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

Left lateral tilt of 15-30 degrees relieves uterine compression of the inferior vena cava, improving venous return and cardiac output.

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

The pediatric larynx is positioned more anteriorly and superiorly (at C3-C4 vs. C5-C6 in adults), making visualization during intubation more difficult.

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

Age-related brain atrophy stretches bridging veins across a wider subdural space, making them more vulnerable to tearing even with minor trauma.

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

Chest wall thickness in obese patients may require a longer needle (≥8 cm) or catheter to successfully reach the pleural space.

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

Beta-blockers blunt the heart rate response to hemorrhage, so the absence of tachycardia does not rule out significant blood loss in these patients.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS Special Trauma Considerations 2