ITLS - International Trauma Life Support Burns and Environmental Trauma Questions and Answers

Question 1

An electrician is found unconscious after contact with a high-voltage wire.
He has small entry and exit burns on his hands and feet.
What is the most critical and immediate concern for this patient beyond the surface burns?

Accepted Answer

Severe internal tissue damage and potential cardiac dysrhythmias.

Answer

Rapid development of hypothermia due to skin damage.

Answer

Infection of the small entry and exit wounds.

Answer

Fluid loss calculated solely based on the visible burn surface area.

Question 2

A patient is rescued from a structural fire. They have no significant cutaneous burns but are coughing, have a hoarse voice, and possess soot around their nose and mouth. Which finding is the most reliable indicator of a significant inhalation injury requiring aggressive airway management?

Accepted Answer

A progressively worsening hoarse voice.

Answer

Presence of soot on the face.

Answer

A carboxyhemoglobin level of 5%.

Answer

A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute.

Question 3

An 80 kg adult patient has full-thickness burns to his entire chest and abdomen. According to the Parkland formula, what is the total amount of fluid to be administered over the first 8 hours from the time of the burn?

Accepted Answer

2880 mL

Answer

5760 mL

Answer

1440 mL

Answer

720 mL

Question 4

On a hot, humid day, you are called to a construction site for a worker who collapsed. He has hot, dry skin, a respiratory rate of 28, a heart rate of 130, and is confused and combative. These findings are most consistent with which heat-related emergency, and what is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Heat stroke; initiate immediate and aggressive active cooling.

Answer

Heat exhaustion; administer oral salt solutions.

Answer

Heat cramps; gently stretch the affected muscles.

Answer

Heat stroke; administer an IV fluid bolus as the sole treatment.

Question 5

Which of the following is a critical principle when managing a patient with severe hypothermia (core temperature < 30°C / 86°F)?

Accepted Answer

Handling the patient gently to avoid precipitating ventricular fibrillation.

Answer

Vigorously rubbing the extremities to stimulate circulation.

Answer

Administering a warm fluid bolus as rapidly as possible.

Answer

Focusing solely on active external rewarming with heat packs to the extremities.

Question 6

A factory worker has been splashed in the face and on the chest with a large amount of an unknown liquid chemical. He is complaining of intense burning pain. What is the most appropriate and immediate action after ensuring scene safety?

Accepted Answer

Immediately begin copious irrigation with large amounts of water.

Answer

Apply a neutralizing agent like vinegar or baking soda.

Answer

Cover the affected area with a dry, sterile dressing.

Answer

Attempt to identify the chemical before initiating any treatment.

An electrician is found unconscious after contact with a high-voltage wire.He has small entry and exit burns on his hands and feet.What is the most critical and immediate concern for this patient beyond the surface burns?

An electrician is found unconscious after contact with a high-voltage wire.
He has small entry and exit burns on his hands and feet.
What is the most critical and immediate concern for this patient beyond the surface burns?