- Prehospital Trauma Life Support Traumatic Brain Injury 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 Traumatic Brain Injury flashcards as text
What is the most important prehospital intervention to prevent secondary brain injury according to PHTLS?
Answer: Preventing hypoxia and hypotension
PHTLS identifies hypoxia and hypotension as the two most devastating secondary insults to the injured brain.
How does the Glasgow Coma Scale classify traumatic brain injury severity?
Answer: Mild 13-15, Moderate 9-12, Severe 3-8
PHTLS classifies TBI as Mild (GCS 13-15), Moderate (GCS 9-12), and Severe (GCS 3-8).
What pupil findings suggest uncal herniation in a TBI patient?
Answer: Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil (blown pupil) on the side of the lesion
A unilateral fixed and dilated pupil indicates compression of the third cranial nerve from uncal herniation.
According to PHTLS, what blood pressure target should be maintained in a patient with severe TBI?
Answer: Systolic blood pressure greater than 110 mmHg
PHTLS recommends maintaining SBP >110 mmHg in severe TBI patients to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion pressure.
What is the role of hyperventilation in TBI management according to current PHTLS guidelines?
Answer: Hyperventilation is ONLY indicated as a temporizing measure when signs of cerebral herniation are present
PHTLS restricts hyperventilation to cases showing signs of active herniation as a temporizing measure, targeting ETCO2 of 30-35 mmHg.
How should a scalp laceration with active hemorrhage be managed in a TBI patient?
Answer: Control hemorrhage aggressively with direct pressure and wound closure, as scalp bleeding can cause significant blood loss
Scalp lacerations can bleed profusely and may contribute to hemorrhagic shock, particularly in children.
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