- Prehospital Trauma Life Support Spinal Trauma Management Flashcards
6 cards from real PHTLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Spinal Trauma Management flashcards as text
How should a helmet be managed in a trauma patient requiring spinal motion restriction?
Answer: Remove only if it interferes with airway management or prevents adequate spinal motion restriction
PHTLS recommends helmet removal when it prevents airway access, does not allow adequate spinal alignment, or is loose enough to allow movement.
What is the PHTLS recommendation for log rolling a trauma patient?
Answer: A coordinated team effort with one provider controlling the head and others supporting the body in alignment
Log rolling requires a coordinated team with one provider maintaining inline cervical stabilization and directing the roll.
What complication of spinal cord injury should PHTLS providers be prepared for during patient care?
Answer: Respiratory failure from loss of diaphragmatic or intercostal muscle function
High cervical cord injuries (C3-C5) can paralyze the diaphragm, and thoracic injuries impair intercostal muscles, both potentially causing respiratory failure.
When should a cervical collar be applied according to current PHTLS guidelines?
Answer: When clinical assessment indicates a need for spinal motion restriction based on mechanism, symptoms, and examination
PHTLS recommends selective cervical collar application based on clinical criteria rather than universal application.
What is the PHTLS teaching regarding the use of steroids for acute spinal cord injury?
Answer: Routine steroid administration for spinal cord injury is NOT recommended based on current evidence
PHTLS reflects current evidence-based guidelines that routine steroid administration is not recommended due to lack of proven benefit and significant side effects.
How does PHTLS recommend positioning a patient with a suspected spinal injury who is vomiting?
Answer: Log roll the entire backboard and patient to the lateral position while maintaining spinal alignment
The entire backboard with the patient secured is rolled laterally as a unit to prevent aspiration while maintaining spinal alignment.
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