Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Pediatric trauma considerations. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 1: An 8-year-old boy and his 26-year-old babysitter are brought into the emergency department with severe injuries caused by a motor vehicle accident. The child is wheeled to the pediatric intensive care unit with a severe injury to his right arm, as well as other external and internal injuries. He is hemorrhaging and found to be hemodynamically unstable. He subsequently requires transfusion and surgery, and he is currently unconscious. The pediatric trauma surgeon evaluates the child’s arm and realizes it will need to be amputated at the elbow. Which of the following is the most appropriate course of action to take with regards to the amputation?
- A. Obtain an emergency court order from a judge to obtain consent to amputate the child’s arm
- B. Find the child’s parents to obtain consent to amputate the child’s arm
- C. Amputate the child’s arm at the elbow joint (Correct Answer)
- D. Wait for the child’s babysitter to recover from her injuries to obtain her consent to amputate the child’s arm
- E. Wait for the child to gain consciousness to obtain his consent to amputate his arm
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***Amputate the child’s arm at the elbow joint***
- In an emergency situation where a child's life is at risk and a procedure is immediately necessary to save their life or prevent significant harm, **implied consent** allows for medical intervention without explicit parental consent. The child's **hemodynamic instability** and **severe hemorrhage** indicate an immediate threat to life.
- The decision to amputate to save the child's life is a **medically necessary emergency intervention**. Waiting for consent would cause a dangerous delay.
*Obtain an emergency court order from a judge to obtain consent to amputate the child’s arm*
- While court orders can be used in cases of parental refusal or unavailability for non-emergency procedures, the **urgent nature** of this life-threatening situation precludes waiting for a court order.
- The delay in obtaining a court order could significantly worsen the child's prognosis or lead to death.
*Find the child’s parents to obtain consent to amputate the child’s arm*
- Although parental consent is generally required for minors, the child's **critical condition** and **hemodynamic instability** mean delaying life-saving treatment to locate parents would be medically irresponsible.
- The principle of **beneficence** (acting in the best interest of the patient) and avoiding harm takes precedence in this emergency.
*Wait for the child’s babysitter to recover from her injuries to obtain her consent to amputate the child’s arm*
- A babysitter is generally not legally authorized to provide consent for major medical procedures for a child, especially an amputation.
- Even if the babysitter had some form of temporary custody, her own injury makes her an unreliable source of consent, and the delay would be critical.
*Wait for the child to gain consciousness to obtain his consent to amputate his arm*
- An 8-year-old child is generally not considered mature enough to provide **informed consent** for such a major medical decision.
- The child is **unconscious and hemodynamically unstable**, making it impossible to obtain consent and dangerously delaying a life-saving procedure.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 2: A 7-year-old boy presents to the pediatric emergency department for knee pain. The child fell while riding his skateboard yesterday. He claims that ever since then he has had swelling and knee pain that is severe. His parents state that he has trouble walking due to the pain. The child has a past medical history of seasonal allergies and asthma. His current medications include loratadine, albuterol, and fluticasone. His temperature is 99.5°F (37.5°C), blood pressure is 95/48 mmHg, pulse is 110/min, respirations are 17/min, and oxygen saturation is 98% on room air. On physical exam, you note a young boy laying on the stretcher in pain. Cardiopulmonary exam is within normal limits. Inspection of the patient's left knee reveals an erythematous knee that is tender and warm to the touch. Passive movement of the knee elicits pain. The patient refuses to walk so you are unable to assess his gait. Which of the following is the best initial step in management?
- A. ESR, CRP, and CBC
- B. Arthrocentesis (Correct Answer)
- C. CT scan
- D. Antibiotics
- E. Supportive therapy and further physical exam
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***Arthrocentesis***
- The patient presents with classic signs of **septic arthritis**, including acute onset of severe knee pain, warmth, erythema, tenderness, and refusal to bear weight, especially following a minor trauma which can sometimes be a precipitating factor or merely draw attention to existing infection.
- **Arthrocentesis** is the most crucial diagnostic and therapeutic step in suspected septic arthritis, as it allows for fluid analysis (cell count, Gram stain, culture) to identify the causative organism and guide targeted antibiotic therapy.
*ESR, CRP, and CBC*
- While these labs (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and complete blood count) are important for assessing the degree of **inflammation** and **infection**, they are not the definitive initial step for diagnosing septic arthritis.
