Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which symptoms are indicative of level 3 head trauma?

1. Decerebrate posturing

2. Flaccid, no reaction to pain

3. Pupils mid-sized and fixed

4. C-spine precautions

The correct answer is: Flaccid, no reaction to pain

Flaccid muscle tone without reaction to pain is a significant indicator of severe neurological compromise, which can occur in level 3 head trauma. This condition reflects an absence of movement or response, suggesting that the brain may not be functioning appropriately, which is consistent with a severe injury. In a patient presenting with this symptom, the neurological status is critically compromised, indicating a likely severe injury to structures that control motor function and response to stimuli. The other options, while they may indicate serious conditions, do not specifically align with the characteristic of level 3 head trauma in the same way. Decerebrate posturing indicates severe brain stem dysfunction but does not imply total loss of function. Pupils that are mid-sized and fixed may suggest increased intracranial pressure or brain injury but are not as specific to the lack of muscle response. C-spine precautions are a standard protocol in trauma care but do not reflect a particular symptom of brain injury.