Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

When caring for a patient with multiple abrasions, what should you be alert for?

1. Skin infection

2. Underlying injuries

3. Infection risk

4. Allergic reactions

The correct answer is: Underlying injuries

When caring for a patient with multiple abrasions, it's crucial to be alert for underlying injuries. Abrasions are the result of the skin being scraped or rubbed off, which can sometimes obscure more serious injuries underneath the surface, such as fractures, internal bleeding, or damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. A thorough assessment is essential to ensure that these injuries are not missed, as they can have significant implications for the patient's health and may require different treatment protocols. While the other concerns are valid in the context of treating abrasions, they are secondary to the immediate need to assess for underlying injuries. For example, skin infections may arise later if abrasions are not properly cleaned and dressed, and there is indeed a risk of infection whenever the skin's integrity is compromised. Allergic reactions could also occur, but they are less directly associated with the presence of multiple abrasions. Therefore, prioritizing the identification of underlying injuries allows for appropriate interventions and ensures the patient's safety and well-being.