Trauma Practice Questions

Q: At what temperature should warming in frostbite be done?

42 degrees. ***42 degrees*** - **Rapid rewarming** at a controlled temperature of **40-42 degrees Celsius** (104-108 degrees Fahrenheit) is recommended for frostbite to minimize tissue damage while avoiding further injury from excessive heat. - This temperature range helps to quickly melt intracellular ice crystals and restore circulation without causing **thermal burns**. [1] *37 degrees* - While **body temperature**, 37 degrees Celsius is generally considered too low for effective rewarming of frostbite and may prolong the rewarming process, increasing the risk of **reperfusion injury**. - Slower rewarming can lead to more extensive tissue necrosis due to prolonged ischemia and subsequent inflammatory responses. *44 degrees* - A temperature of 44 degrees Celsius is **too high** for frostbite rewarming and carries a significant risk of causing **thermal injury** or burns to the already compromised tissue. - Overly aggressive rewarming can lead to **pain**, blistering, and further damage, complicating the recovery process. *46 degrees* - Similar to 44 degrees, 46 degrees Celsius is an **unsafe temperature** for rewarming frostbite and would likely result in severe **thermal burns** to the affected area. - The goal is to rewarm, not overheat, the tissue, as the extreme cold has already made the skin highly susceptible to heat damage.

Q: What structures are involved in a degloving injury?

skin, subcutaneous fat, and sometimes fascia. ***skin, subcutaneous fat, and sometimes fascia*** - A **degloving injury** involves the complete detachment or tearing away of the top layers of skin and **subcutaneous tissue** (fat) from the underlying structures. - In more severe cases, the injury can extend deeper to include the **fascia** covering muscles, exposing them but usually not directly involving the muscle itself. *skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscle* - While it includes skin, fat, and fascia, a typical degloving injury generally **does not directly involve the muscle tissue itself**. - If muscle is damaged, it's usually due to a more extensive, crushing type of injury in addition to the degloving, rather than solely the degloving mechanism. *skin and subcutaneous fat* - This option is partially correct as it includes the primary layers involved but **omits the potential involvement of the fascia**, which can be significant in deeper degloving injuries. - A true degloving injury often separates these layers from the underlying fascia, and sometimes the fascia itself is avulsed. *skin only* - This is an **underestimation of the injury's depth**, as degloving inherently involves the entire loss of the skin and the underlying **subcutaneous fat**. - An injury involving only the epidermis or superficial dermis would be classified differently, such as an abrasion or avulsion of superficial skin.

Q: 22-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a chief complaint of severe left upper quadrant [LUQ] pain after being punched by her husband. Her blood pressure is 110/76, her pulse is 80 bpm, and her respiration rate is 24 breaths per minute. The best means to establish a diagnosis is which of the following?

CT of the abdomen. ***CT of the abdomen*** - A **CT scan of the abdomen** is the diagnostic method of choice for evaluating blunt abdominal trauma in hemodynamically stable patients. - It effectively identifies and characterizes injuries to solid organs like the spleen (located in the LUQ), pancreas, and kidneys, as well as detecting **intraperitoneal fluid** (hemorrhage). *Four-quadrant tap of the abdomen* - A **four-quadrant tap**, or paracentesis, is primarily used to diagnose **ascites** or **spontaneous bacterial peritonitis**. - It is less effective and not the first-line diagnostic for identifying specific organ injuries following blunt trauma, especially when a CT scan is available and the patient is stable. *Peritoneal lavage* - **Diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL)** is an invasive procedure primarily used in hemodynamically unstable trauma patients where other imaging modalities are not readily available or definitive. - It is less specific for identifying individual organ damage compared to CT and carries a higher risk of complications. *Upper gastrointestinal [GI] series* - An **upper GI series** uses barium contrast to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, primarily for assessing mucosal abnormalities, ulcers, or strictures. - It is not indicated for the evaluation of acute blunt abdominal trauma or suspected solid organ injury.

Q: A 25-year-old patient has sustained a head injury. The patient is confused, opens eyes in response to pain, and localizes pain. What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score for this patient?

11. ***11*** - The patient opens eyes in response to pain (E2), is confused (V4), and localizes pain (M5). - Adding these scores together (2 + 4 + 5) gives a total **Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 11**. *6* - This score would indicate a much more severe neurological compromise, such as no eye opening (E1), incomprehensible sounds (V2), and abnormal flexion (M3). - The patient's presentation of eye opening to pain, confusion, and localizing pain is significantly better than a GCS of 6. *12* - A GCS of 12 would suggest better responses, for example, eye opening to speech (E3) while maintaining confusion (V4) and localizing pain (M5). - The patient's eye opening only in response to pain (E2) makes a score of 12 too high. *7* - A GCS of 7 would signify a more serious injury, such as eye opening to pain (E2), incomprehensible sounds (V2), and abnormal flexion or withdrawal from pain (M3 or M4). - The patient's ability to localize pain (M5) and being confused rather than making incomprehensible sounds (V4) makes a score of 7 too low.

