Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

While assessing a 27-year-old male with altered mental status after a head injury, what should raise suspicion for subdural hemorrhaging?

1. His unresponsiveness to verbal commands

2. His girlfriend's uncertainty about his medical history

3. His fall two days ago and subsequent behavior changes

4. His clear LUQ abdominal pain

The correct answer is: His fall two days ago and subsequent behavior changes

In assessing a patient with altered mental status following a head injury, behavioral changes following a previous fall can be a significant indicator of subdural hemorrhage. This is particularly relevant if the fall occurred a few days prior, as symptoms of a subdural hematoma can develop over time rather than immediately following the injury. The timeline of two days is critical because subdural hemorrhages often present with delayed symptoms, including confusion and changes in mental status, which can arise as the hematoma grows and exerts pressure on the brain. Recognizing this connection between a recent fall, changes in behavior, and the potential for internal bleeding is essential for EMTs in prioritizing further assessments and interventions. The other options, while they may be relevant in a broader clinical context, do not directly indicate the risk for subdural hemorrhaging to the same extent as changes in behavior following a recent head injury. Unresponsiveness to verbal commands can indicate severe neurological impairment but does not specifically raise suspicion for subdural hemorrhage without accompanying historical context. Similarly, uncertainty about medical history may complicate the assessment but doesn't directly correlate with the mechanics of a subdural hemorrhage. Clear abdominal pain could suggest other medical issues but is not typically linked