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

Pregnancy causes physiologic changes that alter vital sign interpretation, and both maternal and fetal well-being must be considered.

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 have diminished physiologic reserve, take medications that mask shock signs, and often present atypically.

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

Obesity presents unique challenges including difficult airway management, obscured anatomic landmarks, and equipment limitations.

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

Blast injuries produce four distinct mechanisms of injury simultaneously, creating complex multi-system trauma.

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

Knowing the patient's pre-injury baseline is essential to distinguish new deficits from pre-existing conditions.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test