Trauma Learning Topics for NPs & PAs

Clinical decision algorithms

Algorithms organize trauma assessment around patient physiology, injury location, diagnostic findings, and reassessment. Topics in TrAPP include hemorrhage control, solid-organ trauma, penetrating injuries, vascular injury, and critical care. These pathways support education and do not replace clinical judgment or local trauma protocols.

Evaluation and management of abdominal stab wounds

Explore how hemodynamic assessment, examination reliability, and wound location shape evaluation, imaging, serial observation, and operative decisions. This activity is based on the Western Trauma Association’s 2018 critical decisions algorithm.

Public clinical algorithms

These existing clinical pages can be read without signing in. Sign in for personal learning records and CME participation.

• ATLS Primary Survey
• Hemorrhage Control
• Airway Management
• Blunt Hepatic Trauma
• Blunt Renal Trauma
• Bladder Injury
• Ureteral Injury
• Penetrating Cardiac Injury
• Blunt Cardiac Injury
• Duodenal Injury
• Pancreatic Trauma
• Mangled Extremity
• Rectal Injury
• Blunt Bowel and Mesenteric Injury
• Abdominal Compartment Syndrome
• REBOA

Injury grading and scoring

Organ injury scales provide a shared framework for describing anatomic injury severity. TrAPP includes solid-organ, hollow-viscus, thoracic, vascular, and genitourinary injury scales, alongside tools such as the Glasgow Coma Scale, Mangled Extremity Severity Score, and RIG score. An injury grade or score is one part of assessment, not a substitute for evaluating physiology and associated injuries.

Case-based learning

Clinical cases follow assessment, diagnostic workup, treatment planning, and reassessment. Public case summaries cover polytrauma, renal injury, penetrating abdominal trauma, chest trauma, head injury, geriatric anticoagulation, pelvic trauma, and open lower-extremity fracture.

Participation and CME

A topic preview does not earn credit. Eligible credit depends on tracked learning time, the activity’s current cap, previous purchases, and a completed evaluation. NPs and PAs should confirm credit acceptance with their licensing and certifying organizations.

Editorial standards and clinical sources