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Which components make up the central nervous system?
What is the term for a patient's attempt to move away from a painful stimulus?
What is the function of the cranial skull?
Which part of the skull is considered the weakest?
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What is a likely result of a scalp injury due to its rich blood supply?
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What is the first step in providing emergency care to a patient with suspected skull fractures?
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What is a collection of blood within the skull or brain tissue called?
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Which structure is responsible for cushioning the brain within the skull?
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What is the term for the bruising and swelling of brain tissue that may accompany a concussion?
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What is the emergency condition that involves arterial bleeding pooling between the skull and the outer protective covering of the brain?
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In documenting a possible head or spine injury, which loss of function is critical to note?
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What type of head injury occurs when the scalp is lacerated but there is no opening in the skull?
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What component of the nervous system is primarily affected in head trauma?
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Which protective substance surrounds the brain and spinal cord, helping absorb impact?
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What is the immediate concern when encountering a patient with a head injury and altered vital signs?
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What vital sign changes might indicate a serious head injury?
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What is the most common type of head injury?
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Which of the following is NOT a layer protecting the brain inside the skull?
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What does AVPU stand for in assessing a patient's level of responsiveness?
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What is the purpose of examining a patient’s head for bruising during a physical exam?
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What condition is indicated by a purplish discoloration around the eyes in a patient with a head injury?
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What physiological changes are late findings in patients with significant brain injuries?
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Which of the following would be considered a nonpurposeful response in a patient with a head injury?
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During assessment and treatment, what is crucial for EMTs to document regarding a patient's head injuries?
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What is the primary purpose of constant evaluation of the level of consciousness in a trauma patient?
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Which condition would warrant the request for advanced life support assistance in trauma care?
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Which of the following is NOT a common source of head trauma?
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What does an increase in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate potentially indicate in a trauma patient?
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Which sign is commonly associated with head trauma and suggests potential basilar skull fracture?
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What is the correct order of the meningeal layers from outer to inner?
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Which component of the brain is responsible for most conscious and sensory functions?
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Which of the following is NOT a common mechanism of injury that produces head injuries?
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What are the three signs indicative of Cushing reflex?
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Which part of the brain is mainly responsible for controlling equilibrium and coordinating muscle activity?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of the brainstem?
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Which statement correctly describes the function of the Arachnoid layer of the meninges?
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Which of the following injuries is most likely a primary brain injury?
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Which option does not indicate a sign or symptom in patients with spinal injuries?
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What part of the nervous system detects sensations such as pain?
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Which nervous system controls involuntary functions like heartbeat and breathing?
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Sports helmets typically open in which location?
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What is the other type of helmet most likely encountered in the prehospital environment alongside sports helmets?
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The mechanism of injury that stretches and pulls apart the vertebrae and spinal cord is called?
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When is it appropriate to initiate motion restriction of the cervical spine in a trauma victim?
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In spinal shock, how is a patient's skin typically described?
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Which type of paralysis is characterized by loss of function on one side of the body?
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What is the purpose of spinal motion restriction in emergency care?
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In the context of spinal injuries, what does the term 'log roll' refer to?
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Which of the following is NOT typically associated with spinal column and spinal cord trauma?
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Which condition is characterized by an erection that is not associated with sexual arousal, commonly seen in spinal cord injuries?
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What structural division of the nervous system is primarily responsible for processing sensory information and coordinating motor functions?
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Which condition is characterized by a persistent erection of the penis resulting from spinal nerve damage?
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What is the medical term for paralysis of the entire body resulting from spinal cord damage?
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Which part of the spine refers to the first seven bones in the neck?
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What is the first step to perform when providing spine motion restriction with a backboard?
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What is referred to as neurogenic shock, which inhibits neural transmissions to the arteries?
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During patient positioning on a long backboard, what must not be discontinued until secured?
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Instructing a patient for self-extrication from a motor vehicle, what is crucial for maintaining safety?
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What are the two functional divisions of the nervous system?
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During spine motion restriction with a cervical collar, what is the correct sequence after applying the collar?
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What type of paralysis is characterized by weakness or inability to move one side of the body?
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What is NOT a priority assessment when preparing a patient for spine motion restriction?
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Why is spine motion restriction important in a patient with paralyzed limbs?
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What should be observed immediately after placing a patient in a supine position on the stretcher?
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In what condition might you NOT need to apply spine motion restriction precautions?
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What is the best practice when the patient is ready for self-extrication from a vehicle?
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What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?
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Which of the following is a sign of potential spinal cord injury?
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What initial step should be taken when assessing a patient with a suspected spinal injury?
