Initial Assessment and Management Flashcards
6 cards from real ATLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Initial Assessment and Management flashcards as text
During the primary survey, a trauma patient has absent breath sounds on the left, distended neck veins, and tracheal deviation to the right. What action should be taken BEFORE chest X-ray?
Answer: Perform needle decompression of the left chest
Tension pneumothorax is a clinical diagnosis requiring immediate needle decompression without waiting for radiographic confirmation.
In the ATLS primary survey, what is the correct sequence of assessment?
Answer: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
The ATLS primary survey follows ABCDE: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure.
Which injury must be identified and treated during the primary survey?
Answer: Massive hemothorax
Massive hemothorax (>1500 mL) is an immediately life-threatening condition that must be treated during the primary survey.
A trauma patient has HR 130, BP 70/50, RR 30, and altered mental status. What class of hemorrhagic shock?
Answer: Class IV
Tachycardia >120, hypotension, tachypnea >30, and altered mental status indicate Class IV shock (>40% blood volume loss).
When should the secondary survey be initiated?
Answer: After primary survey is complete and resuscitation initiated
The secondary survey begins after the primary survey is complete and initial resuscitation efforts are underway.
What is the recommended initial fluid resuscitation for an adult trauma patient with hemorrhagic shock?
Answer: 1 liter of warmed isotonic crystalloid
ATLS 10th edition recommends a 1-liter bolus of warmed isotonic crystalloid, then assessing the response.