PHTLS 10th Edition Exam with Questions and Answers

PHTLS 10th Edition Exam with Questions and Answers 1. Your partner is compressing the bleeding site of a male patient who was stabbed multiple times in the left chest. The bleeding seems to be controlled, yet the patient becomes combative. He is pale and is breathing rapidly, yet states that he "can't breathe" and feels that he is about to die. Your next step in patient management is to: A. start assisted ventilation. B. give high-flow oxygen. C. decompress the left chest. D. give a 250-mL fluid bolus. ANSWER Question 1: C After X come A and B. You can quickly auscultate the lungs (pneumothorax is almost certain with multiple stabs in the chest) and decompress the chest. Decompressing a tension pneumothorax is the quickest way to treat shock. 2. The patient's respiration improves markedly, but he remains confused. He has an absent radial pulse, and his carotid pulse is fast and thready. Your partner asks if he can let the compression go to put in an IV. How should you respond? A. "Oh yes, that's a great idea!" B. "Yes, but we have to immobilize him first" C. "Take a blood pressure first to see if he needs an IV." D. "No, keep the pressure and let's get out of here!" ANSWER Question 2: D This patient is likely in decompensated shock with internal bleeding, so rapid transport is the next priority. You should maintain pressure on the wound, because having massive external bleeding start up again is the last thing you want in this situation.