Ch. 40

Question 1

A patient struck from behind in an MVC would most likely have which type of injury?

A) Hyperextension
B) Hyperflexion
C) Hyperextension and hyperflexion
D) Lateral bending

Answer 1

A) Hyperextension

Page Ref: 892
Objective: 40.1 Define key terms introduced in this chapter; 40.8 Give examples of forces that would produce each of the following mechanisms of spine injury: compression, distraction, extension, flexion, lateral bending, penetration, and rotation.

Question 2

When performing the secondary assessment, which one of the following signs is MOST suggestive of a spinal-cord injury?

A) Headache and nausea
B) Bruising to the abdomen
C) Persistent penile erection
D) Pain in the right leg

Answer 2

C) Persistent penile erection

Page Ref: 894, 896
Objective: 40.1 Define key terms introduced in this chapter; 40.11 Recognize signs and symptoms of spinal cord and spinal-column injuries.

Question 3

You have been called for a patient with extreme back pain. When you are obtaining a medical history from the patient, he tells you that he has a history of damaged disks in his vertebrae. As a knowledgeable AEMT, you should recognize that:

A) nerves making up the spinal cord have been damaged.
B) fibrous structures between the vertebrae have been injured.
C) ligaments on the side of the spinal column were overstretched.
D) vertebrae making up the spinal column were fractured.

Answer 3

B) fibrous structures between the vertebrae have been injured.

Page Ref: 889
Objective: 40.2 Describe the structure and function of the spinal column, spinal cord, and spinal nerves; 40.8 Give examples of forces that would produce each of the following mechanisms of spine injury: compression, distraction, extension, flexion, lateral bending, penetration, and rotation.

Question 4

An EMR reports that a patient has bruising to the lumbar area of the back. Based on this statement, the AEMT should expect to find bruising in which area?

A) Neck
B) Lower back
C) Upper back
D) Buttocks

Answer 4

B) Lower back

Page Ref: 889-890
Objective: 40.2 Describe the structure and function of the spinal column, spinal cord, and spinal nerves.

Question 5

Which of the following is the MOST commonly injured area of the spinal cord?

A) Sacral spine
B) Lumbar spine
C) Cervical spine
D) Thoracic spine

Answer 5

C) Cervical spine

Page Ref: 890
Objective: 40.4 Describe the incidence of neurologic deficit in patients with injury to the spinal column.

Question 6

Significant injuries to the head and neck require:

A) detailed neurological evaluation on scene.
B) spinal motion restriction.
C) only BLS intervention.
D) insertion of a supraglottic airway device.

Answer 6

B) spinal motion restriction.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.3 Use scene size-up, understanding of mechanisms of injury, patient assessment, and patient history to develop an index of suspicion for spine injuries; 40.6 Anticipate the presence of other injuries in patients with mechanisms of injury that can produce spine injury.

Question 7

A male patient fell 20 feet from a cliff to a trail below. The primary assessment shows him to be confused, with an open airway and shallow breathing. His pulse is 72 beats per minute and his blood pressure is 78/50 mmHg. The skin is warm and flushed. The patient has no motor ability or sensation in his legs. Which one of the following is the MOST likely cause of this patient’s presentation?

A) Hypoglycemia
B) Internal bleeding
C) Hemorrhagic shock
D) Spinal injury

Answer 7

D) Spinal injury

Page Ref: 892
Objective: 40.3 Use scene size-up, understanding of mechanisms of injury, patient assessment, and patient history to develop an index of suspicion for spine injuries; 40.9 Describe the concepts of complete and incomplete spinal-cord injury; 40.10 Differentiate between the concepts of spinal shock and neurogenic hypotension.

Question 8

The MOST common cause of spinal injury in individuals between 16 and 35 years of age is:

A) falls.
B) penetrating injury.
C) motor vehicle crashes.
D) sports injuries.

Answer 8

C) motor vehicle crashes.

Page Ref: 888
Objective: 40.4 Describe the incidence of neurologic deficit in patients with injury to the spinal column; 40.6 Anticipate the presence of other injuries in patients with mechanisms of injury that can produce spine injury.

Question 9

When performing the primary assessment on a patient with an isolated spinal cord injury, you note that he is in severe respiratory distress and struggling to breathe. Where should you suspect the spinal cord injury has occurred?

