American College of Surgeons ATLS 10th Edition Original Post
Test Style Trauma Questions and Answers with Rationales
Question 1: A learner is distinguishing closely related terms. Which statement correctly characterizes Primary
survey?
A. is a head-to-toe examination performed after immediate life threats are addressed and resuscitation is underway.
B. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
C. is essential in trauma because heat loss can worsen coagulopathy and shock.
D. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
Answer: D. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Secondary survey, Hemorrhagic shock, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 2: During an independent review, which interpretation of Primary survey is the most defensible?
A. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
B. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
C. is essential in trauma because heat loss can worsen coagulopathy and shock.
D. causes obstructive shock from rising intrathoracic pressure and requires immediate decompression when clinically suspected.
Answer: A. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hemorrhagic shock, Hypothermia prevention, but their primary purposes differ from
the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
,Question 3: A situation requires the following function or principle: rapidly identifies and treats immediate life
threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. Which concept best
matches this requirement?
A. Hypothermia prevention
B. Primary survey
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. Secondary survey
Answer: B. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hypothermia prevention, Tension pneumothorax, but their primary purposes differ
from the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 4: During troubleshooting or decision-making, the key need is to identify the concept that rapidly
identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and
exposure sequence. Which option is the best match?
A. Tension pneumothorax
B. Secondary survey
C. Primary survey
D. Hemorrhagic shock
Answer: C. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Tension pneumothorax, Secondary survey, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 5: A professional encounters a case in which the controlling idea is that it rapidly identifies and treats
immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. Which
term should guide the response?
A. Secondary survey
B. Hemorrhagic shock
C. Hypothermia prevention
D. Primary survey
Answer: D. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Secondary survey, Hemorrhagic shock, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
,Question 6: Which concept is correctly associated with this description: rapidly identifies and treats immediate life
threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence.
A. Primary survey
B. Hemorrhagic shock
C. Hypothermia prevention
D. Tension pneumothorax
Answer: A. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hemorrhagic shock, Hypothermia prevention, but their primary purposes differ from
the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 7: While resolving a practical problem, a trainee must match a procedure or principle to its primary
function: rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence. Which option should be selected?
A. Hypothermia prevention
B. Primary survey
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. Secondary survey
Answer: B. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hypothermia prevention, Tension pneumothorax, but their primary purposes differ
from the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 8: Which statement most accurately describes Primary survey?
A. causes obstructive shock from rising intrathoracic pressure and requires immediate decompression when clinically suspected.
B. is a head-to-toe examination performed after immediate life threats are addressed and resuscitation is underway.
C. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
D. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
Answer: C. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Tension pneumothorax, Secondary survey, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
, Question 9: A reviewer is checking a study note on Primary survey. Which explanation should be retained?
A. is a head-to-toe examination performed after immediate life threats are addressed and resuscitation is underway.
B. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
C. is essential in trauma because heat loss can worsen coagulopathy and shock.
D. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
Answer: D. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Secondary survey, Hemorrhagic shock, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 10: During a professional briefing, Primary survey is discussed. Which description is technically
accurate?
A. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
B. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
C. is essential in trauma because heat loss can worsen coagulopathy and shock.
D. causes obstructive shock from rising intrathoracic pressure and requires immediate decompression when clinically suspected.
Answer: A. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hemorrhagic shock, Hypothermia prevention, but their primary purposes differ from
the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 11: A learner is distinguishing closely related terms. Which statement correctly characterizes Cervical
spine protection?
A. uses focused ultrasound to look for free fluid or pericardial fluid in selected trauma patients.
B. limits unnecessary spinal motion while airway and resuscitation priorities are addressed in patients at risk of injury.
C. can reduce pelvic volume and motion in suspected unstable pelvic-ring injury with shock.
D. emphasizes hemorrhage control, limited crystalloid, blood products, and prevention of the lethal triad.
Answer: B. limits unnecessary spinal motion while airway and resuscitation priorities are addressed in patients at risk
of injury.
Rationale: Cervical spine protection is correct because it limits unnecessary spinal motion while airway and resuscitation priorities are
addressed in patients at risk of injury. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The other choices describe
related ideas such as FAST examination, Pelvic binder, but their primary purposes differ from the requirement being tested.
Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Cervical spine protection, not merely recognizing familiar
terminology.
Test Style Trauma Questions and Answers with Rationales
Question 1: A learner is distinguishing closely related terms. Which statement correctly characterizes Primary
survey?
