Ontario Paramedic Practice Exam

What is a critical assessment step a paramedic should perform on a trauma patient?

1. Monitor the patient's emotional state

2. Check for stable vitals before transport

3. Conduct a body survey to assess for injuries

4. Ask the patient about their medical insurance

The correct answer is: Conduct a body survey to assess for injuries

Conducting a body survey to assess for injuries is a fundamental critical assessment step in trauma care. This thorough examination allows paramedics to identify any life-threatening conditions, hidden injuries, or areas of significant trauma that may not be immediately apparent. It involves systematically evaluating the patient's body for wounds, fractures, deformities, or any other signs of injury, which is essential for determining the appropriate course of treatment and transport. In trauma situations, time is of the essence, and having a complete picture of the patient's injuries directly influences the urgency and type of medical interventions needed. This comprehensive assessment is vital to prioritize care, ensure effective monitoring during transportation, and minimize potential complications. Other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not contribute as critically to the immediate assessment and management of trauma patients. Monitoring emotional state may help understand the patient's psychological well-being, but it does not address immediate physical threats. Checking for stable vitals can be important, yet it is more effective when combined with a complete body survey. Lastly, questions about medical insurance are not pertinent to immediate trauma care and should be deferred until after life-threatening conditions have been addressed.