PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Spinal Trauma Management 2

Question 1

What is the current PHTLS terminology for managing the spine of a trauma patient?

Accepted Answer

Spinal motion restriction

Answer

Spinal immobilization

Answer

Spinal fixation

Answer

Spinal stabilization

Question 2

Which clinical decision tool does PHTLS reference for determining the need for spinal motion restriction?

Accepted Answer

NEXUS criteria and Canadian C-spine Rule

Answer

Wells Criteria

Answer

Ottawa Ankle Rules

Answer

Centor Criteria

Question 3

What is the preferred device for transporting a trauma patient requiring spinal motion restriction?

Accepted Answer

Vacuum mattress or padded scoop stretcher transferred to ambulance stretcher

Answer

Long backboard for the entire transport duration

Answer

Short backboard for all patients

Answer

No device; just apply a cervical collar

Question 4

How should the cervical spine be managed during intubation of a trauma patient?

Accepted Answer

Have an assistant provide manual inline stabilization while the front of the collar is removed for mouth opening

Answer

Remove the cervical collar completely and extend the neck normally

Answer

Cancel intubation if a c-spine injury is suspected

Answer

Apply traction to the neck during intubation

Question 5

What is the significance of neurogenic shock in spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

It results from loss of sympathetic tone below the injury causing vasodilation, bradycardia, and hypotension

Answer

It is identical to spinal shock

Answer

It only occurs with lumbar spine injuries

Answer

It always resolves within minutes

Question 6

According to PHTLS, what finding during assessment most strongly suggests a cervical spine injury?

Accepted Answer

Midline cervical tenderness with a significant mechanism of injury

Answer

Headache alone

Answer

Mild neck stiffness without trauma history

Answer

Shoulder pain only