A. is a head-to-toe examination performed after immediate life threats are addressed and resuscitation is underway.
B. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
C. is essential in trauma because heat loss can worsen coagulopathy and shock.
D. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
Answer: D. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Secondary survey, Hemorrhagic shock, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 2: During an independent review, which interpretation of Primary survey is the most defensible?
A. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
B. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
C. is essential in trauma because heat loss can worsen coagulopathy and shock.
D. causes obstructive shock from rising intrathoracic pressure and requires immediate decompression when clinically suspected.
Answer: A. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hemorrhagic shock, Hypothermia prevention, but their primary purposes differ from
the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
,Question 3: A situation requires the following function or principle: rapidly identifies and treats immediate life
threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. Which concept best
matches this requirement?
A. Hypothermia prevention
B. Primary survey
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. Secondary survey
Answer: B. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hypothermia prevention, Tension pneumothorax, but their primary purposes differ
from the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 4: During troubleshooting or decision-making, the key need is to identify the concept that rapidly
identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and
exposure sequence. Which option is the best match?
A. Tension pneumothorax
B. Secondary survey
C. Primary survey
D. Hemorrhagic shock
Answer: C. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Tension pneumothorax, Secondary survey, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 5: A professional encounters a case in which the controlling idea is that it rapidly identifies and treats
immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. Which
term should guide the response?
A. Secondary survey
B. Hemorrhagic shock
C. Hypothermia prevention
D. Primary survey
Answer: D. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Secondary survey, Hemorrhagic shock, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
,Question 6: Which concept is correctly associated with this description: rapidly identifies and treats immediate life
threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence.
A. Primary survey
B. Hemorrhagic shock
C. Hypothermia prevention
D. Tension pneumothorax
Answer: A. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hemorrhagic shock, Hypothermia prevention, but their primary purposes differ from
the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 7: While resolving a practical problem, a trainee must match a procedure or principle to its primary
function: rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence. Which option should be selected?
A. Hypothermia prevention
B. Primary survey
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. Secondary survey
Answer: B. Primary survey
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hypothermia prevention, Tension pneumothorax, but their primary purposes differ
from the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 8: Which statement most accurately describes Primary survey?
A. causes obstructive shock from rising intrathoracic pressure and requires immediate decompression when clinically suspected.
B. is a head-to-toe examination performed after immediate life threats are addressed and resuscitation is underway.
C. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
D. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
Answer: C. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Tension pneumothorax, Secondary survey, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
, Question 9: A reviewer is checking a study note on Primary survey. Which explanation should be retained?
A. is a head-to-toe examination performed after immediate life threats are addressed and resuscitation is underway.
B. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
C. is essential in trauma because heat loss can worsen coagulopathy and shock.
D. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
Answer: D. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Secondary survey, Hemorrhagic shock, but their primary purposes differ from the
requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 10: During a professional briefing, Primary survey is discussed. Which description is technically
accurate?
A. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure
sequence.
B. reduces circulating volume and tissue perfusion after blood loss and requires rapid source control plus balanced resuscitation.
C. is essential in trauma because heat loss can worsen coagulopathy and shock.
D. causes obstructive shock from rising intrathoracic pressure and requires immediate decompression when clinically suspected.
Answer: A. rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway, breathing, circulation,
disability, and exposure sequence.
Rationale: Primary survey is correct because it rapidly identifies and treats immediate life threats using an organized airway,
breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure sequence. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The
other choices describe related ideas such as Hemorrhagic shock, Hypothermia prevention, but their primary purposes differ from
the requirement being tested. Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Primary survey, not merely
recognizing familiar terminology.
Question 11: A learner is distinguishing closely related terms. Which statement correctly characterizes Cervical
spine protection?
A. uses focused ultrasound to look for free fluid or pericardial fluid in selected trauma patients.
B. limits unnecessary spinal motion while airway and resuscitation priorities are addressed in patients at risk of injury.
C. can reduce pelvic volume and motion in suspected unstable pelvic-ring injury with shock.
D. emphasizes hemorrhage control, limited crystalloid, blood products, and prevention of the lethal triad.
Answer: B. limits unnecessary spinal motion while airway and resuscitation priorities are addressed in patients at risk
of injury.
Rationale: Cervical spine protection is correct because it limits unnecessary spinal motion while airway and resuscitation priorities are
addressed in patients at risk of injury. This directly matches the function or principle tested in the stem. The other choices describe
related ideas such as FAST examination, Pelvic binder, but their primary purposes differ from the requirement being tested.
Accurate practice depends on matching the underlying function to Cervical spine protection, not merely recognizing familiar
terminology.
