Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What vital sign change might indicate significant blood loss in a trauma patient?

1. Bradycardia

2. Widened pulse pressure

3. Increased respiratory rate

4. Decreased blood pressure

The correct answer is: Decreased blood pressure

The indication of significant blood loss in a trauma patient is often reflected in decreased blood pressure. When a patient loses a considerable amount of blood, the circulatory system struggles to maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs. As the volume of circulating blood decreases, this results in lower blood pressure due to insufficient fluid to push against the vessel walls. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial in trauma cases, as a significant drop can be an early sign of shock, particularly hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. It's essential for EMTs and other healthcare providers to assess blood pressure alongside other vital signs to gauge the severity of a patient’s injury and determine the urgency of treatment needed. While changes in respiratory rate can occur, they typically reflect the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to hypoxia or increased effort to circulate available blood. Other options may not be directly associated with traumatic blood loss, making decreased blood pressure a critical vital sign to monitor closely in these situations.