CPTC EXAM STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+| 100% VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS………...
Core Domains
Trauma Systems and Injury Prevention
Prehospital Triage and Field Triage Decision Schemes
Trauma Assessment and Primary/Secondary Surveys
Airway Management and Ventilation
Hemorrhage Control and Shock Resuscitation
Trauma Resuscitation Team Leadership and Communication
Neurological, Thoracic, Abdominal, and Musculoskeletal Trauma
Burn Injuries and Environmental Trauma
Pediatric, Geriatric, and Special Populations
Quality Improvement, Performance Improvement, and Patient Safety
Introduction
,This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the knowledge and competencies required for the Certified
Prehospital Trauma Coordinator (CPTC) credential, as established by the National Association of Emergency
Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and other certifying bodies. The exam evaluates understanding of trauma systems,
triage, assessment, airway management, hemorrhage control, resuscitation, injury-specific management, special
populations, and quality improvement. Questions are structured as multiple-choice and scenario-based items that
require critical thinking, application of trauma principles, and sound clinical judgment. Emphasis is placed on real-
world decision-making, team leadership, patient safety, and adherence to evidence-based trauma care standards
to ensure the delivery of high-quality prehospital trauma care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A trauma patient presents with GCS 14, respiratory rate 24, and blood pressure 110/70. According to the CDC
Field Triage Decision Scheme, this patient should be transported to which level of trauma center?
A. Level I Trauma Center only
B. Level II Trauma Center or higher
C. Level III Trauma Center or higher
D. Any emergency department
🟢D
,🔴 RATIONALE: A patient with GCS 14, respiratory rate 24, and blood pressure 110/70 does not meet the
criteria for activation of the field triage decision scheme (GCS <14, RR <10 or >29, SBP <90). Without other
criteria, transport to any emergency department is appropriate.
Question 2
Which of the following is the primary purpose of a trauma system?
A. To maximize hospital revenue
B. To reduce morbidity and mortality from injury through an organized approach to care
C. To provide employment for trauma personnel
D. To standardize ambulance billing practices
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: The primary purpose of a trauma system is to reduce morbidity and mortality from injury
through an organized, coordinated approach to trauma care across the continuum from prevention through
rehabilitation.
Question 3
During the primary survey of a trauma patient, which of the following should be assessed first?
, A. Breathing
B. Circulation
C. Airway with cervical spine protection
D. Disability
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: The primary survey follows the ABCDE approach: Airway with cervical spine protection is
assessed first, followed by Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. The airway must be established
before other assessments.
Question 4
A patient involved in a motor vehicle collision at 55 mph presents with a deformed steering wheel. This
mechanism of injury is classified as which type of trauma?
A. Low-energy mechanism
B. Medium-energy mechanism
C. High-energy mechanism
D. Penetrating trauma
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: A motor vehicle collision at 55 mph with a deformed steering wheel is considered a high-
energy mechanism of injury, indicating significant risk of injury and need for trauma center transport.
SOLUTIONS………...
Core Domains
Trauma Systems and Injury Prevention
Prehospital Triage and Field Triage Decision Schemes
Trauma Assessment and Primary/Secondary Surveys
Airway Management and Ventilation
Hemorrhage Control and Shock Resuscitation
Trauma Resuscitation Team Leadership and Communication
Neurological, Thoracic, Abdominal, and Musculoskeletal Trauma
Burn Injuries and Environmental Trauma
Pediatric, Geriatric, and Special Populations
Quality Improvement, Performance Improvement, and Patient Safety
Introduction
,This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the knowledge and competencies required for the Certified
Prehospital Trauma Coordinator (CPTC) credential, as established by the National Association of Emergency
Medical Technicians (NAEMT) and other certifying bodies. The exam evaluates understanding of trauma systems,
triage, assessment, airway management, hemorrhage control, resuscitation, injury-specific management, special
populations, and quality improvement. Questions are structured as multiple-choice and scenario-based items that
require critical thinking, application of trauma principles, and sound clinical judgment. Emphasis is placed on real-
world decision-making, team leadership, patient safety, and adherence to evidence-based trauma care standards
to ensure the delivery of high-quality prehospital trauma care.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A trauma patient presents with GCS 14, respiratory rate 24, and blood pressure 110/70. According to the CDC
Field Triage Decision Scheme, this patient should be transported to which level of trauma center?
A. Level I Trauma Center only
B. Level II Trauma Center or higher
C. Level III Trauma Center or higher
D. Any emergency department
🟢D
,🔴 RATIONALE: A patient with GCS 14, respiratory rate 24, and blood pressure 110/70 does not meet the
criteria for activation of the field triage decision scheme (GCS <14, RR <10 or >29, SBP <90). Without other
criteria, transport to any emergency department is appropriate.
Question 2
Which of the following is the primary purpose of a trauma system?
A. To maximize hospital revenue
B. To reduce morbidity and mortality from injury through an organized approach to care
C. To provide employment for trauma personnel
D. To standardize ambulance billing practices
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: The primary purpose of a trauma system is to reduce morbidity and mortality from injury
through an organized, coordinated approach to trauma care across the continuum from prevention through
rehabilitation.
Question 3
During the primary survey of a trauma patient, which of the following should be assessed first?
, A. Breathing
B. Circulation
C. Airway with cervical spine protection
D. Disability
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: The primary survey follows the ABCDE approach: Airway with cervical spine protection is
assessed first, followed by Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. The airway must be established
before other assessments.
Question 4
A patient involved in a motor vehicle collision at 55 mph presents with a deformed steering wheel. This
mechanism of injury is classified as which type of trauma?
A. Low-energy mechanism
B. Medium-energy mechanism
C. High-energy mechanism
D. Penetrating trauma
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: A motor vehicle collision at 55 mph with a deformed steering wheel is considered a high-
energy mechanism of injury, indicating significant risk of injury and need for trauma center transport.