- These tests support the suspicion of infection but do not provide the specific bacterial diagnosis or immediate relief of joint pressure that arthrocentesis offers.
*CT scan*
- A CT scan is generally not the initial diagnostic modality for **acute septic arthritis** unless there is a concern for osteomyelitis or other bony involvement not clearly visible on plain radiographs or if aspiration is difficult.
- **Plain radiographs** are usually the first imaging study to rule out fracture or other bony pathology, but they cannot diagnose joint infection.
*Antibiotics*
- While antibiotics are essential for treating septic arthritis, initiating them **before
arthrocentesis** can **sterilize the joint fluid**, making culture results negative and hindering the identification of the specific pathogen.
- Empirical antibiotics should only begin *after* joint fluid has been aspirated for diagnostic purposes.
*Supportive therapy and further physical exam*
- Supportive therapy (e.g., pain control, immobilization) is important but **insufficient** as the sole initial management for suspected septic arthritis, which is a **medical emergency**.
- Delaying definitive diagnosis and treatment (arthrocentesis) can lead to **rapid joint destruction** and long-term morbidity, outweighing the benefit of further physical exam beyond initial assessment.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 3: A 6-month-old male presents to the emergency department with his parents after his three-year-old brother hit him on the arm with a toy truck. His parents are concerned that the minor trauma caused an unusual amount of bruising. The patient has otherwise been developing well and meeting all his milestones. His parents report that he sleeps throughout the night and has just started to experiment with solid food. The patient’s older brother is in good health, but the patient’s mother reports that some members of her family have an unknown blood disorder. On physical exam, the patient is agitated and difficult to soothe. He has 2-3 inches of ecchymoses and swelling on the lateral aspect of the left forearm. The patient has a neurological exam within normal limits and pale skin with blue irises. An ophthalmologic evaluation is deferred.
Which of the following is the best initial step?
- A. Genetic testing
- B. Complete blood count and coagulation panel (Correct Answer)
- C. Ensure the child's safety and alert the police
- D. Peripheral blood smear
- E. Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***Complete blood count and coagulation panel***
- The unusual amount of **bruising** after minor trauma, along with a family history of an unknown blood disorder, strongly suggests a potential **bleeding disorder**. A **CBC** and a **coagulation panel** (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen) are essential initial steps to evaluate for abnormalities in platelets, clotting factors, or other hematologic conditions.
- These tests can help narrow down the differential diagnosis between **platelet dysfunction**, **coagulopathies** (like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease), or other less common bleeding disorders, guiding further specific investigations.
- **Important consideration:** The presence of **blue sclera** (described as "blue irises") raises concern for **osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)**, a connective tissue disorder causing bone fragility. However, initial hematologic screening is still appropriate given the family history of blood disorder and presentation of excessive bruising. If coagulation studies are normal, imaging and further workup for OI would be indicated.
*Genetic testing*
- While a genetic component is plausible given the patient's family history and clinical presentation (blue sclera may suggest osteogenesis imperfecta), **genetic testing** is typically performed *after* initial laboratory workup has identified a specific type of bleeding or inherited disorder.
- Starting with genetic testing without basic hematologic parameters is not the most efficient or cost-effective initial diagnostic approach.
*Ensure the child's safety and alert the police*
- While child abuse should always be considered in cases of unexplained or excessive bruising, the presence of a **family history of a blood disorder** and the **blue sclera** (suggesting possible osteogenesis imperfecta) make **medical causes** more immediate concerns for initial investigation.
- Pursuing a medical workup first often clarifies whether abuse is the primary explanation, although child protective services should be notified if suspicion remains high after medical evaluation.
*Peripheral blood smear*
- A **peripheral blood smear** provides information on red blood cell morphology, platelet size and number, and white blood cell differential. While useful in assessing for some hematologic conditions, it is often performed *after* a CBC has indicated abnormalities or in conjunction with specialized testing.
- It would not be the *best initial step* as it doesn't directly assess clotting factor function, which is critical in evaluating significant bruising severity.
*Hemoglobin electrophoresis*
- **Hemoglobin electrophoresis** is used to diagnose **hemoglobinopathies** like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia.
- The patient's symptoms (easy bruising) are not characteristic of hemoglobinopathies, and while he has pale skin, this test would not be the initial step to investigate a bleeding disorder.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 4: A 33-year-old pilot is transported to the emergency department after she was involved in a cargo plane crash during a military training exercise in South Korea. She is conscious but confused. She has no history of serious illness and takes no medications. Physical examination shows numerous lacerations and ecchymoses over the face, trunk, and upper extremities. The lower extremities are cool to the touch. There is continued bleeding despite the application of firm pressure to the sites of injury. The first physiologic response to develop in this patient was most likely which of the following?
