Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

In a trauma patient who presents with vomiting blood, the primary suspicion should be for possible abdominal injuries or upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Trauma can lead to various types of injuries that affect the abdominal organs, such as the liver, spleen, and stomach, which are susceptible to lacerations or contusions that can result in internal bleeding. Additionally, upper gastrointestinal bleeding can stem from several causes, including gastric or duodenal ulcers or tears in the lining of the esophagus, particularly after significant force or injury.

Although chronic liver disease, internal bleeding from the lungs, and esophageal varices could also lead to hematemesis (vomiting blood), these conditions are typically not the immediate concern in the context of an acute trauma scenario. Trauma mechanisms often directly impact abdominal structures, making abdominal injuries a likely source of bleeding. Prompt evaluation is critical as it allows for appropriate management and intervention to address potentially life-threatening conditions.