EMT AAOS SECTION 7: TRAUMA TEST EXAM QUESTIONS WITH ACCURATE
ANSWERS | MULTIPLE CHOICE | A+ GRADE 2025/2026 DETAILED.
1. If direct pressure with a sterile dressing fails to immediately stop severe bleeding from
an extremity, you should apply:
A. additional sterile dressings.
B. a splint and elevate the extremity.
C. a tourniquet proximal to the injury.
D. digital pressure to a proximal artery.
Answer: C. a tourniquet proximal to the injury.
Rationale: Current guidelines recommend that if direct pressure fails to control life-
threatening extremity haemorrhage, a tourniquet should be applied proximal to the injury.
Tourniquets are highly effective and are no longer considered a "last resort" for severe
bleeding.
2. A 22-year-old male was kicked in the abdomen multiple times. He is conscious but
restless, with a rapid pulse. Your assessment reveals a large area of bruising to the right
upper quadrant. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes:
A. preparing for immediate transport.
B. applying oxygen via nasal cannula.
C. performing a focused physical exam.
D. a detailed assessment of his abdomen.
Answer: A. preparing for immediate transport.
Rationale: This patient has signs of blunt abdominal trauma with potential internal
bleeding (restlessness, rapid pulse, bruising). The priority is rapid transport to a trauma
centre. Detailed assessments should occur end route if time permits .
3. What is the approximate blood volume of a 75-kg adult?
A. 5.25 L
B. 5.50 L
C. 6.25 L
D. 6.50 L
Answer: A. 5.25 L
*Rationale: The average adult blood volume is approximately 70 mL/kg. Therefore, 75 kg x
70 mL = 5,250 mL or 5.25 L .*
4. An organ or tissue may be better able to resist damage from hypoperfusion if the:
A. body's demand for oxygen is markedly increased.
B. body's temperature is considerably less than 98.6°F (37.0°C).
C. systolic arterial blood pressure is at least 60 mm Hg.
D. heart rate is maintained at more than 100 beats/min.
, Answer: B. body's temperature is considerably less than 98.6°F (37.0°C).
Rationale: Hypothermia slows metabolic rate, reducing the oxygen demand of tissues. This
can prolong the tolerable ischemic time for organs during hypoperfusion .
5. The severity of bleeding should be based on all of the following findings, EXCEPT:
A. systolic blood pressure.
B. poor general appearance.
C. the mechanism of injury.
D. clinical signs and symptoms.
Answer: A. systolic blood pressure.
*Rationale: Blood pressure is a late indicator of shock. Significant blood loss (20-30%) can
occur before hypotension develops. Assessment should rely on mechanism, clinical
presentation, and signs of poor perfusion .*
6. Which of the following organs can tolerate inadequate perfusion for up to 2 hours?
A. brain
B. heart
C. kidneys
D. skeletal muscle
Answer: D. skeletal muscle
*Rationale: Skeletal muscle has the longest tolerance to ischemia (up to 2-3 hours)
compared to vital organs. The brain and heart sustain irreversible damage within
minutes .*
7. Which of the following statements regarding the clotting of blood is correct?
A. Venous and capillary blood typically does not clot spontaneously.
B. Bleeding begins to clot when the end of a damaged vessel dilates.
C. Direct contact with the environment prevents blood from clotting.
D. A person taking aspirin will experience slower blood clotting.
Answer: D. A person taking aspirin will experience slower blood clotting.
Rationale: Aspirin and other antiplatelet medications inhibit platelet aggregation,
impairing the clotting cascade and prolonging bleeding time .
8. Perfusion is MOST accurately defined as the:
A. effective transfer of oxygen from the venules across the systemic capillary membrane
walls.
B. ability of the systemic arteries to constrict as needed to maintain an adequate blood
pressure.
C. effective removal of carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste products from the
body's cells.
,D. circulation of blood within an organ in adequate amounts to meet the body's metabolic
needs.
Answer: D. circulation of blood within an organ in adequate amounts to meet the
body's metabolic needs.
Rationale: Perfusion is the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and the removal of
wastes via adequate blood flow through capillary beds .
9. A fractured femur can result in the loss of ______ or more of blood into the soft tissues
of the thigh.
A. 250 mL
B. 500 mL
C. 1 L
D. 2 L
Answer: C. 1 L
*Rationale: A closed femoral fracture can result in hidden blood loss of up to 1,000-1,500
mL into the surrounding soft tissues, leading to hypovolemic shock .*
10. In which of the following situations would external bleeding be the MOST difficult to
control?
A. femoral artery laceration and a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
B. jugular vein laceration and a systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg
C. carotid artery laceration and a systolic blood pressure of 60 mm Hg
D. antecubital vein laceration and a blood pressure of 138/92 mm Hg
Answer: A. femoral artery laceration and a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
Rationale: Arterial bleeding is more difficult to control than venous bleeding, especially
from a large artery like the femoral. Higher blood pressure (normotensive) makes it harder
for clots to form and remain intact .