A) Thoracic spine
B) Lumbar spine
C) Cervical spine
D) Diaphragm

Answer 9

C) Cervical spine

Page Ref: 890
Objective: 40.4 Describe the incidence of neurologic deficit in patients with injury to the spinal column; 40.5 Explain the threat to ventilation associated with injuries to the spinal cord at the cervical level.

Question 10

You are at the scene of a vehicle accident with an unconscious, non-breathing patient who has a pulse. The method used to extricate the victim should be:

A) rapidly extricate the victim.
B) perform all spinal precautions prior to moving the patient to protect spine.
C) apply short immobilization device and extricate rapidly.
D) intubate in place and take full spinal precautions prior to movement.

Answer 10

A) rapidly extricate the victim.

Page Ref: 902-903
Objective: 40.5 Explain the threat to ventilation associated with injuries to the spinal cord at the cervical level; 40.14 Describe the purpose and process of reassessing patients with suspected injury to the spine.

Question 11

You respond to a call for an explosion at a local chemical company. Upon arrival, the company’s hazmat team is decontaminating patients so that you can easily treat them. The team extricates a 35-year-old man who is experiencing slight respiratory distress. The care that you should provide FIRST for this patient is:

A) high-flow oxygen.
B) insertion of a supraglottic airway.
C) transport to the local trauma center.
D) an immediate head-to-toe trauma assessment.

Answer 11

A) high-flow oxygen.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.5 Explain the threat to ventilation associated with injuries to the spinal cord at the cervical level; 40.6 Anticipate the presence of other injuries in patients with mechanisms of injury that can produce spine injury.

Question 12

A male driver was ejected from his vehicle after it rolled several times at a high rate of speed. As you approach the patient, you note that he is unresponsive and struggling to breathe. He also has a laceration to the left side of his face and multiple contusions to his legs. After assigning another AEMT to take manual inline spinal stabilization, what should you do?

A) Start positive pressure ventilation.
B) Insert an oropharyngeal airway.
C) Open the airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver.
D) Apply a properly sized cervical collar.

Answer 12

C) Open the airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.5 Explain the threat to ventilation associated with injuries to the spinal cord at the cervical level; 40.6 Anticipate the presence of other injuries in patients with mechanisms of injury that can produce spine injury.

Question 13

A teenage boy was found by friends as he attempted to hang himself in a garage using chains suspended from the ceiling. As you approach, you note that the patient is conscious, struggling to breathe, and has contusions from the chains to both the anterior and posterior portions of the neck. After taking inline spinal stabilization and opening the airway, the AEMT’s next action should be to:

A) logroll him onto a long board.
B) size and apply a cervical collar.
C) perform a secondary assessment.
D) provide positive pressure ventilation.

Answer 13

D) provide positive pressure ventilation.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.5 Explain the threat to ventilation associated with injuries to the spinal cord at the cervical level; 40.6 Anticipate the presence of other injuries in patients with mechanisms of injury that can produce spine injury.

Question 14

A motorcyclist wearing a full face helmet was thrown from his motorcycle after hitting a patch of oil. The bike had been traveling at a high rate of speed. Manual inline spinal stabilization is being held by an off-duty AEMT. The primary assessment reveals the patient to be responsive to painful stimuli and breathing rapidly. His radial pulse is weak and fast. As you quickly scan his body, you note deformity to the left femur and lower leg. Your immediate action should be to:

A) place a nonrebreather face mask.
B) expose his left lower extremity.
C) apply a cervical collar.
D) remove his helmet.

Answer 14

D) remove his helmet.

Page Ref: 903
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine; 40.13 Demonstrate spinal motion restriction skills associated with airway management, patient repositioning, and patient extrication.

Question 15

You have been dispatched to a pool party for a 19-year-old man with shoulder pain. He states that he dove off the diving board and hit the bottom of the pool with his right shoulder and back. Although there is alcohol at the party, he has not been drinking. He is alert and oriented and has obvious redness and abrasions to his right shoulder, neck, and back. He denies pain or discomfort to any other part of the body. Which one of the following should the AEMT do immediately?

A) Measure and apply a cervical collar.
B) Perform a secondary assessment on the patient.
C) Establish manual inline spinal stabilization.
D) Start positive pressure ventilation.