Q: Which of the following layers are cut during fasciotomy ?

Skin+subcutaneous tissue+Superficial fascia+deep fascia. ***Skin+subcutaneous tissue+Superficial fascia+deep fascia*** - A **fasciotomy** is a surgical procedure to relieve **compartment syndrome** by releasing the **deep fascia** that constricts muscle compartments. - To access and incise the deep fascia, all overlying layers must be cut: **skin**, **subcutaneous tissue** (also called superficial fascia or hypodermis), and finally the **deep fascia** itself. - Note: "Superficial fascia" and "subcutaneous tissue" refer to the same anatomical layer, but both terms are listed here to reflect common clinical terminology. *Skin* - Cutting only the skin does not provide access to the deep fascia and cannot relieve compartment syndrome. - The skin is merely the outermost protective layer. *Skin+subcutaneous tissue* - While both these layers must be incised, stopping here leaves the **deep fascia** intact. - The deep fascia is the primary constricting structure in compartment syndrome and must be released. *Skin+subcutaneous tissue+Superficial fascia* - This option is anatomically redundant since superficial fascia and subcutaneous tissue are the same layer. - More importantly, this still does not include division of the **deep fascia**, which is essential for decompression in a true fasciotomy.

Q: Which of the following is an indication for thoracotomy in the case of hemothorax?

Persistent drainage of 250 ml/hr. ***Persistent drainage of 250 ml/hr*** - A persistent **high drainage rate** (>200-250 mL/hr for 2-4 hours) indicates ongoing significant hemorrhage requiring surgical exploration via **thoracotomy**. - This criterion is crucial for preventing hemodynamic instability and persistent blood loss that cannot be controlled by a chest tube alone. - This is a **quantifiable, objective indication** for emergency thoracotomy. *Total output of 1000 ml of blood* - While 1000 mL of blood from a chest tube is significant, a **total initial output of >1500 mL** is the standard threshold for immediate thoracotomy. - A total output of 1000 mL without persistent high flow rates may often be managed conservatively with chest tube drainage alone. *Clotted hemothorax with incomplete drainage* - **Clotted or retained hemothorax** is typically managed with **video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)** or intrapleural fibrinolytics, not emergency thoracotomy. - This is a delayed complication requiring evacuation of organized blood, but not the urgent bleeding control that emergency thoracotomy addresses. - Emergency thoracotomy is indicated for **active ongoing bleeding**, not retained clot. *Shift of mediastinum to the opposite side due to tension pneumothorax* - A **tension pneumothorax** causes mediastinal shift and is a life-threatening emergency requiring **immediate needle decompression and chest tube insertion**, not thoracotomy. - This describes air accumulation under tension, not the persistent bleeding that indicates thoracotomy for hemothorax. - While both are traumatic conditions, the management is fundamentally different.

Q: A child presented with blunt abdominal trauma, the first investigation to be done is -

USG. ***USG*** - An **ultrasound (USG)** is the **first-line imaging investigation** for blunt abdominal trauma in children due to its **non-invasive nature**, lack of radiation exposure, and rapid bedside availability. - **FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma)** effectively identifies the presence of **free fluid** (indicating internal bleeding/hemoperitoneum) and can assess solid organ injuries, particularly the **spleen and liver**. - It is the **preferred initial investigation in hemodynamically stable pediatric patients**. *CT Scan* - A **CT scan** is more sensitive and provides detailed anatomical information but involves significant **radiation exposure**, which is a major concern in children. - It is usually reserved for cases where USG is inconclusive, there is a **high clinical suspicion of severe injury**, or when determining the need for surgical intervention in hemodynamically stable patients. *Complete Hemogram* - A **complete hemogram** assesses blood components like hemoglobin and hematocrit, which are crucial for evaluating blood loss, but it is a **laboratory test, not an imaging investigation**. - While important for initial assessment and serial monitoring, it doesn't provide immediate information about the **location, type, or extent of internal abdominal injuries**. *Abdominal X-ray* - An **abdominal X-ray** has limited utility in blunt abdominal trauma as it is primarily useful for detecting **hollow viscus perforation (free air)** or bony fractures. - It does not effectively visualize soft tissue injuries, fluid collections, or solid organ damage, making it unsuitable as the primary diagnostic tool in blunt abdominal trauma.