11. You arrive at the home of a 50-year-old female with severe epistaxis. As you are
treating her, it is MOST important to recall that:
A. the patient may be significantly hypertensive.
B. the patient is at risk for vomiting and aspiration.
C. a detailed exam is needed to determine the cause.
D. many medications interfere with blood clotting.
Answer: B. the patient is at risk for vomiting and aspiration.
Rationale: Patients with severe epistaxis often swallow blood, which is irritating to the
stomach and can lead to nausea, vomiting, and aspiration. Airway protection is critical .
12. A 43-year-old man is experiencing a severe nosebleed. His blood pressure is 190/110
mm Hg and his heart rate is 90 beats/min and bounding. Appropriate treatment for this
, patient includes:
A. having the patient pinch his own nostrils and then lie supine.
B. pinching the patient's nostrils and having him lean forward.
C. placing a rolled 4″ × 4″ dressing between his lower lip and gum.
D. packing both nostrils with gauze pads until the bleeding stops.
Answer: B. pinching the patient's nostrils and having him lean forward.
Rationale: The patient should sit upright and lean forward to prevent blood from entering
the stomach or airway. Pinching the nostrils applies direct pressure to the nasal septum to
control bleeding .
13. Which of the following splinting devices would be MOST appropriate to use for a
patient who has an open fracture of the forearm with external bleeding?
A. air splint
B. vacuum splint
C. sling and swathe
D. cardboard splint
Answer: A. air splint
Rationale: An air splint (pneumatic splint) applies uniform pressure, which can help control
bleeding from soft tissue injuries while immobilizing the fracture .
14. Which of the following body systems or components is the LEAST critical for supplying
and maintaining adequate blood flow to the body?
A. an effectively pumping heart
B. an intact system of blood vessels
C. adequate blood in the vasculature
D. the filtering of blood cells in the spleen
Answer: D. the filtering of blood cells in the spleen.
Rationale: The perfusion triangle consists of an effective pump (heart), intact pipes
(vessels), and sufficient volume (blood). The spleen's filtration function is not critical to
maintaining immediate perfusion .
15. Gastrointestinal bleeding should be suspected if a patient presents with:
A. dyspnea.
B. hematuria.
C. hemoptysis.
D. hematemesis.
Answer: D. hematemesis.
Rationale: Hematemesis (vomiting blood) is a direct sign of upper gastrointestinal
bleeding. Hematuria is blood in urine; hemoptysis is coughing up blood .
ANSWERS | MULTIPLE CHOICE | A+ GRADE 2025/2026 DETAILED.
1. If direct pressure with a sterile dressing fails to immediately stop severe bleeding from
an extremity, you should apply:
A. additional sterile dressings.
B. a splint and elevate the extremity.
C. a tourniquet proximal to the injury.
D. digital pressure to a proximal artery.
Answer: C. a tourniquet proximal to the injury.
Rationale: Current guidelines recommend that if direct pressure fails to control life-
threatening extremity haemorrhage, a tourniquet should be applied proximal to the injury.
Tourniquets are highly effective and are no longer considered a "last resort" for severe
bleeding.
2. A 22-year-old male was kicked in the abdomen multiple times. He is conscious but
restless, with a rapid pulse. Your assessment reveals a large area of bruising to the right
upper quadrant. The MOST appropriate treatment for this patient includes:
A. preparing for immediate transport.
B. applying oxygen via nasal cannula.
C. performing a focused physical exam.
D. a detailed assessment of his abdomen.
Answer: A. preparing for immediate transport.
Rationale: This patient has signs of blunt abdominal trauma with potential internal
bleeding (restlessness, rapid pulse, bruising). The priority is rapid transport to a trauma
centre. Detailed assessments should occur end route if time permits .
3. What is the approximate blood volume of a 75-kg adult?
A. 5.25 L
B. 5.50 L
C. 6.25 L
D. 6.50 L
Answer: A. 5.25 L
*Rationale: The average adult blood volume is approximately 70 mL/kg. Therefore, 75 kg x
70 mL = 5,250 mL or 5.25 L .*
4. An organ or tissue may be better able to resist damage from hypoperfusion if the:
A. body's demand for oxygen is markedly increased.
B. body's temperature is considerably less than 98.6°F (37.0°C).
C. systolic arterial blood pressure is at least 60 mm Hg.
D. heart rate is maintained at more than 100 beats/min.
, Answer: B. body's temperature is considerably less than 98.6°F (37.0°C).
Rationale: Hypothermia slows metabolic rate, reducing the oxygen demand of tissues. This
can prolong the tolerable ischemic time for organs during hypoperfusion .
5. The severity of bleeding should be based on all of the following findings, EXCEPT:
A. systolic blood pressure.
B. poor general appearance.
C. the mechanism of injury.
D. clinical signs and symptoms.
Answer: A. systolic blood pressure.