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How many cervical vertebrae are present in the human spinal column?
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Which of the following components is NOT included in the continuing emergency care steps for a spinal injury?
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What is an indication of priapism in a patient with a spinal cord injury?
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Which type of vertebrae are located in the thoracic region of the spinal column?
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What symptom might indicate impairment of breathing due to spinal injury?
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Which part of the eye contains the aqueous humor?
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The emergency treatment for chemical burns to the eye primarily entails what action?
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Which structure of the eye is responsible for focusing light on the retina?
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What is the appropriate duration for irrigating an eye affected by an alkali chemical burn?
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Which bone in the face is not fused into immovable joints?
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What signs and symptoms are typically associated with an orbital fracture?
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The thin covering of the inner eyelids is called what?
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Which is an appropriate irrigant for treating a chemical burn to the eye?
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What does clear or bloody fluid draining from the ear typically indicate?
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If a nose fracture is suspected, what should the EMT do first?
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What is the primary concern for a patient with moderate bleeding from the face and neck?
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When assessing a facial injury, which of the following should be prioritized?
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In the scenario described, what would be the most suitable initial action for the EMT?
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Which of the following is a key consideration when managing eyelid injuries?
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What should be a priority when treating a patient with a facial laceration?
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What is one of the first steps in managing the boy's injuries after assessing the bleeding?
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What is a critical consideration when treating an eye injury?
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What should be done if a foreign object is lodged in the eye?
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What is the primary concern when treating facial fractures?
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How long should an EMT irrigate the eye in cases of chemical burns?
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What should an EMT cover an injured eyelid with if an eyeball injury is not suspected?
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Which of the following injuries can lead to orbital fractures?
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What should be the first step in treating a chemical burn to the eye?
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What is a common complication with eye injuries?
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What is the most critical initial action for an EMT when dealing with facial fractures?
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How should an EMT handle a foreign object that is impaled in a patient's cheek?
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When a patient loses a tooth, what is the recommended method for preserving it?
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In cases of severe facial trauma, what should be suspected aside from facial injuries?
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What should an EMT do if an extruded eyeball is present?
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When dealing with a patient who has contact lenses, what should NOT be done after a chemical burn to the eye?
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Which is true about injuries to specialized facial structures?
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What is the first step an EMT should take if fracture of the orbits is suspected?
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What is the primary method for controlling bleeding in eye, face, and neck trauma?
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Which of the following structures is NOT typically assessed when evaluating a head or facial injury?
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What should be done if the lid skin is avulsed during trauma?
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What sign indicates a potential fracture in the facial area?
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Which of the following paramedic assessments indicates a serious complication following facial trauma?
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What is the correct immediate response to a neck wound in a trauma patient?
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During assessment of facial trauma, which symptom suggests possible brain injury?
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What is the priority in managing a trauma patient with suspected airway compromise?
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Study Notes
Central Nervous System
- Major components of the central nervous system are the brain and the spinal cord.
Brain Protection
- The brain is protected by three layers of meninges: dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater.
Skull
- The helmet-like structure that protects the brain is called the cranial skull.
- The weakest portion of the skull is called the basilar skull.
Scalp Injuries
- Scalp injuries can lead to profuse bleeding due to its rich blood supply.
- A scalp injury with no opening in the skull is considered a closed head injury.
Brain Injuries
- A collection of blood within the skull or brain tissue is called a hematoma.
- Bruising and swelling of brain tissue is termed a contusion.
- An epidural hematoma is an arterial bleed that pools between the skull and the dura mater.
- A subdural hematoma is when a bleed forms between the dura mater and arachnoid layers.
Signs and Symptoms
- A late finding in a patient with a significant brain injury is an increase in blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate.
- Cushing's Reflex is characterized by an increase in systolic blood pressure, a decrease in heart rate, and a change in respiratory pattern.
- Bruising around the eyes, known as raccoon eyes or periorbital ecchymosis, can indicate an intracranial injury.
Assessment and Management
- When assessing a head injury, note any changes in the patient's mental status throughout assessment, treatment, and transport.
- It is critical to note if the patient has lost consciousness.
- The Glasgow Coma Scale is used for determining a patient's level of responsiveness.
- During the physical exam of a patient with a head injury, examine the head for deformities, depressions, lacerations, impaled objects, or bruising.
- Standard Precautions should be taken before initiating emergency care for a patient with a head injury.
- Manual spine motion restriction (MSMR) should be applied to prevent further spinal cord injury.
- Provide immediate transport for patients with a head injury.
- Ensure proper airway management and oxygen administration.
