EMT TRAUMA EXAM FISDAP ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS VERIFIED BY EXPERT | LATEST UPDATE
Question 1
A man has a knife impaled at the fourth intercostal space, left sternal border. He is pulseless and
apneic. You should:
A) Stabilize the knife and begin CPR around it.
B) Apply an occlusive dressing around the knife.
C) Remove the knife from the chest.
D) Immediately transport without any intervention.
E) Start chest compressions to the right of the sternum.
Correct Answer: C) Remove the knife from the chest.
Rationale: Standard protocol is to stabilize impaled objects in place. However, the rare
exception is an object that directly impedes your ability to perform effective chest
compressions on a patient in cardiac arrest. An impaled object in the center of the chest
must be removed to allow for proper hand placement and effective CPR. Stabilizing the
knife (A, E) would prevent lifesaving compressions. An occlusive dressing (B) is for an open
chest wound, but CPR is the priority. Transport without intervention (D) is abandoning the
patient.
Question 2
An adult was pinned between two vehicles. He is confused and has bilateral chest bruising.
Assessment reveals a weak carotid pulse, absent radial pulses, clear breath sounds, and distended
neck veins. You should suspect:
A) Tension pneumothorax
B) Pericardial tamponade
C) Flail chest
D) Aortic dissection
E) Neurogenic shock
Correct Answer: B) Pericardial tamponade
Rationale: The patient is presenting with Beck's Triad, the classic signs of pericardial
tamponade: jugular vein distention (JVD), narrowing pulse pressure/hypotension
(indicated by weak central and absent peripheral pulses), and muffled heart sounds (which
are assumed in this presentation of shock). Clear breath sounds make a tension
pneumothorax (A) less likely, as it would typically present with diminished breath sounds
on one side. While he may have a flail chest (C), the signs of obstructive shock point to
tamponade as the primary life threat.
Question 3
A patient received a severe steam burn to his hand and wrist. The area is red with developing
blisters. You should:
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A) Apply ice directly to the burn.
B) Remove his watch.
C) Wrap the hand tightly with a pressure dressing.
D) Apply antiseptic cream to the blisters.
E) Leave all jewelry in place to avoid further injury.
Correct Answer: B) Remove his watch.
Rationale: Burned tissue swells significantly. Any constricting items, such as rings, watches,
or bracelets, must be removed as soon as possible. If left in place, they can act as a
tourniquet as swelling progresses, cutting off circulation and causing further tissue
damage. Applying ice (A) can worsen the injury. Creams and ointments (D) should not be
applied in the field. A tight dressing (C) is also constrictive and contraindicated.
Question 4
A patient has a partial avulsion of his right ear; the tissue is still attached by a small flap of skin.
Proper management includes:
A) Completing the amputation and wrapping the part.
B) Applying a tourniquet at the base of the ear.
C) Bandaging in the correct anatomical position.
D) Cleaning the wound aggressively with sterile saline.
E) Tightly wrapping the head to apply maximum pressure.
Correct Answer: C) Bandaging in the correct anatomical position.
Rationale: For a partial avulsion, the goal is to preserve the attached tissue flap. The correct
procedure is to gently fold the tissue back into its normal anatomical position, cover it with
a moist sterile dressing, and secure it with a light bandage. Completing the amputation (A)
is never appropriate. A tourniquet (B) is not indicated for this injury. Excessive pressure
(E) or aggressive cleaning (D) can compromise blood flow to the flap and cause further
damage.
Question 5
A patient has a stab wound to the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. Which organ would most
likely be injured?
A) Liver
B) Gallbladder
C) Appendix
D) Spleen
E) Stomach
Correct Answer: D) Spleen
Rationale: The spleen is a solid organ located in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the
abdomen. It is highly vascular and prone to injury from penetrating trauma to this area,
which can lead to severe internal bleeding. The liver and gallbladder (A, B) are in the right
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upper quadrant. The appendix (C) is in the right lower quadrant. While the stomach (E) is
partially in the LUQ, the spleen is a more common and critical injury to suspect.
