CAISS Head and Neck Injuries Practice Questions

Question 1

In the AIS, a cerebral contusion with loss of consciousness lasting 31–60 minutes is coded at which severity level?

Accepted Answer

AIS 3

Answer

A cerebral contusion with LOC of 31–60 minutes corresponds to AIS 3 (Serious).

Question 2

Which cervical spine injury descriptor is used in AIS when there is fracture of C1 (atlas) without evidence of spinal cord involvement?

Accepted Answer

Atlas fracture without cord injury

Answer

A C1 fracture without cord involvement is coded as 'Atlas fracture without cord injury' to distinguish it from cord-level injuries.

Question 3

When coding a penetrating skull injury with retained foreign body but no documented brain laceration, which AIS code category applies?

Accepted Answer

Penetrating skull injury without brain injury

Answer

A penetrating skull injury with retained foreign body but no confirmed brain laceration is coded as penetrating skull injury without brain injury.

Question 4

A patient has bilateral frontal lobe contusions on CT with GCS of 9. What AIS severity is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

AIS 4

Answer

Bilateral frontal lobe contusions with moderate neurological impairment (GCS 9) typically code to AIS 4 (Severe).

Question 5

Under AIS rules, which of the following neck soft-tissue injuries would receive AIS 1 (Minor)?

Accepted Answer

Cervical muscle strain without fracture

Answer

Cervical muscle strain without fracture or vascular injury is coded AIS 1 because it poses minimal threat to life.

(CAISS) Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist Practice Test