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

The seatbelt sign indicates compression injury to the small bowel, which is the most commonly injured hollow organ from lap belt trauma.

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

Shock with a consistent mechanism is the most reliable early indicator because physical signs like rigidity and distension often develop late.

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

The pelvic binder should be centered over the greater trochanters to effectively compress the pelvic ring and tamponade hemorrhage.

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

Eviscerated organs should be covered with a moist sterile dressing to prevent desiccation and never replaced in the field.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Kidney

Answer

The kidneys are the most commonly injured retroperitoneal organs due to their size and position, often presenting with flank pain and hematuria.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test