2026/2027
EMT FISDAP Trauma & Readiness
Exam Intensive Preparation
Workbook with Trauma Assessment
Quizzes and Exam Review Strategies
2026/2027
Question 1:
A 53-year-old female was struck by a vehicle. She is unresponsive, has deformity of
the left femur, pelvic instability, and diminished lung sounds on the left side. What is
the most appropriate initial action?
A. Apply traction splint to femur
B. Rapid transport with spinal immobilization
C. Apply pelvic binder only
D. Administer oral fluids
Correct Answer: B. Rapid transport with spinal immobilization
Rationale: The patient shows signs of major multisystem trauma including possible
internal hemorrhage and thoracic injury. Immediate rapid transport with spinal
precautions is essential. Traction splinting or pelvic binding may be done later but
should not delay transport. Oral fluids are contraindicated in trauma due to aspiration
risk.
Question 2:
A 28-year-old male has blunt trauma to the right anterior chest. He is pale, cool,
diaphoretic, respirations are 38 and shallow with paradoxical chest movement. What
should you do?
A. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
B. Provide positive pressure ventilation with oxygen
C. Place patient in recovery position
D. Administer oral fluids
Correct Answer: B. Provide positive pressure ventilation with oxygen
Rationale: Paradoxical movement indicates flail chest with respiratory failure.
Positive pressure ventilation improves oxygenation and stabilizes ventilation. Nasal
,2026/2027
cannula is insufficient. Recovery position does not support ventilation. Fluids are
contraindicated.
Question 3:
What is the most likely cause of bilateral periorbital ecchymosis (“raccoon eyes”)?
A. Orbital fracture
B. Basilar skull fracture
C. Facial laceration
D. Sinus infection
Correct Answer: B. Basilar skull fracture
Rationale: Bilateral periorbital bruising is a classic sign of basilar skull fracture due to
bleeding into soft tissues. Orbital fractures are localized. Lacerations cause external
bleeding only. Sinus infections do not cause trauma signs.
Question 4:
A 30-year-old male has a gunshot wound to the mid-thigh with uncontrolled bleeding
despite direct pressure. What is the best intervention?
A. Apply pressure bandage
B. Elevate limb only
C. Apply a tourniquet
D. Apply ice pack
Correct Answer: C. Apply a tourniquet
Rationale: Severe extremity hemorrhage not controlled by direct pressure requires a
tourniquet to prevent exsanguination. Pressure bandages and elevation alone are
insufficient. Ice is not appropriate for trauma bleeding control.
Question 5:
A motorcyclist without a helmet is found unconscious with gurgling respirations and
respiratory rate of 4/min. What is the most appropriate airway maneuver?
A. Head tilt–chin lift
B. Jaw thrust maneuver
C. Heimlich maneuver
D. Finger sweep
Correct Answer: B. Jaw thrust maneuver
,2026/2027
Rationale: Suspected spinal injury requires airway opening without neck movement.
Jaw thrust maintains cervical alignment. Head tilt is contraindicated. Heimlich is for
choking. Finger sweep is not recommended unless visible obstruction exists.
Question 6:
A skier falls while water skiing and is now unconscious. You should suspect:
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Head and spinal injury
C. Heat exhaustion
D. Stroke only
Correct Answer: B. Head and spinal injury
Rationale: High-energy water-related falls commonly cause cervical spine and head
trauma. Other options are less likely without additional findings.
Question 7:
How should an amputated limb be properly managed?
A. Place directly in ice
B. Wrap in dry gauze, seal in bag, place in cool water
C. Rinse and discard
D. Immerse in antiseptic solution
Correct Answer: B. Wrap in dry gauze, seal in bag, place in cool water
Rationale: Proper preservation involves moist protection without direct ice contact to
prevent tissue damage. Direct ice causes frost injury. Discarding is incorrect.
Question 8:
A 18-year-old male has a deformity and swelling of the shin but still has a pedal pulse.
What should you do?
A. Realign immediately
B. Apply board splint in position found
C. Delay splinting
D. Massage the area
Correct Answer: B. Apply board splint in position found
, 2026/2027
Rationale: With distal pulse present, immobilization without realignment is
appropriate. Realignment is only done if no pulse is present. Massage is
contraindicated.
Question 9:
A pedestrian struck by a car is confused, hypotensive (80/40), tachycardic, and
hypoxic (SpO₂ 90%). What is the best action?
A. High-flow oxygen via non-rebreather
B. Immediate BVM ventilation
C. Oral fluids
D. Position supine and wait
Correct Answer: B. Immediate BVM ventilation
Rationale: Hypoxia with altered mental status and poor respirations requires assisted
ventilation. Non-rebreather is insufficient in respiratory failure.
Question 10:
An 81-year-old patient fell from bed. Which medication increases your concern for
internal bleeding from possible hip fracture?
A. Aspirin
B. Coumadin (Warfarin)
C. Acetaminophen
D. Insulin
Correct Answer: B. Coumadin (Warfarin)
Rationale: Anticoagulants significantly increase bleeding risk in trauma patients.
Warfarin is especially concerning. Other medications do not significantly increase
bleeding risk.
Question 11:
A trauma patient has agonal respirations and a gunshot wound. There is no radial
pulse. What should you do first?
