What conditions must be met to withhold resuscitation in severe traumatic injury?

• A. The patient is pulseless and apneic with no signs of life, in asystole or agonal rhythm < 20, and transport to the nearest ED cannot be accomplished within 15 minutes.
• B. The patient is pulseless but still has a faint spontaneous respiration.
• C. The patient has a pulse and spontaneous breathing.
• D. The patient is pulseless and apneic with signs of life.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is to withhold resuscitation only when there are clear signs the patient is still alive. If a severe trauma patient still has a pulse and is breathing spontaneously, they are not in cardiac arrest, so chest compressions or full resuscitation efforts aren’t indicated. The focus should be on life-supporting care and rapid transport, while continuing to monitor and address injuries. In contrast, lack of pulse or absent spontaneous breathing would lead to starting resuscitation, or applying other advanced measures, rather than withholding. So having a pulse and spontaneous breathing is the condition that means resuscitation should be withheld.