- Monitor ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation).
Types of Brain Injuries
- Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury.
- A contusion involves bruising and swelling of the brain tissue.
- Hematoma is a collection of blood within the skull or brain tissue.
- Laceration is a tearing or cut in the brain tissue.
Mechanisms of Injury
- Common mechanisms of injury that cause head injuries include: motor vehicle crashes, assaults, falls, and sports injuries.
Spinal Injury and Spine Motion Restriction
-
Signs and symptoms of spinal injury:
- Paralysis
- Priapism
- Incontinence
- Hyperglycemia is NOT a sign or symptom of spinal injury
-
The nervous system:
- Central nervous system (CNS): brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral nervous system (PNS): nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
- Autonomic nervous system: controls involuntary functions (heartbeat, breathing)
- Somatic nervous system: controls voluntary functions (muscle movement)
-
Common types of helmets:
- Sports helmets
- Motorcycle helmets
-
Mechanism of injury:
- Distraction: stretching and pulling apart of vertebrae and spinal cord
-
Spine motion restriction:
- Initiate motion restriction before opening the airway.
- Cervical collar: applied first
- Short spine board: used for extrication
-
Spinal shock:
- Cool and sweaty skin is typical
- Inhibits neural transmissions to arteries and arterioles
- May be called neurogenic shock
-
Signs of spinal cord injury:
- Paralysis of extremity (most common and reliable)
- Priapism
-
The skeletal system:
- Provides framework, support, and motion
-
The spinal column:
- Made up of 33 vertebrae
- Cervical vertebrae (C1-C7): neck
- Thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12): chest
- Lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5): lower back
- Sacral vertebrae (S1-S5): sacrum
- Coccyx: tailbone
-
Procedures for spine motion restriction:
-
Supine patient with backboard or full-body vacuum mattress:
- Position long spine board or full-body vacuum mattress
- Apply cervical collar
- Place patient's head in neutral in-line position
- Secure patient's legs to the board
- Move patient onto the board
- Secure patient's torso to the board
- Secure patient's head to the board
-
Self-extrication from a motor vehicle:
- Assess for pain or tenderness
- Instruct patient to maintain head/neck in neutral in-line position
- Assess motor and sensory function in upper and lower extremities
- Instruct patient to rotate 180 degrees
- Instruct patient to pivot legs and body to get legs outside vehicle
- Instruct patient to stand straight up
- Apply cervical collar
- Secure patient to stretcher
-
Supine patient with backboard or full-body vacuum mattress:
-
Incomplete spinal cord injury:
- May result in paralyzed arms and functional legs.
- Still requires spine motion restriction precautions.
-
Spider-web-cracked windshield:
- Indicates potential for driver's spine motion restriction.
Eye Anatomy
- The anterior chamber of the eye contains aqueous humor
- The sclera is the tough outer coat of the globe of the eye
Eye Injuries
- Extrusion is an eye injury where the eye is pulled out of its socket.
- Orbital fractures can cause double vision or decreased sensation in the face.
- The conjunctiva is the thin covering of the inner eyelids.
- Never attempt to remove a foreign object from the cornea
- Irrigate a chemical burn to the eye for at least 20 minutes or up to 1.5 hours if the injury involves an alkali.
- Saline is a good irrigant for chemical burns to the eye.
- If an eyeball injury is not suspected, cover the injured eyelid with a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- If a foreign object is lodged in the eyeball, do not attempt to remove it.
Facial Anatomy
- The malar (cheek) bones are facial bones.
- The mandible is the only facial bone not fused into immovable joints.
- Many blood vessels in the face can cause profuse bleeding during facial injuries.
Facial Injuries
- Orbital fractures may result in cervical spine trauma.
- Facial fractures can cause airway compromise.
- Maintain an open airway in patients with facial fractures.
- Treat facial lacerations with direct pressure and dressings
- With chemical burns to the eye, irrigate the eye for at least 20 minutes.
- Never attempt to replace an extruded eyeball back into the socket.
Neck
- The neck contains the carotid arteries and jugular veins.
- When treating a neck wound, apply an occlusive dressing to prevent air from entering the wound.
- Neck injuries may cause airway compromise or spine injuries.
Additional Information
- Facial injuries are often complicated by contact lenses
- Never attempt to remove contact lenses if there has been a chemical burn to the eye.
- Always suspect cervical spine injury in cases of severe facial trauma.
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Description
Explore the essential components and protective structures of the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. This quiz covers skull anatomy, types of brain injuries, and associated symptoms. Test your knowledge on how the brain is safeguarded against injuries and the implications of various hematomas.