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What should you assess for in a trauma patient who is an infant or child?

  1. All allergic reactions

  2. Only visible injuries

  3. Falls greater than 10 feet

  4. Only soft tissue injuries

The correct answer is: Falls greater than 10 feet

When assessing a trauma patient who is an infant or child, it is crucial to evaluate the nature and mechanism of injuries, particularly in scenarios involving falls. The selection of assessing for falls greater than 10 feet highlights an important guideline, as falls from such heights can lead to severe injuries in young patients due to their developing bodies and inherent vulnerabilities. Infants and children may not display the same signs and symptoms of trauma as adults, and they may not articulate their discomfort or injury. Therefore, understanding the context of their injuries, such as the height from which they fell, is essential for predicting potential complications, including internal injuries, head trauma, and fractures. In pediatric patients, even minor incidents can result in significant injuries due to their unique anatomical and physiological characteristics. Thus, focusing on falls exceeding 10 feet ensures that Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) remain vigilant for serious conditions that require immediate attention and intervention. This approach strengthens patient assessment and improves outcomes by ensuring that high-risk mechanisms are not overlooked.