Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

The presence of subcutaneous emphysema following blunt trauma to the anterior neck should make you MOST suspicious for a:

1. carotid artery injury

2. fractured larynx

3. pneumothorax

4. ruptured esophagus

The correct answer is: carotid artery injury

Subcutaneous emphysema is a condition where air or gas gets trapped under the skin, resulting in a characteristic crackling sensation upon touch. This condition often occurs in the neck region following blunt trauma, and it is typically caused by injury to the trachea, larynx, or esophagus. However, if the emphysema is localized to the anterior neck, it is important to consider the possibility of a carotid artery injury. This is because the carotid artery is a major blood vessel located in the neck, and any injury to it can lead to bleeding and air accumulation in the surrounding tissues. The other options listed, such as a fractured larynx, pneumothorax, and ruptured esophagus, may also cause subcutaneous emphysema but are less likely to be the primary cause when it is localized to the anterior neck. Therefore, the presence of subcutaneous emphysema in this specific location should raise suspicion for a carotid artery injury and prompt further investigation.