ATLS Transfer to Definitive Care 3

Question 1

A rural ED has a patient with an epidural hematoma. The nearest neurosurgeon is 2 hours by ground. Best action?

Accepted Answer

Arrange helicopter transport to neurosurgical center

Answer

Helicopter transport significantly reduces time to definitive neurosurgical care for this time-critical injury.

Question 2

What documentation must accompany a trauma patient during transfer?

Accepted Answer

Transfer summary with assessment, interventions, imaging, labs, and response to treatment

Answer

Complete written documentation including all findings, interventions, imaging, labs, and response must accompany the patient.

Question 3

Which factor is MOST important in determining transport mode for interfacility transfer?

Accepted Answer

Time to definitive care balanced against patient acuity

Answer

Transport mode should be determined by time needed to reach definitive care weighed against clinical acuity.

Question 4

A chest tube is draining 50 mL/hr during transport. How should the drainage system be managed?

Accepted Answer

Keep below chest level connected to suction or water seal

Answer

The chest tube must remain connected to a sealed drainage system below chest level.

Question 5

The 'golden hour' concept primarily emphasizes which principle?

Accepted Answer

Time from injury to definitive care significantly impacts survival

Answer

The golden hour emphasizes that the time interval between injury and definitive treatment significantly affects survival outcomes.

ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support Practice Test