Theme: Trauma

Question 1

Which of the following statements regarding myocardial contusion are correct?

1. High resolution thoracic CT may be helpful in the diagnosis of cardiac contusion

2. CK-MB measurements may be helpful

3. Damage to the left ventricle is more common than damage to the right ventricle due to the relative thickness of the ventricular wall

4. A right-sided electrocardiogram may be helpful in the diagnosis

Question 2

Which of the following statements regarding trauma are true?

1. A normal serum amylase reliably excludes a pancreatic injury

2. The use of focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) scanning has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with torso trauma

3. Renal tract imaging is advocated if a patient’s urine is positive for microscopic haematuria

4. Prophylactic phenytoin is advocated in patients with significant head injury

Question 3

Regarding fluid resuscitation in trauma, which of the following statements are correct?

1. Isotonic saline should be the fluid of choice for initial resuscitation

2. The presence of a radial pulse suggests a systolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg or greater

3. Hypotensive resuscitation is indicated in patients with penetrating torso trauma until surgical intervention can stop the bleeding

4. When intravenous access cannot be established, the intraosseous route may be used in children up to the age of 12 years