PHTLS PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Burns and Thermal Injuries 5

Question 1

During the prehospital care of a burn patient in cold weather, which thermoregulation strategy is most appropriate to prevent hypothermia without worsening the burn wound?

Accepted Answer

Use warmed IV fluids and cover non-burned areas with blankets while using clean dry dressings on burns

Answer

Burned patients lose thermoregulatory ability through destroyed skin; warm IV fluids and covering non-burned areas prevent hypothermia while clean dressings protect the wound.

Question 2

A patient sustains electrical burns after contact with a high-voltage power line. Beyond the entry and exit wounds, which organ system requires the highest priority monitoring during prehospital care?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac system for dysrhythmias caused by electrical current traversing the heart

Answer

Electrical current passing through the body can induce ventricular fibrillation and other life-threatening dysrhythmias; continuous cardiac monitoring is essential.

Question 3

Which burn pattern should immediately raise suspicion of non-accidental trauma (child abuse) in a pediatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Symmetric stocking or glove distribution scald burns with sharp demarcation lines

Answer

Symmetric, sharply demarcated scald burns in a stocking or glove distribution indicate forced immersion injury, a classic pattern of intentional abuse.

Question 4

A patient with 30% TBSA burns is agitated, tachycardic, and has a blood pressure of 88/60 mmHg 2 hours after injury despite IV fluid resuscitation. What is the most likely cause of the hemodynamic instability?

Accepted Answer

Hypovolemic shock from fluid shifts and increased capillary permeability

Answer

Massive fluid shifts due to increased capillary permeability in the early post-burn period cause hypovolemic shock requiring aggressive crystalloid resuscitation.

Question 5

When treating a patient with burns involving the genitalia and perineum, what is the primary prehospital concern beyond wound management?

Accepted Answer

Immediate urinary catheter insertion to prevent urethral swelling and obstruction

Answer

Genital and perineal burns cause rapid edema that can occlude the urethra; early catheterization before swelling progresses is necessary to ensure urinary drainage.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Burns and Thermal Injuries 5