- A. Increased respiratory rate
- B. Increased capillary refill time
- C. Decreased systolic blood pressure
- D. Decreased urine output
- E. Increased heart rate (Correct Answer)
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***Increased heart rate***
- **Tachycardia** is often the first physiological response to **hypovolemia** (due to hemorrhage, such as that stemming from multiple lacerations). The heart attempts to compensate for reduced circulating blood volume by increasing its pumping rate.
- This sympathetic nervous system response aims to maintain **cardiac output** and tissue perfusion as **blood pressure** and **venous return** start to fall.
*Increased respiratory rate*
- An increased respiratory rate, or **tachypnea**, typically occurs later as the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygen delivery and metabolic acidosis that can result from sustained hypoperfusion and shock.
- While significant, it usually follows the initial hemodynamic adjustments of the heart.
*Increased capillary refill time*
- **Increased capillary refill time** indicates impaired peripheral perfusion and is a sign of more significant **hypovolemic shock**, often occurring after initial compensatory mechanisms have been activated.
- This reflects **peripheral vasoconstriction**, a later compensatory mechanism, rather than the very first physiological response.
*Decreased systolic blood pressure*
- **Decreased systolic blood pressure** (hypotension) is a later sign of shock and indicates a failure of the body's compensatory mechanisms to maintain adequate blood volume and perfusion, often reflecting a loss of more than 30-40% of blood volume.
- The body initially tries to maintain blood pressure through increased heart rate and vasoconstriction before it drops.
*Decreased urine output*
- **Decreased urine output** (oliguria) is a renal compensatory mechanism in response to reduced renal perfusion and increased antidiuretic hormone (ADH) release, aiming to conserve fluid.
- This response takes time to manifest and is not typically the very first physiological change after acute blood loss.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 5: A 2-month-old boy is brought to the emergency room by his mother who reports he has appeared lethargic for the past 3 hours. She reports that she left the patient with a new nanny this morning, and he was behaving normally. When she got home in the afternoon, the patient seemed lethargic and would not breastfeed as usual. At birth, the child had an Apgar score of 8/9 and weighed 2.8 kg (6.1 lb). Growth has been in the 90th percentile, and the patient has been meeting all developmental milestones. There is no significant past medical history, and vaccinations are up-to-date. On physical examination, the patient does not seem arousable. Ophthalmologic examination shows retinal hemorrhages. Which of the following findings would most likely be expected on a noncontrast CT scan of the head?
- A. Lens-shaped hematoma
- B. Cortical atrophy
- C. Crescent-shaped hematoma (Correct Answer)
- D. Blood in the basal cisterns
- E. Multiple cortical and subcortical infarcts
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***Crescent-shaped hematoma***
- The clinical presentation with **lethargy**, a history of being with a **new caregiver**, and **retinal hemorrhages** strongly suggests **abusive head trauma** (shaken baby syndrome).
- This typically results in a **subdural hematoma**, which appears as a **crescent-shaped collection of blood** on a noncontrast CT scan, reflecting bleeding into the potential space between the dura mater and arachnoid mater.
*Lens-shaped hematoma*
- A **lens-shaped (biconvex) hematoma** on CT is characteristic of an **epidural hematoma**, which typically results from a **skull fracture** tearing a meningeal artery.
- While head trauma is present, the specific findings (retinal hemorrhages, lack of skull fracture mention, and mechanism of shaking) are more consistent with subdural rather than epidural bleeding.
*Cortical atrophy*
- **Cortical atrophy** refers to the shrinking of brain tissue and is typically seen in chronic conditions like **neurodegenerative diseases** or **long-standing severe malnutrition**.
- It does not explain the acute onset of lethargy and retinal hemorrhages immediately following a potential traumatic event in an otherwise healthy infant.
*Blood in the basal cisterns*
- **Blood in the basal cisterns** is characteristic of **subarachnoid hemorrhage**, which can be caused by ruptured aneurysms (rare in infants), arteriovenous malformations, or severe trauma.
- While abusive head trauma can sometimes cause subarachnoid bleeding, the primary finding in shaken baby syndrome is usually subdural hemorrhage, and retinal hemorrhages specifically point towards the shearing forces causing subdural bleeding.
