AEMCA Practice Exam

What is the common triad found in trauma patients relating to shock?

1. Fever, bleeding, and hypertension

2. Acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia

3. Anemia, dehydration, and fever

4. Respiratory distress, acidosis, and vasoconstriction

The correct answer is: Acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia

The common triad found in trauma patients relating to shock is acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia. This triad is often referred to as "death triad" in the context of traumatic hemorrhagic shock and emphasizes the severe physiological derangements that can occur following significant trauma. Acidosis refers to the accumulation of acid in the body, commonly due to lactic acid buildup from inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation, which is common in shock states. Coagulopathy indicates a state of impaired blood clotting, which can result from massive transfusion or the consumption of clotting factors in a bleeding patient; this can exacerbate bleeding and complicate resuscitation efforts. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat, which can happen in trauma due to exposure, blood loss, or the effects of resuscitative measures. This condition further exacerbates coagulopathy, creating a vicious cycle of worsening shock and increasing risk of mortality. The interplay of these three factors—acidosis, coagulopathy, and hypothermia—highlights the critical needs of trauma patients for rapid assessment and intervention to stabilize their condition and prevent progression to multiple organ failure or death.