PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Prehospital Trauma Life Support Scene Assessment and Safety 1

Question 1

During scene size-up, which component of the primary assessment should be completed BEFORE approaching the patient in a potential hazmat incident?

Accepted Answer

Identify the substance and determine the safety perimeter

Answer

Establish IV access and prepare fluid resuscitation

Answer

Begin airway management from a distance

Answer

Contact medical direction for treatment orders

Question 2

A prehospital provider arrives at a scene involving a motor vehicle collision with downed power lines across the vehicle. What is the correct initial action?

Accepted Answer

Stage at a safe distance and request utility company response before entering

Answer

Approach cautiously using rubber-soled boots for protection

Answer

Use a wooden-handled tool to move the lines and access the patient

Answer

Approach only if the lines appear inactive or not sparking

Question 3

According to PHTLS principles, which finding during scene size-up would MOST likely indicate the need to request additional resources before patient contact?

Accepted Answer

Multiple patients with varying levels of consciousness at a collision scene

Answer

A single patient with an isolated extremity injury

Answer

One patient who is ambulatory and speaking clearly

Answer

A patient with a laceration who is applying self-pressure

Question 4

What is the PRIMARY purpose of the scene size-up in PHTLS?

Accepted Answer

To gather information needed to ensure provider safety and allocate resources appropriately

Answer

To establish a field diagnosis and begin treatment protocols

Answer

To determine the patient's insurance status and transport destination

Answer

To contact medical direction for standing orders before patient contact

Question 5

A provider arrives at a shooting scene and finds the patient on the ground. Law enforcement has not yet arrived. Which action reflects correct PHTLS scene safety principles?

Accepted Answer

Stage in a safe location and await law enforcement clearance before entering

Answer

Rapidly approach and begin hemorrhage control since time is critical

Answer

Enter with a partner, keeping one provider watching for threats

Answer

Approach from behind available cover and assess from a distance

Question 6

When assessing mechanism of injury at a vehicle collision, which observation is MOST significant for predicting internal injury severity according to PHTLS?

Accepted Answer

Intrusion of the passenger compartment and deployment of airbags

Answer

The color and model year of the vehicle involved

Answer

Whether the vehicle is a sedan versus an SUV

Answer

The posted speed limit on the road where the crash occurred