ITLS 2026 Test Questions and
Answers
Course
ITLS
1. What is the primary priority when arriving at a trauma scene?
A. Immediately move the patient
B. Ensure scene safety
C. Obtain a complete medical history
D. Establish a definitive diagnosis
Correct Answer: B. Ensure scene safety
Rationale: Rescuers must first ensure that the scene is safe for themselves, the patient, and
others. Entering an unsafe environment can create additional casualties.
2. During the initial trauma assessment, which condition requires immediate attention?
A. Minor extremity abrasion
B. Life-threatening airway obstruction
C. Mild ankle pain
D. Small superficial laceration
Correct Answer: B. Life-threatening airway obstruction
Rationale: Immediate threats to airway, breathing, and circulation take priority during the
primary assessment.
3. A trauma patient has severe respiratory distress, absent breath sounds on one side, and
hypotension. Which condition should be suspected?
A. Simple rib fracture
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary contusion only
D. Isolated clavicle fracture
Correct Answer: B. Tension pneumothorax
Rationale: Severe respiratory distress, unilateral absent breath sounds, and hemodynamic
compromise are classic findings of tension pneumothorax.
4. What is the major physiologic problem caused by a tension pneumothorax?
, A. Excessive cerebral blood flow
B. Impaired venous return and compromised ventilation
C. Increased gastrointestinal motility
D. Increased renal filtration
Correct Answer: B. Impaired venous return and compromised ventilation
Rationale: Rising intrathoracic pressure compresses the affected lung and major vessels,
reducing venous return and cardiac output.
5. A patient has an open chest wound with air moving through the wound during
inspiration. What injury is present?
A. Open pneumothorax
B. Cardiac tamponade
C. Hemothorax only
D. Flail pelvis
Correct Answer: A. Open pneumothorax
Rationale: An open chest wound that allows air to pass between the atmosphere and pleural
space can produce an open pneumothorax.
6. Which finding is most concerning for significant hemorrhagic shock?
A. Warm skin with normal mental status
B. Tachycardia with altered mental status and weak peripheral pulses
C. Mild localized pain
D. Normal capillary refill and strong pulses
Correct Answer: B. Tachycardia with altered mental status and weak peripheral pulses
Rationale: Tachycardia, altered mentation, and poor peripheral perfusion can indicate
inadequate circulating volume and tissue perfusion.
7. What is the preferred initial intervention for life-threatening external extremity
bleeding?
A. Apply direct pressure and appropriate hemorrhage-control measures
B. Elevate the limb and wait
C. Apply ice only
D. Delay treatment until hospital arrival
Correct Answer: A. Apply direct pressure and appropriate hemorrhage-control measures
Answers
Course
ITLS
1. What is the primary priority when arriving at a trauma scene?
A. Immediately move the patient
B. Ensure scene safety
C. Obtain a complete medical history
D. Establish a definitive diagnosis
Correct Answer: B. Ensure scene safety
Rationale: Rescuers must first ensure that the scene is safe for themselves, the patient, and
others. Entering an unsafe environment can create additional casualties.
2. During the initial trauma assessment, which condition requires immediate attention?
A. Minor extremity abrasion
B. Life-threatening airway obstruction
C. Mild ankle pain
D. Small superficial laceration
Correct Answer: B. Life-threatening airway obstruction
Rationale: Immediate threats to airway, breathing, and circulation take priority during the
primary assessment.
3. A trauma patient has severe respiratory distress, absent breath sounds on one side, and
hypotension. Which condition should be suspected?
A. Simple rib fracture
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary contusion only
D. Isolated clavicle fracture
Correct Answer: B. Tension pneumothorax
Rationale: Severe respiratory distress, unilateral absent breath sounds, and hemodynamic
compromise are classic findings of tension pneumothorax.
4. What is the major physiologic problem caused by a tension pneumothorax?
, A. Excessive cerebral blood flow
B. Impaired venous return and compromised ventilation
C. Increased gastrointestinal motility
D. Increased renal filtration
Correct Answer: B. Impaired venous return and compromised ventilation
Rationale: Rising intrathoracic pressure compresses the affected lung and major vessels,
reducing venous return and cardiac output.
5. A patient has an open chest wound with air moving through the wound during
inspiration. What injury is present?
A. Open pneumothorax
B. Cardiac tamponade
C. Hemothorax only
D. Flail pelvis
Correct Answer: A. Open pneumothorax
Rationale: An open chest wound that allows air to pass between the atmosphere and pleural
space can produce an open pneumothorax.
6. Which finding is most concerning for significant hemorrhagic shock?
A. Warm skin with normal mental status
B. Tachycardia with altered mental status and weak peripheral pulses
C. Mild localized pain
D. Normal capillary refill and strong pulses
Correct Answer: B. Tachycardia with altered mental status and weak peripheral pulses
Rationale: Tachycardia, altered mentation, and poor peripheral perfusion can indicate
inadequate circulating volume and tissue perfusion.
7. What is the preferred initial intervention for life-threatening external extremity
bleeding?
A. Apply direct pressure and appropriate hemorrhage-control measures
B. Elevate the limb and wait
C. Apply ice only
D. Delay treatment until hospital arrival
Correct Answer: A. Apply direct pressure and appropriate hemorrhage-control measures