Question 6
Your patient has been stabbed in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Which organ is the
most likely to be injured?
A) Spleen
B) Stomach
C) Liver
D) Pancreas
E) Small intestine
Correct Answer: C) Liver
Rationale: The liver is a large, solid organ that occupies the majority of the right upper
quadrant (RUQ). It is the most likely organ to be injured by penetrating trauma to this
region. Injury to the liver can cause significant and life-threatening internal hemorrhage.
The spleen (A) and stomach (B) are in the left upper quadrant. The pancreas (D) is more
central, and the small intestine (E) occupies multiple quadrants but is less likely to be the
primary concern compared to a solid organ like the liver.
Question 7
An 18-year-old male is holding his right shin after a sports-related injury. There is obvious
deformity and swelling. Pedal pulses are present, and he can feel you touch his foot. You should:
A) Apply traction until the leg is straight.
B) Have the patient stand up to test the injury.
C) Apply a board splint in the position found.
D) Request an ALS intercept for pain medication.
E) Pack the leg in ice before splinting.
Correct Answer: C) Apply a board splint in the position found.
Rationale: For a closed fracture with intact distal pulse, motor, and sensory function (PMS),
the extremity should be splinted in the position it was found to prevent further injury.
Applying traction (A) is only indicated if there is no distal pulse. Having the patient bear
weight (B) is contraindicated. While ALS (D) may be beneficial, it is not the immediate
priority over immobilization. Ice (E) can be applied after splinting, not before.
Question 8
A 42-year-old male has a piece of metal impaled in his lower right leg. He has an obvious open
fracture and no pulse in his right foot. What should you do?
A) Pull the metal object out of the leg.
B) Make one attempt to realign the leg to restore a pulse.
C) Immediately apply a tourniquet above the fracture.
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D) Stabilize with bulky dressings prior to transport.
E) Request a surgical team to respond to the scene.
Correct Answer: D) Stabilize with bulky dressings prior to transport.
Rationale: This patient has an open fracture with an impaled object and a lack of a distal
pulse. You should not remove the impaled object (A). Attempting to realign the leg (B) is
contraindicated with an impaled object in place. A tourniquet (C) is for uncontrolled
hemorrhage, not the primary issue here. The correct treatment is to stabilize the impaled
object and the injured limb with bulky dressings, immobilize the extremity, and transport
rapidly to a trauma center where the pulse can be restored.
Question 9
A 47-year-old male was shot in the back. He is cool and clammy and has arm weakness. Vital
signs are BP 130/90, P 76, R 24. You should suspect:
A) Hemorrhagic shock
B) Tension pneumothorax
C) Spinal cord injury
D) Pericardial tamponade
E) Aortic dissection
Correct Answer: C) Spinal cord injury
Rationale: The patient's signs and symptoms are classic for neurogenic shock, a type of
distributive shock caused by spinal cord injury. The key indicators are signs of shock (cool,
clammy skin) combined with a normal or slow heart rate (P 76) and normal blood pressure
(which may become low). Arm weakness after a shot to the back strongly suggests a
neurologic deficit. Hemorrhagic shock (A) would present with tachycardia. A tension
pneumothorax (B) would likely have diminished breath sounds and JVD.
Question 10
A 28-year-old male was fleeing from the police and sustained a shallow, 1-centimeter laceration
to his forearm while climbing a rusted chain link fence. He is refusing transportation. What
should be your primary concern?
A) Severe internal bleeding
B) Compartment syndrome
C) Need for a vascular surgeon
D) Infection
E) Need for a tetanus shot
Correct Answer: E) Need for a tetanus shot
Rationale: While a minor wound, the mechanism of injury (a rusted metal fence) poses a
significant risk for Clostridium tetani infection (tetanus). Since the patient is refusing
transport, your primary concern and key piece of patient education should be the need to
see a doctor to have the wound properly cleaned and to receive a tetanus booster shot if he
AND ANSWERS VERIFIED BY EXPERT | LATEST UPDATE
Question 1
A man has a knife impaled at the fourth intercostal space, left sternal border. He is pulseless and
apneic. You should:
A) Stabilize the knife and begin CPR around it.
