PHTLS Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma 3

Question 1

Kehr's sign, which is referred pain to the left shoulder, is classically associated with injury to which organ?

Accepted Answer

Spleen

Answer

Kehr's sign occurs when blood from a splenic injury irritates the diaphragm, causing referred pain along the phrenic nerve to the left shoulder.

Question 2

A 32-year-old pregnant trauma patient (28 weeks) is hypotensive after an MVC. After airway management, the MOST important positioning intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Left lateral tilt of 15–30 degrees

Answer

Left lateral tilt relieves aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus, improving venous return and cardiac output.

Question 3

Which mechanism of injury is MOST associated with pancreatic trauma?

Accepted Answer

Bicycle handlebar injury to the epigastrium

Answer

Handlebar injuries deliver a focused compressive force to the epigastrium, crushing the pancreas against the lumbar spine.

Question 4

When estimating blood loss from a pelvic fracture, which statement is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

Open-book pelvic fractures can result in 2–4 liters of blood loss

Answer

Open-book pelvic fractures dramatically increase pelvic volume, allowing hemorrhage of 2–4 liters into the retroperitoneal space.

Question 5

A patient with blunt abdominal trauma has gross hematuria. This finding MOST likely indicates injury to which structure?

Accepted Answer

Urinary tract (kidney, ureter, or bladder)

Answer

Gross hematuria following trauma is a hallmark indicator of urinary tract injury, most commonly involving the kidneys or bladder.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma 3