Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

Survival of the fetus in a trauma situation is most dependent upon which factor?

1. Gestational age of the fetus

2. Prenatal care

3. Immediate cesarean section

4. Good resuscitation of the mother

The correct answer is: Good resuscitation of the mother

The survival of the fetus in a traumatic situation is most dependent upon the good resuscitation of the mother. This is because the fetus relies entirely on the mother's physiological state for support, particularly in terms of oxygenation and blood flow. If the mother is in shock or has compromised circulation due to trauma, the fetus will be at an increased risk for hypoxia and poor outcomes. Effective resuscitation of the mother ensures that her vital signs are stabilized, which in turn helps maintain adequate perfusion and oxygen delivery to the placenta. Prioritizing maternal health directly influences fetal wellbeing, making this the critical factor for the fetus's survival during such emergencies. Other factors, like gestational age and prenatal care, while important for overall fetal health and development, are less impactful in acute trauma scenarios where immediate maternal resuscitation can determine the prognosis for both mother and baby. An immediate cesarean section can be life-saving but is only effective following adequate maternal resuscitation, as the procedure itself carries risks and does not address the initial maternal instability.