ABEM Trauma & Procedural Skills 3

Question 1

Which of the following is the preferred initial airway management in a patient with suspected C-spine injury and a GCS of 6?

Accepted Answer

Orotracheal RSI with inline stabilization

Answer

RSI with manual inline cervical stabilization is the standard approach for airway management in trauma patients with suspected C-spine injury.

Question 2

A patient with a gunshot wound to the right upper quadrant has a BP of 90/60 despite 2L NS. FAST shows free fluid in Morison's pouch. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Emergent operative laparotomy

Answer

Hemodynamically unstable penetrating abdominal trauma with positive FAST requires emergent surgical intervention.

Question 3

During a difficult airway attempt, the patient becomes apneic and you cannot intubate or ventilate. What is the definitive rescue procedure?

Accepted Answer

Surgical cricothyrotomy

Answer

Surgical cricothyrotomy is the definitive rescue airway in the cannot-intubate-cannot-oxygenate scenario.

Question 4

A patient with pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability has a negative FAST. What is the next most appropriate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Pelvic binder application and angioembolization or operative packing

Answer

Pelvic binder reduces pelvic volume and hemorrhage; angioembolization or preperitoneal packing addresses arterial and venous bleeding.

Question 5

What is the most common cause of preventable death in penetrating extremity trauma?

Accepted Answer

Compressible hemorrhage

Answer

Compressible extremity hemorrhage is the leading preventable cause of death in combat and civilian penetrating trauma.

(ABEM) American Board of Emergency Medicine Practice Test

(ABEM) American Board of Emergency Medicine Practice Test

ABEM Trauma & Procedural Skills 3