PHTLS PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Pediatric Trauma

Question 1

Which anatomical feature of a child's airway makes intubation more challenging compared to an adult?

Accepted Answer

Larger, more anterior larynx positioned higher in the neck

Answer

Smaller tongue relative to mouth size

Answer

Wider trachea with firmer cartilage

Answer

Lower position of the cricoid cartilage

Question 2

A 4-year-old child has a respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute following blunt chest trauma. How should you interpret this finding?

Accepted Answer

Abnormal and indicates respiratory distress

Answer

Normal for this age group

Answer

Normal compensatory response to fever

Answer

Acceptable only if oxygen saturation is above 95%

Question 3

What is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in pediatric trauma patients?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxia secondary to respiratory failure

Answer

Primary cardiac dysrhythmia

Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Myocardial contusion

Question 4

Using the Broselow tape in a pediatric trauma patient primarily helps the provider with which task?

Accepted Answer

Determining weight-based drug dosing and equipment sizes

Answer

Estimating blood pressure ranges

Answer

Calculating Glasgow Coma Scale scores

Answer

Assessing capillary refill time

Question 5

A child's blood pressure appears normal despite signs of poor perfusion after trauma. What phenomenon does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Robust compensatory mechanisms that maintain BP longer than adults

Answer

Distributive shock compensation

Answer

Neurogenic shock masking hypovolemia

Answer

Overestimation of blood loss by providers

Question 6

Which solid organ is most commonly injured in blunt abdominal trauma in children?

Accepted Answer

Spleen

Answer

Liver

Answer

Kidney

Answer

Pancreas