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

PHTLS has adopted the term 'spinal motion restriction' to more accurately describe the goal of limiting spinal movement rather than true immobilization.

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

PHTLS references the NEXUS criteria and Canadian C-spine Rule to help determine which patients can safely be cleared of cervical spine injury.

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

PHTLS has moved away from prolonged long backboard use toward vacuum mattresses and scoop stretchers that provide better immobilization with less complication risk.

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

The front of the cervical collar is removed to allow adequate mouth opening, while a second provider maintains manual inline stabilization.

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

Neurogenic shock results from disruption of sympathetic pathways below the spinal cord injury level.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Spinal Trauma Management 2