A. Check carotid pulse and assist ventilations
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
C. Apply oxygen only
D. Wait for AED
EMT FISDAP Trauma & Readiness
Exam Intensive Preparation
Workbook with Trauma Assessment
Quizzes and Exam Review Strategies
2026/2027
Question 1:
A 53-year-old female was struck by a vehicle. She is unresponsive, has deformity of
the left femur, pelvic instability, and diminished lung sounds on the left side. What is
the most appropriate initial action?
A. Apply traction splint to femur
B. Rapid transport with spinal immobilization
C. Apply pelvic binder only
D. Administer oral fluids
Correct Answer: B. Rapid transport with spinal immobilization
Rationale: The patient shows signs of major multisystem trauma including possible
internal hemorrhage and thoracic injury. Immediate rapid transport with spinal
precautions is essential. Traction splinting or pelvic binding may be done later but
should not delay transport. Oral fluids are contraindicated in trauma due to aspiration
risk.
Question 2:
A 28-year-old male has blunt trauma to the right anterior chest. He is pale, cool,
diaphoretic, respirations are 38 and shallow with paradoxical chest movement. What
should you do?
A. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
B. Provide positive pressure ventilation with oxygen
C. Place patient in recovery position
D. Administer oral fluids
Correct Answer: B. Provide positive pressure ventilation with oxygen
Rationale: Paradoxical movement indicates flail chest with respiratory failure.
Positive pressure ventilation improves oxygenation and stabilizes ventilation. Nasal
,2026/2027
cannula is insufficient. Recovery position does not support ventilation. Fluids are
contraindicated.
Question 3:
What is the most likely cause of bilateral periorbital ecchymosis (“raccoon eyes”)?
A. Orbital fracture
B. Basilar skull fracture
C. Facial laceration
D. Sinus infection
Correct Answer: B. Basilar skull fracture
Rationale: Bilateral periorbital bruising is a classic sign of basilar skull fracture due to
bleeding into soft tissues. Orbital fractures are localized. Lacerations cause external
bleeding only. Sinus infections do not cause trauma signs.
Question 4:
A 30-year-old male has a gunshot wound to the mid-thigh with uncontrolled bleeding
despite direct pressure. What is the best intervention?
A. Apply pressure bandage
B. Elevate limb only
C. Apply a tourniquet
D. Apply ice pack
Correct Answer: C. Apply a tourniquet
Rationale: Severe extremity hemorrhage not controlled by direct pressure requires a
tourniquet to prevent exsanguination. Pressure bandages and elevation alone are
insufficient. Ice is not appropriate for trauma bleeding control.
Question 5:
A motorcyclist without a helmet is found unconscious with gurgling respirations and
respiratory rate of 4/min. What is the most appropriate airway maneuver?
A. Head tilt–chin lift
B. Jaw thrust maneuver
C. Heimlich maneuver
D. Finger sweep
Correct Answer: B. Jaw thrust maneuver
,2026/2027
Rationale: Suspected spinal injury requires airway opening without neck movement.
Jaw thrust maintains cervical alignment. Head tilt is contraindicated. Heimlich is for
choking. Finger sweep is not recommended unless visible obstruction exists.
Question 6:
A skier falls while water skiing and is now unconscious. You should suspect:
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Head and spinal injury
C. Heat exhaustion
D. Stroke only
Correct Answer: B. Head and spinal injury
Rationale: High-energy water-related falls commonly cause cervical spine and head
trauma. Other options are less likely without additional findings.
Question 7:
How should an amputated limb be properly managed?
A. Place directly in ice
B. Wrap in dry gauze, seal in bag, place in cool water
C. Rinse and discard
D. Immerse in antiseptic solution
Correct Answer: B. Wrap in dry gauze, seal in bag, place in cool water
Rationale: Proper preservation involves moist protection without direct ice contact to
prevent tissue damage. Direct ice causes frost injury. Discarding is incorrect.
Question 8:
A 18-year-old male has a deformity and swelling of the shin but still has a pedal pulse.
What should you do?
A. Realign immediately
B. Apply board splint in position found
C. Delay splinting
D. Massage the area
Correct Answer: B. Apply board splint in position found
, 2026/2027
Rationale: With distal pulse present, immobilization without realignment is
appropriate. Realignment is only done if no pulse is present. Massage is
contraindicated.
Question 9:
A pedestrian struck by a car is confused, hypotensive (80/40), tachycardic, and
hypoxic (SpO₂ 90%). What is the best action?
A. High-flow oxygen via non-rebreather
B. Immediate BVM ventilation
C. Oral fluids
D. Position supine and wait
Correct Answer: B. Immediate BVM ventilation
Rationale: Hypoxia with altered mental status and poor respirations requires assisted
ventilation. Non-rebreather is insufficient in respiratory failure.
Question 10:
An 81-year-old patient fell from bed. Which medication increases your concern for
internal bleeding from possible hip fracture?
A. Aspirin
B. Coumadin (Warfarin)
C. Acetaminophen
D. Insulin
Correct Answer: B. Coumadin (Warfarin)
Rationale: Anticoagulants significantly increase bleeding risk in trauma patients.
Warfarin is especially concerning. Other medications do not significantly increase
bleeding risk.
Question 11:
A trauma patient has agonal respirations and a gunshot wound. There is no radial
pulse. What should you do first?
A. Check carotid pulse and assist ventilations
B. Begin chest compressions immediately
C. Apply oxygen only
D. Wait for AED
