Chapter 31 Flashcards
When caring for a patient with a possible fracture of the scapula, the EMT should:
A. assume that minimal force was applied to the back.
B. carefully assess the patient for breathing problems.
C. apply rigid board splints across the chest and back.
D. recognize that scapular fractures are life threatening.
B. carefully assess the patient for breathing problems.
Chapter 31, page 1116, Specific Musculoskeletal Injuries
Which of the following musculoskeletal injuries would pose the greatest threat to a patient’s life?
A. An amputated extremity
B. Pelvic fracture with hypotension
C. Nondisplaced long bone fractures
D. Bilateral femur fractures
B. Pelvic fracture with hypotension
Chapter 31, page 1099, Musculoskeletal Injuries
A “hip” fracture is actually a fracture of the:
A. pelvic girdle.
B. pubic symphysis.
C. proximal femur.
D. femoral shaft.
C. proximal femur.
Chapter 31, page 1126, Specific Musculoskeletal Injuries
A 22-year-old female was ejected from her car after striking a tree head-on. As you approach her, you note obvious closed deformities to both of her femurs. She is not moving and does not appear to be conscious. You should:
A. apply manual stabilization to both of her femurs.
B. administer oxygen and perform a rapid assessment.
C. assess for a carotid pulse and assist her ventilations.
D. stabilize her head and perform a primary assessment.
D. stabilize her head and perform a primary assessment.
Chapter 31, pages 1099–1100, Patient Assessment
A fracture is MOST accurately defined as a(n):
A. break in the continuity of the bone.
B. disruption in the midshaft of a bone.
C. total loss of function in a bone.
D. abnormality in the structure of a bone.
A. break in the continuity of the bone.
Chapter 31, page 1093, Musculoskeletal Injuries
With regard to musculoskeletal injuries, the zone of injury is defined as the:
A. part of the body that sustained secondary injury.
B. exact part of the bone or joint that was disrupted.
C. area of obvious deformity over the site of impact.
D. area of soft-tissue damage surrounding the injury.
D. area of soft-tissue damage surrounding the injury.
Chapter 31, page 1092, Musculoskeletal Injuries
An open fracture is MOST accurately defined as a fracture in which:
A. a large laceration overlies the fracture.
B. a bullet shatters the underlying bone.
C. the overlying skin is no longer intact.
D. bone ends protrude through the skin.
C. the overlying skin is no longer intact.
Chapter 31, page 1093, Musculoskeletal Injuries
During your secondary assessment of a 30-year-old male who fell 25 feet, you note crepitus when palpating his pelvis. Your partner advises you that the patient’s blood pressure is 80/50 mm Hg and his heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak. After completing your assessment, you should:
A. perform a focused physical exam with emphasis on the pelvis.
B. defer spinal immobilization and transport to a trauma center.
C. stabilize the pelvis with a pelvic binder and protect the spine.
D. log roll the patient onto a long backboard and transport at once.
C. stabilize the pelvis with a pelvic binder and protect the spine.
Chapter 31, pages 1114–1115, Emergency Medical Care
In which of the following situations should the EMT splint an injured limb in the position of deformity?
A. If a traction splint will be used to immobilize the injured extremity
B. When distal circulation and neurological functions are absent
C. If resistance is encountered or the patient experiences severe pain
D. If transport time to the hospital is greater than 20 to 30 minutes
C. If resistance is encountered or the patient experiences severe pain
Chapter 31, page 1105, Emergency Medical Care
The MOST significant hazard associated with splinting is:
A. delaying transport of a critically injured patient.
B. aggravation of the injury or worsened pain.
C. compression of nerves, tissues, and vasculature.
D. reduction in circulation distal to the injury site.
A. delaying transport of a critically injured patient.
Chapter 31, page 1115, Emergency Medical Care
