PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Special Trauma Considerations 2

Question 1

How does pregnancy affect the assessment and management of a trauma patient according to PHTLS?

Accepted Answer

Physiologic changes of pregnancy alter vital sign interpretation and positioning, and there are two patients to consider

Answer

Pregnant patients should be treated identically to non-pregnant patients

Answer

Trauma in pregnancy never affects the fetus

Answer

Pregnant patients should not receive fluid resuscitation

Question 2

What unique considerations apply to geriatric trauma patients in PHTLS?

Accepted Answer

Decreased physiologic reserve, medication effects, and atypical presentations make assessment more challenging

Answer

Elderly patients always present with classic shock signs

Answer

Age alone determines injury severity

Answer

Geriatric patients should not be triaged to trauma centers

Question 3

How should PHTLS providers approach trauma patients with obesity?

Accepted Answer

Airway management is more challenging, landmarks are obscured, medication dosing may differ, and extrication requires planning

Answer

No modifications to standard assessment are needed

Answer

Obese patients cannot go into shock

Answer

Standard equipment works for all body types

Question 4

What is the primary prehospital concern with blast injuries according to PHTLS?

Accepted Answer

Multi-mechanism injuries from blast wave, fragmentation, body displacement, and structural collapse

Answer

Superficial burns only

Answer

Only hearing loss

Answer

Blast injuries are always immediately fatal

Question 5

How does PHTLS recommend managing trauma in patients with physical disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Baseline functional status must be established to identify new deficits, and standard protocols may need modification

Answer

Disability does not affect trauma assessment

Answer

Disabled patients should not be immobilized

Answer

Only specialized teams can treat disabled trauma patients

Question 6

What environmental emergency does PHTLS teach as a complication of prolonged extrication in trauma?

Accepted Answer

Crush syndrome with risk of hyperkalemia and renal failure upon release

Answer

Only dehydration

Answer

Mild hypothermia only

Answer

No environmental complications occur during extrication