5 Regional Injury Assessment Free Online FlashCards

When should suspected tension pneumothorax be treated?

Treat urgently on clinical suspicion when severe respiratory compromise or instability is present; do not delay for imaging.

Does a negative eFAST exclude pneumothorax?

No. A negative eFAST does not exclude pneumothorax.

What is the immediate response to an open pneumothorax?

Apply an appropriate occlusive dressing and watch closely for deterioration, including progression to tension pneumothorax.

What does a positive FAST suggest in an unstable patient with abdominal trauma?

It raises concern for intraperitoneal bleeding and requires urgent trauma or surgical decision-making.

Does a negative FAST rule out abdominal or pelvic hemorrhage?

No. A negative FAST does not rule out intraperitoneal or retroperitoneal hemorrhage.

How are injuries assessed in stable abdominal trauma?

Contrast-enhanced CT generally defines injury; persistent concern for bowel or mesenteric injury also warrants serial reassessment because CT can miss subtle injury.

What should be done with an impaled object or evisceration?

Do not remove the object or push exposed organs back in. Protect the wound and promptly involve the trauma team.

Where should a pelvic binder be centered?

Center the purpose-made binder over the greater trochanters.

Should an unstable patient with suspected pelvic bleeding wait for CT?

Do not delay hemorrhage control for CT. Continue resuscitation and coordinate pelvic stabilization and bleeding control as needed.

What belongs in a distal neurovascular examination of an injured limb?

Check and document pulses, perfusion, sensation, and motor function, comparing with the opposite limb when useful. Repeat after splinting, reduction, or other intervention.

Which limb-injury findings are hard signs requiring urgent vascular assessment?

An absent pulse, ongoing blood loss, or an expanding hematoma requires urgent vascular assessment.

What are key initial steps for an open fracture?

Cover it with a sterile dressing, avoid emergency-department irrigation before operative wound excision, and give prompt IV prophylactic antibiotics under local protocol.