CAISS Extremity Injuries 4

Question 1

A patient with a traumatic above-knee amputation (AKA) and no other injuries has an ISS of:

Accepted Answer

25

Answer

Traumatic AKA is AIS 5; ISS = AIS² for the highest single region = 5² = 25 when it is the only injury.

Question 2

Which nerve injury modifier most significantly increases the AIS severity of a humeral shaft fracture?

Accepted Answer

Brachial plexus avulsion

Answer

Brachial plexus avulsion associated with a humeral fracture represents severe neurological disruption and can raise AIS severity substantially.

Question 3

In the context of CAISS, why is it important to document the mechanism of injury for extremity trauma?

Accepted Answer

It helps select the most appropriate AIS descriptor when multiple codes apply

Answer

Mechanism of injury provides clinical context that helps the coder choose between similar AIS descriptors when injury specifics are ambiguous.

Question 4

Which of the following is an AIS 6 extremity injury?

Accepted Answer

Traumatic hemipelvectomy

Answer

Traumatic hemipelvectomy (amputation through or above the pelvis) is incompatible with current life-saving treatment and is coded AIS 6.

Question 5

A patient has an isolated closed humeral shaft fracture. According to AIS, this is coded under which body region?

Accepted Answer

Region 7 (Upper extremity)

Answer

Humeral shaft fractures are upper extremity injuries coded under AIS Region 7.

(CAISS) Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist Practice Test