PHTLS Special Trauma Considerations 2

Question 1

A pregnant trauma patient is in her 30th week of gestation. Which of the following positions is most appropriate during transport to minimize supine hypotension syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Left lateral tilt of 15-30 degrees

Answer

Supine with legs elevated 30 degrees

Answer

Right lateral decubitus position

Answer

Trendelenburg position

Question 2

When assessing a pediatric trauma patient, which anatomical feature makes airway management more challenging compared to adults?

Accepted Answer

More anterior and superior larynx

Answer

Smaller tongue relative to oral cavity

Answer

Longer trachea with greater diameter

Answer

Harder, more rigid tracheal cartilage

Question 3

An elderly patient involved in a low-speed motor vehicle collision presents with altered mental status and a subdural hematoma on CT. Which age-related factor most increases this patient's susceptibility to intracranial injury?

Accepted Answer

Brain atrophy with stretching of bridging veins

Answer

Decreased cardiac output reducing cerebral perfusion

Answer

Reduced platelet count from bone marrow suppression

Answer

Calcification of the dura mater

Question 4

A morbidly obese trauma patient requires needle thoracostomy for suspected tension pneumothorax. Which modification to the standard technique is most important?

Accepted Answer

Use a longer needle or catheter to penetrate the thicker chest wall

Answer

Use a shorter needle to avoid lung puncture

Answer

Insert the needle at the 5th intercostal space mid-axillary line only

Answer

Avoid the procedure entirely and proceed directly to finger thoracostomy

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the primary physiological concern when managing a geriatric patient who takes beta-blockers and suffers significant hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Inability to mount a compensatory tachycardia, masking shock severity

Answer

Exaggerated hypertensive response masking true volume status

Answer

Accelerated coagulation cascade leading to DIC

Answer

Increased sensitivity to opioid analgesics causing respiratory depression

Question 6

A 7-year-old child is struck by a vehicle and sustains abdominal trauma. The PHTLS provider notes a visible seatbelt mark across the abdomen. Which injury pattern should be highly suspected?

Accepted Answer

Chance fracture and hollow viscus injury

Answer

Splenic laceration and rib fractures

Answer

Liver contusion and diaphragmatic rupture

Answer

Pelvic ring disruption and bladder injury

Question 7

During a mass casualty incident involving pediatric patients, which triage tool is specifically designed and validated for use in children?

Accepted Answer

JumpSTART triage

Answer

START triage

Answer

SALT triage

Answer

CESIRA triage