CAISS External and Thermal 3

Question 1

An AIS code in the External/Thermal region includes the sequence digit '6' in the injury descriptor position. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The injury involves the skin surface

Answer

In AIS, position digit '6' in the descriptor sequence denotes the External body region, indicating skin surface involvement.

Question 2

Frostbite resulting in full-thickness tissue loss of three fingers would most appropriately receive which AIS severity code?

Accepted Answer

AIS 3

Answer

Full-thickness frostbite with tissue loss affecting multiple digits is classified AIS 3 (serious) in the External and Thermal chapter.

Question 3

Which of the following thermal injury mechanisms would be coded under AIS Thermal rather than External?

Accepted Answer

Scald burn from hot water

Answer

Scald burns from hot liquids are thermal injuries and are coded in the AIS Thermal chapter, not the External (mechanical) chapter.

Question 4

A patient sustains a circumferential full-thickness burn to the right lower leg. The primary immediate coding concern beyond AIS severity is:

Accepted Answer

Compartment syndrome from eschar constriction

Answer

Circumferential full-thickness burns can cause eschar constriction leading to compartment syndrome, an associated injury that may require separate AIS coding.

Question 5

In AIS 2015 Update, burns to the face are coded under which chapter when only skin is involved?

Accepted Answer

External/Thermal chapter

Answer

Superficial burns to the face involving only skin without airway compromise are coded in the External/Thermal chapter of AIS.

(CAISS) Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist Practice Test

(CAISS) Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist Practice Test

CAISS External and Thermal 3