Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

Which assessment technique is least useful in the prehospital assessment of a patient with suspected intraabdominal trauma?

1. Palpation

2. Auscultation

3. Inspection

4. Scene assessment

The correct answer is: Auscultation

In the context of assessing a patient with suspected intraabdominal trauma, auscultation is considered the least useful technique. This is primarily because auscultation is typically utilized to evaluate the sounds within the body, such as heartbeats and lung sounds, which provide minimal information regarding intraabdominal injuries. When dealing with abdominal trauma, the priorities are to identify any immediate threats to life, such as bleeding or organ damage, which can be better assessed through palpation and inspection. Palpation allows for the localization of tenderness, rigidity, or masses, which can indicate internal injury. Inspection can reveal telltale signs such as bruising, swelling, or lacerations that help in assessing the severity and nature of the trauma. Scene assessment is also crucial, as it provides context regarding the mechanism of injury and potential hazards, which can help in determining the need for further intervention and the urgency of transport to medical facilities. In summary, while auscultation has its role in broader physical exams, it does not offer critical insights for intraabdominal trauma in a prehospital setting.