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Thoracic aortic injury suspicion — DipIMC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardPre-Hospital Trauma ManagementThoracic aortic injury suspicionDipIMC

A driver in a high-speed deceleration crash has interscapular pain and transient hypotension. Chest examination is unremarkable but vehicle intrusion is severe. What is the most appropriate transport decision?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Pre-alert and transport to a major trauma centre

Option D is correct because High-energy deceleration with interscapular pain can indicate occult great-vessel injury needing MTC capability. Option A is less appropriate because the clinical risk exceeds that destination or timeframe; option B is less appropriate because pre-alert is needed to mobilise the correct receiving team. Option C is less appropriate because watchful waiting risks deterioration or delays definitive care; option E is less appropriate because unmonitored private transport is unsafe for this risk profile. Clinical pearl: in DipIMC-style questions, the best answer is the intervention that changes outcome earliest in the pre-hospital phase.

Reference: NICE Major Trauma NG39; JRCALC Guidelines