Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

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What is the significance of periorbital ecchymosis, or "raccoon eyes," in a trauma patient?

  1. basilar skull fracture

  2. blunt trauma to the orbit

  3. cerebral contusion

  4. orbital floor fracture

The correct answer is: basilar skull fracture

Periorbital ecchymosis, also known as "raccoon eyes," is significant in a trauma patient because it is a classic sign of a basilar skull fracture. When a basilar skull fracture occurs, it can cause a leakage of cerebrospinal fluid into the soft tissues around the eyes, leading to the characteristic bruising known as raccoon eyes. This sign is important for emergency medical providers to recognize as it can indicate a serious skull fracture with a risk of further complications. Blunt trauma to the orbit, cerebral contusion, and orbital floor fracture do not usually present with periorbital ecchymosis and are less commonly associated with this particular physical finding in trauma patients.

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