Shock 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 Shock Assessment and Management flashcards as text
A patient not responding to 2 units PRBC and 2 units FFP. Lactate 8, base deficit -12. What does this indicate?
Answer: Ongoing hemorrhage requiring source control
Rising lactate and worsening base deficit despite blood products indicate ongoing hemorrhage needing source control.
What is the primary mechanism of death in untreated hemorrhagic shock?
Answer: Irreversible cellular ischemia and multi-organ failure
Prolonged hypoperfusion causes irreversible cellular ischemia and multi-organ failure.
Tranexamic acid in trauma is most effective within what time frame?
Answer: 3 hours
Per the CRASH-2 trial, TXA reduces mortality when given within 3 hours. After 3 hours, it may increase mortality.
A trauma patient has narrow pulse pressure, tachycardia, and flat neck veins. Which shock type?
Answer: Hypovolemic shock
Narrow pulse pressure, tachycardia, and flat neck veins indicate hypovolemic shock.
What is the role of vasopressors in initial hemorrhagic shock management?
Answer: Used only after adequate volume resuscitation and hemorrhage control
Vasopressors are used only after adequate volume and hemorrhage control, as vasoconstrictors in hypovolemia worsen tissue ischemia.
Which lab value best reflects severity of tissue hypoperfusion in hemorrhagic shock?
Answer: Serum lactate
Serum lactate from anaerobic metabolism best reflects severity and duration of oxygen debt.