Trauma Care Flashcards
5 cards from real FP-C practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 5 Trauma Care flashcards as text
What is the primary concern when managing a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury in a trauma situation?
Answer: Immobilizing the spine to prevent further injury
In a trauma situation with suspected spinal cord injury, the paramount concern is to prevent any further damage to the spinal cord. Immobilizing the spine minimizes movement, which can otherwise exacerbate an existing injury and lead to permanent neurological deficits or paralysis. All other options are secondary to this critical initial step.
Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient in hemorrhagic shock?
Answer: Applying pressure to the bleeding site and initiating fluid resuscitation
Hemorrhagic shock results from severe blood loss, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion. The most appropriate initial interventions are to directly address the cause by stopping the bleeding through direct pressure and to restore circulating volume by initiating fluid resuscitation. This dual approach aims to stabilize the patient and prevent further deterioration.
In the context of trauma care, what does the acronym "MARCH" stand for?
Answer: Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia/Head injury
The MARCH algorithm is a tactical trauma assessment and treatment sequence, prioritizing interventions to maximize survival in situations with limited resources or prolonged care. It stands for Massive hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, and Hypothermia/Head injury, emphasizing control of major bleeding as the immediate priority.
What is the first step in managing a patient with a penetrating chest injury and suspected tension pneumothorax?
Answer: Performing needle decompression to relieve the pressure
A tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, compressing the lung and shifting mediastinal structures, leading to circulatory collapse. Performing needle decompression is the immediate, definitive intervention to relieve this trapped pressure, allowing the lung to re-expand and restoring cardiovascular function.
Which type of fracture is most likely to cause significant blood loss in a trauma patient?
Answer: Femur fracture
The femur is the largest and strongest bone in the body, surrounded by significant muscle mass and large blood vessels. A fracture of the femur can lead to substantial internal bleeding, often 1-2 liters or more into the thigh compartment, which can quickly cause hypovolemic shock in a trauma patient.