PHTLS 10th Edition Airway, Trauma & Abdominal Injury | Key Concepts & Exam Prep
What does Boyle's Law state? At a constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is
inversely proportional to its volume (P1V1 = P2V2).
How does Boyle's Law apply to Increasing thoracic volume during inspiration
trauma care? decreases intrathoracic pressure, drawing air into the
lungs.
What can happen if there is over- It can raise intrathoracic pressure, decrease venous
bagging with a BVM? return, and worsen hypotension.
What is Henry's Law? The amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is directly
proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above
the liquid.
What is The Bends (Decompression A condition where nitrogen forms bubbles in blood
Sickness)? and tissues when divers ascend too quickly, causing
joint pain and other symptoms.
What causes High Altitude Pulmonary Lower atmospheric pressure and hypoxia at high
Edema (HAPE)? altitude lead to pulmonary vasoconstriction and fluid
leakage into alveoli.
What symptoms are associated with Headache, altered mental status, ataxia, and
High Altitude Cerebral Edema potentially coma due to cerebral vasodilation and
(HACE)? edema.
What does the abdominal cavity Both solid organs (liver, spleen, kidneys) and hollow
contain? organs (stomach, intestines, bladder).
What happens when hollow organs They leak contents into the peritoneal cavity, causing
rupture? chemical and bacterial peritonitis.
What does localized peritoneal pain Irritation in a specific area of the abdomen.
suggest?
What is the 'Platinum 10 minutes' The goal of limiting on-scene time to 10 minutes or
concept? less in critical trauma patients to reduce delays to
definitive care.
, PHTLS 10th Edition Airway, Trauma & Abdominal Injury | Key Concepts & Exam Prep
What interventions should be Immediate life threats and actions that significantly
prioritized on scene? change outcomes without delaying transport.
When should tourniquets be applied? Early for life-threatening extremity hemorrhage; high
and tight if the precise location is unclear.
What is the purpose of a chest seal or To prevent air from entering the pleural space and
occlusive dressing? developing into a tension pneumothorax.
What signs indicate the need for Severe respiratory distress, unilateral decreased
needle decompression? breath sounds, hypotension, and JVD.
What is the role of airway adjuncts To maintain airway patency when the patient cannot
(OPA/NPA)? do so independently but still has protective reflexes.
What should be avoided during BVM Hyperventilation and excessive pressure to prevent
ventilation? gastric insufflation and decreased preload.
What is the approach for intubation in Consider only if it can be done quickly and safely
trauma patients? without delaying transport.
What is the purpose of a pelvic To reduce pelvic volume and tamponade hemorrhage
binder? in suspected pelvic fractures.
What should be done in traumatic Search for and correct reversible causes quickly.
arrest during CPR?
When should IV access be En route when possible to avoid scene delays.
established in trauma care?
What is the significance of mechanism It provides critical clues to internal injuries and the
of injury (MOI)? likelihood of significant trauma.
What does Boyle's Law state? At a constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is
inversely proportional to its volume (P1V1 = P2V2).
How does Boyle's Law apply to Increasing thoracic volume during inspiration
trauma care? decreases intrathoracic pressure, drawing air into the
lungs.
What can happen if there is over- It can raise intrathoracic pressure, decrease venous
bagging with a BVM? return, and worsen hypotension.
What is Henry's Law? The amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is directly
proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above
the liquid.
What is The Bends (Decompression A condition where nitrogen forms bubbles in blood
Sickness)? and tissues when divers ascend too quickly, causing
joint pain and other symptoms.
What causes High Altitude Pulmonary Lower atmospheric pressure and hypoxia at high
Edema (HAPE)? altitude lead to pulmonary vasoconstriction and fluid
leakage into alveoli.
What symptoms are associated with Headache, altered mental status, ataxia, and
High Altitude Cerebral Edema potentially coma due to cerebral vasodilation and
(HACE)? edema.
What does the abdominal cavity Both solid organs (liver, spleen, kidneys) and hollow
contain? organs (stomach, intestines, bladder).
What happens when hollow organs They leak contents into the peritoneal cavity, causing
rupture? chemical and bacterial peritonitis.
What does localized peritoneal pain Irritation in a specific area of the abdomen.
suggest?
What is the 'Platinum 10 minutes' The goal of limiting on-scene time to 10 minutes or
concept? less in critical trauma patients to reduce delays to
definitive care.
, PHTLS 10th Edition Airway, Trauma & Abdominal Injury | Key Concepts & Exam Prep
What interventions should be Immediate life threats and actions that significantly
prioritized on scene? change outcomes without delaying transport.
When should tourniquets be applied? Early for life-threatening extremity hemorrhage; high
and tight if the precise location is unclear.
What is the purpose of a chest seal or To prevent air from entering the pleural space and
occlusive dressing? developing into a tension pneumothorax.
What signs indicate the need for Severe respiratory distress, unilateral decreased
needle decompression? breath sounds, hypotension, and JVD.
What is the role of airway adjuncts To maintain airway patency when the patient cannot
(OPA/NPA)? do so independently but still has protective reflexes.
What should be avoided during BVM Hyperventilation and excessive pressure to prevent
ventilation? gastric insufflation and decreased preload.
What is the approach for intubation in Consider only if it can be done quickly and safely
trauma patients? without delaying transport.
What is the purpose of a pelvic To reduce pelvic volume and tamponade hemorrhage
binder? in suspected pelvic fractures.
What should be done in traumatic Search for and correct reversible causes quickly.
arrest during CPR?
When should IV access be En route when possible to avoid scene delays.
established in trauma care?
What is the significance of mechanism It provides critical clues to internal injuries and the
of injury (MOI)? likelihood of significant trauma.