*Multiple cortical and subcortical infarcts*
- **Multiple cortical and subcortical infarcts** indicate areas of brain tissue death due to **interrupted blood supply**, as seen in severe stroke or vasculitis.
- This is not the primary or most likely finding in abusive head trauma, though severe head trauma can sometimes lead to secondary ischemic injury due to increased intracranial pressure or vascular disruption.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 6: A 3-month-old boy is brought to the emergency department by his mom for breathing difficulty after a recent fall. His parents say that he rolled off of the mattress and landed on the hard wood floor earlier today. After an extensive physical exam, he is found to have many purplish bruises and retinal hemorrhages. A non-contrast head CT scan shows a subdural hemorrhage. He was treated in the hospital with full recovery from his symptoms. Which of the following is the most important follow up plan?
- A. Provide parents with anticipatory guidance
- B. Referral to genetics for further testing
- C. Reassurance that accidents are common
- D. Inform child protective services (Correct Answer)
- E. Provide home nursing visits
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***Inform child protective services***
- The combination of **multiple purplish bruises**, **retinal hemorrhages**, and **subdural hemorrhage** in a 3-month-old infant after a minor fall (rolling off a mattress) is highly suggestive of **abusive head trauma** (shaken baby syndrome).
- Healthcare professionals have a **legal and ethical obligation** to report suspected child abuse to Child Protective Services (CPS) to ensure the child's safety and initiate an investigation.
*Provide parents with anticipatory guidance*
- While anticipatory guidance on child safety and development is generally important, it is **insufficient and inappropriate** as the primary follow-up in a case of suspected child abuse.
- Focusing solely on guidance would **neglect the immediate safety concerns** and the need for investigation into the injuries.
*Referral to genetics for further testing*
- While some genetic conditions can predispose to easy bruising or bleeding, the specific pattern of injuries (**retinal hemorrhages, subdural hemorrhage, multiple bruises, and a history inconsistent with the severity of injuries**) overwhelmingly points to trauma, not a genetic disorder.
- Genetic testing would be a secondary consideration, if at all, after abuse has been ruled out or addressed.
*Reassurance that accidents are common*
- Reassuring parents that "accidents are common" would be **medically negligent and dangerous** in this scenario, as the injuries sustained are typically not caused by a simple fall from a mattress in an infant of this age.
- This response would dismiss critical signs of potential abuse and leave the child at risk.
*Provide home nursing visits*
- Home nursing visits might be beneficial for monitoring general health and development, but they do **not address the immediate and grave concern** of potential child abuse.
- The primary need is for an investigation into the cause of the injuries and protection for the child, which falls under the purview of CPS.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 7: A 22-year-old woman in the intensive care unit has had persistent oozing from the margins of wounds for 2 hours that is not controlled by pressure bandages. She was admitted to the hospital 13 hours ago following a high-speed motor vehicle collision. Initial focused assessment with sonography for trauma was negative. An x-ray survey showed opacification of the right lung field and fractures of multiple ribs, the tibia, fibula, calcaneus, right acetabulum, and bilateral pubic rami. Laboratory studies showed a hemoglobin concentration of 14.8 g/dL, leukocyte count of 10,300/mm3, platelet count of 175,000/mm3, and blood glucose concentration of 77 mg/dL. Infusion of 0.9% saline was begun. Multiple lacerations on the forehead and extremities were sutured, and fractures were stabilized. Repeat laboratory studies now show a hemoglobin concentration of 12.4 g/dL, platelet count of 102,000/mm3, prothrombin time of 26 seconds (INR=1.8), and activated partial thromboplastin time of 63 seconds. Which of the following is the next best step in management?
- A. Transfuse packed RBC
- B. Transfuse packed RBC and fresh frozen plasma in a 1:1 ratio
- C. Transfuse fresh frozen plasma and platelet concentrate in a 1:1 ratio
- D. Transfuse whole blood and administer vitamin K
- E. Transfuse packed RBC, fresh frozen plasma, and platelet concentrate in a 1:1:1 ratio (Correct Answer)
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***Transfuse packed RBC, fresh frozen plasma, and platelet concentrate in a 1:1:1 ratio***
- The patient exhibits signs of **massive hemorrhage and coagulopathy** (persistent oozing, decreasing hemoglobin, prolonged PT and aPTT, decreasing platelets) following severe trauma.
