Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

The target blood pressure for a trauma patient with suspected intraabdominal hemorrhage should be which of the following?

1. 60 - 70 mm Hg

2. 80 - 90 mm Hg

3. 100 - 110 mm Hg

4. 120 - 130 mm Hg

The correct answer is: 80 - 90 mm Hg

For a trauma patient with suspected intra-abdominal hemorrhage, the target blood pressure should be between 80 and 90 mm Hg. This range is considered optimal for managing such patients in a prehospital setting. The justification for this target is primarily based on the need to balance the prevention of hypoperfusion and the risks associated with continued bleeding. Maintaining a blood pressure within this range helps to ensure sufficient perfusion to vital organs while also minimizing the risk of exacerbating hemorrhagic shock. In situations of suspected hemorrhage, overly aggressive fluid resuscitation aiming for higher blood pressure levels can potentially lead to increased bleeding, as it may disrupt the clotting process or burst clots that have formed at the site of injury. Setting the target below the normal blood pressure range (like the very low ranges) would risk inadequate perfusion, leading to organ dysfunction. On the other hand, excessively high targets can compromise the clotting mechanisms, presenting more harm than good in cases of significant hemorrhage. Thus, the recommended target of 80 - 90 mm Hg is a calculated approach that seeks to stabilize the patient while acknowledging the realities of trauma care.