Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

When assessing and treating a patient with a gunshot wound, you should routinely:

1. apply ice directly to the wound

2. determine why the patient was shot

3. evaluate the pulses proximal to the wound

4. look for the presence of an exit wound

The correct answer is: look for the presence of an exit wound

When assessing and treating a patient with a gunshot wound, looking for the presence of an exit wound is crucial. An exit wound can provide important information about the trajectory of the bullet and potential internal injuries. By identifying an exit wound, medical professionals can better understand the extent of tissue damage and internal bleeding, which can guide treatment decisions. In contrast, applying ice directly to the wound can cause further tissue damage and should be avoided. Determining why the patient was shot is important from a law enforcement perspective but does not impact the immediate medical care the patient requires. Evaluating pulses proximal to the wound can provide some information about circulation but is not as critical as identifying an exit wound in the context of assessing and treating a gunshot wound.