Eleanor is a 44-year-old patient who was brought to the emergency room where you work for treatment of minor injuries from an automobile accident. The physician has ordered an ice pack to be applied to Eleanor's right arm to help reduce swelling and pain. Five minutes after you place the ice on her arm, Eleanor asks you to remove it. She says it is "burning" her arm. You look, but do not see any unusual redness or paleness of the skin. What should you do?
A. Encourage Eleanor to leave the ice pack in place for just 15 minutes longer
B. Ask Eleanor if a hot pack would be more comfortable for her
C. Explain that you cannot remove the ice pack without the physician's permission
D. Explain to Eleanor that there may be a burning sensation, but her skin looks fine
E. Remove the ice pack and report Eleanor's response to the physician
Answer: E
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At the scene of a multiple-casualty drill, you have been assigned to role of Transport Unit leader. As such, your responsibility is:
A) immobilizing all patients prior to transport. B) distributing patients to each medical facility. C) ensuring proper care for each patient. D) ensuring that patients in cardiac arrest leave for the hospital first.
Brain damage or coma can occur if a patient has oxygen deprivation lasting for:
A. 1 minute. B. 3 minutes. C. 5 minutes. D. 10 minutes.