PHTLS Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma 5

Question 1

A motorcyclist is thrown from his bike and presents with lower rib fractures on the left. Which underlying organ injury must be STRONGLY suspected?

Accepted Answer

Splenic injury

Answer

Left lower rib fractures are closely associated with splenic injury because the spleen lies immediately beneath these ribs.

Question 2

In the context of PHTLS, 'damage control resuscitation' in the prehospital phase refers to:

Accepted Answer

Limiting crystalloids, using blood products when available, and permissive hypotension

Answer

Damage control resuscitation limits crystalloids to prevent dilutional coagulopathy, uses blood products, and accepts permissive hypotension until surgical control.

Question 3

A female patient in her third trimester of pregnancy suffers blunt abdominal trauma. Which placental injury is the MOST life-threatening to the fetus?

Accepted Answer

Placental abruption

Answer

Placental abruption, premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, is the leading cause of fetal death following maternal trauma.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why the pediatric patient is at higher risk for solid organ injury from blunt abdominal trauma compared to adults?

Accepted Answer

Children have less subcutaneous fat and a more compliant chest wall, providing less protection

Answer

The pediatric thorax is highly compliant, so significant force is transmitted directly to underlying organs without rib fractures serving as a warning sign.

Question 5

A trauma patient has a gunshot wound to the right flank and is hemodynamically stable. During transport, vital signs suddenly deteriorate. The MOST likely explanation is:

Accepted Answer

Delayed rupture of a solid organ or vascular structure

Answer

Delayed hemodynamic deterioration following penetrating abdominal trauma typically indicates delayed solid organ rupture or vascular injury that was not bleeding initially.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma 5