PHTLS Kinematics of Trauma 5

Question 1

A rifle bullet causes a wound track larger than its diameter due to which kinematic phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Temporary cavitation from high-velocity energy transfer

Answer

High-velocity projectiles transfer energy rapidly to surrounding tissues, creating a temporary cavity that can be many times the bullet's diameter.

Question 2

Which of the following vehicle safety devices can cause injury if a patient is out of position at the time of deployment?

Accepted Answer

Front airbag when the occupant is too close to the steering wheel

Answer

An occupant positioned less than 10 inches from a deploying frontal airbag can sustain serious facial, thoracic, and upper extremity injuries.

Question 3

When assessing a patient involved in a rollover crash, why should the provider assume a higher injury severity even if the patient appears stable?

Accepted Answer

Multiple impacts occur in unpredictable directions, increasing the chance of unrecognized injuries

Answer

During a rollover, occupants may sustain multiple impacts from different vectors with the vehicle interior, making injury prediction difficult and severity potentially high.

Question 4

In penetrating trauma, which wound characteristic is most consistent with a low-velocity injury?

Accepted Answer

Small entry wound with minimal surrounding tissue damage

Answer

Low-velocity weapons such as knives and handguns fired at close range cause damage primarily along the direct path of penetration with minimal cavitation.

Question 5

A child is struck by a car and found 30 feet from the point of impact. What does the distance of ejection primarily indicate?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle was traveling at high speed, predicting serious multisystem injury

Answer

Greater ejection distance correlates with higher vehicle speed at impact, which directly predicts more energy transfer and more severe injuries.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS Kinematics of Trauma 5