Signs

Question 1

Tripod Position

Answer 1

Hands on knees and leaning forward

• indicative of respiratory distress
• interventions: O2 and potentially albuterol inhaler

Question 2

Levine’s Sign

Answer 2

Holding Chest

• indicative of chest pain / cardiac compromise
• interventions: aspirin and potentially nitroglycerin

Question 3

Cushing’s Triad

Answer 3

Increased systolic BP, decreased pulse (HR) and decreased respirations

• indicative of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP)
• interventions: O2 and keep airway and breathing open

Question 4

Beck’s Triad

Answer 4

Decreased blood pressure, muffled heart sounds and JVD

• Indicative of pericardial tamponade (heart sac fills with fluid)
• Interventions: O2

Question 5

Grey Turner’s Sign

Answer 5

Bruised Flanks

• Indicative of kidney hemorrhage (trauma) or pancreatitis (medical)
• Interventions: O2

Question 6

Cullen’s Sign

Answer 6

Bruised belly button / umbilicus

• Indicative of intraperitoneal (abdomen sac) hemorrhage or pancreatitis
• Interventions: O2

Question 7

Raccoon Eyes

Answer 7

Dark rings around the eyes

• Indicative of basal skull fracture (back of head)
• Interventions: O2, keep airway and breathing open, watch for shock

Question 8

Battle Signs

Answer 8

Bruising behind ears

• Indicative of basal skull fracture (back of head)
• Interventions: O2, airway and breathing, watch for shock