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

While traction splints are primarily used for long bone fractures (like the femur) to reduce pain and stabilize the limb, stabilization of any severe fracture can indirectly help control bleeding. By preventing movement of jagged bone ends, a splint minimizes further soft tissue and vascular damage, thereby contributing to hemorrhage control. For major fractures, this can be a critical life-saving benefit, even if a traction splint is not typically applied to a foot.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

C3 through the C5

Answer

The phrenic nerve is vital for respiration as it innervates the diaphragm, the primary muscle responsible for breathing. It originates from the cervical spinal nerves, specifically C3, C4, and C5. Damage to the spinal cord at or above these levels can lead to paralysis of the diaphragm and subsequent respiratory arrest, making this anatomical knowledge crucial for trauma assessment and management.

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

An epidural hemorrhage typically results from arterial bleeding, often caused by a direct blow to the temple that fractures the temporal bone and lacerates the middle meningeal artery. This arterial bleed leads to a rapid accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the skull. In contrast, subdural hemorrhages are usually venous, occurring between the dura and arachnoid mater, and often have a slower onset.

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

The 'Rule of Nines' is a common method for estimating the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns in adults. According to this rule, the entire anterior chest accounts for 9% of TBSA. An entire arm is 9%, so the anterior left arm is half of that, or 4.5%. Therefore, the total burned surface area is 9% (anterior chest) + 4.5% (anterior left arm) = 13.5%.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

JVD and decreased pulse pressure

Answer

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing the heart. Beck's Triad, a classic set of signs, includes muffled heart sounds, hypotension (often seen as decreased pulse pressure), and jugular venous distension (JVD). JVD indicates increased venous pressure due to impaired right ventricular filling, while decreased pulse pressure reflects reduced cardiac output, making this combination highly indicative of tamponade.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

FREE PHTLS Knowledge Questions and Answers