Major Trauma Management

Question 1

What does the CABCDE algorithm prioritize in trauma care?

Answer 1

Catastrophic haemorrhage
Airway (with c-spine protection)
Breathing
Circulation
Disability
Exposure

The algorithm emphasizes that catastrophic haemorrhage is often the biggest concern in trauma.

Question 2

What is the definition of major haemorrhage?

Answer 2

Loss of >1 blood volume within 24 hours
50% total blood volume in <3 hours
Bleeding >150 mL/minute

Question 3

What does SBAR stand for in focused history taking?

Answer 3

Situation
Background
Assessment
Recommendations/Review

Question 4

What are the four potential spaces to check for internal bleeding?

Answer 4

• Chest cavity (haemothorax)
• Abdominal cavity (splenic injury, etc)
• Pelvis (pelvic fracture)
• Long bones

Question 5

What blood tests are typically ordered in trauma?

Answer 5

• FBC
• U&E
• Coag
• Group and crossmatch

Question 6

What imaging is recommended for suspected c-spine injuries?

Answer 6

Urgent CT scan of the c-spine

This should be arranged in all cases of suspected c-spine injury.

Question 7

What is the difference between Group and Save (G&S) and Group and Crossmatch (XM)?

Answer 7

G&S tests the patient’s blood for antibodies and saves it

XM matches the blood to specific units of blood products

Full XM takes 45-60 minutes.

Question 8

What are the treatments for visible bleeding?

Answer 8

• Direct pressure
• Haemostatic dressings
• Tourniquets

Question 9

What is the recommended ratio of plasma to RBCs in massive transfusion protocols?

Answer 9

1:1 ratio of plasma to RBCs

This is part of the hospital’s major haemorrhage protocol.

Question 10

What is the lethal triad in trauma management?

Answer 10

• Hypothermia
• Acidosis
• Coagulopathy