ATLS POST TEST
ATLS Post-Test Study Guide: Comprehensive 175-Question
Review for the 2026–2027 Exam | Actual Questions and Verified
Answers, 100% Guarantee Pass
Gradegurus
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,Question 1
The primary indication for transferring a patient to a higher level trauma center is:
A. Unavailability of surgeon or operating staff
B. Multiple system injuries, including severe head injury
C. Resource limitations as determined by the transferring doctor
D. Resource limitations as determined by the hospital administration
E. Widened mediastinum on chest x-ray following blunt trauma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The transferring physician determines whether the facility's resources ar
,insufficient to manage the patient's injuries. Transfer criteria are clinical, not
administrative.
Question 2
A teenage bicycle rider is hit by a truck traveling at high speed. In the ED, she is
actively bleeding from open fractures of her legs, and has abrasions on her chest and
abdominal wall. Her blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg, heart rate is 140 bpm, respiratory
rate is 8 breaths/min, and GCS score is 6. The first step in managing this patient is to:
A. Obtain a lateral cervical spine x-ray
B. Insert a central venous pressure line
C. Administer 2 liters of crystalloid solution
D. Perform endotracheal intubation and ventilation
E. Apply a pneumatic antishock garment (PASG) and inflate the leg compartments
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Airway and breathing are the first priorities. A GCS of 6 and respiratory rate of
8 indicate failure to protect the airway and inadequate ventilation. Intubation is required
immediately.
Question 3
During resuscitation, which one of the following is the most reliable as a guide to
volume replacement?
A. Heart rate
B. Hematocrit
C. Blood pressure
D. Urinary output
E. Jugular venous pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Urinary output (0.5 mL/kg/hr in adults) is the most reliable indicator of end-
organ perfusion and adequacy of fluid resuscitation.
, Question 4
Which one of the following situations requires Rh immunoglobulin administration to an
injured woman?
A. Negative pregnancy test, Rh negative, and torso trauma
B. Positive pregnancy test, Rh positive, and has torso trauma
C. Positive pregnancy test, Rh negative, and has torso trauma
D. Positive pregnancy test, Rh positive, and has an isolated wrist fracture
E. Positive pregnancy test, Rh negative, and has an isolated wrist fracture
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rh-negative pregnant women with any torso trauma (or any significant
trauma) should receive Rh immunoglobulin to prevent isoimmunization.
Question 5
An 8-year-old boy falls 4.5 meters from a tree and is brought to the ED. His vital signs
are normal, but he complains of left upper quadrant pain. An abdominal CT scan
reveals a moderately severe laceration of the spleen. The receiving institution does not
have 24-hour-a-day operating room capabilities. The most appropriate management of
this patient would be:
A. Type and crossmatch for blood
B. Request consultation of a pediatrician
C. Transfer the patient to a trauma center
D. Admit the patient to the ICU
E. Prepare the patient for surgery the next day
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hemodynamically stable children with isolated splenic injuries can often be
managed nonoperatively with ICU monitoring. Transfer is not required if ICU capabilities
exist.
ATLS Post-Test Study Guide: Comprehensive 175-Question
Review for the 2026–2027 Exam | Actual Questions and Verified
Answers, 100% Guarantee Pass
Gradegurus
➢
➢
➢
➢
,Question 1
The primary indication for transferring a patient to a higher level trauma center is:
A. Unavailability of surgeon or operating staff
B. Multiple system injuries, including severe head injury
C. Resource limitations as determined by the transferring doctor
D. Resource limitations as determined by the hospital administration
E. Widened mediastinum on chest x-ray following blunt trauma
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The transferring physician determines whether the facility's resources ar
,insufficient to manage the patient's injuries. Transfer criteria are clinical, not
administrative.
Question 2
A teenage bicycle rider is hit by a truck traveling at high speed. In the ED, she is
actively bleeding from open fractures of her legs, and has abrasions on her chest and
abdominal wall. Her blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg, heart rate is 140 bpm, respiratory
rate is 8 breaths/min, and GCS score is 6. The first step in managing this patient is to:
A. Obtain a lateral cervical spine x-ray
B. Insert a central venous pressure line
C. Administer 2 liters of crystalloid solution
D. Perform endotracheal intubation and ventilation
E. Apply a pneumatic antishock garment (PASG) and inflate the leg compartments
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Airway and breathing are the first priorities. A GCS of 6 and respiratory rate of
8 indicate failure to protect the airway and inadequate ventilation. Intubation is required
immediately.
Question 3
During resuscitation, which one of the following is the most reliable as a guide to
volume replacement?
A. Heart rate
B. Hematocrit
C. Blood pressure
D. Urinary output
E. Jugular venous pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Urinary output (0.5 mL/kg/hr in adults) is the most reliable indicator of end-
organ perfusion and adequacy of fluid resuscitation.
, Question 4
Which one of the following situations requires Rh immunoglobulin administration to an
injured woman?
A. Negative pregnancy test, Rh negative, and torso trauma
B. Positive pregnancy test, Rh positive, and has torso trauma
C. Positive pregnancy test, Rh negative, and has torso trauma
D. Positive pregnancy test, Rh positive, and has an isolated wrist fracture
E. Positive pregnancy test, Rh negative, and has an isolated wrist fracture
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rh-negative pregnant women with any torso trauma (or any significant
trauma) should receive Rh immunoglobulin to prevent isoimmunization.
Question 5
An 8-year-old boy falls 4.5 meters from a tree and is brought to the ED. His vital signs
are normal, but he complains of left upper quadrant pain. An abdominal CT scan
reveals a moderately severe laceration of the spleen. The receiving institution does not
have 24-hour-a-day operating room capabilities. The most appropriate management of
this patient would be:
A. Type and crossmatch for blood
B. Request consultation of a pediatrician
C. Transfer the patient to a trauma center
D. Admit the patient to the ICU
E. Prepare the patient for surgery the next day
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hemodynamically stable children with isolated splenic injuries can often be
managed nonoperatively with ICU monitoring. Transfer is not required if ICU capabilities
exist.
