PHTLS Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma 4

Question 1

Which of the following injuries is MOST likely to be missed during the initial prehospital assessment of abdominal trauma?

Accepted Answer

Hollow viscus injury (bowel perforation)

Answer

Hollow viscus injuries such as bowel perforation often have delayed signs and symptoms, making them easy to miss on initial assessment.

Question 2

A patient fell from 20 feet and has diffuse lower abdominal pain, inability to urinate, and perineal bruising. The MOST likely injury is:

Accepted Answer

Bladder rupture

Answer

Bladder rupture classically presents with perineal bruising, inability to void, and lower abdominal pain following high-energy pelvic trauma.

Question 3

In penetrating abdominal trauma, which area of the abdomen has the highest density of vascular structures and poses the greatest risk of exsanguination?

Accepted Answer

Central (epigastric/periumbilical) zone

Answer

The central abdominal zone contains the aorta, inferior vena cava, superior mesenteric vessels, and portal vein, making injuries there most lethal.

Question 4

A child is struck by a car and presents with right upper quadrant tenderness and referred right shoulder pain. Which injury pattern does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Liver laceration with diaphragmatic irritation

Answer

Right-sided referred shoulder pain following blunt trauma indicates liver injury with blood irritating the right hemidiaphragm via the phrenic nerve.

Question 5

When performing a scene assessment after a shooting, which finding MOST accurately predicts intra-abdominal organ injury?

Accepted Answer

Trajectory through the abdomen based on wound locations

Answer

Wound trajectory (entrance and exit wound locations) is the best predictor of which organs may have been injured by the bullet's path.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma 4