Answer 15

C) Establish manual inline spinal stabilization.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.6 Anticipate the presence of other injuries in patients with mechanisms of injury that can produce spine injury; 40.13 Demonstrate spinal motion restriction skills associated with airway management, patient repositioning, and patient extrication.

Question 16

You have arrived on a scene in which one person has been struck on the lateral side of the head with a pool stick. As you approach the patient, you note that he is sitting up and talking with the police. He is holding a blood-soaked towel over the left temporal area of his head. Which one of the following is your initial action in caring for this patient?

A) Determine the need for a nasal or oral airway.
B) Remove the towel to assess the gunshot wound.
C) Take manual inline spinal stabilization.
D) Obtain a pulse rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

Answer 16

C) Take manual inline spinal stabilization.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine.

Question 17

The spinal injuries MOST commonly associated with rear-end impacts are:

A) compression.
B) hyperextension.
C) rotation.
D) lateral bending.

Answer 17

B) hyperextension.

Page Ref: 892
Objective: 40.8 Give examples of forces that would produce each of the following mechanisms of spine injury: compression, distraction, extension, flexion, lateral bending, penetration, and rotation.

Question 18

Injuries to the musculoskeletal structures of the spine such as the vertebrae or ligaments are best described as ________ injuries.

A) spinal-column
B) primary
C) incomplete
D) cord

Answer 18

A) spinal-column

Page Ref: 892
Objective: 40.7 Differentiate between the concepts of spinal-column injury and spinal-cord injury.

Question 19

Which of the following incomplete spinal cord injuries presents with loss of motor function on one side of the body and sensory deficits on the other side?

A) Anterior-cord syndrome
B) Posterior-cord syndrome
C) Central-cord syndrome
D) Brown-Séquard syndrome

Answer 19

D) Brown-Séquard syndrome

Page Ref: 892
Objective: 40.9 Describe the concepts of complete and incomplete spinal-cord injury.

Question 20

A young intoxicated male patient cannot move his left arm and leg after diving into the shallow end of a pool and hitting the bottom head first. The AEMT should recognize which one of the following mechanisms as MOST likely to be responsible for this injury?

A) Rotation
B) Distraction
C) Compression
D) Penetration

Answer 20

C) Compression

Page Ref: 890
Objective: 40.8 Give examples of forces that would produce each of the following mechanisms of spine injury: compression, distraction, extension, flexion, lateral bending, penetration, and rotation.

Question 21

You are by the side of a young male patient who hit his head after diving from a hillside into a shallow lake. The patient is unresponsive and has a large hematoma to his chin. A paramedic asks you to apply painful stimuli to his arms and legs. You recognize that the paramedic wants you to assess for which one of the following?

A) Alcohol intoxication
B) Spinal injury
C) True unresponsiveness
D) Extremity fractures

Answer 21

B) Spinal injury

Page Ref: 894-896
Objective: 40.11 Recognize signs and symptoms of spinal-cord and spinal-column injuries; 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine.

Question 22

You have been called to a hotel swimming pool for a confused adult male. Patrons state that the man has been drinking most of the afternoon and has been in and out of the pool. The man is very confused and noncompliant with your requests. His airway is open and his breathing is adequate. His radial pulse is strong, and his skin is wet with water from the pool. While conducting the secondary assessment, you note a large hematoma to the back of his head. Which of the following should you do NEXT?

A) Take inline spinal stabilization and apply a cervical collar.
B) Transfer the patient to the stretcher and provide immediate transport.
C) Check the man’s pupils and hand grips for equality.
D) Apply a cold pack to the hematoma and continue the assessment.

Answer 22

A) Take inline spinal stabilization and apply a cervical collar.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.11 Recognize signs and symptoms of spinal-cord and spinal-column injuries; 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine.

Question 23

As you approach a motorcyclist who was thrown from his bike, you can hear him saying that he cannot feel or move his legs. You note that he has obvious deformity to both femurs. EMRs are holding manual inline spinal stabilization. Of the following, which one should be done FIRST?

A) Check his rate and effort of breathing.
B) Place a cervical collar and administer oxygen.
C) Check for motor function and sensation in the feet.
D) Expose the legs and look for bleeding.

Answer 23

A) Check his rate and effort of breathing.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.5 Explain the threat to ventilation associated with injuries to the spinal cord at the cervical level; 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine.

