ITLS 9th Edition Questions &
Answers | 100% Correct Answers |
Verified | Latest 2025/2026 Version
Section 1: Introduction
This document provides a fully verified and up-to-date collection of questions and correct
answers for the International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) 9th Edition Exam, aligned with the
most recent 2025/2026 guidelines. Created to aid EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and trauma care
professionals, this study guide supports certification preparation with accurate, scenario-
based Q&A covering trauma assessment, airway management, shock recognition, spinal
motion restriction, and pediatric trauma. Each question includes a correct answer and, where
appropriate, a concise explanation based on ITLS protocols and principles.
Section 2: Exam Content and Responses
1 Question: What is the first step in the ITLS primary survey?
A. Airway assessment
B. Scene safety
C. Circulation check
D. Neurological evaluation
Correct Answer: B. Scene safety
Rationale: Ensuring scene safety is the initial priority to protect responders and victims.
2 Question: During the primary survey, what should you do if a patient is unresponsive?
A. Immediately intubate
B. Check for breathing and pulse
C. Apply a cervical collar
D. Administer fluids
Correct Answer: B. Check for breathing and pulse
Rationale: Assessing breathing and pulse determines the need for immediate life-saving
interventions.
3 Question: What is the purpose of the rapid trauma assessment?
A. Detailed history taking
B. Identifying life-threatening injuries
C. Performing a full body X-ray
D. Administering pain medication
Correct Answer: B. Identifying life-threatening injuries
Rationale: The rapid assessment focuses on detecting critical injuries quickly.
4 Question: What is the best initial method to open an airway in a trauma patient with
suspected cervical spine injury?
A. Head-tilt/chin-lift
B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
, C. Neck extension
D. Tongue pull
Correct Answer: B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale: The jaw-thrust minimizes cervical spine movement, reducing risk of further
injury.
5 Question: When should you consider advanced airway management in a trauma patient?
A. When the patient is breathing normally
B. When the patient cannot maintain an open airway
C. After a full neurological exam
D. Only in the hospital setting
Correct Answer: B. When the patient cannot maintain an open airway
Rationale: Advanced airway is needed when basic methods fail to ensure oxygenation.
6 Question: What sign indicates inadequate ventilation in a trauma patient?
A. Pink skin color
B. Cyanosis
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Clear lung sounds
Correct Answer: B. Cyanosis
Rationale: Cyanosis signals poor oxygenation and inadequate ventilation.
7 Question: What is the primary goal of managing hypovolemic shock in trauma?
A. Normalize blood pressure immediately
B. Restore adequate tissue perfusion
C. Administer high-dose pain relief
D. Reduce heart rate
Correct Answer: B. Restore adequate tissue perfusion
Rationale: Perfusion preservation is critical to prevent organ damage.
8 Question: Which fluid is recommended for initial resuscitation in a trauma patient with
hypovolemic shock?
A. D5W
B. Normal saline or lactated Ringer’s
C. 5% dextrose
D. Albumin
Correct Answer: B. Normal saline or lactated Ringer’s
Rationale: These isotonic fluids effectively expand plasma volume.
9 Question: What is a late sign of shock in a trauma patient?
A. Tachycardia
B. Cool, clammy skin
C. Decreased urine output
D. Altered mental status
Correct Answer: D. Altered mental status
Rationale: This indicates advanced decompensation.
10 Question: What is the primary concern with a patient suspected of a spinal injury?
A. Brain hemorrhage
B. Spinal cord damage
Answers | 100% Correct Answers |
Verified | Latest 2025/2026 Version
Section 1: Introduction
This document provides a fully verified and up-to-date collection of questions and correct
answers for the International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) 9th Edition Exam, aligned with the
most recent 2025/2026 guidelines. Created to aid EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and trauma care
professionals, this study guide supports certification preparation with accurate, scenario-
based Q&A covering trauma assessment, airway management, shock recognition, spinal
motion restriction, and pediatric trauma. Each question includes a correct answer and, where
appropriate, a concise explanation based on ITLS protocols and principles.
Section 2: Exam Content and Responses
1 Question: What is the first step in the ITLS primary survey?
A. Airway assessment
B. Scene safety
C. Circulation check
D. Neurological evaluation
Correct Answer: B. Scene safety
Rationale: Ensuring scene safety is the initial priority to protect responders and victims.
2 Question: During the primary survey, what should you do if a patient is unresponsive?
A. Immediately intubate
B. Check for breathing and pulse
C. Apply a cervical collar
D. Administer fluids
Correct Answer: B. Check for breathing and pulse
Rationale: Assessing breathing and pulse determines the need for immediate life-saving
interventions.
3 Question: What is the purpose of the rapid trauma assessment?
A. Detailed history taking
B. Identifying life-threatening injuries
C. Performing a full body X-ray
D. Administering pain medication
Correct Answer: B. Identifying life-threatening injuries
Rationale: The rapid assessment focuses on detecting critical injuries quickly.
4 Question: What is the best initial method to open an airway in a trauma patient with
suspected cervical spine injury?
A. Head-tilt/chin-lift
B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
, C. Neck extension
D. Tongue pull
Correct Answer: B. Jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale: The jaw-thrust minimizes cervical spine movement, reducing risk of further
injury.
5 Question: When should you consider advanced airway management in a trauma patient?
A. When the patient is breathing normally
B. When the patient cannot maintain an open airway
C. After a full neurological exam
D. Only in the hospital setting
Correct Answer: B. When the patient cannot maintain an open airway
Rationale: Advanced airway is needed when basic methods fail to ensure oxygenation.
6 Question: What sign indicates inadequate ventilation in a trauma patient?
A. Pink skin color
B. Cyanosis
C. Normal respiratory rate
D. Clear lung sounds
Correct Answer: B. Cyanosis
Rationale: Cyanosis signals poor oxygenation and inadequate ventilation.
7 Question: What is the primary goal of managing hypovolemic shock in trauma?
A. Normalize blood pressure immediately
B. Restore adequate tissue perfusion
C. Administer high-dose pain relief
D. Reduce heart rate
Correct Answer: B. Restore adequate tissue perfusion
Rationale: Perfusion preservation is critical to prevent organ damage.
8 Question: Which fluid is recommended for initial resuscitation in a trauma patient with
hypovolemic shock?
A. D5W
B. Normal saline or lactated Ringer’s
C. 5% dextrose
D. Albumin
Correct Answer: B. Normal saline or lactated Ringer’s
Rationale: These isotonic fluids effectively expand plasma volume.
9 Question: What is a late sign of shock in a trauma patient?
A. Tachycardia
B. Cool, clammy skin
C. Decreased urine output
D. Altered mental status
Correct Answer: D. Altered mental status
Rationale: This indicates advanced decompensation.
10 Question: What is the primary concern with a patient suspected of a spinal injury?
A. Brain hemorrhage
B. Spinal cord damage