Q: A 40-year-old male with chest trauma presents with breathlessness, decreased respiratory sounds on the right side, hyperresonance on percussion, and distended neck veins. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Tension Pneumothorax. ***Tension Pneumothorax*** - The classic triad of **breathlessness**, **decreased breath sounds** on the affected side, and **hyperresonance** on percussion following chest trauma is highly indicative of a tension pneumothorax. - **Distended neck veins** (jugular venous distension) occur due to increased intrathoracic pressure impeding venous return to the heart. *Cardiac Tamponade* - Characterized by **Beck's triad**: hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distension. - While **distended neck veins** are present, the absence of muffled heart sounds, the presence of decreased breath sounds, and hyperresonance point away from tamponade. *Flail Chest* - Defined by at least two contiguous ribs fractured in at least two places, leading to a **paradoxical movement** of the chest wall during respiration. - The key diagnostic feature of flail chest (paradoxical chest wall movement) is not described, nor are the breath sounds or percussion findings consistent with this diagnosis. *Myocardial Infarction* - Typically presents with **sudden chest pain**, often radiating to the left arm or jaw, and may cause breathlessness. - It does not cause **decreased breath sounds**, **hyperresonance**, or directly lead to these specific localized chest findings after trauma.

Q: A patient involved in an accident presents with unconsciousness. Upon physical examination, there is unilateral pupillary dilatation. What is the most likely cause of this finding?

Uncal herniation. ***Uncal herniation*** - **Uncal herniation** compresses the **ipsilateral oculomotor nerve (CN III)**, leading to **pupillary dilation** due to predominant parasympathetic fiber damage [1], [2]. - This condition occurs when the **medial temporal lobe (uncus)** is forced over the tentorial notch, often as a result of a **supratentorial mass effect** [2]. *Tonsillar herniation* - **Tonsillar herniation** is the downward displacement of the **cerebellar tonsils** through the **foramen magnum** [1], [2]. - This compression primarily affects the **brainstem** and **cardiorespiratory centers**, causing **respiratory arrest** or **cardiac dysfunction**, not direct pupillary dilation [1]. *Cingulate herniation* - **Cingulate herniation** involves the displacement of the **cingulate gyrus** under the **falx cerebri**. - While it can lead to **hydrocephalus** and **cognitive changes**, it does not directly cause **unilateral pupillary dilation**. *Transcalvarial herniation* - **Transcalvarial herniation** occurs when **brain tissue** extends through a **skull defect** (e.g., following a craniectomy or skull fracture). - This type of herniation is typically visible externally and does not inherently cause **unilateral pupillary dilation** through direct nerve compression.

Question 1

At what temperature should warming in frostbite be done?

Accepted Answer

42 degrees

Answer

37 degrees

Answer

44 degrees

Answer

46 degrees

Question 2

What structures are involved in a degloving injury?

Accepted Answer

skin, subcutaneous fat, and sometimes fascia

Answer

skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, and muscle

Answer

skin and subcutaneous fat

Answer

skin only

Question 3

22-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a chief complaint of severe left upper quadrant [LUQ] pain after being punched by her husband. Her blood pressure is 110/76, her pulse is 80 bpm, and her respiration rate is 24 breaths per minute. The best means to establish a diagnosis is which of the following?

Accepted Answer

CT of the abdomen

Answer

Four-quadrant tap of the abdomen

Answer

Peritoneal lavage

Answer

Upper gastrointestinal [GI] series

Question 4

A 25-year-old patient has sustained a head injury. The patient is confused, opens eyes in response to pain, and localizes pain. What is the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score for this patient?

Accepted Answer

11

Answer

6

Answer

12

Answer

7

Question 5

Which of the following layers are cut during fasciotomy ?

Accepted Answer

Skin+subcutaneous tissue+Superficial fascia+deep fascia

Answer

Skin

Answer

Skin+subcutaneous tissue+Superficial fascia

Answer

Skin+subcutaneous tissue

Question 6

Which of the following is an indication for thoracotomy in the case of hemothorax?

Accepted Answer

Persistent drainage of 250 ml/hr

Answer

Total output of 1000 ml of blood

Answer

Clotted hemothorax with incomplete drainage

Answer

Shift of mediastinum to the opposite side due to tension pneumothorax

Question 7

A 40-year-old male presented with a penetrating trauma to the chest. He is dyspnoeic with distended neck veins, hypotension, and mediastinum shifted to the opposite side. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Insertion of a large bore needle in the 2nd ICS in the midclavicular line

Answer

Fluid resuscitation

Answer

Starting inotropic support

Answer

Endotracheal intubation

Question 8

A child presented with blunt abdominal trauma, the first investigation to be done is -

Accepted Answer

USG

Answer

CT Scan

Answer

Complete Hemogram

Answer

Abdominal X-ray

Question 9

A 40-year-old male with chest trauma presents with breathlessness, decreased respiratory sounds on the right side, hyperresonance on percussion, and distended neck veins. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Tension Pneumothorax

Answer

Flail Chest

Answer

Myocardial Infarction

Answer

Cardiac Tamponade

Question 10

A patient involved in an accident presents with unconsciousness. Upon physical examination, there is unilateral pupillary dilatation. What is the most likely cause of this finding?

Accepted Answer

Uncal herniation

Answer

Tonsillar herniation

Answer

Cingulate herniation

Answer

Transcalvarial herniation

Trauma — MCQs

Trauma — MCQs

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