FREE PHTLS Pre & Post Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which kind of motorcycle crash is most frequently linked to bilateral femur fractures?

Accepted Answer

Head-on impact

Answer

In a head-on motorcycle impact, the rider's legs are often forcefully trapped between the motorcycle and the object of impact. This mechanism transmits immense kinetic energy directly through both femurs, making bilateral femur fractures a highly characteristic injury pattern for this type of collision.

Question 2

Which of the following describes the most likely occurrence of pericardial tamponade?

Accepted Answer

Stab wound to the chest

Answer

Pericardial tamponade occurs when blood or fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, compressing the heart. A stab wound to the chest is a common cause because it can directly penetrate the heart or major blood vessels, leading to rapid bleeding into the pericardial space. This direct injury mechanism makes it more likely than blunt trauma from a frontal impact or fall.

Question 3

The most trustworthy way to determine the degree of hypothermia in a patient in the prehospital scenario is to:

Accepted Answer

Rectal temperature

Answer

Rectal temperature provides the most accurate and reliable measurement of core body temperature in the prehospital setting. Unlike oral or axillary temperatures, it is less susceptible to environmental factors, patient cooperation, or respiratory status, making it the most trustworthy method for assessing the true degree of hypothermia.

Question 4

PHTLS is based on the idea that:

Accepted Answer

EMTs are capable of sound patient care judgment, given an adequate knowledge base

Answer

PHTLS emphasizes critical thinking and the application of trauma principles rather than rigid adherence to protocols. It empowers prehospital providers to make informed, independent judgments based on their assessment and understanding of trauma physiology, provided they have a strong knowledge base. This approach fosters adaptability and effective patient care in diverse trauma scenarios.

Question 5

A male adult suffered a serious cut on his distal thigh. The wound is oozing bright crimson blood. The bleeding is not being stopped by direct pressure. What would be the best course of action now?

Accepted Answer

Apply a tourniquet and tighten it until bleeding stops

Answer

Bright crimson, oozing blood that is not controlled by direct pressure indicates significant arterial or major venous bleeding. When direct pressure fails to control life-threatening extremity hemorrhage, a tourniquet is the most effective and recommended intervention. It should be applied proximally to the wound and tightened until the bleeding completely stops.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

FREE PHTLS Pre & Post Questions and Answers