Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

A 23-year-old unrestrained female struck the steering wheel with her chest when her passenger car collided with a tree at a high rate of speed. Your assessment reveals that she is conscious, but has signs of shock and an irregular pulse. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes:

1. applying an AED in case she develops cardiac arrest, high-flow oxygen, full spinal precautions, and rapid transport.

2. high-flow oxygen, summoning a paramedic unit to the scene to assess her cardiac rhythm, a cervical collar, and transport as soon as possible.

3. high-flow oxygen or assisted ventilations as needed, full spinal precautions, blankets to keep her warm, and rapid transport.

4. insertion of an oral airway, assisted ventilations with a bag-mask device, full spinal precautions, and rapid transport.

The correct answer is: applying an AED in case she develops cardiac arrest, high-flow oxygen, full spinal precautions, and rapid transport.

In this scenario, the patient has signs of shock and an irregular pulse following a chest injury sustained in a high-speed motor vehicle collision. The correct treatment approach for this patient includes applying high-flow oxygen to ensure adequate oxygenation, as shock can lead to inadequate tissue perfusion and impaired oxygen delivery. Additionally, monitoring for signs of deterioration such as cardiac arrest is crucial, hence the potential need for an AED. Full spinal precautions are essential in cases of significant trauma, especially when there is a mechanism like striking the steering wheel in play. Rapid transport to a trauma center is vital for definitive care and further management of the patient's condition. Therefore, the MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes high-flow oxygen, full spinal precautions, being ready for potential cardiac arrest and transporting the patient promptly for further evaluation and treatment.