ATLS test questions and answers

ABCDE Mnemonic CORRECT ANSWERS: A - Airway with cervical spine protection B - Breathing C - Circulation, stop bleeding D - Disability or neurological status E - Exposure (undress) & Environment (temperature control) Breathing & ventilation - injuries that impair ventilation CORRECT ANSWERS: Severe impairment: * Tension pneumothorax * Flail chest with pulmonary contusion * Massive haemothorax * Open pneumothorax Lesser impairment * Simple pneumothorax / haemothorax * Rib # * Pulmonary contusion Circulation with heamorrhage control - assessing haemodynamic status CORRECT ANSWERS: LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS Altered level of consciousness may indicate: - ↓ circulating blood volume ∴ ↓ cerebral perfusion SKIN COLOR PULSE * Full, regular pulse = normovolaemia * Rapid, thready pulse ?hypovolaemia Adjuncts to primary survey - ECG CORRECT ANSWERS: Indicators of blunt cardiac injury: DYSRHYTHMIAS: * Tachycardia * AF * PVC * ST changes PEA can indicate: * Cardiac tamponade * Tension pneumothorax * Hypovolaemia Consider hypoxia & hypo-perfusion if: * Bradycardia * Aberrant conduction * Premature beats