FREE PHTLS 7th Edition Questions and Answers

Question 1

Your emergency medical squad is on its way to the attack scene. According to dispatch data, law enforcement is still not present at the location. In this case, the best course of action is:

Accepted Answer

Staging at a safe location away from the scene until law enforcement advises
the scene is safe

Answer

Scene safety is the paramount concern for all emergency responders. Approaching an unsecured scene, especially one involving an attack where the assailant may still be present, places EMS personnel at significant risk. The safest and most appropriate action is to stage at a secure distance and await confirmation from law enforcement that the scene has been rendered safe before entering.

Question 2

What indicates that a trauma patient's ventilator is not working well enough?

Accepted Answer

Speaking in short bursts

Answer

If a trauma patient is speaking in short bursts, it indicates that they are experiencing respiratory distress or dyspnea. This suggests that their ventilatory effort is insufficient to maintain normal speech, implying that their breathing is compromised and the ventilator may not be adequately supporting their respiratory needs. Other options generally fall within acceptable parameters for adequate ventilation.

Question 3

You observe that a trauma patient is angry, confused, and looks to have several injuries from an altercation during the initial survey. Your top decision for treatment should be one of the following:

Accepted Answer

Correction of possible hypoxia

Answer

In a trauma patient with altered mental status (anger, confusion), the immediate priority is to address potential life threats. Altered mental status is a key indicator of inadequate brain oxygenation, or hypoxia. Correcting hypoxia is paramount as it directly impacts neurological function and overall patient survival, taking precedence over other interventions like IV access or immobilization during the initial survey.

Question 4

What is the most frequent reason why trauma patients experience upper airway obstruction?

Accepted Answer

Tongue

Answer

The most frequent cause of upper airway obstruction in an unconscious or semi-conscious trauma patient is the relaxation of the tongue and epiglottis. When muscle tone is lost, the tongue falls back against the posterior pharynx, blocking the airway. While other substances like blood or vomitus can obstruct the airway, the tongue is the most common anatomical culprit, necessitating proper airway maneuvers like the jaw-thrust.

Question 5

Which is the most serious side effect of suctioning trauma patients for an extended period of time?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxia

Answer

The most serious side effect of extended suctioning in trauma patients is hypoxia. Suctioning removes not only secretions but also oxygen from the airway, rapidly decreasing the patient's oxygen saturation. This is particularly dangerous for trauma patients who may already have compromised respiratory function or increased metabolic demands, making brief suctioning attempts (under 10-15 seconds) and reoxygenation crucial.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

FREE PHTLS 7th Edition Questions and Answers