Emergency Medicine Chapter 29 Post Test

Questions and Answers

Given the mechanism of injury and presentation, should the 22-year-old male patient involved in a bar altercation be immobilized?

Probably so, since he was at a bar and was likely drinking

Probably not, since evidence of spinal injury would be obvious

Probably not, since he does not have the mechanism of injury or the symptoms to suggest the need (correct)

Probably so, since he has pain in his chest

The bradycardia and hypotension that accompany spinal shock are due to the inability of which nervous system to innervate certain organs?

Parasympathetic

Sympathetic (correct)

Cholinergic

Voluntary

What is an important part of the treatment for a 22-year-old male who was stabbed in the neck?

Listening to the lung sounds right away

Laying the patient down

Checking for subcutaneous emphysema

Sealing the wound with an occlusive dressing (correct)

For which of the following additional injuries should you have a high level of suspicion after treating a victim with a penetrating injury to the occipital area from shrapnel?

Spinal injury Signup and view all the answers

Manual cervical stabilization should be provided to all patients with a significant mechanism of injury until:

Completion of the spinal clearance protocol Signup and view all the answers

In treating a patient with suspected head or spine injury, when can manual stabilization of the head and neck be released?

After the patient has been secured to a backboard Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid compressing both carotid arteries at the same time in caring for an open neck wound?

To prevent a dangerous reduction of blood flow to the brain Signup and view all the answers

When can you release manual in-line cervical spine stabilization of an unconscious trauma patient?

When immobilization has been completed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following findings MOST strongly suggests a fractured mandible in a patient involved in a motor vehicle crash?

Lower teeth that are out of alignment in the front Signup and view all the answers

A brain injury is classified as nontraumatic if it is:

Not attributable to an external cause Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gunshot Wound Assessment

Patient with gunshot wound shows no eye tracking or blink, fixed and dilated pupils.
Eye-opening score is a 1, indicating a significant level of unresponsiveness.

Chest Pain Assessment in Bar Fight Victim

A 22-year-old male has pain during deep inspiration but no head trauma or loss of consciousness.
Immobilization not necessary due to the absence of mechanism of injury and lack of related symptoms.

Spinal Shock Symptoms

Bradycardia and hypotension in spinal shock result from lack of sympathetic nervous system innervation to vital organs.

Treatment of Neck Injury

In a stabbing incident, sealing the neck wound with an occlusive dressing is crucial for treatment.

Suspected Additional Injuries in Penetrating Blunt Force

High suspicion for spinal injury in victims with penetrating occipital injuries due to potential impact on the spine.

Cervical Stabilization Procedure

Manual cervical stabilization is required for patients with significant injury until spinal clearance protocol is completed.

Head and Neck Injury Management

Manual head and neck stabilization can be released once the patient is secured on a backboard, ensuring proper immobilization.

Open Neck Wound Care

Avoid simultaneous compression of both carotid arteries to maintain adequate blood flow to the brain and prevent ischemic risks.

In-line Cervical Spine Stabilization Procedure

Manual stabilization can be released after immobilization of the unconscious trauma patient is fully completed.

Fractured Mandible Indicators

Misalignment of lower teeth in the front strongly suggests a fractured mandible, a critical diagnostic indicator following facial trauma.

Brain Injury Classification

Nontraumatic brain injuries are classified as such when they are not attributable to an external cause, indicating underlying medical issues.

Complications Post-Car Accident

Awareness of possible intracranial bleeding is vital when assessing patients after traumatic events like car accidents.

Description

This quiz focuses on assessing patients with critical injuries, specifically those related to gunshot wounds and physical altercations. Test your knowledge on scoring eye-opening responses and other vital signs in emergency situations. It's essential for healthcare professionals to understand these assessments for effective patient care.