Emergency Medicine: Trauma Assessment

What does the mnemonic ABCDE stand for in the ATLS primary survey?

Airway (with C-spine protection), Breathing, Circulation (hemorrhage control), Disability (neurologic status), and Exposure/Environmental control.

What are the four standard anatomical windows assessed during a FAST exam?

Pericardial, hepatorenal (Morison’s pouch), splenorenal, and pelvic (suprapubic).

What three clinical categories are assessed to determine a patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score?

Eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.

What is the immediate life-saving intervention for a suspected tension pneumothorax?

Needle decompression (thoracostomy) followed by chest tube insertion.

What is the primary initial management for a hemodynamically unstable patient with a suspected 'open book' pelvic fracture?

Application of a pelvic binder at the level of the greater trochanters.

What is the classic appearance of an epidural hematoma on a non-contrast CT scan?

A hyperdense, biconvex (lens-shaped) collection that does not cross cranial suture lines.

Which class of hemorrhagic shock is characterized by a heart rate >120 bpm, decreased blood pressure, and a requirement for blood products?

Class III Hemorrhage.

How is a flail chest clinically defined?

Two or more ribs fractured in two or more places, resulting in a segment of the chest wall that moves paradoxically during respiration.

In a massive transfusion protocol (MTP), what is the typical ratio of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and platelets?

A 1:1:1 ratio.

When should the secondary survey be performed in a trauma patient?

Only after the primary survey (ABCDE) is complete and the patient's vital functions have been stabilized.