B) Apply an occlusive dressing around the knife.
C) Remove the knife from the chest.
D) Immediately transport without any intervention.
E) Start chest compressions to the right of the sternum.
Correct Answer: C) Remove the knife from the chest.
Rationale: Standard protocol is to stabilize impaled objects in place. However, the rare
exception is an object that directly impedes your ability to perform effective chest
compressions on a patient in cardiac arrest. An impaled object in the center of the chest
must be removed to allow for proper hand placement and effective CPR. Stabilizing the
knife (A, E) would prevent lifesaving compressions. An occlusive dressing (B) is for an open
chest wound, but CPR is the priority. Transport without intervention (D) is abandoning the
patient.
Question 2
An adult was pinned between two vehicles. He is confused and has bilateral chest bruising.
Assessment reveals a weak carotid pulse, absent radial pulses, clear breath sounds, and distended
neck veins. You should suspect:
A) Tension pneumothorax
B) Pericardial tamponade
C) Flail chest
D) Aortic dissection
E) Neurogenic shock
Correct Answer: B) Pericardial tamponade
Rationale: The patient is presenting with Beck's Triad, the classic signs of pericardial
tamponade: jugular vein distention (JVD), narrowing pulse pressure/hypotension
(indicated by weak central and absent peripheral pulses), and muffled heart sounds (which
are assumed in this presentation of shock). Clear breath sounds make a tension
pneumothorax (A) less likely, as it would typically present with diminished breath sounds
on one side. While he may have a flail chest (C), the signs of obstructive shock point to
tamponade as the primary life threat.
Question 3
A patient received a severe steam burn to his hand and wrist. The area is red with developing
blisters. You should:
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A) Apply ice directly to the burn.
B) Remove his watch.
C) Wrap the hand tightly with a pressure dressing.
D) Apply antiseptic cream to the blisters.
E) Leave all jewelry in place to avoid further injury.
Correct Answer: B) Remove his watch.
Rationale: Burned tissue swells significantly. Any constricting items, such as rings, watches,
or bracelets, must be removed as soon as possible. If left in place, they can act as a
tourniquet as swelling progresses, cutting off circulation and causing further tissue
damage. Applying ice (A) can worsen the injury. Creams and ointments (D) should not be
applied in the field. A tight dressing (C) is also constrictive and contraindicated.
Question 4
A patient has a partial avulsion of his right ear; the tissue is still attached by a small flap of skin.
Proper management includes:
A) Completing the amputation and wrapping the part.
B) Applying a tourniquet at the base of the ear.
C) Bandaging in the correct anatomical position.
D) Cleaning the wound aggressively with sterile saline.
E) Tightly wrapping the head to apply maximum pressure.
Correct Answer: C) Bandaging in the correct anatomical position.
Rationale: For a partial avulsion, the goal is to preserve the attached tissue flap. The correct
procedure is to gently fold the tissue back into its normal anatomical position, cover it with
a moist sterile dressing, and secure it with a light bandage. Completing the amputation (A)
is never appropriate. A tourniquet (B) is not indicated for this injury. Excessive pressure
(E) or aggressive cleaning (D) can compromise blood flow to the flap and cause further
damage.
Question 5
A patient has a stab wound to the upper left quadrant of the abdomen. Which organ would most
likely be injured?
A) Liver
B) Gallbladder
C) Appendix
D) Spleen
E) Stomach
Correct Answer: D) Spleen
Rationale: The spleen is a solid organ located in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) of the
abdomen. It is highly vascular and prone to injury from penetrating trauma to this area,
which can lead to severe internal bleeding. The liver and gallbladder (A, B) are in the right
,[Type here]
upper quadrant. The appendix (C) is in the right lower quadrant. While the stomach (E) is
partially in the LUQ, the spleen is a more common and critical injury to suspect.
