ATLS 10th Edition Post Test Actual Questions with Verified Answers
(2026/2027), 100% Guarantee Score Pass 2026/2027
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QUESTIONS VERIFIED CORE DOMAINS COVERED RATIONALES INCLUDED
CATEGORIES
Initial Assessment and Primary Survey
Airway and Ventilatory Management
Shock and Fluid Resuscitation
Thoracic Trauma
Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
Head, Spine, and Musculoskeletal Trauma
STUVIAACTUALEXAM
,ATLS 10th Edition Post Test | 2026/2027
INITIAL ASSESSMENT AND PRIMARY SURVEY
Q1
A 28-year-old motorcyclist is brought to the trauma bay after a high-speed collision. He is unresponsive, has
audible gurgling respirations, and a large scalp laceration with active bleeding. The trauma team is assembling.
Which action must be performed first according to ATLS principles?
A. Simultaneously assess and secure the airway while protecting the cervical spine and controlling external
hemorrhage.
B. Obtain a complete set of vital signs and perform a full secondary survey before any intervention.
C. Immediately transfer the patient to CT for head imaging before addressing the airway.
D. Apply a pelvic binder and start two large-bore IVs before evaluating the airway.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
ATLS prioritizes the ABCDE approach. Airway with cervical spine protection and simultaneous hemorrhage control are the
first priorities. Delaying airway management for imaging, vital signs alone, or other interventions violates the primary survey
sequence.
Q2
During the primary survey of a trauma patient, the nurse notes a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute, oxygen
saturation of 86% on room air, and paradoxical chest wall movement. Which intervention is the immediate priority?
A. Assist ventilation with a bag-valve-mask device and prepare for definitive airway management while continuing the
primary survey.
B. Apply a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min and proceed to the secondary survey.
C. Order an arterial blood gas before providing any ventilatory support.
D. Place the patient in a high-Fowler position and observe for improvement.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Inadequate ventilation requires immediate assistance with BVM and preparation for definitive airway. A non-rebreather alone
is insufficient for hypoventilation. ABG and positional changes delay life-saving intervention.
Q3
A trauma patient arrives with a blood pressure of 78/40 mm Hg, heart rate of 132 bpm, and cool, clammy skin.
Capillary refill is delayed. After airway and breathing are secured, what is the next critical step in the primary
survey?
A. Control external hemorrhage, establish large-bore IV access, and begin rapid fluid or blood product resuscitation
as indicated.
B. Perform a detailed neurologic examination including Glasgow Coma Scale scoring.
C. Obtain a complete history from the family before any resuscitation.
D. Apply warm blankets and delay volume resuscitation until laboratory results return.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Circulation assessment includes hemorrhage control and volume resuscitation. Neurologic evaluation and history belong
later in the primary or secondary survey. Delaying resuscitation for labs or history is inappropriate.
, ATLS 10th Edition Post Test | 2026/2027
INITIAL ASSESSMENT AND PRIMARY SURVEY
Q4
While performing the disability assessment in the primary survey, a patient opens eyes only to pain, makes
incomprehensible sounds, and withdraws from pain. What is the calculated Glasgow Coma Scale score?
A. 8
B. 6
C. 10
D. 12
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Eye opening to pain = 2, verbal incomprehensible sounds = 2, motor withdrawal = 4; total GCS = 8. Accurate scoring guides
the need for airway protection and neurosurgical consultation.
Q5
A patient involved in a fall from height has been fully exposed during the primary survey. The ambient temperature
is low and the patient is shivering. Which principle of ATLS must be applied next?
A. Prevent hypothermia by covering the patient with warm blankets after completing the exposure examination and
controlling any identified hemorrhage.
B. Leave the patient fully exposed until the secondary survey is finished to avoid missing injuries.
C. Apply ice packs to reduce metabolic demand regardless of ambient temperature.
D. Administer antipyretics immediately to stop shivering.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Exposure allows complete examination, but hypothermia must be prevented immediately afterward. Prolonged exposure, ice
packs, or antipyretics are incorrect and potentially harmful.
Q6
A trauma patient has a patent airway, is breathing adequately, and has stable vital signs after initial fluid
resuscitation. The team is preparing to move the patient for CT. Which adjunct to the primary survey should be
completed before transport if not already done?
A. Place a urinary catheter (if no contraindication) and gastric tube, obtain basic imaging or FAST as indicated, and
ensure continuous monitoring.
B. Perform a complete secondary survey including full neurologic and musculoskeletal examination first.
C. Delay all adjuncts until the patient returns from CT scanning.
D. Obtain only laboratory studies and omit any tubes or monitoring.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Adjuncts to the primary survey (monitoring, catheters, tubes, FAST/X-rays) should be completed as appropriate before
leaving the resuscitation area. Full secondary survey can continue in parallel or after stabilization.