Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the EMT Basic Certification Exam. Study with exam-like questions, each with thorough explanations and insights. Ace your exam and advance your medical career.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is a common vertebral injury site for elderly patients?

L1 and L2
C1 and C2
T12 and T13
S1 and S2

The correct answer is: C1 and C2

The common vertebral injury site for elderly patients is often at the cervical region, particularly at C1 and C2. This area is vulnerable to injury due to the decreased bone density commonly seen with aging, making the vertebrae in this region more prone to fractures. Elderly individuals may also experience falls or other types of trauma that lead to instability or injury at these levels. Additionally, cervical injuries at C1 and C2 can have significant implications for mobility and neurological function, as these vertebrae are located at the base of the skull and support the head while also housing the upper portion of the spinal cord. Understanding the prevalence of injuries at this site helps EMTs recognize and respond effectively to spinal injuries in elderly patients.