Trauma Care Flashcards
7 cards from real CPEN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning โ missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Trauma Care flashcards as text
A 9-year-old with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) has a GCS of 7, HR 52, BP 160/90, and irregular respirations. This triad is known as:
Answer: Cushing's triad
Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations) indicates dangerously elevated intracranial pressure and impending herniation.
Which blood product ratio is currently recommended for massive transfusion in pediatric trauma to simulate whole blood?
Answer: 1:1:1 (PRBCs:FFP:Platelets)
A 1:1:1 ratio of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets is recommended to address all components of coagulopathy in massive hemorrhage.
A 5-year-old has a suspected spinal cord injury after diving into a shallow pool. In-line cervical stabilization is initiated. Which statement about pediatric cervical spine injury is TRUE?
Answer: Children are more vulnerable to upper cervical (C1-C3) injuries than adults
Due to a proportionally larger head, horizontal facet joints, and ligamentous laxity, children are more susceptible to upper cervical spine injuries (C1-C3).
SCIWORA stands for spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality. It is most common in which age group?
Answer: Young children under 8 years
SCIWORA is most common in young children due to the elasticity of their spinal ligaments and immature bone structures, allowing cord injury without bony damage.
A 2-year-old presents with a spiral femur fracture, multiple bruises in various stages of healing, and a healing rib fracture. The PRIORITY action is:
Answer: Initiate child protective services notification and a skeletal survey
This injury pattern (spiral fracture, patterned bruising, healing fractures) is highly concerning for non-accidental trauma, requiring mandatory reporting and a full skeletal survey.
A 7-year-old arrives unresponsive after a building collapse. He has no IV access. Which route should be used immediately for fluid and medication administration?
Answer: Intraosseous (IO)
Intraosseous access provides rapid, reliable vascular access in pediatric emergencies when IV access cannot be quickly established.
After stabilizing a pediatric trauma patient, the nurse notes urine output of 0.3 mL/kg/hr. This finding indicates:
Answer: Inadequate perfusion and possible ongoing shock
Acceptable urine output in children is 1 mL/kg/hr; output below 0.5 mL/kg/hr suggests inadequate renal perfusion and ongoing hypovolemia.