Question 24

A patient has been struck in the back by a heavy piece of wood that was being bent to make a form for a concrete arch. He is responsive but cannot feel or move his legs. He has bruising to his back and is incontinent of urine. The skin below the injury site is red and warm. As a knowledgeable AEMT, you should realize that:

A) a cervical collar is unnecessary.
B) the signs and symptoms indicate spinal-cord injury.
C) the ability to feel will return.
D) the paralysis is permanent.

Answer 24

B) the signs and symptoms indicate spinal-cord injury.

Page Ref: 892
Objective: 40.7 Differentiate between the concepts of spinal-column injury and spinal-cord injury.

Question 25

A 43-year-old man has fallen from a roof and cannot move or feel his arms or legs. When assessing the patient, which one of the following signs would lead the AEMT to suspect the patient is suffering from neurogenic instead of hypovolemic shock?

A) Cool and moist skin
B) Hypotension without tachycardia
C) Seizure activity
D) Cyanosis to the finger tips

Answer 25

B) Hypotension without tachycardia

Page Ref: 893
Objective: 40.10 Differentiate between the concepts of spinal shock and neurogenic hypotension.

Question 26

You are treating a patient with suspected spinal injury following an accident. The patient does not appear to be critical or in immediate danger. Your initial action is:

A) removal of the patient from the vehicle to prevent further injury.
B) performance of the secondary assessment.
C) performance of the primary assessment while maintaining manual cervical stabilization.
D) establishment of large-bore IVs and treatment for shock.

Answer 26

C) performance of the primary assessment while maintaining manual cervical stabilization.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine.

Question 27

An elderly patient has fallen down a flight of stairs and is complaining of neck and back pain as well as weakness to both legs. The primary assessment reveals no life threats to the airway, breathing, or circulation. Manual inline spinal stabilization is being maintained. Which of the following should the AEMT do next?

A) Apply high-flow oxygen and move the patient to a stretcher for transport.
B) Place a cervical collar and immobilize the patient to the long spine board.
C) Place an oral airway and begin positive pressure ventilation.
D) Complete the secondary assessment looking for injuries.

Answer 27

D) Complete the secondary assessment looking for injuries.

Page Ref: 894-896
Objective: 40.11 Recognize signs and symptoms of spinal-cord and spinal-column injuries; 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine.

Question 28

You arrive on the scene of a two-car motor vehicle collision. The patient was the unrestrained driver of a car that struck another from behind at 25 mph. In the course of the collision, the patient flew forward and struck the windshield with his head. No airbags were deployed. The patient extricated himself and is not complaining of any head, neck, or back pain; however, you do note a small cut on his hand, which occurred as he was getting out of the car. When asked about preexisting medical problems, he tells you that he did have herniated disks in his lumbar spine repaired several years ago. Which of the following should provide the AEMT with the strongest reason to restrict movement of this patient’s spine?

A) Self-extrication of the patient
B) History of back surgery
C) Mechanism of injury
D) Laceration to the hand

Answer 28

C) Mechanism of injury

Page Ref: 890
Objective: 40.6 Anticipate the presence of other injuries in patients with mechanisms of injury that can produce spine injury.

Question 29

Assessment of a young girl who was hit while riding her bike reveals her to be responsive to painful stimuli with flexion of the extremities and in respiratory distress. There is marked deformity to her thoracic spine and bruising noted to her anterior chest and abdomen. She does not move her legs when noxious stimuli are applied to the lower extremities. Manual inline spinal stabilization is being held and a cervical collar has been applied. Given the critical nature of this patient, which one of the following is MOST appropriate for her care?

A) Transfer her to the long board already on the stretcher and secure her with straps en route to the hospital.
B) Use a scoop stretcher to transfer the patient to a stretcher for immobilization on scene prior to rapid transport to the hospital.
C) Wait for family members to arrive prior to moving her to the stretcher for immediate transport to the hospital.
D) Rapidly transfer her to the stretcher with immobilization to the long board done en route to the hospital.

Answer 29

B) Use a scoop stretcher to transfer the patient to a stretcher for immobilization on scene prior to rapid transport to the hospital.

Page Ref: 901
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine.

Question 30

Which of the following statements about the care and treatment of a patient with a spinal injury in the prehospital setting is TRUE?

