Question 2 of 34

The most important radiographs used in evaluating an adult trauma patient are:

Chest, lateral cervical spine, abdomen.

Pelvis, abdomen, lateral and anteroposterior cervical spine.

Lateral cervical spine, chest, pelvis.

Abdomen, chest, lateral and anteroposterior cervical spine.

Abdomen, chest, lateral cervical spine, pelvis

Radiographs of the anteroposterior chest, pelvis, and lateral cervical spine are the standard initial radiographs obtained in most patients with significant blunt trauma. A pelvic film can identify pelvic fractures, which can cause massive blood loss. If a patient with blunt injuries has persistent hypotension despite normal chest and pelvic radiographs, the most likely causes of the hypotension are intraperitoneal hemorrhage or cardiac tamponade.

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