Chapter Review Questions for the
ATLS Student Course Manual
APPROVED BY:
,Chapter Review Questions
for the
ATLS
Student Course Manual
Dr. Ken Evans, MD
, atls.yolasite.com
Chapter 1 Initial Assessment and Management
A cast-cutter should be used to remove a trauma victim's helmet if there is evidence
of a C-spine injury or if .
the patient experiences pain or paresthesias during an initial attempt to remove the
helmet.
The "A" in ABCDE stands for .
Airway; however, always be cautious about and protect the cervical spine.
Any patient who is cool and tachycardic is considered to be until proven
otherwise.
in shock
The definition of tachycardia depends on the patient's age. What heart rate is
considered tachycardic for infants, toddlers/preschoolers, school age/prebuscent,
and adults?
Infants > 160,
toddlers/preschoolers > 140,
school age/prepubescent > 120, and
adults > 100
Compensatory mechanisms may preclude a measurable fall in systolic blood
pressure until up to % of the patient's blood volume is lost.
30%
What is the trauma triad of death?
The trauma triad of death is the combination of hypothermia, coagulopathy, and
acidosis. Severe hemorrhage in trauma diminishes oxygen delivery, and may lead
to hypothermia. Hypothermia, in turn, can halt the coagulation cascade, which
exacerbates the hemorrhage. Since tissues are hypoperfused, anaerobic metabolism
increases, causing the release of lactic acid and other acidic compounds. Such an
increase in acidity can reduce myocardial performance, further exacerbating tissue
hypoperfusion. And so, the viscious cycle continues, ultimately ending in death ...
unless someone trained in ATLS intervenes.
A patient may be abusive and belligerent because of , so don't just assume it's
due to drugs, alcohol, or that he is a jerk.
hypoxia
1
, atls.yolasite.com
Describe the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
A patient opens her eyes only to painful stimuli, utters inappropriate words, and
localizes pain. What is her GCS score?
E=2
V=3
M=5
Therefore, GCS = 2+3+5 = 10
Patients with a GSC of less than usually require intubation.
9
2
ATLS Student Course Manual
APPROVED BY:
,Chapter Review Questions
for the
ATLS
Student Course Manual
Dr. Ken Evans, MD
, atls.yolasite.com
Chapter 1 Initial Assessment and Management
A cast-cutter should be used to remove a trauma victim's helmet if there is evidence
of a C-spine injury or if .
the patient experiences pain or paresthesias during an initial attempt to remove the
helmet.
The "A" in ABCDE stands for .
Airway; however, always be cautious about and protect the cervical spine.
Any patient who is cool and tachycardic is considered to be until proven
otherwise.
in shock
The definition of tachycardia depends on the patient's age. What heart rate is
considered tachycardic for infants, toddlers/preschoolers, school age/prebuscent,
and adults?
Infants > 160,
toddlers/preschoolers > 140,
school age/prepubescent > 120, and
adults > 100
Compensatory mechanisms may preclude a measurable fall in systolic blood
pressure until up to % of the patient's blood volume is lost.
30%
What is the trauma triad of death?
The trauma triad of death is the combination of hypothermia, coagulopathy, and
acidosis. Severe hemorrhage in trauma diminishes oxygen delivery, and may lead
to hypothermia. Hypothermia, in turn, can halt the coagulation cascade, which
exacerbates the hemorrhage. Since tissues are hypoperfused, anaerobic metabolism
increases, causing the release of lactic acid and other acidic compounds. Such an
increase in acidity can reduce myocardial performance, further exacerbating tissue
hypoperfusion. And so, the viscious cycle continues, ultimately ending in death ...
unless someone trained in ATLS intervenes.
A patient may be abusive and belligerent because of , so don't just assume it's
due to drugs, alcohol, or that he is a jerk.
hypoxia
1
, atls.yolasite.com
Describe the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).
A patient opens her eyes only to painful stimuli, utters inappropriate words, and
localizes pain. What is her GCS score?
E=2
V=3
M=5
Therefore, GCS = 2+3+5 = 10
Patients with a GSC of less than usually require intubation.
9
2
