ATLS 10th Edition Post-Test Exam PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS
2025 (VERIFIED ANSWERS) LATEST UPDATE
- What is the first step in the primary survey of a trauma patient?
- Airway assessment with cervical spine protection
- Breathing assessment
- Circulation assessment
- Disability evaluation
Answer: A) Airway assessment with cervical spine protection
Rationale: The primary survey follows the ABCDE approach, starting with airway
management and ensuring cervical spine protection to prevent further injury.
- Which of the following is the most common cause of preventable death in
- Airway obstruction
- Tension pneumothorax
- Hemorrhage
- Traumatic brain injury
trauma patients?
Answer: A) Airway obstruction
Rationale: Airway obstruction is the most common cause of preventable death
and must be recognized and treated immediately. 1 / 4
- In the primary survey, what is the correct order of assessment?
- Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
- Circulation, Airway, Breathing, Exposure, Disability
- Breathing, Airway, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
- Disability, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Exposure
Answer: A) Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
Rationale: The ABCDE approach prioritizes life-threatening issues first.
- What is the definitive treatment for a tension pneumothorax?
- Needle decompression followed by chest tube insertion
- Immediate intubation
- Administration of high-flow oxygen
- Observation and serial chest x-rays
Answer: A) Needle decompression followed by chest tube insertion
Rationale: Needle decompression relieves the pressure, and chest tube placement
definitively treats the pneumothorax.
- Which of the following is an indication for immediate thoracotomy in trauma
- Stable patient with hemothorax on chest x-ray
- Cardiac arrest with witnessed penetrating chest trauma
- Mild rib fractures with no respiratory distress
- Open fracture of the femur
patients?
Answer: B) Cardiac arrest with witnessed penetrating chest trauma
Rationale: Emergency thoracotomy is indicated in witnessed cardiac arrest from
penetrating chest trauma to control hemorrhage or cardiac tamponade.
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- What is the “lethal triad” in trauma patients?
- Hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy
- Hypotension, hypoxia, and hyperthermia
- Bradycardia, hypotension, and hypoxia
- Acidosis, hyperthermia, and anemia
Answer: A) Hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy
Rationale: The lethal triad worsens trauma outcomes and must be prevented or
corrected early.
- Which injury is most likely if a patient has abdominal tenderness with a
- Small bowel injury
- Kidney contusion
- Liver laceration
- Bladder rupture
seatbelt sign?
Answer: A) Small bowel injury
Rationale: The seatbelt sign is associated with increased risk of hollow viscus
injury such as small bowel perforation.
- When should a pelvic binder be applied?
- In all patients with pelvic pain
- When a pelvic fracture with instability is suspected
- Only after CT scan confirms fracture
- Never in trauma patients
Answer: B) When a pelvic fracture with instability is suspected
Rationale: Pelvic binders stabilize the pelvis to reduce bleeding in suspected
unstable fractures.
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- What is the best method to assess circulation during the primary survey?
- Measuring blood pressure alone
- Checking pulses, capillary refill, and skin color
- Doing an echocardiogram
- Counting respiratory rate
Answer: B) Checking pulses, capillary refill, and skin color
Rationale: These clinical signs give a rapid bedside assessment of perfusion.
10. In trauma, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to assess:
- Airway patency
- Level of consciousness
- Blood pressure
- Respiratory rate
Answer: B) Level of consciousness
Rationale: GCS scores neurological status, guiding the assessment of head injury severity.
- What is the initial fluid of choice for resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock?
- Packed red blood cells
- Lactated Ringer’s solution
- Normal saline
- Whole blood
Answer: B) Lactated Ringer’s solution
Rationale: Balanced crystalloids like Lactated Ringer’s are preferred for initial fluid resuscitation.
- Which of the following is NOT part of the secondary survey?
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