- A **1:1:1 ratio transfusion** of packed red blood cells (RBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet concentrate is the recommended **massive transfusion protocol** to address hypovolemia, anemia, and consumptive coagulopathy simultaneously.
*Transfuse packed RBC*
- While the patient is anemic (Hb dropped from 14.8 to 12.4 g/dL), transfusing only RBCs would not address the significant **coagulopathy** evidenced by prolonged PT/aPTT and decreasing platelets.
- This option would correct **hypovolemia and oxygen-carrying capacity** but fail to resolve the underlying bleeding disorder, potentially worsening hemorrhage.
*Transfuse packed RBC and fresh frozen plasma in a 1:1 ratio*
- This approach addresses **anemia and coagulopathy** by providing clotting factors, but it neglects the patient's **thrombocytopenia** (platelets dropped from 175,000 to 102,000/mm3 with ongoing bleeding).
- Platelet transfusion is crucial for **hemostasis**, especially in uncontrolled traumatic bleeding.
*Transfuse fresh frozen plasma and platelet concentrate in a 1:1 ratio*
- This option targets **coagulopathy and thrombocytopenia** but completely ignores the significant **anemia and hypovolemia** (Hb 12.4 g/dL with ongoing bleeding) that is likely contributing to hypoperfusion.
- **RBCs** are essential to restore oxygen delivery to tissues and manage hemorrhagic shock.
*Transfuse whole blood and administer vitamin K*
- **Whole blood** is rarely used in civilian trauma settings due to practical limitations, and its components can be provided separately.
- **Vitamin K** is primarily used for warfarin reversal or vitamin K deficiency, which is not the acute cause of coagulopathy in severe trauma; the issue is **dilutional and consumptive coagulopathy**.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 8: A trauma 'huddle' is called. Morphine is administered for pain. Low-flow oxygen is begun. A traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is suspected. Infusion of 0.9% saline is begun. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Chest fluoroscopy
- B. Barium study
- C. CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis (Correct Answer)
- D. MRI chest and abdomen
- E. ICU admission and observation
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis***
- A suspected **traumatic diaphragmatic rupture** requires a comprehensive imaging study to assess the diaphragm, surrounding organs, and potential associated injuries.
- **CT scan** of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis provides detailed anatomical information, can identify herniated abdominal contents, and is essential for surgical planning in trauma settings.
*Chest fluoroscopy*
- While fluoroscopy can detect diaphragmatic motion, it is **less sensitive** for identifying tears or herniated contents in the **acute trauma setting**.
- It does not provide the comprehensive view of surrounding organs and associated injuries often needed in trauma.
*Barium study*
- A barium study is primarily used to evaluate the **gastrointestinal tract**, but it is generally **not the initial imaging modality** for diaphragmatic rupture due to its limited ability to visualize the diaphragm itself or other solid organ injuries.
- It would be performed after suspicion is increased or for very specific indications, not as a primary diagnostic tool.
*MRI chest and abdomen*
- While MRI offers excellent soft tissue contrast, its use in **acute trauma** is limited by **longer acquisition times**, potential contraindications with metallic implants (though less common in acute trauma), and lower availability compared to CT.
- CT remains the **gold standard** for rapid, comprehensive imaging in unstable trauma patients.
*ICU admission and observation*
- While observation in the ICU is important for monitoring and supportive care, it is **not the next step for diagnosis** of a suspected diaphragmatic rupture.
- Definitive diagnosis through imaging (CT) is crucial before determining specific management strategies, including potential surgical intervention.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 9: A 60-year-old man is brought to the emergency department 25 minutes after falling and hitting his left flank on a concrete block. He has severe left-sided chest pain and mild shortness of breath. He underwent a right knee replacement surgery 2 years ago. He has type 2 diabetes mellitus. He has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for 42 years. Current medications include metformin, sitagliptin, and a multivitamin. He appears uncomfortable. His temperature is 37.5°C (99.5°F), pulse is 102/min, respirations are 17/min, and blood pressure is 132/90 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry on room air shows an oxygen saturation of 96%. Examination shows multiple abrasions on his left flank and trunk. The upper left chest wall is tender to palpation and bony crepitus is present. There are decreased breath sounds over both lung bases. Cardiac examination shows no murmurs, rubs, or gallops. The abdomen is soft and nontender. Focused assessment with sonography for trauma is negative. An x-ray of the chest shows nondisplaced fractures of the left 4th and 5th ribs, with clear lung fields bilaterally. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Internal fixation
- B. Admission and surveillance in the intensive care unit
- C. Prophylactic antibiotic therapy
- D. Adequate analgesia and conservative management (Correct Answer)
- E. Continuous positive airway pressure
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***Adequate analgesia and conservative management***
- The patient has **nondisplaced rib fractures** with clear lung fields and stable vitals, indicating that conservative management with **adequate analgesia** is the most appropriate initial step.
