WCEMT Block 4: Chapter 29 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

A short backboard or vest-style immobilization device is indicated for patients who?

are in a sitting position and are clinically stable

An epidural hematoma is most accurately defined as?

bleeding between the skull and dura mater

Coordination of balance and body movement is controlled by the?

cerebellum

In contrast to a cerebral concussion, a cerebral contusion?

involves physical injury to the brain tissue Signup and view all the answers

Once a cervical collar has been applied to a patient with a possible spinal injury, it should not be removed unless?

it causes a problem managing the airway Signup and view all the answers

Signs and symptoms that might be found in a patient who has experienced a concussion include?

nausea and ringing in the ears Signup and view all the answers

The ____________ nervous system consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.

peripheral Signup and view all the answers

The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the?

brain and spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

The frontal and parietal bones of the skull are especially susceptible to?

depressed skull fractures Signup and view all the answers

The hormone responsible for the actions of the sympathetic nervous system is?

epinephrine Signup and view all the answers

The ideal procedure for moving an injured patient from the ground to a backboard is?

the four-person log roll Signup and view all the answers

The most reliable sign of a head injury is?

a decreased level of consciousness Signup and view all the answers

The spinal cord is encased in and protected by the?

spinal canal Signup and view all the answers

The tough, fibrous outer meningeal layer is called the?

dura mater Signup and view all the answers

What part of the nervous system controls the body's voluntary activities?

somatic Signup and view all the answers

When a patient experiences a severe spinal injury, he or she?

might lose sensation below the level of the injury Signup and view all the answers

When opening the airway of a patient with a suspected spinal injury, you should use the?

jaw-thrust maneuver Signup and view all the answers

When placing a patient onto a long backboard, the EMT at the patient's __________ is in charge of all patient movements.

head Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interventions may be used to help reduce intracranial pressure?

30-degree elevation of the head Signup and view all the answers

You should be most suspicious that a patient has experienced a significant head injury if his or her pulse is?

slow Signup and view all the answers

The brain, a part of the central nervous system (CNS), is divided into the?

cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem Signup and view all the answers

As you are assessing a 24-year-old man with a large laceration to the top of his head, you should recall that?

blood loss from a scalp laceration may contribute to hypovolemic shock in adults Signup and view all the answers

A patient who experiences an immediate loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval has a(n)?

epidural hematoma Signup and view all the answers

A 44-year-old man was struck in the back of the head and was reportedly unconscious for approximately 30 seconds. He complains of a severe headache and 'seeing stars', and states that he regained his memory shortly before your arrival. His presentation is MOST consistent with a(n)?

concussion Signup and view all the answers

A young male was involved in a motor vehicle accident and experienced a closed head injury. He has no memory of the events leading up to the accident, but remembers that he was going to a birthday party. What is the correct term to use when documenting his memory loss?

retrograde amnesia Signup and view all the answers

A distraction injury to the cervical spine would MOST likely occur following?

hanging-type mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

During immobilization of a patient with a possible spinal injury, manual stabilization of the head must be maintained until?

the patient is fully immobilized on a long backboard Signup and view all the answers

Your patient is a 21-year-old male who has massive face and head trauma after being assaulted. He is lying supine, is semiconscious, and has blood in his mouth. You should?

manually stabilize his head, log roll him onto his side, and suction his mouth Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Immobilization and Injury Management

Short backboards or vest-style immobilization devices are appropriate for clinically stable patients in a sitting position.
Cervical collars should remain in place for spinal injury patients unless they obstruct airway management.
The ideal technique for moving an injured patient from the ground to a backboard is the four-person log roll.
Manual stabilization of the head is crucial until the patient is fully immobilized on a long backboard.
If a patient has massive face and head trauma, manual head stabilization, log rolling the patient, and suctioning the mouth should be prioritized.

Brain and Nervous System

An epidural hematoma is bleeding located between the skull and dura mater.
A cerebral contusion involves physical injury to brain tissue, contrasting with a concussion.
Coordination of balance and body movement is regulated by the cerebellum.
The brain, part of the central nervous system (CNS), is divided into the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem.
The peripheral nervous system comprises 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.

Signs and Symptoms

Decreased level of consciousness is the most reliable indicator of a head injury.
Common signs of a concussion may include nausea and ringing in the ears.
Slow pulse in a patient raises suspicion for a significant head injury.
Blood loss from scalp lacerations can lead to hypovolemic shock in adults.

Types of Injuries

A patient with an immediate loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval typically has an epidural hematoma.
Concussions are characterized by severe headaches and moments of confusion, such as "seeing stars."
Memory loss due to a closed head injury, specifically events before the incident, is termed retrograde amnesia.
A distraction injury to the cervical spine is likely to occur from hanging mechanisms.

Emergency Procedures

The jaw-thrust maneuver is the recommended technique for airway management in spinal injury patients.
The patient at the head of a long backboard has overall control of patient movements during immobilization.
Elevating the head by 30 degrees can help reduce intracranial pressure.

Additional Information

The dura mater serves as the tough, fibrous outer layer protecting the brain and spinal cord.
The spinal cord is encased and protected by the spinal canal.
Severe spinal injuries may result in a complete loss of sensation below the injury site.

These notes summarize essential medical concepts related to immobilization, injury types, signs and symptoms, and emergency procedures that are crucial for patient assessment and treatment in emergency situations.

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Test your knowledge with these flashcards on Chapter 29 of the WCEMT curriculum. Each card focuses on essential concepts related to immobilization devices, brain injuries, and coordination. Perfect for students preparing for emergencies in medical settings.