ATLS PRE TEST 1

Which of the following physical findings suggest a cause of hypotension other than spinal cord injury? A. Prispism B. Bradycardia C. Diaphragmatic breathing D. Presence of deep tendon reflexes E. Ability to flex forearms but not extend them -ANSWER- D. Presence of deep tendon reflexes. Spinal shock refers to loss of muscle toe (flaccidty) and loss of reflexes. The primary indication for transferring A patient to a higher level trauma center is: A. Unavailibility of surgeon or operating staff B. Multiple system injuries, including severe head injury C. Resource limitations as determined by the transferring doctor D. Resource limitations as determined by the hospital administration E. Widened mediastinum on chest x-ray following blunt trauma -ANSWER- C. Resource limitations as determined by the transferring doctor (MÅ SJEKKES) A young man sustains a rifle wound to the mid-abdomen. He is brought promptly to the ED by prehospital personnel. His skin is cool and diaphoretic, and his systolic blood pressure is 58mmHg. Warmed crystalloid fluids are initiated without improvement in his vital signs. The next, most appropriate, step is to perform: A. a laparotomy B. An abdominal CT-scan C. Diagnostic laparoscopy D. Abdominal ultrasonography E. A diagnostic peritoneal lavage -ANSWER- A. Laparotomy because of hemodynamic abnormality