Trauma Care Flashcards

Permissive hypotension in trauma resuscitation targets a systolic blood pressure of approximately:

Answer: 80-90 mmHg

Permissive hypotension targets a systolic blood pressure of 80-90 mmHg (or MAP 50-60) to maintain minimal organ perfusion while preventing clot disruption from aggressive fluid resuscitation.

A trauma patient has clear fluid draining from the nose after a facial injury. To differentiate CSF from nasal mucus, the nurse should test for:

Answer: Glucose presence using a glucose oxidase test strip

CSF contains glucose (approximately 60% of serum glucose), while nasal mucus typically does not. A glucose oxidase test strip can help differentiate the two.

In pediatric trauma, which statement about anatomical differences is most clinically significant?

Answer: Children have a proportionally larger head and more pliable ribs, masking internal injuries

Children have proportionally larger heads (increasing cervical spine vulnerability) and more pliable rib cages that can transmit force to underlying organs without fracturing, masking serious internal injuries.

Which of the following is the most reliable early indicator of inadequate tissue perfusion in a trauma patient?

Answer: Serum lactate level

Serum lactate level is the most reliable early indicator of tissue hypoperfusion, as it reflects anaerobic metabolism at the cellular level before vital signs change significantly.

A pregnant trauma patient at 32 weeks gestation should be positioned in which manner during assessment?

Answer: Left lateral tilt of 15-30 degrees

A left lateral tilt of 15-30 degrees prevents aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus, which can decrease venous return and cardiac output by up to 30%.

The Revised Trauma Score (RTS) uses which three physiological parameters?

Answer: Glasgow Coma Scale, systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate

The Revised Trauma Score is calculated using the Glasgow Coma Scale score, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate, each coded 0-4.