PHTLS Kinematics of Trauma 3

Question 1

How does a high-velocity rifle round produce more tissue damage than a low-velocity handgun round of the same caliber?

Accepted Answer

The rifle bullet's higher velocity exponentially increases kinetic energy transfer and temporary cavitation

Answer

Because KE = ½mv², doubling velocity quadruples kinetic energy, allowing high-velocity rounds to transfer far more energy to tissue and produce much larger temporary cavities.

Question 2

Yaw and tumbling of a bullet after it enters tissue is significant because it:

Accepted Answer

Increases the surface area presented to tissue, dramatically increasing energy transfer

Answer

When a bullet yaws or tumbles it presents a larger cross-sectional area to surrounding tissue, increasing drag and energy transfer and creating a larger wound channel.

Question 3

Which PHTLS concept describes the brief window of time during which definitive hemorrhage control and surgical intervention can prevent death from trauma?

Accepted Answer

The golden period

Answer

The 'golden period' (historically 'golden hour') represents the time-sensitive interval after injury when aggressive intervention can prevent progression to irreversible shock and death.

Question 4

In a rollover vehicle collision, the greatest risk to unbelted occupants is:

Accepted Answer

Ejection and subsequent ground impact

Answer

Rollovers dramatically increase the risk of partial or complete ejection; ejected occupants face a second, high-energy ground impact with a mortality risk three times higher than restrained occupants.

Question 5

Secondary blast injury is caused by:

Accepted Answer

Fragmentation and shrapnel striking the body

Answer

Secondary blast injuries result from fragments and shrapnel propelled by the explosion striking the patient, producing penetrating trauma similar to gunshot or stab wounds.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS Kinematics of Trauma 3