You are on-scene with a patient in cardiac arrest. You turn the monitor/defibrillator on and attach the pads to the patient. When it begins to analyze the patient's cardiac rhythm, it signals 'low battery' and then shuts off. You have no other batteries available, and an electrical plug is not available. The patient subsequently dies despite adequate CPR and advanced airway and ventilation during transport. Which of the following could result?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Negligence charges could be brought against the paramedic in charge of the unit. Rationale: 1. Negligence is the failure to exercise the standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would have in a similar situation. 2. In this scenario, the paramedic in charge failed to ensure the equipment was adequately charged or had backup batteries, leading to the device shutting off during a critical moment. 3. This failure to provide proper equipment falls below the standard of care expected in the field of emergency medical services. 4. As a result, the patient's death could be attributed to the paramedic's negligence in ensuring equipment readiness. Summary: A: Manslaughter charges require a higher level of intent and causation, not applicable here. C: Battery charges refer to physical harm, not applicable in this context. D: Defamation charges involve false statements damaging a person's reputation, not relevant to the situation described.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Log-rolling may be destabilizing to fractures from T12 to L1. Log-rolling involves moving a patient as a unit to prevent further spinal cord injury. In patients with thoracic spine injuries at T12 to L1, log-rolling can cause disruption or misalignment of the fractured vertebrae, leading to potential neurological damage or increased spinal instability. Therefore, avoiding log-rolling in these cases is crucial to prevent further harm. Choice B is incorrect because the scoop stretcher may not provide adequate immobilization for thoracic spine injuries due to its limitations in maintaining proper spinal alignment. Choice C is incorrect as spinal cord injuries below T10 can affect bowel and bladder function due to the involvement of the sacral segments. Choice D is incorrect because hyperflexion fractures in the upper thoracic spine are generally considered stable, not inherently unstable.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Subcapsular hematoma of the spleen" because DPL (Diagnostic Peritoneal Lavage) is a diagnostic procedure used to assess for intra-abdominal injuries, particularly to organs like the liver, bowel, and pancreas. A subcapsular hematoma of the spleen is an injury specific to the spleen, which is not directly evaluated by DPL. The other choices (B: Liver laceration, C: Bowel injury, D: Pancreatic injury) are all potential injuries that can be detected by DPL due to their location within the abdominal cavity and the presence of free intra-abdominal fluid.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Argyll Robertson pupil, because it is a sign of neurosyphilis and not directly related to brain stem reflexes. "Dolls eyes" (A), oculovestibular reflex (B), and gag reflex (C) are all brain stem reflexes commonly assessed in evaluating brain death. "Dolls eyes" assesses the oculocephalic reflex, oculovestibular reflex evaluates the response to ice water irrigation in the ear, and gag reflex assesses the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves' function.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reassess the position of the endotracheal tube. In this scenario, the patient is showing signs of tension pneumothorax with decreased breath sounds on the left side and hypoxemia. Reassessing the position of the endotracheal tube is crucial to ensure proper ventilation and oxygenation. Immediate needle cricothyroidotomy is not indicated as the patient is already intubated. Chest tube insertion would be the definitive treatment for tension pneumothorax, but reassessing the endotracheal tube should be the initial step. Immediate needle thoracentesis is not indicated in this case as tension pneumothorax is more likely.