PHTLS Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma 2

Question 1

A patient involved in a high-speed MVC has a seatbelt sign across the lower abdomen. Which organ is MOST likely injured?

Accepted Answer

Small bowel

Answer

Spleen

Answer

Liver

Answer

Kidney

Question 2

Which of the following is the MOST reliable early sign of significant intra-abdominal hemorrhage in the field?

Accepted Answer

Signs of shock with a mechanism consistent with abdominal injury

Answer

Abdominal rigidity

Answer

Visible bruising over the abdomen

Answer

Abdominal distension

Question 3

During assessment of a pelvic fracture patient, you apply a commercial pelvic binder. At what anatomic landmark should the binder be centered?

Accepted Answer

Greater trochanters

Answer

Iliac crests

Answer

Pubic symphysis

Answer

Lumbar spine

Question 4

A patient has suspected bowel evisceration through an abdominal wound. The correct prehospital management is to:

Accepted Answer

Cover with a moist sterile dressing and do not replace organs

Answer

Replace the organs back into the abdominal cavity

Answer

Cover with a dry sterile dressing

Answer

Apply direct pressure directly over the exposed bowel

Question 5

Which retroperitoneal organ is MOST commonly injured in blunt abdominal trauma?

Accepted Answer

Kidney

Answer

Pancreas

Answer

Duodenum

Answer

Aorta

Question 6

A patient has a penetrating abdominal injury with an impaled object. The correct action is to:

Accepted Answer

Shorten the object if it is very long, then stabilize it in place

Answer

Remove the object to allow proper wound closure

Answer

Leave the object in place and stabilize it without shortening

Answer

Apply pressure around the object to control bleeding

Question 7

In a patient with suspected pelvic ring disruption and hemorrhagic shock, which intervention should be performed FIRST after airway management?

Accepted Answer

Application of a pelvic binder

Answer

IV fluid resuscitation with 2L crystalloid

Answer

Bilateral femur splinting

Answer

FAST examination