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In Pregnancy Flashcards

7 cards from real ITLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 In Pregnancy flashcards as text

  1. Why is the semi-recumbent left lateral tilt position preferred over full lateral decubitus when immobilizing a pregnant trauma patient on a backboard?

    Answer: It relieves aortocaval compression while maintaining spinal precautions

    A 15–30 degree left tilt with wedging under the right side of the board relieves IVC compression while still allowing spinal immobilization.

  2. A pregnant patient in her third trimester is found unconscious after a fall. Her GCS is 8. What airway intervention is most appropriate?

    Answer: Endotracheal intubation with cricoid pressure considered

    Definitive airway management via endotracheal intubation is indicated with cricoid pressure considered due to high aspiration risk in pregnant patients.

  3. What physiologic change in pregnancy can cause a pregnant patient to tolerate more blood loss before becoming tachycardic?

    Answer: Increased plasma volume of 40–50%

    Plasma volume increases by 40–50% in pregnancy, creating a dilutional state that allows greater volume loss before tachycardia appears.

  4. Which organ is MOST protected from direct traumatic injury in early pregnancy compared to late pregnancy?

    Answer: Uterus

    In early pregnancy the uterus remains within the bony pelvis and is relatively protected; as it enlarges it becomes more exposed to abdominal trauma.

  5. What is the significance of Kleihauer-Betke (KB) testing in pregnant trauma patients?

    Answer: It detects fetal red blood cells in maternal circulation indicating fetomaternal hemorrhage

    KB testing detects fetal blood in the maternal circulation, which guides Rh-immune globulin dosing for Rh-negative mothers.

  6. A 32-week pregnant patient has seat-belt marks across her lower abdomen after a high-speed MVC. What injury pattern should be suspected?

    Answer: Uterine rupture or hollow viscus injury

    Lap-belt injuries across the lower abdomen in pregnancy are associated with uterine rupture, bowel injury, and lumbar spine fractures.

  7. How does pregnancy alter the normal location of abdominal organs, potentially changing the presentation of intra-abdominal injury?

    Answer: The bowel is displaced superiorly, moving pain referral zones upward

    As the uterus enlarges, it displaces bowel loops superiorly, so bowel injuries may cause pain and tenderness in atypical upper abdominal locations.