ATLS POST TEST EXAM PREPARATION PACK
2026 KEY CONCEPTS AND REVISION NOTES
◉ Epidural hematoma.
Answer: Caused by arterial bleeding, often after trauma.
◉ Subdural hematoma.
Answer: Venous bleeding, slower onset of symptoms.
◉ Closed tube thoracostomy.
Answer: Procedure to drain air/fluid from pleural space.
◉ Ringer's lactate solution.
Answer: IV fluid used for volume resuscitation.
◉ Hypotension.
Answer: Abnormally low blood pressure, here 60/0 mm Hg.
◉ Heart rate.
Answer: Number of heartbeats per minute; here 160 bpm.
, ◉ Respiratory rate.
Answer: Number of breaths per minute; here 14 breaths.
◉ Arterial blood gas determination.
Answer: Test to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
◉ Packed red blood cells.
Answer: Concentrated red blood cells for transfusion.
◉ Central venous access.
Answer: IV access through large veins for fluid administration.
◉ Catecholamines.
Answer: Hormones that increase heart rate and blood pressure.
◉ Placental abruption.
Answer: Premature separation of placenta from uterus.
◉ Cardiac tamponade.
Answer: Fluid accumulation in pericardial space affecting heart.
◉ Flail segment.
2026 KEY CONCEPTS AND REVISION NOTES
◉ Epidural hematoma.
Answer: Caused by arterial bleeding, often after trauma.
◉ Subdural hematoma.
Answer: Venous bleeding, slower onset of symptoms.
◉ Closed tube thoracostomy.
Answer: Procedure to drain air/fluid from pleural space.
◉ Ringer's lactate solution.
Answer: IV fluid used for volume resuscitation.
◉ Hypotension.
Answer: Abnormally low blood pressure, here 60/0 mm Hg.
◉ Heart rate.
Answer: Number of heartbeats per minute; here 160 bpm.
, ◉ Respiratory rate.
Answer: Number of breaths per minute; here 14 breaths.
◉ Arterial blood gas determination.
Answer: Test to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
◉ Packed red blood cells.
Answer: Concentrated red blood cells for transfusion.
◉ Central venous access.
Answer: IV access through large veins for fluid administration.
◉ Catecholamines.
Answer: Hormones that increase heart rate and blood pressure.
◉ Placental abruption.
Answer: Premature separation of placenta from uterus.
◉ Cardiac tamponade.
Answer: Fluid accumulation in pericardial space affecting heart.
◉ Flail segment.
