Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

Which scenario exemplifies a mechanism of injury that warrants a comprehensive trauma assessment?

1. A slip and fall from standing height

2. A violent collision in a high-speed motor vehicle accident

3. Injury from a minor sports fall

4. Patient with a sprained ankle

The correct answer is: A violent collision in a high-speed motor vehicle accident

A violent collision in a high-speed motor vehicle accident exemplifies a mechanism of injury that warrants a comprehensive trauma assessment due to the significant forces involved and the potential for a variety of severe injuries. High-speed collisions often result in high-energy impacts, which can lead to multiple injuries, including internal organ damage, fractures, and head or spinal injuries. In such scenarios, the risk of life-threatening conditions is markedly increased, necessitating an extensive evaluation to identify all potential injuries that may not be immediately apparent. The dynamics of a high-speed crash often create complex injury patterns that require careful assessment to ensure that any hidden trauma is recognized and treated promptly. Other scenarios, such as a slip and fall from standing height or injuries resulting from a minor sports fall or a sprained ankle, typically involve lower energy impacts, posing a reduced risk for severe injuries. Consequently, these situations generally do not require as thorough a trauma assessment as those encountered in high-speed collisions, where the mechanisms of injury can lead to a broader range of serious complications.