ATLS (Ch 1-3: Initial Assessment/Management, Airway, Shock)

Patients with a GCS of less than __ usually require intubation. - Answer- 8 The "A" in ABCDE stands for __ - Answer- Airway with C-SPINE PROTECTION You should assume any patient in a multisystem trauma with an altered level of consciousness or blunt injury above the clavicle has what type of injury? - Answer- Cervical spine injury Flail chest is invariably accompanied by ___ which can interfere with blood oxygenation. - Answer- Pulmonary contusion - do not over fluid resuscitate these patients! Hypotension is caused be ___ until proven otherwise. - Answer- Hypovolemia When you don't have/can't get a BP, what 3 things should you look for when evaluating perfusion? - Answer- 1. LOC (brain perfusion) 2. Skin color (ashen/grey) 3. Pulse (bilateral femoral - thready/tachy) Elderly patients have a limited ability to __ to compensate for blood loss. - Answer- Increase HR Resuscitation fluids should be warmed to 39 degrees C (102.2F) - can you use a microwave to do this? - Answer- YES for crystalloids, NO for blood products List 5 signs of urethral injury that may prevent you from inserting urinary catheter. - Answer- 1. Blood at urethral meatus 2. Perineal ecchymosis 3. Blood in scrotum 4. High-riding/non-palpable prostate 5. Pelvic fracture Which arm should you NOT put a pulse ox on - Answer- The arm with BP cuff Name 2 anatomical things that can interfere with FAST exam. - Answer- Obesity, intraluminal bowel gas When should radiographs be obtained? - Answer- During secondary sruvery AMPLE patients history - Answer- Allergies Medications PMH/Pregnancy Last oral intake