Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Prehospital Trauma Life Support Test with comprehensive quizzes. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Ensure your success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Medication used by trauma patients for pre-existing conditions may cause which of the following?

Herbal preparations may enhance blood clotting
Anti-inflammatory agents may enhance blood clotting
Beta blockers may prevent tachycardia with blood loss
Calcium channel blockers may slow the onset of shock

The correct answer is: Beta blockers may prevent tachycardia with blood loss

Beta blockers are medications commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, and certain types of arrhythmias. In the context of trauma patients, these medications can have specific effects on the cardiovascular system, particularly when there is significant blood loss. When a trauma patient experiences hemorrhage, the body typically responds by increasing the heart rate to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Beta blockers inhibit the effects of adrenaline, leading to a more controlled and often reduced heart rate, even in a state of shock or blood loss. This can be particularly advantageous, as it prevents excessive heart rates that may lead to further complications, such as myocardial ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart muscle). Understanding the role of beta blockers in trauma scenarios is crucial for managing patients effectively. The appropriate use of these medications can help stabilize a patient's condition despite the physiological challenges posed by trauma-related blood loss.