ATLS Hemorrhage Control and Damage Control Surgery

Question 1

What is the maximum estimated blood loss in Class I hemorrhage according to ATLS classification?

Accepted Answer

Up to 750 mL (up to 15% blood volume)

Answer

Class I hemorrhage involves up to 750 mL of blood loss (up to 15% of total blood volume) with minimal physiologic changes.

Question 2

Which best defines damage control surgery (DCS) in the context of trauma care?

Accepted Answer

Abbreviated surgery to control hemorrhage and contamination, followed by ICU resuscitation and planned reoperation

Answer

DCS is an abbreviated initial operation focused on controlling hemorrhage and contamination, deferring definitive repair until physiology is restored in the ICU.

Question 3

Which triad of physiologic derangements is known as the 'lethal triad' in trauma patients?

Accepted Answer

Hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy

Answer

The lethal triad of hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy is a self-perpetuating cycle that greatly increases mortality in trauma patients.

Question 4

In penetrating torso trauma without suspected traumatic brain injury, permissive hypotension targets a systolic blood pressure of approximately:

Accepted Answer

90–100 mmHg until surgical hemorrhage control is achieved

Answer

Permissive hypotension targets SBP of 90–100 mmHg to avoid clot disruption without causing ischemia, used until surgical hemorrhage control is achieved.

Question 5

What blood product ratio is recommended during damage control resuscitation for massive hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

1:1:1 ratio of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets

Answer

A 1:1:1 ratio of PRBCs:FFP:platelets approximates whole blood and has been shown to improve outcomes in massive hemorrhage.

ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support Practice Test

ATLS - Advanced Trauma Life Support Practice Test

ATLS Hemorrhage Control and Damage Control Surgery