DCAS Trauma Management

Question 1

The ABCDE approach in trauma places haemorrhage control at which priority level?

Accepted Answer

C (Circulation) — simultaneous with or immediately after Airway and Breathing

Answer

E (Exposure) — last priority

Answer

D (Disability) — neurological assessment first

Answer

It is not part of the ABCDE approach

Question 2

The 'Lethal Triad' in trauma refers to:

Accepted Answer

Hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy — three mutually reinforcing killers in haemorrhagic shock

Answer

Hypotension, hypoxia, and hyponatraemia

Answer

Head injury, chest injury, and abdominal injury

Answer

Tachycardia, hypotension, and anaemia

Question 3

Tourniquet application for extremity haemorrhage should be placed:

Accepted Answer

5-8cm proximal to the wound on the mid-shaft of the affected limb

Answer

Directly over the wound

Answer

At the most distal point of the limb

Answer

Over a joint for best compression

Question 4

In the trauma patient, haemothorax is suspected when:

Accepted Answer

Absent breath sounds, dull percussion, and signs of hypovolaemic shock after chest trauma

Answer

Absent breath sounds and hyper-resonance to percussion

Answer

Tracheal deviation away from the affected side

Answer

Normal breath sounds with pleuritic chest pain

Question 5

Damage Control Surgery (DCS) focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Rapid control of haemorrhage and contamination, temporary closure, and ICU resuscitation before definitive repair

Answer

Complete definitive surgical repair at initial operation regardless of physiological status

Answer

Non-operative management of all abdominal injuries

Answer

Laparoscopic repair of all penetrating abdominal wounds

Question 6

The preferred initial fluid for haemorrhagic shock in modern damage control resuscitation is:

Accepted Answer

Blood products in a 1:1:1 ratio (packed red cells : plasma : platelets) where available

Answer

2 litres of normal saline as an immediate bolus

Answer

Colloid solutions (albumin or gelatin)

Answer

Dextrose 5% in water