Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) 11th Edition Test Bank
150 Questions & Answers (Verified Answers) with Detailed
Rationales || Complete A+ Guide
Section 1: Initial Assessment & Primary Survey (Questions 1–15)
1. According to the ATLS 11th Edition, what is the correct sequence
of the primary survey?
A) Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
B) Breathing, Airway, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
C) Circulation, Airway, Breathing, Disability, Exposure
D) Disability, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Exposure
Answer A: — Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
Rationale: The primary survey follows the ABCDE sequence: Airway
with cervical spine protection, Breathing, Circulation with
,hemorrhage control, Disability (neurologic status), and
Exposure/Environmental control. This systematic approach ensures
immediate life-threatening conditions are identified and treated in
order of priority. ---
2. During the primary survey, which of the following is the FIRST
priority?
A) Obtaining a complete medical history
B) Establishing a patent airway
C) Performing a detailed neurologic examination
D) Splinting fractures
Answer B: — Establishing a patent airway
Rationale: The first priority in the primary survey is establishing a
patent airway with cervical spine protection. Without a patent
airway, the patient cannot be oxygenated or ventilated, leading to
rapid death. Other interventions follow after the airway is secured. ---
3. A patient presents with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8. What is
the MOST appropriate initial airway management?
,A) Nasopharyngeal airway
B) Oropharyngeal airway
C) Endotracheal intubation
D) Bag-valve-mask ventilation
Answer C: — Endotracheal intubation
Rationale: A GCS of 8 or less indicates severe neurologic impairment
and the need for definitive airway management. Endotracheal
intubation provides the most reliable protection against aspiration
and ensures adequate ventilation. ---
4. What is the recommended size of an endotracheal tube for an
average adult male?
A) 6.0–6.5 mm
B) 7.0–7.5 mm
C) 8.0–8.5 mm
D) 9.0–9.5 mm
Answer C: — 8.0–8.5 mm
Rationale: For an average adult male, an endotracheal tube of 8.0–
8.5 mm internal diameter is recommended. For adult females, 7.0–
, 7.5 mm is appropriate. Larger tubes reduce airway resistance and
facilitate suctioning and bronchoscopy. ---
5. Which of the following is a contraindication to nasotracheal
intubation?
A) Facial fractures
B) Cervical spine injury
C) Severe head injury
D) All of the above
Answer D: — All of the above
Rationale: Nasotracheal intubation is contraindicated in patients with
facial fractures (risk of intracranial placement), basilar skull fractures,
cervical spine injuries requiring immobilization, and severe head
injuries. Orotracheal intubation is preferred in these situations. ---
6. What is the most reliable method to confirm endotracheal tube
placement?
A) Auscultation of breath sounds
B) Chest X-ray
150 Questions & Answers (Verified Answers) with Detailed
Rationales || Complete A+ Guide
Section 1: Initial Assessment & Primary Survey (Questions 1–15)
1. According to the ATLS 11th Edition, what is the correct sequence
of the primary survey?
A) Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
B) Breathing, Airway, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
C) Circulation, Airway, Breathing, Disability, Exposure
D) Disability, Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Exposure
Answer A: — Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure
Rationale: The primary survey follows the ABCDE sequence: Airway
with cervical spine protection, Breathing, Circulation with
,hemorrhage control, Disability (neurologic status), and
Exposure/Environmental control. This systematic approach ensures
immediate life-threatening conditions are identified and treated in
order of priority. ---
2. During the primary survey, which of the following is the FIRST
priority?
A) Obtaining a complete medical history
B) Establishing a patent airway
C) Performing a detailed neurologic examination
D) Splinting fractures
Answer B: — Establishing a patent airway
Rationale: The first priority in the primary survey is establishing a
patent airway with cervical spine protection. Without a patent
airway, the patient cannot be oxygenated or ventilated, leading to
rapid death. Other interventions follow after the airway is secured. ---
3. A patient presents with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8. What is
the MOST appropriate initial airway management?
,A) Nasopharyngeal airway
B) Oropharyngeal airway
C) Endotracheal intubation
D) Bag-valve-mask ventilation
Answer C: — Endotracheal intubation
Rationale: A GCS of 8 or less indicates severe neurologic impairment
and the need for definitive airway management. Endotracheal
intubation provides the most reliable protection against aspiration
and ensures adequate ventilation. ---
4. What is the recommended size of an endotracheal tube for an
average adult male?
A) 6.0–6.5 mm
B) 7.0–7.5 mm
C) 8.0–8.5 mm
D) 9.0–9.5 mm
Answer C: — 8.0–8.5 mm
Rationale: For an average adult male, an endotracheal tube of 8.0–
8.5 mm internal diameter is recommended. For adult females, 7.0–
, 7.5 mm is appropriate. Larger tubes reduce airway resistance and
facilitate suctioning and bronchoscopy. ---
5. Which of the following is a contraindication to nasotracheal
intubation?
A) Facial fractures
B) Cervical spine injury
C) Severe head injury
D) All of the above
Answer D: — All of the above
Rationale: Nasotracheal intubation is contraindicated in patients with
facial fractures (risk of intracranial placement), basilar skull fractures,
cervical spine injuries requiring immobilization, and severe head
injuries. Orotracheal intubation is preferred in these situations. ---
6. What is the most reliable method to confirm endotracheal tube
placement?
A) Auscultation of breath sounds
B) Chest X-ray
