New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

What characterizes a strangulated hernia?

1. Spontaneously reduces without surgical intervention

2. Can be pushed back into the body cavity

3. Reducible if surgical intervention occurs within 2 hours

4. Loses its blood supply due to compression by local tissues

The correct answer is: Loses its blood supply due to compression by local tissues

A strangulated hernia is characterized by the loss of blood supply to the tissue that has herniated due to the constriction of blood vessels, typically caused by compression from surrounding tissues. This occurs when the herniated tissue becomes trapped and cannot return to its original position in the abdominal cavity, which compromises its blood flow. The lack of blood supply can lead to tissue death and other serious complications if not addressed promptly. In contrast, the other answer choices describe conditions or characteristics that do not apply to a strangulated hernia. For instance, a hernia that spontaneously reduces without surgical intervention or can be pushed back into the body cavity refers to types of hernias that are not strangulated and still maintain their blood supply. Reductions and interventions within a certain timeframe would also not define a strangulated hernia, as the hallmark of strangulation is that the tissue has already suffered from compromised blood flow. Recognizing these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.