Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

The acronym ABC in trauma care specifically stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This sequence is critical because it reflects the priority of addressing life-threatening conditions in a trauma patient.

Airway management is the first step since a clear airway is essential for effective ventilation and oxygenation. If the airway is compromised, even the presence of adequate breathing and circulation cannot ensure the patient's survival. Following airway management, the next step is assessing and ensuring proper breathing. This involves checking for adequate chest rise, breath sounds, and the presence of potential injuries like pneumothorax. Finally, circulation is evaluated to ensure that blood flow is adequate, checking for signs of shock, controlling any bleeding, and ensuring perfusion to vital organs.

The other choices do not reflect the standard protocol used in trauma care, either by using unrelated terms or not adequately prioritizing the life-saving steps necessary in an emergency situation. Understanding this priority sequence assists first responders in efficiently managing trauma cases, ultimately improving patient outcomes.