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

What is the appropriate treatment for a trauma victim with a hip joint injury?

1. Apply padded board splints and a long spine backboard

2. Administer oxygen immediately

3. Encourage the patient to move the hip

4. Apply a warm compress to the affected area

The correct answer is: Apply padded board splints and a long spine backboard

The appropriate treatment for a trauma victim with a hip joint injury involves applying padded board splints and a long spine backboard. This approach is based on the need to stabilize the injury and prevent further harm. Hip joint injuries can be quite serious, potentially involving dislocations or fractures, and moving the hip can exacerbate these issues. Using padded board splints helps immobilize the joint, minimizing movement and reducing pain while preventing potential complications such as vascular or nerve injury. A long spine backboard is also crucial in supporting the spine and preventing any additional spinal injuries—particularly important in trauma cases where other injuries may not be immediately apparent. In contrast, administering oxygen immediately might be necessary in cases of severe trauma accompanied by low oxygen levels, but it does not address the specific need for joint stabilization. Encouraging movement of the hip would likely worsen the injury and increase pain or complications. Applying a warm compress may relieve discomfort but is not an appropriate first response in acute trauma as it could increase swelling and is generally ineffective for a serious injury like a hip joint injury.