PHTLS 10th Edition Questions and
Accurate Detailed Answers
1. Which of the following requires you to develop a plan of action, initiate the plan, reassess the plan
as care for the patient moves forward, and adjust the plan as the patient's condition or
circumstances change?
A. Principles of PHTLS
B. The Golden Period
C. The XABCDE assessment
D. Critical thinking process - Answer: Question 1: D
To help achieve the PHTLS goals, you will apply your critical thinking skills in the field. Critical
thinking in medicine is a process in which the healthcare practitioner assesses the situation, the
patient, and the resources available and uses the information to decide on and provide the best care
for the patient.
2. When using the XABCDE assessment, which of the following takes precedence over all other
actions?
A. Controlling severe bleeding from a limb or other compressible site
B. Airway stabilization and assessing circulatory status
C. Exposing the body to allow a thorough evaluation
D. Ensuring adequate breathing - Answer: Question 2: A
The "X" placed before "ABCDE" in the primary survey refers to the need to address exsanguinating
hemorrhage immediately after establishing scene safety and before addressing airway. Severe
exsanguinating hemorrhage, particularly arterial bleeding, has the potential to lead to loss of total or
near total blood volume in a relatively short period of time.
3. Which of the following is the basis on which a patient's chance of survival is maximized?
A. Preferences
B. Phases
C. Principles
D. Transport - Answer: Question 3: C
, The science of medicine provides the principles of medical care. Simply stated, principles define the
duties required of the prehospital care practitioner in optimizing patient survival and outcome.
4. Which of the following is a goal of the Golden Period?
A. Provide written documentation from field care to receiving hospital.
B. Expedite the field care and transport of the patient.
C. Use a team approach for optimal patient care.
D. Use the XABCDE approach to patient assessment. - Answer: Question 4: B
One of your most importantresponsibilities as a prehospital carepractitioner is to spend as little time
onthe scene as possible and expedite yourfield care and transport of the patient.Studies show that
the time from injuryto arrival at the appropriate site fordefinitive care is critical to survival.
1. You are called to the scene of a possible mass casualty motor vehicle collision on the highway.
Once you arrive on scene, what is your first priority?
A. Immediately begin triaging patients.
B. Treat the patient with the most visible blood loss.
C. Determine the need for additional resources.
D. Assess the scene and ensure it is safe. - Answer: Question 1: D
Ensure safety for responders, bystanders, and patient(s). The first consideration when approaching
any scene is the safety of all emergency responders. When EMS personnel become victims, they not
only can no longer assist others, but also add to the number of patients.
2. A trauma patient from the highway incident is holding her right arm, and you note a significant
amount of blood steadily flowing from a long gash. This is an example of what type of hemorrhage?
A. Capillary bleeding
B. Venous bleeding
C. Arterial bleeding
D. Road rash - Answer: Question 2: B
Venous bleeding typically results in a steady flow of dark red blood.
3. What is the best way to control the bleeding?
Accurate Detailed Answers
1. Which of the following requires you to develop a plan of action, initiate the plan, reassess the plan
as care for the patient moves forward, and adjust the plan as the patient's condition or
circumstances change?
A. Principles of PHTLS
B. The Golden Period
C. The XABCDE assessment
D. Critical thinking process - Answer: Question 1: D
To help achieve the PHTLS goals, you will apply your critical thinking skills in the field. Critical
thinking in medicine is a process in which the healthcare practitioner assesses the situation, the
patient, and the resources available and uses the information to decide on and provide the best care
for the patient.
2. When using the XABCDE assessment, which of the following takes precedence over all other
actions?
A. Controlling severe bleeding from a limb or other compressible site
B. Airway stabilization and assessing circulatory status
C. Exposing the body to allow a thorough evaluation
D. Ensuring adequate breathing - Answer: Question 2: A
The "X" placed before "ABCDE" in the primary survey refers to the need to address exsanguinating
hemorrhage immediately after establishing scene safety and before addressing airway. Severe
exsanguinating hemorrhage, particularly arterial bleeding, has the potential to lead to loss of total or
near total blood volume in a relatively short period of time.
3. Which of the following is the basis on which a patient's chance of survival is maximized?
A. Preferences
B. Phases
C. Principles
D. Transport - Answer: Question 3: C
, The science of medicine provides the principles of medical care. Simply stated, principles define the
duties required of the prehospital care practitioner in optimizing patient survival and outcome.
4. Which of the following is a goal of the Golden Period?
A. Provide written documentation from field care to receiving hospital.
B. Expedite the field care and transport of the patient.
C. Use a team approach for optimal patient care.
D. Use the XABCDE approach to patient assessment. - Answer: Question 4: B
One of your most importantresponsibilities as a prehospital carepractitioner is to spend as little time
onthe scene as possible and expedite yourfield care and transport of the patient.Studies show that
the time from injuryto arrival at the appropriate site fordefinitive care is critical to survival.
1. You are called to the scene of a possible mass casualty motor vehicle collision on the highway.
Once you arrive on scene, what is your first priority?
A. Immediately begin triaging patients.
B. Treat the patient with the most visible blood loss.
C. Determine the need for additional resources.
D. Assess the scene and ensure it is safe. - Answer: Question 1: D
Ensure safety for responders, bystanders, and patient(s). The first consideration when approaching
any scene is the safety of all emergency responders. When EMS personnel become victims, they not
only can no longer assist others, but also add to the number of patients.
2. A trauma patient from the highway incident is holding her right arm, and you note a significant
amount of blood steadily flowing from a long gash. This is an example of what type of hemorrhage?
A. Capillary bleeding
B. Venous bleeding
C. Arterial bleeding
D. Road rash - Answer: Question 2: B
Venous bleeding typically results in a steady flow of dark red blood.
3. What is the best way to control the bleeding?
