Extremity Trauma Management Flashcards
6 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 6 Extremity Trauma Management flashcards as text
When splinting a fracture, which principle is fundamental to proper immobilization technique?
Answer: Immobilize the joint above and below the fracture site
Proper splinting requires immobilizing the joint above and below the fracture to prevent any movement at the fracture site during patient transport.
A patient has sustained a traumatic amputation of three fingers. How should the amputated parts be managed for potential reimplantation?
Answer: Wrap in saline-moistened sterile gauze, place in a sealed bag, then place that bag in a container of ice water
Amputated parts should be wrapped in moist sterile gauze, sealed in a plastic bag, and placed in an ice water bath to cool without freezing, preserving tissue viability for up to 12-18 hours.
What is the significance of a pelvic fracture in the trauma assessment, and what specific complication makes it particularly dangerous?
Answer: It can cause massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage that is difficult to control and is associated with high mortality
Pelvic fractures are among the most lethal musculoskeletal injuries because the pelvic ring's rich vascular supply can produce massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage that is not amenable to direct pressure or tourniquet application.
A crush injury victim has had a concrete slab on his legs for 4 hours. Rescue workers are about to lift the slab. What potentially lethal complication may occur upon release?
Answer: Crush syndrome: reperfusion releases hyperkalemia, myoglobin, and lactic acid into central circulation
Crush syndrome occurs when prolonged compression of muscle tissue causes cellular death and accumulation of toxic metabolites. Upon release, reperfusion floods the systemic circulation with potassium, myoglobin, and lactic acid, causing cardiac arrest and renal failure.
After applying a splint to a patient's fractured wrist, the fingers become pale, cold, and the patient reports increased numbness. What should you do?
Answer: Loosen the splint bandages and reassess circulation
Neurovascular compromise after splinting indicates the splint or wrappings are too tight. Loosening the bandages while maintaining immobilization typically restores circulation.
What mechanism of injury commonly causes a scapular fracture, and what does this fracture indicate about the energy of the trauma?
Answer: Extremely high-energy impact, indicating likely associated thoracic injuries including pulmonary contusion, rib fractures, and great vessel injury
The scapula is protected by thick muscle layers and requires tremendous force to fracture. Its presence indicates high-energy trauma with a very high likelihood of associated life-threatening thoracic injuries.