Question 6
Your patient has been stabbed in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Which organ is the
most likely to be injured?
A) Spleen
B) Stomach
C) Liver
D) Pancreas
E) Small intestine
Correct Answer: C) Liver
Rationale: The liver is a large, solid organ that occupies the majority of the right upper
quadrant (RUQ). It is the most likely organ to be injured by penetrating trauma to this
region. Injury to the liver can cause significant and life-threatening internal hemorrhage.
The spleen (A) and stomach (B) are in the left upper quadrant. The pancreas (D) is more
central, and the small intestine (E) occupies multiple quadrants but is less likely to be the
primary concern compared to a solid organ like the liver.
Question 7
An 18-year-old male is holding his right shin after a sports-related injury. There is obvious
deformity and swelling. Pedal pulses are present, and he can feel you touch his foot. You should:
A) Apply traction until the leg is straight.
B) Have the patient stand up to test the injury.
C) Apply a board splint in the position found.
D) Request an ALS intercept for pain medication.
E) Pack the leg in ice before splinting.
Correct Answer: C) Apply a board splint in the position found.
Rationale: For a closed fracture with intact distal pulse, motor, and sensory function (PMS),
the extremity should be splinted in the position it was found to prevent further injury.
Applying traction (A) is only indicated if there is no distal pulse. Having the patient bear
weight (B) is contraindicated. While ALS (D) may be beneficial, it is not the immediate
priority over immobilization. Ice (E) can be applied after splinting, not before.
Question 8
A 42-year-old male has a piece of metal impaled in his lower right leg. He has an obvious open
fracture and no pulse in his right foot. What should you do?
A) Pull the metal object out of the leg.
B) Make one attempt to realign the leg to restore a pulse.
C) Immediately apply a tourniquet above the fracture.
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D) Stabilize with bulky dressings prior to transport.
E) Request a surgical team to respond to the scene.
Correct Answer: D) Stabilize with bulky dressings prior to transport.
Rationale: This patient has an open fracture with an impaled object and a lack of a distal
pulse. You should not remove the impaled object (A). Attempting to realign the leg (B) is
contraindicated with an impaled object in place. A tourniquet (C) is for uncontrolled
hemorrhage, not the primary issue here. The correct treatment is to stabilize the impaled
object and the injured limb with bulky dressings, immobilize the extremity, and transport
rapidly to a trauma center where the pulse can be restored.
Question 9
A 47-year-old male was shot in the back. He is cool and clammy and has arm weakness. Vital
signs are BP 130/90, P 76, R 24. You should suspect:
A) Hemorrhagic shock
B) Tension pneumothorax
C) Spinal cord injury
D) Pericardial tamponade
E) Aortic dissection
Correct Answer: C) Spinal cord injury
Rationale: The patient's signs and symptoms are classic for neurogenic shock, a type of
distributive shock caused by spinal cord injury. The key indicators are signs of shock (cool,
clammy skin) combined with a normal or slow heart rate (P 76) and normal blood pressure
(which may become low). Arm weakness after a shot to the back strongly suggests a
neurologic deficit. Hemorrhagic shock (A) would present with tachycardia. A tension
pneumothorax (B) would likely have diminished breath sounds and JVD.
Question 10
A 28-year-old male was fleeing from the police and sustained a shallow, 1-centimeter laceration
to his forearm while climbing a rusted chain link fence. He is refusing transportation. What
should be your primary concern?
A) Severe internal bleeding
B) Compartment syndrome
C) Need for a vascular surgeon
D) Infection
E) Need for a tetanus shot
Correct Answer: E) Need for a tetanus shot
Rationale: While a minor wound, the mechanism of injury (a rusted metal fence) poses a
significant risk for Clostridium tetani infection (tetanus). Since the patient is refusing
transport, your primary concern and key piece of patient education should be the need to
see a doctor to have the wound properly cleaned and to receive a tetanus booster shot if he
