PHTLS PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Burns and Thermal Injuries

Question 1

Using the Rule of Nines in an adult patient, what percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) does the entire lower extremity represent?

Accepted Answer

18%

Answer

Each entire lower extremity accounts for 18% of TBSA in an adult using the Rule of Nines (9% anterior + 9% posterior).

Question 2

Which burn depth classification is characterized by dry, leathery, insensate skin that does not blanch with pressure?

Accepted Answer

Full thickness (third-degree)

Answer

Full-thickness burns destroy all layers of the dermis, producing dry, leathery, insensate skin that does not blanch because dermal capillaries are destroyed.

Question 3

A patient with major burns over 30% TBSA requires IV fluid resuscitation. What is the preferred initial fluid per PHTLS guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Lactated Ringer's solution

Answer

Lactated Ringer's solution is the preferred isotonic crystalloid for initial burn resuscitation because its electrolyte composition most closely matches plasma.

Question 4

In prehospital burn care, when should you stop the burning process by cooling a wound with water?

Accepted Answer

Immediately, with cool (not cold) water for 10–20 minutes

Answer

Cool (15–25°C) water applied within 3 hours of injury for 10–20 minutes reduces burn depth and pain, but ice or cold water should be avoided to prevent hypothermia.

Question 5

A patient is found unconscious in a burning building. Which inhalation injury concern takes highest priority in management?

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Answer

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most immediately life-threatening inhalation injury; it binds hemoglobin with 240× the affinity of oxygen and is treated with high-flow 100% oxygen.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Burns and Thermal Injuries