Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

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Prepare for your EMT Test with flashcards and practice questions. Each question includes explanations. Test your knowledge and get ready for your EMT exam!

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How is an acute subdural hematoma characterized?

Develops over hours to days
Expands rapidly due to the vessel size
Below the dura mater
Caused by a slowly expanding venous bleed

The correct answer is: Expands rapidly due to the vessel size

An acute subdural hematoma is characterized by a rapid expansion, and this is primarily due to the larger size of the vessels involved, particularly the bridging veins. When traumatic injury occurs, these veins can tear, leading to a swift accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the brain. The acute nature means that this condition manifests quickly after the injury, which can result in increased intracranial pressure and necessitates immediate medical attention. While the other options provide insights into related aspects, they do not precisely capture the defining characteristic of an acute subdural hematoma. For instance, it is indeed located below the dura mater, but that alone does not characterize the condition. The development time is more relevant in chronic cases, and a slowly expanding venous bleed typically refers to chronic subdural hematomas, not acute ones, which is marked by their rapid formation from larger vessel damage.