Free PHTLS Knowledge Questions and Answers

Question 1

Applying a traction splint to a fractured foot is mostly done for the following reasons:

Accepted Answer

Control bleeding

Answer

Immobilize broken bone ends

Answer

Prevent crepitation

Answer

Reduce pain

Question 2

Which part of the spine innervates the phrenic nerve the most?

Accepted Answer

C3 through the C5

Answer

C1 and C2

Answer

T9 and T10

Answer

T2 through T4

Question 3

Which of the following accurately describes the difference between an epidural and subdural hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Epidural hemorrhage may result from a blow to the temple

Answer

Epidural hemorrhage develops more slowly than subdural hemorrhage

Answer

Subdural bleeding is usually arterial

Answer

Subdural hematoma patients have a classic lucid period

Question 4

Both the anterior left arm and the anterior chest of your patient are burned. What percentage of the surface area of their body is burned?

Accepted Answer

13.50%

Answer

27%

Answer

18%

Answer

22.50%

Question 5

Out of all the presentations, which one best represents cardiac tamponade?

Accepted Answer

JVD and decreased pulse pressure

Answer

Increased respiratory rate and increased pulse rate

Answer

Decreased lung sounds and decreased pulse pressure

Answer

Decreased pulse rate and increased pulse pressure

Question 6

You are getting ready to apply a moist dressing to a bodily part that has been severed. What is the best way to hydrate the dressing?

Accepted Answer

Normal Saline

Answer

Any of the above may be used

Answer

D5W

Answer

Sterile water

Question 7

The patient had an abdominal gunshot wound and is clearly in shock. Which action on the situation would you be least likely to take?

Accepted Answer

Immobilize the patient on a backboard

Answer

Take a blood pressure

Answer

Use a hemostatic agent for bleeding control

Answer

Perform a head-to-toe examination

Question 8

The maximum amount of blood lost from a tibia and fibula fracture is as follows:

Accepted Answer

1,000 mL

Answer

1,250 mL

Answer

400 mL

Answer

500 mL

Question 9

Which of the following describes an adult patient who should be sent to a trauma hospital in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control Trauma Triage Guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Respirations of 30 per minute

Answer

Fall of 10 feet

Answer

GCS of 14

Answer

Amputated finger

Question 10

Which of the following describes a spine injury patient as meeting the NEXUS criteria?

Accepted Answer

Determining if the patient is intoxicated

Answer

Inability to ambulate

Answer

Verifying distal pulses

Answer

Pain or tenderness of the spine with motion