Practice Quiz

NREMT Paramedic Trauma Exam Prep

Category - Paramedic Trauma

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You are called to the home of a 90-year-old female with advanced dementia. She appears pale and unwell. The family states she has been acting tired and has not been herself since the prior day when she slipped out of her wheelchair. The family also states the patient can normally verbalize her needs, and they are concerned that she may have a UTI or heart problem. The patient has a valid, signed DNR form.

Upon assessing the patient, she is nonverbal, but cries out in pain when you touch her left leg.

What is the most appropriate hospital for this patient?
  1. Regional heart hospital that she normally visits and has her patient records
  2. Level I trauma center located 20 minutes away
  3. Local subacute hospital
  4. The patient’s condition is normal progression of her dementia symptoms and, per her DNR, does not need to be transported
Explanation
Answer: B- This patient should be transported to a trauma center for further evaluation as an acute change in mental status, combined with likely injury to her leg, can be an indicator for a potentially life threatening scenario.

An acute change in patient status should never be attributed to worsening of a preexisting condition without further testing and assessment by the emergency room.
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