Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

Which of the following interventions should be prioritized for a patient showing signs of shock?

1. Control external bleeding

2. Administer analgesics

3. Encourage fluid intake orally

4. Apply a warm blanket

The correct answer is: Control external bleeding

Controlling external bleeding is the foremost priority for a patient showing signs of shock, particularly hemorrhagic shock. In shock, the body's perfusion is compromised, primarily due to inadequate blood volume or distribution, leading to insufficient oxygen delivery to vital organs. External bleeding directly contributes to this loss of blood volume and exacerbates the shock condition. By managing and controlling any visible bleeding, you can stabilize the patient's condition and prevent further blood loss, which is critical in preventing organ failure and improving survival chances. Once bleeding is controlled, other supportive measures can be considered, but ensuring hemostasis is the pivotal first step in trauma care for a patient in shock. Other interventions like administering analgesics, encouraging oral fluid intake, or applying a warm blanket can be beneficial in specific scenarios; however, they do not address the immediate and life-threatening issue of blood loss, making them secondary in the setting of shock management.