A) “Prehospital care for the patient with a potential spine injury involves spinal motion restriction and the identification of life-threatening conditions.”
B) “If a patient has a possible spine injury but is in shock, it is permissible to forego immobilization because this takes time from definitive care in the hospital.”
C) “Before transporting the critically injured patient with a spinal injury, the EMT must perform a detailed neurological assessment from head to toe.”
D) “It is important to identify the site of spinal injury so the proper prehospital care can be rendered.”

Answer 30

A) “Prehospital care for the patient with a potential spine injury involves spinal motion restriction and the identification of life-threatening conditions.”

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine.

Question 31

Which of the following signs and symptoms would you expect to see in a patient suffering from neurogenic shock?

A) Unstable tachycardia
B) Different skin signs in different parts of the body
C) Changes in respiratory patterns
D) Hyperthermia

Answer 31

B) Different skin signs in different parts of the body

Page Ref: 893
Objective: 40.10 Differentiate between the concepts of spinal shock and neurogenic hypotension.

Question 32

A two-year-old boy fell down a flight of stairs. Which instruction would you provide to other AEMTs who are immobilizing the patient?

A) “Let us place a folded towel under his shoulders to help maintain head alignment.”
B) “It is better if the collar is a little too big; that is more comfortable for him.”
C) “After he is immobilized on the long backboard, place a towel behind his head to keep the airway open.”
D) “Just apply a cervical collar and then place him directly on the stretcher.”

Answer 32

A) “Let us place a folded towel under his shoulders to help maintain head alignment.”

Page Ref: 903
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine; 40.13 Demonstrate spinal motion restriction skills associated with airway management, patient repositioning, and patient extrication.

Question 33

When applying spinal motion restriction to a seated patient who is going to move to a stretcher, after you place the cervical collar on the patient, NEXT:

A) the primary assessment should be done.
B) rescuers may focus on establishing intravenous access.
C) manual stabilization must be maintained during movement.
D) the patient is ready to move without assistance.

Answer 33

C) manual stabilization must be maintained during movement.

Page Ref: 902
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine; 40.13 Demonstrate spinal motion restriction skills associated with airway management, patient repositioning, and patient extrication.

Question 34

When a patient at a motor vehicle collision is found to be standing outside of her vehicle and requires immobilization, the AEMT should:

A) place a cervical collar, stabilize the cervical spine, seat the patient on a backboard, and secure the patient.
B) manually stabilize the cervical spine, apply a cervical collar, and carefully seat the patient on the stretcher.
C) stabilize the cervical spine, place a KED, move the patient to a long backboard, and secure the patient.
D) manually stabilize the cervical spine, place a collar, and perform a standing takedown.

Answer 34

B) manually stabilize the cervical spine, apply a cervical collar, and carefully seat the patient on the stretcher.

Page Ref: 901
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine; 40.13 Demonstrate spinal motion restriction skills associated with airway management, patient repositioning, and patient extrication.

Question 35

An elderly patient in a nursing home has fallen in a narrow hallway, and you suspect spinal injury. After manually stabilizing the cervical spine and applying a cervical collar, one method to move the patient to a stretcher would be:

A) drag the patient in a straight line.
B) use a scoop (orthopedic) stretcher.
C) use a flat sheet and two rescuers.
D) use a vest-type immobilization device.

Answer 35

B) use a scoop (orthopedic) stretcher.

Page Ref: 901
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine; 40.13 Demonstrate spinal motion restriction skills associated with airway management, patient repositioning, and patient extrication.

Question 36

You arrive on the scene of a motor vehicle collision. Walking toward you is the unrestrained driver of the vehicle that sustained moderate front-end damage. The patient complains of some back pain but was walking around after the crash and does not have any neurological deficits. What is your initial action for managing this patient?

A) Take manual inline spinal stabilization.
B) Look for injuries to the patient’s back.
C) Perform the primary assessment of the patient’s ABCs.
D) Obtain the patient’s vital signs.

Answer 36

A) Take manual inline spinal stabilization.

Page Ref: 894
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine; 40.13 Demonstrate spinal motion restriction skills associated with airway management, patient repositioning, and patient extrication.

Question 37

You have been called to a public building for a 32-year-old male patient who fell down a flight of stairs. As you pull up, he walks to the ambulance and states that he would like to be looked at because his shoulder and lower back hurt. You immediately take inline manual spinal stabilization and examine his back, which reveals no sign of injury. How should you immobilize this patient?