*Rationale: Blood pressure is a late indicator of shock. Significant blood loss (20-30%) can
occur before hypotension develops. Assessment should rely on mechanism, clinical
presentation, and signs of poor perfusion .*
6. Which of the following organs can tolerate inadequate perfusion for up to 2 hours?
A. brain
B. heart
C. kidneys
D. skeletal muscle
Answer: D. skeletal muscle
*Rationale: Skeletal muscle has the longest tolerance to ischemia (up to 2-3 hours)
compared to vital organs. The brain and heart sustain irreversible damage within
minutes .*
7. Which of the following statements regarding the clotting of blood is correct?
A. Venous and capillary blood typically does not clot spontaneously.
B. Bleeding begins to clot when the end of a damaged vessel dilates.
C. Direct contact with the environment prevents blood from clotting.
D. A person taking aspirin will experience slower blood clotting.
Answer: D. A person taking aspirin will experience slower blood clotting.
Rationale: Aspirin and other antiplatelet medications inhibit platelet aggregation,
impairing the clotting cascade and prolonging bleeding time .
8. Perfusion is MOST accurately defined as the:
A. effective transfer of oxygen from the venules across the systemic capillary membrane
walls.
B. ability of the systemic arteries to constrict as needed to maintain an adequate blood
pressure.
C. effective removal of carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste products from the
body's cells.
,D. circulation of blood within an organ in adequate amounts to meet the body's metabolic
needs.
Answer: D. circulation of blood within an organ in adequate amounts to meet the
body's metabolic needs.
Rationale: Perfusion is the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and the removal of
wastes via adequate blood flow through capillary beds .
9. A fractured femur can result in the loss of ______ or more of blood into the soft tissues
of the thigh.
A. 250 mL
B. 500 mL
C. 1 L
D. 2 L
Answer: C. 1 L
*Rationale: A closed femoral fracture can result in hidden blood loss of up to 1,000-1,500
mL into the surrounding soft tissues, leading to hypovolemic shock .*
10. In which of the following situations would external bleeding be the MOST difficult to
control?
A. femoral artery laceration and a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
B. jugular vein laceration and a systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg
C. carotid artery laceration and a systolic blood pressure of 60 mm Hg
D. antecubital vein laceration and a blood pressure of 138/92 mm Hg
Answer: A. femoral artery laceration and a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
Rationale: Arterial bleeding is more difficult to control than venous bleeding, especially
from a large artery like the femoral. Higher blood pressure (normotensive) makes it harder
for clots to form and remain intact .
11. You arrive at the home of a 50-year-old female with severe epistaxis. As you are
treating her, it is MOST important to recall that:
A. the patient may be significantly hypertensive.
B. the patient is at risk for vomiting and aspiration.
C. a detailed exam is needed to determine the cause.
D. many medications interfere with blood clotting.
Answer: B. the patient is at risk for vomiting and aspiration.
Rationale: Patients with severe epistaxis often swallow blood, which is irritating to the
stomach and can lead to nausea, vomiting, and aspiration. Airway protection is critical .
12. A 43-year-old man is experiencing a severe nosebleed. His blood pressure is 190/110
mm Hg and his heart rate is 90 beats/min and bounding. Appropriate treatment for this
, patient includes:
A. having the patient pinch his own nostrils and then lie supine.
B. pinching the patient's nostrils and having him lean forward.
C. placing a rolled 4″ × 4″ dressing between his lower lip and gum.
D. packing both nostrils with gauze pads until the bleeding stops.
Answer: B. pinching the patient's nostrils and having him lean forward.
Rationale: The patient should sit upright and lean forward to prevent blood from entering
the stomach or airway. Pinching the nostrils applies direct pressure to the nasal septum to
control bleeding .
13. Which of the following splinting devices would be MOST appropriate to use for a
patient who has an open fracture of the forearm with external bleeding?
A. air splint
B. vacuum splint
C. sling and swathe
D. cardboard splint
Answer: A. air splint
Rationale: An air splint (pneumatic splint) applies uniform pressure, which can help control
bleeding from soft tissue injuries while immobilizing the fracture .
14. Which of the following body systems or components is the LEAST critical for supplying
and maintaining adequate blood flow to the body?
A. an effectively pumping heart
B. an intact system of blood vessels
C. adequate blood in the vasculature
D. the filtering of blood cells in the spleen
Answer: D. the filtering of blood cells in the spleen.
Rationale: The perfusion triangle consists of an effective pump (heart), intact pipes
(vessels), and sufficient volume (blood). The spleen's filtration function is not critical to
maintaining immediate perfusion .
15. Gastrointestinal bleeding should be suspected if a patient presents with:
A. dyspnea.
B. hematuria.
C. hemoptysis.
D. hematemesis.
Answer: D. hematemesis.
Rationale: Hematemesis (vomiting blood) is a direct sign of upper gastrointestinal
bleeding. Hematuria is blood in urine; hemoptysis is coughing up blood .
