Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

The most immediate life threatening condition resulting from injury to solid abdominal organs is which of the following?

1. Acute respiratory failure

2. Hemorrhage

3. Multiple organ failure

4. Peritonitis

The correct answer is: Hemorrhage

In cases of injury to solid abdominal organs, hemorrhage is the most immediate life-threatening condition that can occur. Solid organs, such as the spleen, liver, and kidneys, have a rich blood supply, and when they are injured, they can bleed profusely. This loss of blood can lead to hypovolemic shock, a critical state where there is insufficient blood volume to maintain adequate circulation, thereby threatening the patient's life. Rapid identification and management of hemorrhage are crucial in trauma care because significant blood loss can occur quickly, necessitating immediate intervention such as fluid resuscitation and possible surgical intervention to control the bleeding. In the context of trauma, addressing hemorrhage is often the first priority to stabilize the patient and prevent further complications. Other conditions like acute respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, and peritonitis, while serious, may not arise as quickly or directly as the immediate threats posed by ongoing hemorrhage following solid organ injury.