General Surgery – Trauma and Shock in NEET PG

Introduction

Trauma and shock form one of the most critical and high-yield areas of General Surgery for NEET PG  aspirants. These topics are deeply rooted in emergency medicine and require rapid assessment, prioritisation, and management skills. In the examination, questions are frequently framed as clinical scenarios where immediate decision-making is tested. Understanding trauma is not just about memorising protocols; it is about applying the ABCDE approach systematically. Similarly, shock demands clarity in identifying the type, underlying cause, and appropriate intervention. Once you master the principles of resuscitation and hemodynamic stabilisation, trauma and shock become logical and scoring topics that reflect real-world surgical practice.

Primary Survey in Trauma (ABCDE Approach)

• Airway assessment with cervical spine protection is always the priority.


• Breathing evaluation includes checking chest expansion, oxygen saturation, and signs of pneumothorax.


• Circulation assessment focuses on pulse, blood pressure, and control of active bleeding.


• Disability and Exposure involve neurological evaluation and a complete patient examination.

Types of Shock

• NEET PG Hypovolemic shock is commonly due to blood loss or fluid depletion.


• Cardiogenic shock results from pump failure, such as myocardial infarction.


• Septic shock involves distributive physiology with vasodilation and infection.


• Obstructive shock occurs in conditions like cardiac tamponade and tension pneumothorax.

Fluid Resuscitation and Management

• Initiate large-bore IV access and begin isotonic crystalloids immediately.


• Follow the 1:1:1 transfusion strategy in massive haemorrhage protocols.


• Monitor urine output as an indicator of adequate perfusion.


• Use vasopressors like norepinephrine when fluids alone are insufficient.

Head and Chest Trauma

• Recognise signs of raised intracranial pressure, such as vomiting and altered consciousness.


• Understand indications for a CT scan in head injury cases.


• Identify life-threatening chest injuries like tension pneumothorax and flail chest.


• Perform immediate needle decompression in suspected tension pneumothorax.

Burn and Polytrauma Care

• Calculate fluid requirement using the Parkland formula in burn patients.


• Assess burn depth and total body surface area accurately.


• Provide tetanus prophylaxis and infection prevention measures.


• Ensure multidisciplinary management in polytrauma cases.

Conclusion

Trauma and shock in NEET PG  emphasise structured thinking and swift clinical action. By consistently practising the ABCDE approach and understanding hemodynamic principles, you can approach even complex scenarios with confidence. Regular revision of emergency protocols and previous year clinical questions significantly improves accuracy and speed. Ultimately, mastering trauma and shock not only enhances your exam performance but also prepares you to respond effectively in life-threatening situations, reflecting the true responsibility of a surgeon.