Trauma ABCDE assessment system Exam
question
and correct answers (verified answers 100%)
Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. In the trauma ABCDE assessment system, what does the letter “A” primarily
assess?
A. Airway with cervical spine protection
B. Arterial blood pressure
C. Abdominal injuries
D. Allergic reactions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The “A” in ABCDE stands for airway assessment while protecting the
cervical spine because airway compromise and spinal injury can be immediately
life-threatening.
2. A trauma patient arrives unconscious after a motor vehicle crash. What is the
first priority of the nurse?
A. Obtain a complete health history
B. Assess airway patency
C. Insert a urinary catheter
D. Perform a detailed neurological exam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Airway assessment is the first priority because obstruction can rapidly
lead to hypoxia and death.
,3. Which maneuver is preferred for opening the airway in a trauma patient with
possible cervical spine injury?
A. Head tilt–chin lift
B. Jaw thrust maneuver
C. Neck extension
D. Hyperflexion of the neck
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The jaw thrust opens the airway while minimizing cervical spine
movement in suspected spinal trauma.
4. During the primary trauma survey, which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Small superficial wound on the arm
B. Mild headache
C. Severe airway obstruction
D. Bruised knee
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Airway obstruction is an immediate life threat and must be corrected
before addressing less critical injuries.
5. What is the main purpose of cervical spine stabilization during trauma
assessment?
A. Prevent infection
B. Reduce bleeding
C. Prevent further spinal cord damage
D. Improve circulation
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Immobilization prevents movement of unstable vertebrae that may
worsen spinal cord injury.
6. Which assessment finding indicates airway compromise?
A. Clear speech
B. Stridor and gurgling sounds
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Warm skin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stridor and gurgling indicate upper airway obstruction and require
immediate management.
7. In the ABCDE approach, the “B” represents:
A. Brain function
B. Breathing and ventilation
C. Blood glucose
D. Body temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Breathing assessment evaluates ventilation, oxygenation, and life-
threatening chest injuries.
8. A trauma patient has absent breath sounds on one side, severe respiratory
distress, and hypotension. Which condition is suspected?
A. Simple rib fracture
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary infection
D. Pleural effusion
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax causes lung collapse, impaired ventilation, and
obstructive shock requiring immediate treatment.
9. What is the priority intervention for a patient with suspected tension
pneumothorax?
A. Administer oral fluids
B. Immediate needle decompression
C. Apply ice packs
D. Encourage coughing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency requiring rapid
decompression.
10. During the breathing assessment, the nurse should first evaluate:
A. Oxygen saturation and chest movement
B. Patient’s diet history
C. Skin allergies
D. Urine output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oxygenation and ventilation status are critical during the breathing
assessment.
11. In the trauma ABCDE assessment, the “C” represents:
A. Circulation and hemorrhage control
B. Cardiac medications
question
and correct answers (verified answers 100%)
Q&A 2026/2027 INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. In the trauma ABCDE assessment system, what does the letter “A” primarily
assess?
A. Airway with cervical spine protection
B. Arterial blood pressure
C. Abdominal injuries
D. Allergic reactions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The “A” in ABCDE stands for airway assessment while protecting the
cervical spine because airway compromise and spinal injury can be immediately
life-threatening.
2. A trauma patient arrives unconscious after a motor vehicle crash. What is the
first priority of the nurse?
A. Obtain a complete health history
B. Assess airway patency
C. Insert a urinary catheter
D. Perform a detailed neurological exam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Airway assessment is the first priority because obstruction can rapidly
lead to hypoxia and death.
,3. Which maneuver is preferred for opening the airway in a trauma patient with
possible cervical spine injury?
A. Head tilt–chin lift
B. Jaw thrust maneuver
C. Neck extension
D. Hyperflexion of the neck
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The jaw thrust opens the airway while minimizing cervical spine
movement in suspected spinal trauma.
4. During the primary trauma survey, which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Small superficial wound on the arm
B. Mild headache
C. Severe airway obstruction
D. Bruised knee
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Airway obstruction is an immediate life threat and must be corrected
before addressing less critical injuries.
5. What is the main purpose of cervical spine stabilization during trauma
assessment?
A. Prevent infection
B. Reduce bleeding
C. Prevent further spinal cord damage
D. Improve circulation
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Immobilization prevents movement of unstable vertebrae that may
worsen spinal cord injury.
6. Which assessment finding indicates airway compromise?
A. Clear speech
B. Stridor and gurgling sounds
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Warm skin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stridor and gurgling indicate upper airway obstruction and require
immediate management.
7. In the ABCDE approach, the “B” represents:
A. Brain function
B. Breathing and ventilation
C. Blood glucose
D. Body temperature
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Breathing assessment evaluates ventilation, oxygenation, and life-
threatening chest injuries.
8. A trauma patient has absent breath sounds on one side, severe respiratory
distress, and hypotension. Which condition is suspected?
A. Simple rib fracture
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary infection
D. Pleural effusion
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax causes lung collapse, impaired ventilation, and
obstructive shock requiring immediate treatment.
9. What is the priority intervention for a patient with suspected tension
pneumothorax?
A. Administer oral fluids
B. Immediate needle decompression
C. Apply ice packs
D. Encourage coughing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency requiring rapid
decompression.
10. During the breathing assessment, the nurse should first evaluate:
A. Oxygen saturation and chest movement
B. Patient’s diet history
C. Skin allergies
D. Urine output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Oxygenation and ventilation status are critical during the breathing
assessment.
11. In the trauma ABCDE assessment, the “C” represents:
A. Circulation and hemorrhage control
B. Cardiac medications
