DCAS Trauma Management 3

Question 1

A tension pneumothorax causes tracheal deviation toward which side?

Accepted Answer

Away from the affected side (tension side)

Answer

As air accumulates under tension, the affected side's pressure pushes mediastinal structures — including the trachea — toward the contralateral (unaffected) side; this is a late and unreliable sign.

Question 2

Massive haemothorax is defined as initial drainage of more than:

Accepted Answer

1500ml of blood from the chest on tube thoracostomy

Answer

Massive haemothorax is defined by drainage of ≥1500ml immediately on chest tube insertion, or ongoing haemorrhage >200ml/hour — indicating injury to major vessels requiring surgical intervention.

Question 3

In a penetrating abdominal trauma with evisceration, pre-hospital management includes:

Accepted Answer

Covering eviscerated organs with moist dressing without attempting to replace them, and rapid transport

Answer

Eviscerated organs should be covered with a moist sterile dressing to prevent desiccation, not pushed back (risk of contamination and injury), and the patient transported urgently to surgery.

Question 4

Spinal cord injury management in the pre-hospital setting focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Preventing secondary cord injury through maintaining perfusion, oxygenation, and avoiding hypotension

Answer

Secondary spinal cord injury from hypotension, hypoxia, and excessive movement can worsen outcomes; maintaining MAP ≥85-90 mmHg (in suspected spinal cord injury) and adequate oxygenation are the key pre-hospital interventions.

Question 5

Pre-hospital wound packing with haemostatic dressings (e.g., Combat Gauze) is indicated for:

Accepted Answer

Junctional haemorrhage (groin, axilla, neck) where tourniquets cannot be applied

Answer

Junctional areas (groin, axillary, and neck) cannot be controlled with conventional tourniquets; haemostatic gauze packed firmly into the wound with direct manual pressure for 3-5 minutes controls these life-threatening bleeds.

DCAS Practice Test

DCAS Practice Test

DCAS Trauma Management 3