New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is an obvious indication of a paralyzed limb in a patient with a non-traumatic brain injury?

1. The limb appears swollen

2. The limb lacks muscle tone when moved

3. The limb is cold to the touch

4. The limb displays abnormal movements

The correct answer is: The limb lacks muscle tone when moved

A paralyzed limb in a patient with a non-traumatic brain injury typically lacks muscle tone when moved, which is referred to as hypotonia. This indicates that the brain is not effectively communicating with the muscles in that limb, leading to a significant decrease in muscle tone and control. In patients with paralysis, the affected limb may hang limply and not exhibit the resistance that is normally felt when attempting to move a healthy limb. Neurological conditions can disrupt the motor pathways, resulting in weakness or complete loss of voluntary movement in that area. Swelling in a limb might suggest an injury or circulatory issue rather than paralysis caused by a brain condition. Similarly, a cold limb may indicate a problem with blood circulation or temperature regulation but is not a direct indicator of paralysis. Abnormal movements might be seen in other conditions, such as tremors or spasms, but the key indicator of paralysis is the lack of muscle tone in the affected limb. Thus, the most accurate sign of paralysis in this context is the absence of muscle tone when moved.