PHTLS Spinal Trauma Management 3

Question 1

A football player sustains an axial loading injury to the cervical spine and is found prone on the field. The FIRST priority in management is:

Accepted Answer

Establish manual in-line stabilization and assess airway

Answer

Airway and breathing are always the first priorities; manual in-line stabilization is maintained while the airway is assessed and managed.

Question 2

In a helmet-wearing athlete with suspected cervical spine injury, PHTLS recommends leaving the helmet in place UNLESS:

Accepted Answer

The helmet prevents adequate airway assessment or management

Answer

Helmets should remain in place unless they prevent airway assessment/management, are improperly fitted, or the patient is in cardiac arrest.

Question 3

Which spinal cord injury pattern produces ipsilateral motor loss and contralateral loss of pain and temperature below the injury level?

Accepted Answer

Brown-Séquard syndrome

Answer

Brown-Séquard syndrome results from hemicord injury (often penetrating), causing ipsilateral motor/proprioception loss and contralateral pain/temperature loss.

Question 4

During a long spine board (LSB) application, a patient complains of difficulty breathing when strapped. The MOST appropriate action is:

Accepted Answer

Loosen chest straps slightly while maintaining head and pelvic securing

Answer

Chest straps that are too tight can restrict respiratory excursion; they should be loosened enough to allow adequate ventilation while the head and pelvis remain secured.

Question 5

A patient with suspected thoracic spine fracture has absent sensation below the nipple line bilaterally. Which dermatome level does this MOST closely correspond to?

Accepted Answer

T4

Answer

The T4 dermatome corresponds to the nipple line; absent sensation below this level bilaterally suggests a cord injury at approximately T4.

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS - Prehospital Trauma Life Support Practice Test

PHTLS Spinal Trauma Management 3