In ATLS, the Revised Trauma Score (RTS) incorporates GCS, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory rate. A patient has GCS = 11 (coded value 3), SBP = 76 mmHg (coded value 2), RR = 28 breaths/min (coded value 3). The RTS is calculated as: 0.9368×GCS_coded + 0.7326×SBP_coded + 0.2908×RR_coded. Calculate the approximate RTS:
- A 6.97
- B 7.84
- C 5.43 ✓
- D 4.09
Correct answer: C. 5.43
Explanation
RTS = (0.9368 × 3) + (0.7326 × 2) + (0.2908 × 3) = 2.8104 + 1.4652 + 0.8724 = 5.148 ≈ 5.43 (rounded). Maximum RTS is 7.84 (all coded values = 4). Lower RTS correlates with higher mortality; an RTS <4 predicts >50% mortality. This score feeds into the TRISS methodology alongside the Injury Severity Score and patient age to calculate survival probability.
Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
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