- Pain control is crucial to prevent complications such as **pneumonia** and **atelectasis** by allowing the patient to breathe deeply and cough effectively.
*Internal fixation*
- **Internal fixation** is generally reserved for patients with severe rib fractures, such as **flail chest**, significant displacement, or those who fail conservative management, which is not the case here.
- This patient's fractures are **nondisplaced**, and he is hemodynamically stable without signs of respiratory compromise requiring surgical intervention.
*Admission and surveillance in the intensive care unit*
- Admission to the **intensive care unit (ICU)** is typically indicated for patients with **flail chest**, severe respiratory distress, or significant associated injuries, which are absent in this patient.
- While rib fractures can be serious, stable patients with **nondisplaced fractures** do not automatically require ICU admission; a general medical ward or even outpatient management (depending on overall stability and pain control) might be sufficient.
*Prophylactic antibiotic therapy*
- There is currently **no evidence of infection** (e.g., fever, elevated white blood cell count, purulent sputum) to warrant prophylactic antibiotic therapy.
- Rib fractures themselves, without an open wound or lung contusion leading to pneumonia, do not routinely require **antibiotics**.
*Continuous positive airway pressure*
- **Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)** is used for respiratory support in conditions like **acute respiratory failure** or **sleep apnea**, or in severe chest wall injuries like flail chest causing significant respiratory compromise.
- This patient has an **oxygen saturation of 96%** on room air and mild shortness of breath, indicating he does not currently require CPAP.
Pediatric trauma considerations US Medical PG Question 10: A 43-year-old man is brought to the emergency department 25 minutes after being involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision in which he was a restrained passenger. On arrival, he has shortness of breath and is in severe pain. His pulse is 130/min, respirations are 35/min, and blood pressure is 90/40 mm Hg. Examination shows superficial abrasions and diffuse crepitus at the left shoulder level. Cardiac examination shows tachycardia with no murmurs, rubs, or gallops. The upper part of the left chest wall moves inward during inspiration. Breath sounds are absent on the left. He is intubated and mechanically ventilated. Two large bore intravenous catheters are placed and infusion of 0.9% saline is begun. Which of the following is the most likely cause of his symptoms?
- A. Cardiac tamponade
- B. Flail chest (Correct Answer)
- C. Diaphragmatic rupture
- D. Phrenic nerve paralysis
- E. Sternal fracture
Pediatric trauma considerations Explanation: ***Flail chest***
- The inward movement of the **left chest wall during inspiration (paradoxical movement)** is a classic sign of **flail chest**, caused by fractures of three or more adjacent ribs in two or more places.
- This condition is often associated with significant pain, **shortness of breath**, and can compromise ventilation, leading to **tachycardia** and **hypotension** due to impaired gas exchange and hypovolemia from associated injuries.
*Cardiac tamponade*
- While it causes **tachycardia and hypotension**, it typically presents with muffled heart sounds, jugular venous distension, and pulsus paradoxus, which are not described.
- The primary respiratory findings would not be *absent breath sounds* or *paradoxical chest wall motion*.
*Diaphragmatic rupture*
- This typically presents with **abdominal contents in the chest**, leading to respiratory distress and potentially absent breath sounds on the affected side.
- However, it does not explain the **diffuse crepitus at the left shoulder level** or the **paradoxical chest wall movement**.
*Phrenic nerve paralysis*
- **Unilateral phrenic nerve paralysis** would lead to paralysis of the diaphragm on one side, causing **elevated hemidiaphragm** on chest X-ray and reduced lung expansion.
- It would not cause *diffuse crepitus*, *paradoxical chest wall movement*, or the acute, severe presentation described after trauma.
*Sternal fracture*
- A sternal fracture can cause severe chest pain and can be associated with cardiac contusion or other intrathoracic injuries.
- However, it does not directly explain **absent breath sounds** or **paradoxical chest wall movement** as the primary cause of respiratory distress, although it can coexist with flail chest.
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