ATLS Shock Assessment and Management 2

Question 1

A trauma patient has hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds. Most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Beck's triad: hypotension, JVD, and muffled heart sounds is the classic presentation of cardiac tamponade.

Question 2

Which shock type is characterized by hypotension, bradycardia, and warm flushed skin below the injury?

Accepted Answer

Neurogenic shock

Answer

Neurogenic shock results from loss of sympathetic tone after spinal cord injury, causing vasodilation and bradycardia.

Question 3

In massive transfusion protocol, what is the recommended PRBC:FFP:Platelets ratio?

Accepted Answer

1:1:1

Answer

A balanced 1:1:1 ratio mimics whole blood and prevents dilutional coagulopathy.

Question 4

A 25-year-old with a left chest stab wound develops PEA in the trauma bay. What is the most appropriate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Emergency department thoracotomy

Answer

PEA from penetrating thoracic trauma is an indication for ED thoracotomy.

Question 5

What is the earliest and most reliable clinical indicator of adequate resuscitation?

Accepted Answer

Urine output of 0.5 mL/kg/hour

Answer

Urine output (0.5 mL/kg/hr adults) is the most reliable indicator of end-organ perfusion.

ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support Practice Test