FREE ITLS Adult Basic Questions and Answers
Which of the following indicates a state of hyperventilation?
Explanation:
A carbon dioxide level below 35 mmHg indicates hyperventilation.
As intracerebral pressure rises after an isolated head injury, what does the systolic blood pressure do?
Explanation:
When the ICP increases, the systemic blood pressure increases to try to preserve blood flow to the brain. The body senses the rise in systemic blood pressure, and this triggers a drop in the pulse rate as the body tries to lower the systemic blood pressure
You have placed an NPA in your patient and now observe mild hemorrhage from the nares. You should:
Explanation:
Mild hemorrhage from the nose after insertion of the airway is not an indication to remove it. In fact, it is probably better to keep an NPA in place so as not to disturb the clot or reactivate the bleeding
Which of the following assessment findings is associated with neurogenic shock?
Explanation:
A lack of catecholamine release prevents tachycardia, pallor, and sweating. Instead, vasodilation will cause decreased blood pressure, the heart rate will remain normal, or slow and the skin will remain pink, warm, and dry.
A 54-year-old male is involved in a motor vehicle collision. The steering wheel is bent. During your initial assessment, you note his skin is pale, radial pulses are present, and breath sounds are clear. The patient is tender over his sternum and complains of chest pain. Which intrathoracic injury should you suspect given the above findings?
Explanation:
Bruising of the heart is basically the same injury as an acute myocardial infarction.
A 27-year-old male with blunt chest trauma from a motor vehicle collision was successfully intubated at the scene. While ventilating the patient, you note resistance with an absence of right chest wall movement. You should suspect a:
Explanation:
The development of decreased lung compliance (difficulty in squeezing the bag-mask device) in the intubated patient should always alert you to the possibility of a tension pneumothorax.
Which of the following is considered one of the four essential components to maintain normal perfusion?
Explanation:
It is important to remember that blood pressure requires a “steady state” activity of all the preceding factors. The heart must be pumping, the blood volume must be adequate, the blood vessels must be intact, and the lungs must be oxygenating the blood.
Which of the following mechanisms of injury does not commonly cause damage to the spinal cord?
Explanation:
Certain mechanisms of trauma can overcome the protective properties, injuring the spinal column and cord. The most common mechanisms are hyperextension, hyperflexion, compression, and rotation. Less commonly, lateral stress or distraction will injure the cord.
When performing the ITLS Primary Survey, the team leader may minimize errors by:
Explanation:
This team approach makes the most efficient use of time and allows you to rapidly perform the initial assessment without becoming distracted by performing the necessary interventions yourself, which can interrupt your thought process and cause errors.
Prolonged scene times may reflect:
Explanation:
When immediate interventions are needed, delegate them to your team members while you continue the assessment. This is an important concept that immediately addresses problems encountered and yet does not interrupt the assessment sequence and does not increase scene time. Teamwork is essential to good patient outcomes.
In a rear-impact motor vehicle crash, which area of the spine is most susceptible to injury?
Explanation:
The sudden increase in acceleration produces posterior displacement of the occupants and possible hyperextension of the cervical spine if the headrest is not properly adjusted. The potential for cervical spine injuries is great.