North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What notable physical sign may indicate a thoracic aorta injury?

1. Unequal radial pulses

2. Bradycardia

3. Swollen abdomen

4. Decreased mental status

The correct answer is: Unequal radial pulses

Unequal radial pulses can indicate a thoracic aorta injury due to the potential for vascular disruption caused by such an injury. When the thoracic aorta is compromised, it may result in decreased blood flow to one side of the body, which could manifest as a disparity in the pulses between the left and right radial arteries. This is particularly important in the context of traumatic injuries where aortic dissection or transection could occur, leading to varying degrees of blood flow and pressure. Understanding why this physical sign is significant can help in the assessment of trauma patients. Other symptoms, such as bradycardia, swollen abdomen, and decreased mental status, may point to different conditions or injuries but are not as directly indicative of a specific thoracic aorta injury. Unequal radial pulses reflect a more immediate vascular compromise that necessitates urgent evaluation and intervention, marking it as a critical sign for emergency medical technicians to recognize in a clinical setting.