Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the EMT Basic Certification Exam with flashcards and multiple-choice questions; each question includes hints and explanations. Ensure your success!

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How much blood loss is caused by a fist-sized hematoma?

5% blood loss
10% blood loss
15% blood loss
20% blood loss

The correct answer is: 10% blood loss

A fist-sized hematoma typically represents a significant volume of blood that has pooled outside of the blood vessels due to bleeding, often from a contusion or trauma. The approximate volume of blood in a fist-sized hematoma can be estimated at around 500 milliliters. In terms of total blood volume in an average adult, which is generally about 5 to 6 liters, a loss of 500 milliliters would equate to about 10%. It is important to recognize that while hematomas can be visually large, they contain blood that has been displaced rather than lost from the circulatory system, but the impact on the body's blood volume can be significant. This understanding is crucial in emergency medical situations as it helps EMTs assess the severity of an injury and its potential impact on the patient's physiological status. Monitoring the signs and symptoms associated with blood loss, such as changes in vital signs and level of consciousness, is essential to providing appropriate care and intervention.