Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is a Level 1 sign of head trauma?

1. Normal pupils

2. Decorticate posturing

3. Bradycardia

4. Irregular breathing

The correct answer is: Decorticate posturing

Decorticate posturing is indeed a sign of significant head trauma and is classified as a Level 1 sign because it indicates that there is severe impairment to the brain's functioning, particularly the pathways that control motor responses. This type of posturing occurs when there is damage to the brain, particularly the cerebral hemispheres and/or the brainstem. In decorticate posturing, the arms are flexed and pulled toward the chest, while the legs are extended. This reaction reflects a serious underlying issue in the central nervous system and warrants immediate medical attention. In contrast, the other options do not indicate as severe a level of brain injury. Normal pupils suggest that there is no significant damage to the areas of the brain responsible for pupillary response, which is not indicative of severe trauma. Bradycardia, while it can be associated with head injuries, is more often a secondary response to other factors like intracranial pressure or brainstem dysfunction rather than a direct sign of trauma itself. Irregular breathing can arise from various conditions, including anxiety or other medical issues, and while it can be a concern in head trauma cases, it does not serve as a definitive Level 1 indicator like decorticate posturing does. Understanding the implications of these signs