A) Have the patient lie on the ground and immobilize him in the usual fashion.
B) Place the long board on the stretcher and carefully assist the patient onto the long board.
C) Place a long board behind the patient and immobilize him in a standing position.
D) Place a cervical collar on the patient and transfer him to the stretcher with spinal motion restriction.

Answer 37

D) Place a cervical collar on the patient and transfer him to the stretcher with spinal motion restriction.

Page Ref: 900
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine; 40.13 Demonstrate spinal motion restriction skills associated with airway management, patient repositioning, and patient extrication.

Question 38

Which one of the following statement about removing a helmet in the prehospital setting is TRUE?

A) “Helmets should only be removed if they are too tight or spinal immobilization will be required.”
B) “Since helmets should never be removed, the AEMT must be creative in providing care around the obstacle of a helmet.”
C) “Any patient wearing a helmet should have it removed so the airway and breathing can be properly assessed.”
D) “It is acceptable to leave the helmet on a patient if the patient has no airway or breathing problems.”

Answer 38

D) “It is acceptable to leave the helmet on a patient if the patient has no airway or breathing problems.”

Page Ref: 903
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine; 40.13 Demonstrate spinal motion restriction skills associated with airway management, patient repositioning, and patient extrication.

Question 39

You are transporting a patient with a spine injury who is developing new neurological deficits because of increased swelling of the injured area. You should:

A) pack the swollen area with ice.
B) make an effort to reassure and comfort the patient.
C) call ALS to intercept your ambulance and take over this patient’s care.
D) call medical direction to request permission to administer epinephrine.

Answer 39

B) make an effort to reassure and comfort the patient.

Page Ref: 896
Objective: 40.14 Describe the purpose and process of reassessing patients with suspected injury to the spine.

Question 40

Upon examination of the patient, it appears as if the patient has an issue between L4 and L5. What part of the patient’s spine is impacted?

A) Cervical spine
B) Thoracic spine
C) Lumbar spine
D) The inferior region of the spine

Answer 40

C) Lumbar spine

Page Ref: 890
Objective: 40.2 Describe the structure and function of the spinal column, spinal cord, and spinal nerves.

Question 41

Which of the following carries impulses from the body to the brain?

A) Ascending spinal tracts
B) Descending spinal tracts
C) Muscles and ligaments
D) Nerve roots

Answer 41

A) Ascending spinal tracts

Page Ref: 890
Objective: 40.2 Describe the structure and function of the spinal column, spinal cord, and spinal nerves.

Question 42

You arrive upon the scene of an accident and upon examination you suspect excessive stretching of the spine may have occurred. This condition is also known as:

A) hyperflexion.
B) hyperextension.
C) lateral bending.
D) distraction.

Answer 42

D) distraction.

Page Ref: 892
Objective: 40.1 Define key terms introduced in this chapter.

Question 43

While at the scene, you notice that the patient seems to be experiencing weakness to his upper extremities while the lower extremity strength is normal. You also note that there are some sensory changes. What possible spine injury type are you seeing?

A) Anterior-cord syndrome
B) Central-cord syndrome
C) Brown-Séquard syndrome
D) Complete spinal cord injury

Answer 43

B) Central-cord syndrome

Page Ref: 892
Objective: 40.1 Define key terms introduced in this chapter.

Question 44

A male patient involved in an auto accident may exhibit a persistent erection of the penis, called priapism. What might this indicate?

A) The presence of a spinal-cord injury
B) The presence of a closed head injury
C) The presence of vascular trauma
D) Spinal shock

Answer 44

A) The presence of a spinal-cord injury

Page Ref: 894, 896
Objective: 40.3 Use scene size-up, understanding of mechanisms of injury, patient assessment, and patient history to develop an index of suspicion for spine injuries.

Question 45

When sizing a cervical collar, what would be the first step in that process?

A) Assemble and preform the collar.
B) Draw an imaginary line across the top of the shoulders and the bottom of the chin.
C) On the collar, check the distance between the sizing post (black fastener) and lower edge of the rigid plastic.
D) Tighten the Velcro to make sure the collar is properly positioned.

Answer 45

B) Draw an imaginary line across the top of the shoulders and the bottom of the chin.

Page Ref: 897
Objective: 40.12 Given a series of scenarios, demonstrate the assessment and management of patients suspected of having an injury to the spine.