ATLS Airway and Ventilatory Management 2

Question 1

A trauma patient presents with a GCS of 7, copious oral bleeding, and suspected cervical spine injury. What is the most appropriate airway management approach?

Accepted Answer

Rapid sequence intubation with in-line cervical stabilization

Answer

RSI with manual in-line stabilization is the standard approach for securing the airway in trauma patients with potential cervical spine injuries and a GCS less than 8.

Question 2

Which clinical sign most reliably indicates tension pneumothorax requiring immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Unilateral absent breath sounds with hypotension and tracheal deviation

Answer

The classic presentation of tension pneumothorax includes absent breath sounds on the affected side, hypotension, and contralateral tracheal deviation.

Question 3

What is the primary indication for performing a surgical cricothyroidotomy in trauma?

Accepted Answer

Failed orotracheal intubation with inability to ventilate

Answer

Surgical cricothyroidotomy is the definitive rescue airway when orotracheal intubation has failed and the patient cannot be adequately ventilated.

Question 4

During the primary survey, a patient has oxygen saturation of 85% despite high-flow oxygen. Breath sounds are present bilaterally. What should be evaluated next?

Accepted Answer

Check for flail chest or pulmonary contusion

Answer

Persistent hypoxemia despite supplemental oxygen with bilateral breath sounds suggests underlying pulmonary pathology such as pulmonary contusion or flail chest.

Question 5

Which of the following patients would be most appropriate for needle cricothyroidotomy rather than surgical cricothyroidotomy?

Accepted Answer

An 8-year-old with a failed intubation attempt

Answer

Needle cricothyroidotomy with transtracheal jet ventilation is the preferred emergency surgical airway in children under 12 because the cricothyroid membrane is small.

ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support Practice Test

ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support Practice Test

ATLS Airway and Ventilatory Management 2