1|Page
ATLS 10th Edition Test Exam 2026-2027 BANK
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE (100%
Latest Already Graded A+
1. What is the primary goal of the primary survey in ATLS?
a) To identify and treat life-threatening injuries
b) To perform a detailed physical examination
c) To order diagnostic imaging
d) To prepare the patient for surgery
Answer: a) To identify and treat life-threatening injuries
Explanation: The primary survey is a rapid, systematic process designed
to identify and immediately manage life-threatening conditions in order
of priority (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure). Its
purpose is not to perform a complete exam or definitively diagnose
every injury, but to find and treat what will kill the patient first .
2. Which of the following is the first step in the primary survey?
a) Breathing and ventilation
b) Circulation with hemorrhage control
,2|Page
c) Airway with cervical spine protection
d) Disability (neurological status)
Answer: c) Airway with cervical spine protection
Explanation: The first and most critical step in the primary survey is to
assess and secure the airway while simultaneously protecting the
cervical spine. Without a patent airway, the patient cannot oxygenate
or ventilate, and death will occur within minutes. All trauma patients
are assumed to have a cervical spine injury until proven otherwise .
3. What is the recommended initial fluid for resuscitation in a trauma
patient?
a) Normal saline
b) Lactated Ringer's
c) Hypertonic saline
d) Packed red blood cells
Answer: b) Lactated Ringer's
Explanation: A balanced isotonic crystalloid solution, such as Lactated
Ringer's (LR), is the recommended initial fluid for resuscitation in
trauma patients. While Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) is also an isotonic
crystalloid, LR is preferred as it is more physiological and less likely to
cause a hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis when large volumes are
administered .
,3|Page
4. In a trauma patient with hemorrhagic shock, what is the target
systolic blood pressure during initial resuscitation before hemorrhage is
controlled?
a) 80-90 mmHg
b) 100-110 mmHg
c) 120-130 mmHg
d) 140-150 mmHg
Answer: a) 80-90 mmHg
Explanation: The concept of permissive hypotension or hypotensive
resuscitation is a key principle in the ATLS course for patients with
hemorrhagic shock. The goal is to maintain a systolic blood pressure just
high enough for perfusion (typically 80-90 mmHg) until definitive
surgical control of hemorrhage is achieved. This approach avoids
disrupting newly formed clots and exacerbating bleeding .
5. Which of the following is a sign of tension pneumothorax?
a) Tracheal deviation to the affected side
b) Hyperresonance on percussion
c) Absent breath sounds on the affected side
d) All of the above
Answer: c) Absent breath sounds on the affected side
Explanation: While all options can be associated with a tension
pneumothorax, a key diagnostic feature is absent breath sounds on the
affected side. However, it is crucial to remember that tracheal deviation
is a late and often unreliable sign. The clinical diagnosis of a tension
, 4|Page
pneumothorax is based on the combination of respiratory distress,
hypotension, and unilateral decreased or absent breath sounds .
6. What is the most appropriate initial management of a tension
pneumothorax?
a) Needle decompression
b) Chest tube insertion
c) Intubation and mechanical ventilation
d) Observation and monitoring
Answer: a) Needle decompression
Explanation: A tension pneumothorax is an immediately life-threatening
condition caused by air trapped in the pleural space, creating positive
pressure that shifts the mediastinum and compromises venous return.
The immediate, life-saving intervention is needle decompression
(thoracostomy) in the second intercostal space at the mid-clavicular line
on the affected side, followed by definitive chest tube insertion .
7. Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of a cervical
collar?
a) Suspected spinal injury
b) Penetrating neck trauma
c) Unstable midface fractures
d) All of the above
Answer: b) Penetrating neck trauma
ATLS 10th Edition Test Exam 2026-2027 BANK
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME FROM HERE (100%
Latest Already Graded A+
1. What is the primary goal of the primary survey in ATLS?
a) To identify and treat life-threatening injuries
b) To perform a detailed physical examination
c) To order diagnostic imaging
d) To prepare the patient for surgery
Answer: a) To identify and treat life-threatening injuries
Explanation: The primary survey is a rapid, systematic process designed
to identify and immediately manage life-threatening conditions in order
of priority (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure). Its
purpose is not to perform a complete exam or definitively diagnose
every injury, but to find and treat what will kill the patient first .
2. Which of the following is the first step in the primary survey?
a) Breathing and ventilation
b) Circulation with hemorrhage control
,2|Page
c) Airway with cervical spine protection
d) Disability (neurological status)
Answer: c) Airway with cervical spine protection
Explanation: The first and most critical step in the primary survey is to
assess and secure the airway while simultaneously protecting the
cervical spine. Without a patent airway, the patient cannot oxygenate
or ventilate, and death will occur within minutes. All trauma patients
are assumed to have a cervical spine injury until proven otherwise .
3. What is the recommended initial fluid for resuscitation in a trauma
patient?
a) Normal saline
b) Lactated Ringer's
c) Hypertonic saline
d) Packed red blood cells
Answer: b) Lactated Ringer's
Explanation: A balanced isotonic crystalloid solution, such as Lactated
Ringer's (LR), is the recommended initial fluid for resuscitation in
trauma patients. While Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) is also an isotonic
crystalloid, LR is preferred as it is more physiological and less likely to
cause a hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis when large volumes are
administered .
,3|Page
4. In a trauma patient with hemorrhagic shock, what is the target
systolic blood pressure during initial resuscitation before hemorrhage is
controlled?
a) 80-90 mmHg
b) 100-110 mmHg
c) 120-130 mmHg
d) 140-150 mmHg
Answer: a) 80-90 mmHg
Explanation: The concept of permissive hypotension or hypotensive
resuscitation is a key principle in the ATLS course for patients with
hemorrhagic shock. The goal is to maintain a systolic blood pressure just
high enough for perfusion (typically 80-90 mmHg) until definitive
surgical control of hemorrhage is achieved. This approach avoids
disrupting newly formed clots and exacerbating bleeding .
5. Which of the following is a sign of tension pneumothorax?
a) Tracheal deviation to the affected side
b) Hyperresonance on percussion
c) Absent breath sounds on the affected side
d) All of the above
Answer: c) Absent breath sounds on the affected side
Explanation: While all options can be associated with a tension
pneumothorax, a key diagnostic feature is absent breath sounds on the
affected side. However, it is crucial to remember that tracheal deviation
is a late and often unreliable sign. The clinical diagnosis of a tension
, 4|Page
pneumothorax is based on the combination of respiratory distress,
hypotension, and unilateral decreased or absent breath sounds .
6. What is the most appropriate initial management of a tension
pneumothorax?
a) Needle decompression
b) Chest tube insertion
c) Intubation and mechanical ventilation
d) Observation and monitoring
Answer: a) Needle decompression
Explanation: A tension pneumothorax is an immediately life-threatening
condition caused by air trapped in the pleural space, creating positive
pressure that shifts the mediastinum and compromises venous return.
The immediate, life-saving intervention is needle decompression
(thoracostomy) in the second intercostal space at the mid-clavicular line
on the affected side, followed by definitive chest tube insertion .
7. Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of a cervical
collar?
a) Suspected spinal injury
b) Penetrating neck trauma
c) Unstable midface fractures
d) All of the above
Answer: b) Penetrating neck trauma
