PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Musculoskeletal Trauma 2

Question 1

What is the primary goal of splinting extremity fractures in the prehospital setting?

Accepted Answer

To prevent further injury, reduce pain, and minimize hemorrhage

Answer

To reduce the fracture to anatomic alignment

Answer

To provide definitive fracture treatment in the field

Answer

To improve cosmetic appearance of the injured limb

Question 2

A patient has a closed femur fracture. How much blood can be lost internally from this single injury?

Accepted Answer

1,000-1,500 mL

Answer

100-200 mL

Answer

500-750 mL

Answer

50-100 mL

Question 3

When is a traction splint indicated in prehospital trauma care?

Accepted Answer

For isolated midshaft femur fractures without hip or knee involvement

Answer

For all lower extremity fractures

Answer

For open fractures with exposed bone

Answer

For suspected pelvic fractures

Question 4

What neurovascular assessment should be performed before and after splinting an extremity fracture?

Accepted Answer

Assessment of pulse, sensation, and motor function distal to the injury

Answer

Blood pressure measurement in the affected extremity

Answer

ECG monitoring of the affected limb

Answer

Temperature comparison between both extremities

Question 5

How should an open fracture with exposed bone be managed in the prehospital setting?

Accepted Answer

Control hemorrhage, apply moist sterile dressing over the wound, and splint

Answer

Push the bone back into the wound and splint

Answer

Apply a tourniquet above and below the fracture site

Answer

Irrigate the wound extensively with saline in the field

Question 6

A trauma patient has a deformed ankle with no palpable dorsalis pedis pulse. What should the prehospital provider do?

Accepted Answer

Attempt gentle realignment to restore distal circulation, then splint

Answer

Immediately apply a traction splint

Answer

Transport without any intervention

Answer

Apply a tourniquet above the knee