Question 1

You are called for an alert and oriented female who had a cesarean section several days ago. Today she bent over and tore the surgical incision open. There is a moderate amount of bleeding coming from the site. What should the EMT do to control the bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Applying a large dressing over the incision is the appropriate action to control bleeding from a surgical site. This method provides direct pressure to the area, which is a primary step in bleeding control, without disturbing the wound further as packing might.

Question 2

You have just applied a pressure dressing to the leg of a woman who suffered a deep laceration to her calf from a piece of broken glass. Which one of the following should you do next?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have just applied a pressure dressing...

Question 3

Which one of the following statements made by the EMT shows an understanding of dressing and bandaging a wound?

Accepted Answer

Leaving the tips of the fingers or toes exposed when bandaging the arm or leg allows for future assessment of circulation, which is important to ensure adequate blood flow to the extremity. Options A, B, and D show incorrect understanding of dressing and bandaging wounds.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about dressings and bandages is true?

Accepted Answer

Bandages should not be applied until bleeding is controlled to prevent the bandage from becoming soaked with blood, which can lead to inadequate wound care and increased risk of infection. Dressings are placed directly on the wound, and should not be airtight as this can create a moist environment for bacterial growth. Dressings should be changed regularly and not left in open wounds for extended periods of time.

Question 5

A patient has had part of his right thumb amputated in an industrial accident. Coworkers have retrieved the thumb and wrapped it in a towel. The EMT demonstrates appropriate handling of the amputated part when he:

Accepted Answer

The correct handling of an amputated part involves wrapping it in a dry sterile dressing to protect it from contamination and further damage. This method helps preserve the tissue in a condition that is more suitable for potential reattachment. Placing the thumb directly in ice water or saline can cause additional tissue damage, and simply keeping it warm does not protect it from contamination or desiccation.

Question 6

A female patient has been involved in a motorcycle crash. Your scene size-up reveals her to be unresponsive and lying in the roadway. It also appears that her left leg has been amputated at the knee. Which one of the following should you do immediately?

Accepted Answer

The first priority in an unresponsive patient is to ensure that her airway is open and clear. Therefore, performing the jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway and begin ventilation is the most important immediate action. The assessment of the amputated leg and possible bleeding can be addressed once the patient's airway is secured. Covering the knee with a sterile dressing would not be a priority at this time.

Question 7

A pregnant 31-year-old has been shot in the neck. Currently, she is responsive to verbal stimuli, with an open airway and rapid, but adequate respirations. Her radial pulse is weak and fast. Vital signs are as follows: pulse 152, respirations 22, blood pressure 92/76, and SpO₂ at 100% on high-concentration oxygen. When caring for this patient, what other intervention will most benefit this patient?

Accepted Answer

The best intervention for this patient would be immobilization and immediate transport. The patient is pregnant, has been shot in the neck, and has a weak and fast radial pulse. This indicates that she is experiencing significant blood loss and may have internal bleeding. Waiting for an ALS paramedic could be detrimental to the patient's condition, and waiting to apply the PASG could also delay necessary treatment. It is important to transport the patient to a medical facility as quickly as possible for further evaluation and treatment.

Question 8

Your patient is a 48-year-old male who is in shock from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision. Which one of the following assessment findings is an indication for the use of the pneumatic anti-shock garment (PASG)?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic instability with a low blood pressure is an indication for the use of a PASG. The PASG helps to stabilize pelvic fractures and can help maintain blood pressure. The other findings listed may require immediate interventions, such as fluid resuscitation or pain management, but they are not indications for the use of a PASG. Evisceration of abdominal contents would require immediate surgical intervention.

Question 9

Which one of the following types of injuries is most likely to result in capillary bleeding only?

Accepted Answer

Abrasion is the type of injury that is most likely to result in capillary bleeding only. This is because an abrasion is a superficial injury that only affects the top layer of the skin where the capillaries are located. Avulsion, laceration, and penetration are all injuries that can affect deeper tissues and result in varying degrees of bleeding.

Question 10

Which one of the following best describes a topical hemostatic agent?

Accepted Answer

A topical hemostatic agent is a dressing specially designed to stop bleeding. It works by promoting clotting at the site of the wound, which helps to stop bleeding quickly and effectively. It is different from other types of medications, such as antibiotics or painkillers, that are used to treat other aspects of a wound or injury.

Question 11

A construction worker has a metal rod impaled in his right forearm. Assessment of the injury indicates heavy bleeding from around the impaled object. Which one of the following should you do first?

Accepted Answer

The first priority in a situation with heavy bleeding is to control the bleeding. Therefore, applying direct pressure around the rod would help control the bleeding until the patient can receive further medical attention. Placing a tourniquet is a last resort option and attempting to remove the metal rod should not be done by anyone other than a trained medical professional. Applying pressure on the rod to stabilize it should only be done after direct pressure has been applied to control bleeding.

Question 12

Which statement made by the EMT shows an understanding of bandaging an open wound?

Accepted Answer

Choice B shows an understanding of the purpose of bandaging material, which is to secure a dressing in place. This indicates knowledge of the correct technique for managing an open wound. The other choices may be true, but they do not demonstrate the same level of understanding of the topic. Choice A focuses on the use of sterile gauze pads to stop bleeding, which is only one aspect of wound management. Choice C highlights the importance of sterile practices for bandaging, which is important but not the main focus of the question. Choice D suggests adding a dressing after applying a bandage, which may not always be necessary depending on the severity and location of the wound.

Question 13

A 54-year-old male patient has been involved in a car crash. Window glass has caused an open wound to his upper neck. Which one of the following dressings is best for this injury?

Accepted Answer

An occlusive dressing is best for neck wounds to prevent air embolism by sealing the wound and preventing air from entering the bloodstream.

Question 14

A man has been bitten in his arm by his dog. He states that the bite occurred several hours earlier when he accidentally stepped on the dog's paw. When asked, he tells you that the dog is up-to-date on all of her shots, including the rabies vaccine. Assessment reveals two small puncture wounds to the hand with some bruising in the surrounding tissue. The patient wants to refuse treatment and transport. Given these assessment findings, which one of the following indicates the primary reason the patient should be seen in the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

The primary reason the patient should be seen in the emergency department is the risk for infection due to the dog bite. Even if the dog is up-to-date on its shots, there is still a risk of infection from the bite. It is important for the patient to be evaluated and possibly receive antibiotics to prevent infection. Possible shock from blood loss is not indicated in this scenario as there is no significant bleeding reported. Completing a police report is not the primary reason for seeking medical attention in this case. Preventing formation of a contusion is not a pressing concern for this patient compared to the risk of infection.

Quiz 28: Bleeding and Soft Tissue Trauma