CAISS AIS Coding Principles 4

Question 1

The 'type of injury' digit in the AIS code represents which position in the seven-digit sequence?

Accepted Answer

Fifth digit

Answer

In the AIS seven-digit code, the fifth digit encodes the type of injury (e.g., fracture, laceration, contusion).

Question 2

A patient sustains a ruptured spleen with major devascularization. Which AIS score applies?

Accepted Answer

5

Answer

Splenic rupture with major devascularization represents a life-threatening abdominal injury coded AIS 5 (Critical).

Question 3

Under AIS coding rules, when should a coder assign codes based on operative findings rather than pre-operative diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Always — operative findings are the gold standard and supersede pre-op diagnosis

Answer

Operative findings provide direct visual confirmation of injury and are the most accurate basis for AIS code assignment.

Question 4

AIS body region 6 covers injuries to which anatomical area?

Accepted Answer

Spine

Answer

AIS region 6 is designated for spine and spinal cord injuries, separate from the thorax and abdomen.

Question 5

Which statement about coding multiple injuries in the same body region is correct under AIS rules?

Accepted Answer

All injuries in a region are coded individually and the highest score represents that region for ISS

Answer

All injuries within a region receive individual AIS codes, but only the highest AIS score from that region contributes to ISS calculation.

(CAISS) Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist Practice Test