Management of polytrauma patients MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 28, 2024

What is the primary goal in the management of polytrauma patients?
A) To treat all injuries simultaneously
B) To stabilize life-threatening conditions first
C) To provide pain relief
D) To begin rehabilitation
Answer: B) To stabilize life-threatening conditions first

Which assessment method is crucial for initial evaluation of polytrauma patients?
A) Head-to-toe physical exam
B) Detailed medical history
C) ABCDE approach
D) Laboratory tests
Answer: C) ABCDE approach

In the ABCDE approach, what does ‘D’ stand for?
A) Disability
B) Drugs
C) Diagnosis
D) Dystrophy
Answer: A) Disability

What is the primary concern during the ‘Airway’ assessment in polytrauma?
A) Pain management
B) Airway obstruction
C) Breathing difficulties
D) Circulation problems
Answer: B) Airway obstruction

What type of imaging is often prioritized in the assessment of polytrauma patients?
A) Ultrasound
B) CT scan
C) X-ray
D) MRI
Answer: B) CT scan

What is the most critical intervention for a patient with suspected tension pneumothorax?
A) Administering oxygen
B) Intubation
C) Needle decompression
D) Fluid resuscitation
Answer: C) Needle decompression

Which classification system is often used to prioritize trauma interventions?
A) Glasgow Coma Scale
B) Revised Trauma Score
C) Abbreviated Injury Scale
D) Trauma and Injury Severity Score
Answer: D) Trauma and Injury Severity Score

What is the significance of performing a FAST exam in polytrauma?
A) To assess neurological function
B) To evaluate for abdominal bleeding
C) To monitor vital signs
D) To perform a bone assessment
Answer: B) To evaluate for abdominal bleeding

What is a common complication in polytrauma patients that can complicate management?
A) Hypertension
B) Infection
C) Osteoporosis
D) Hypotension
Answer: B) Infection

What is the recommended fluid resuscitation strategy in polytrauma patients with hemorrhagic shock?
A) Administer large volumes of crystalloids
B) Restrict fluids to prevent overload
C) Administer blood products early
D) Use only intravenous antibiotics
Answer: C) Administer blood products early

Which of the following is a potential indicator of spinal cord injury in polytrauma patients?
A) Severe abdominal pain
B) Loss of sensation below the injury level
C) Flushed skin
D) Respiratory distress
Answer: B) Loss of sensation below the injury level

What does the term ‘massive transfusion’ refer to in trauma management?
A) Administration of more than 10 units of blood
B) Any blood transfusion
C) Rapid transfusion of 5 units in less than 2 hours
D) Transfusion of blood products to correct coagulopathy
Answer: C) Rapid transfusion of 5 units in less than 2 hours

Which of the following is crucial for pain management in polytrauma patients?
A) Avoid all analgesics
B) Use only narcotics
C) Administer multimodal analgesia
D) Focus solely on psychological support
Answer: C) Administer multimodal analgesia

What is the primary purpose of using a pelvic binder in trauma management?
A) To immobilize the spine
B) To control hemorrhage from pelvic fractures
C) To stabilize lower limb fractures
D) To support the abdomen
Answer: B) To control hemorrhage from pelvic fractures

What should be monitored continuously in polytrauma patients during initial management?
A) Vital signs
B) Mobility
C) Appetite
D) Skin integrity
Answer: A) Vital signs

What is the main goal of secondary survey in polytrauma patients?
A) To stabilize life-threatening conditions
B) To identify and treat all injuries
C) To perform surgery
D) To assess the patient’s emotional state
Answer: B) To identify and treat all injuries

In the management of polytrauma, what does ‘early damage control surgery’ aim to achieve?
A) Complete surgical repair of all injuries
B) Control hemorrhage and prevent further injury
C) Provide palliative care
D) Delay surgical intervention
Answer: B) Control hemorrhage and prevent further injury

What is the significance of monitoring coagulation status in polytrauma patients?
A) To assess infection risk
B) To evaluate liver function
C) To prevent and manage coagulopathy
D) To determine medication efficacy
Answer: C) To prevent and manage coagulopathy

Which of the following conditions may require urgent surgical intervention in polytrauma?
A) Stable rib fractures
B) Intracranial hemorrhage
C) Minor lacerations
D) Contusions
Answer: B) Intracranial hemorrhage

What is a common indicator of abdominal injury in polytrauma patients?
A) Hematuria
B) Jaundice
C) Hypoglycemia
D) Bradycardia
Answer: A) Hematuria

