PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma

Question 1

Which organ is the most commonly injured solid organ in blunt abdominal trauma?

Accepted Answer

Spleen

Answer

The spleen is the most commonly injured solid organ in blunt abdominal trauma due to its location, vascularity, and relatively fragile capsule.

Question 2

What is the primary prehospital concern with penetrating abdominal trauma?

Accepted Answer

Internal hemorrhage and hollow organ injury

Answer

Penetrating abdominal trauma can cause significant internal hemorrhage from solid organ or vascular injury and peritonitis from hollow organ perforation.

Question 3

How should eviscerated abdominal organs be managed in the prehospital setting?

Accepted Answer

Cover with moist sterile dressings and protect from further injury

Answer

Eviscerated organs should be covered with moist sterile dressings moistened with saline to prevent drying and contamination.

Question 4

A patient involved in a motorcycle crash complains of left flank pain and has signs of shock. Which injury should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Splenic laceration with hemorrhage

Answer

Left flank pain with signs of shock after blunt trauma strongly suggests splenic injury with significant hemorrhage.

Question 5

What is the significance of pelvic instability found during physical assessment of a trauma patient?

Accepted Answer

It suggests potential life-threatening pelvic hemorrhage

Answer

Pelvic instability suggests a significant pelvic fracture with high risk of life-threatening hemorrhage from the rich pelvic vascular network.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma