PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Pediatric Trauma Flashcards

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

Answer: Larger, more anterior larynx positioned higher in the neck

In children, the larynx is higher and more anterior, making visualization and intubation technically more difficult.

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

Answer: Abnormal and indicates respiratory distress

A respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute in a 4-year-old is above the normal range of 20–30 and indicates significant respiratory distress.

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

Answer: Hypoxia secondary to respiratory failure

In children, cardiac arrest in trauma is most commonly preceded by respiratory failure and hypoxia, unlike adults where dysrhythmias are more common.

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

Answer: Determining weight-based drug dosing and equipment sizes

The Broselow tape uses the child's length to estimate weight and provide color-coded guidance on drug doses and appropriate equipment sizes.

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

Answer: Robust compensatory mechanisms that maintain BP longer than adults

Children have strong compensatory mechanisms, particularly increased heart rate and vasoconstriction, that can maintain blood pressure until approximately 25–30% of blood volume is lost.

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

Answer: Spleen

The spleen is the most frequently injured solid organ in pediatric blunt abdominal trauma due to its relatively unprotected position and larger size relative to the abdomen.