Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

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Prepare for the PHTLS exam with questions, explanations, and study materials. Master trauma care principles and boost your confidence for certification!

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!

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What is the potential blood loss into the tissue from a fractured femur in an adult patient?

150 to 500 mL
500 to 1000 mL
1000 to 2000 mL
2500 to 5000 mL

The correct answer is: 1000 to 2000 mL

The correct answer is based on the understanding of the anatomy and physiology of bone injuries, particularly for a femoral fracture in adults. A fractured femur can lead to significant internal bleeding due to the large blood vessels that run near and within the thigh, including the femoral artery and various branches. In adults, when there is a fracture of the femur, the potential volume of blood that can accumulate in the surrounding tissue can range from 1000 to 2000 mL. This volume includes both the blood loss into the tissue and the potential for hemothorax or other complications, as the fracture can disrupt vascular structures. Understanding the volume of potential blood loss is important for emergency medical personnel as it helps in evaluating the severity of the injury and prioritizing treatment, including fluid resuscitation and surgical intervention if necessary. This volume is considerable and can lead to hypovolemic shock if not managed promptly.