In managing polytrauma, what is the purpose of using a secondary assessment after the primary survey?
A) To prioritize surgeries
B) To identify non-life-threatening injuries
C) To prepare for discharge
D) To perform rehabilitation
Answer: B) To identify non-life-threatening injuries

Which intervention is critical for managing airway issues in polytrauma patients?
A) Applying a cervical collar
B) Performing intubation
C) Administering IV fluids
D) Providing analgesics
Answer: B) Performing intubation

What is the most common cause of death in polytrauma patients?
A) Infection
B) Hypovolemic shock
C) Cardiac arrest
D) Traumatic brain injury
Answer: B) Hypovolemic shock

What role do antibiotics play in the management of polytrauma patients?
A) To reduce pain
B) To prevent infection
C) To improve blood flow
D) To control blood pressure
Answer: B) To prevent infection

What is the first-line treatment for a patient presenting with suspected spinal cord injury?
A) Immediate surgery
B) Stabilization of the spine
C) Administration of pain medication
D) Mobilization
Answer: B) Stabilization of the spine

What is the typical time frame for conducting a secondary survey in trauma patients?
A) Within 30 minutes
B) After 1 hour
C) Immediately after the primary survey
D) Within 24 hours
Answer: C) Immediately after the primary survey

What is a potential risk of rapid fluid resuscitation in trauma patients?
A) Hypotension
B) Coagulopathy
C) Hyperglycemia
D) Bradycardia
Answer: B) Coagulopathy

Which of the following factors is critical in determining the need for surgery in polytrauma patients?
A) Patient’s age
B) Mechanism of injury
C) Presence of comorbid conditions
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is the purpose of using a tourniquet in polytrauma management?
A) To prevent infection
B) To control severe bleeding
C) To stabilize fractures
D) To reduce pain
Answer: B) To control severe bleeding

Which of the following is a sign of compartment syndrome?
A) Cold extremities
B) Absent pulses
C) Pain on passive stretching
D) Swelling
Answer: C) Pain on passive stretching

What does the term ‘triage’ mean in the context of polytrauma management?
A) To discharge patients
B) To prioritize treatment based on severity
C) To perform surgical procedures
D) To manage rehabilitation
Answer: B) To prioritize treatment based on severity

What is the role of imaging studies in the management of polytrauma?
A) To provide psychological support
B) To assess for internal injuries
C) To evaluate blood flow
D) To monitor vital signs
Answer: B) To assess for internal injuries

In polytrauma management, what is the most important factor for successful outcomes?
A) Speed of intervention
B) Availability of resources
C) Coordination of care
D) Patient’s age
Answer: C) Coordination of care

What is the main focus of rehabilitation in polytrauma patients?
A) Pain management
B) Psychological support
C) Functional recovery
D) Surgical outcomes
Answer: C) Functional recovery

Which of the following interventions is essential for preventing deep vein thrombosis in polytrauma patients?
A) Bed rest
B) Early mobilization
C) High doses of opioids
D) Use of splints
Answer: B) Early mobilization

What is the significance of monitoring vital signs in polytrauma patients?
A) To assess recovery progress
B) To detect changes in physiological status
C) To evaluate nutritional needs
D) To determine rehabilitation needs
Answer: B) To detect changes in physiological status

What is a common psychological effect experienced by polytrauma patients?
A) Enhanced resilience
B) Depression and anxiety
C) Increased sociability
D) Lack of memory
Answer: B) Depression and anxiety

Which of the following is crucial in the communication within the trauma team?
A) Direct and clear communication
B) Avoiding confrontation
C) Only following the hierarchy
D) Using complex medical jargon
Answer: A) Direct and clear communication

What is a key consideration when managing pediatric polytrauma patients?
A) They require less monitoring
B) Their anatomy and physiology differ from adults
C) They are less susceptible to injury
D) Their pain perception is the same as adults
Answer: B) Their anatomy and physiology differ from adults

Which team member is often responsible for coordinating care in polytrauma cases?
A) The trauma surgeon
B) The primary care physician
C) The trauma nurse coordinator
D) The radiologist
Answer: C) The trauma nurse coordinator

What is the most important factor in determining fluid resuscitation volume in polytrauma patients?
A) Patient’s age
B) Mechanism of injury
C) Clinical status and response
D) Time since injury
Answer: C) Clinical status and response