Scenario
A 7 year old girl is brought to your emergency department by ambulance following a moderate speed motor vehicle accident. She complains of a sore neck and tingling in her hands. She is currently lying on the stretcher crying, distressed and hyperventilating with no cervical immobilisation. The girl’s uninjured mother has accompanied her in the ambulance.
Question
Discuss the possible approaches to protecting her cervical spine pending further assessment. (100%)
Answer
FACEM SAQ Exam 2008.1 – Question 4
- The overall pass rate for this question was 28/62 (45.2%).
- Pass Criteria
- Examiners felt that this question allowed the candidates to show consultant level judgement/reasoning as well as more basic clinical knowledge.
- Good answers demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the principles of spinal immobilisation and how to apply this to a difficult situation using an escalating plan involving re-assurance, parental input, analgesia and sedation.
- Features of unsuccessful answers
- Poor answers were deficient in their knowledge of one or other technique or failed to deal with the specific difficulties of this common scenario.
ACEM Fellowship Short Answer Questions (SAQ)
About Mike Cadogan
