Trauma evaluation

Question 1

What is the first step in treating every trauma

patient?

Answer 1

Ensure the patient has a safe and adequate airway (airway,

breathing, circulation, or ABCs)

Question 2

List the contraindications to cricothyrotomy.

Answer 2

Contraindicatioins include cricotracheal separation, laryngeal fracture, and young age. Children younger than 5 to 12 years of age should have needle cricothyrotomy or primary
tracheostomy because of anatomical differences.

Question 3

Describe the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score

scoring system.

Answer 3

The GCS maximum score is 15, and the minimum score is 3.
The GCS is based on the cumulative score from three
categories: eye opening, verbal responses, and motor
responses.

Question 4

What measure is a good indicator of the resuscitation status of a trauma patient with significant blood loss?

Answer 4

Urine output

Question 5

Based on the physiology of a 70-kg man, roughly
how much blood loss must occur before hypo-
tension results?

Answer 5

1.5 to 2 L

Question 6

In an adult patient who is unsure of his or her
vaccination history, what tetanus prophylaxis
should be provided after a deep cut to the hand
with a rusty knife?

Answer 6

Tetanus-diphtheria and tetanus immune globulin

Question 7

What radiographic examination is most helpful in evaluating maxillofacial trauma?

Answer 7

Dedicated axial, sagittal, and coronal maxillofacial computed tomography (CT) with fine cuts (1 to 3 mm), including bone and soft tissue windows. Head and neck CT
should also be obtained if there is concern for intracranial or neck/laryngeal injury.