypotension and bradycardia.
A patient sustains a traumatic amputation of the right hand. After tourniquet application, how should the amputated part be managed?
Answer: Wrap in a moist sterile dressing, place in a bag, then in ice water
The amputated part should be wrapped in a moist sterile dressing, placed in a sealed bag, then kept cool in ice water to slow metabolism without freezing tissue.
Which finding on a trauma patient's pelvis exam warrants immediate cessation of further manipulation?
Answer: Instability or crepitus on compression
Instability or crepitus on pelvic compression indicates an unstable pelvic fracture; further manipulation risks disrupting a tamponading hematoma and worsening hemorrhage.
A construction worker has rebar impaled through his right thigh. The object extends 12 inches outside the body. What is the correct management?
Answer: Stabilize the object in place without removal
Impaled objects should never be removed in the field; they may be tamponading major vessels, and removal can cause catastrophic hemorrhage.
During a rapid trauma assessment, which finding indicates intraabdominal hemorrhage requiring immediate surgical intervention?
Answer: Guarding, rigidity, and progressive abdominal distension
Guarding, rigidity, and abdominal distension indicate significant intraperitoneal hemorrhage with peritoneal irritation, requiring emergent surgical hemorrhage control.