ATLS Post Test | Updated for 2025–2026
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Verified and Correct Answers | Aligned with
ATLS 10th Edition Guidelines
Introduction
This updated version of the ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Post Test includes
multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to reflect the most current clinical guidelines as
outlined in the 10th Edition of the ATLS Manual. All answers are 100% verified and
accurately correspond to trauma evaluation, stabilization, and management protocols required
for provider certification and recertification.
Topics Covered
• Primary and Secondary Survey (ABCDE approach)
• Airway with C-Spine Protection
• Breathing and Chest Trauma
• Circulation, Hemorrhage, and Shock
• Disability and Neurologic Assessment
• Exposure, Environment, and Triage
• Head, Spine, and Thoracic Injuries
• Abdominal and Musculoskeletal Trauma
• Trauma in Pediatrics, Pregnancy, and Elderly Patients
• Burns, Disaster Response, and Transfer Criteria
All correct options are clearly marked in bold and green. Each question is formatted in
standard MCQ style to simulate the real post-test environment.
ATLS Post Test Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first priority in the primary survey of a trauma patient?
A) Circulation assessment
B) Airway maintenance with cervical spine protection
C) Breathing evaluation
D) Neurologic assessment
Rationale: The ATLS primary survey prioritizes airway management with cervical spine
protection (ABCDE approach).
Question 2: A trauma patient with a GCS of 7 requires what immediate intervention?
A) Observation
B) Definitive airway
C) CT head
D) Mannitol administration
Rationale: A GCS ≤8 indicates severe brain injury, necessitating a definitive airway.
, Question 3: What is the initial treatment for a suspected tension pneumothorax?
A) Chest X-ray
B) Needle decompression
C) Intubation
D) CT scan
Rationale: Needle decompression is the urgent treatment for tension pneumothorax.
Question 4: A patient with a sucking chest wound should receive what treatment?
A) Chest tube insertion
B) Occlusive dressing taped on three sides
C) Immediate intubation
D) Pain control
Rationale: An occlusive dressing taped on three sides prevents air entry while allowing
escape in an open pneumothorax.
Question 5: What is the initial fluid bolus for an adult in hypovolemic shock?
A) 500 mL crystalloid
B) 1–2 L crystalloid
C) 250 mL colloid
D) 2 units packed RBCs
Rationale: An initial 1–2 L bolus of crystalloid is recommended for hypovolemic shock.
Question 6: A patient with a suspected cervical spine injury should have what applied?
A) Soft collar
B) Rigid cervical collar
C) Traction
D) No immobilization
Rationale: A rigid cervical collar maintains spinal alignment in suspected injuries.
Question 7: What is a sign of cardiac tamponade in a trauma patient?
A) Normal heart sounds
B) Muffled heart sounds and hypotension
C) Tachypnea only
D) Warm extremities
Rationale: Beck’s triad (muffled heart sounds, hypotension, JVD) indicates cardiac
tamponade.
Question 8: What is the Parkland formula for burn fluid resuscitation?
A) 2 mL/kg/%TBSA
B) 4 mL/kg/%TBSA
C) 6 mL/kg/%TBSA
D) 1 mL/kg/%TBSA
Rationale: The Parkland formula calculates 4 mL/kg/%TBSA for burn resuscitation.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Verified and Correct Answers | Aligned with
ATLS 10th Edition Guidelines
Introduction
This updated version of the ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Post Test includes
multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed to reflect the most current clinical guidelines as
outlined in the 10th Edition of the ATLS Manual. All answers are 100% verified and
accurately correspond to trauma evaluation, stabilization, and management protocols required
for provider certification and recertification.
Topics Covered
• Primary and Secondary Survey (ABCDE approach)
• Airway with C-Spine Protection
• Breathing and Chest Trauma
• Circulation, Hemorrhage, and Shock
• Disability and Neurologic Assessment
• Exposure, Environment, and Triage
• Head, Spine, and Thoracic Injuries
• Abdominal and Musculoskeletal Trauma
• Trauma in Pediatrics, Pregnancy, and Elderly Patients
• Burns, Disaster Response, and Transfer Criteria
All correct options are clearly marked in bold and green. Each question is formatted in
standard MCQ style to simulate the real post-test environment.
ATLS Post Test Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first priority in the primary survey of a trauma patient?
A) Circulation assessment
B) Airway maintenance with cervical spine protection
C) Breathing evaluation
D) Neurologic assessment
Rationale: The ATLS primary survey prioritizes airway management with cervical spine
protection (ABCDE approach).
Question 2: A trauma patient with a GCS of 7 requires what immediate intervention?
A) Observation
B) Definitive airway
C) CT head
D) Mannitol administration
Rationale: A GCS ≤8 indicates severe brain injury, necessitating a definitive airway.
, Question 3: What is the initial treatment for a suspected tension pneumothorax?
A) Chest X-ray
B) Needle decompression
C) Intubation
D) CT scan
Rationale: Needle decompression is the urgent treatment for tension pneumothorax.
Question 4: A patient with a sucking chest wound should receive what treatment?
A) Chest tube insertion
B) Occlusive dressing taped on three sides
C) Immediate intubation
D) Pain control
Rationale: An occlusive dressing taped on three sides prevents air entry while allowing
escape in an open pneumothorax.
Question 5: What is the initial fluid bolus for an adult in hypovolemic shock?
A) 500 mL crystalloid
B) 1–2 L crystalloid
C) 250 mL colloid
D) 2 units packed RBCs
Rationale: An initial 1–2 L bolus of crystalloid is recommended for hypovolemic shock.
Question 6: A patient with a suspected cervical spine injury should have what applied?
A) Soft collar
B) Rigid cervical collar
C) Traction
D) No immobilization
Rationale: A rigid cervical collar maintains spinal alignment in suspected injuries.
Question 7: What is a sign of cardiac tamponade in a trauma patient?
A) Normal heart sounds
B) Muffled heart sounds and hypotension
C) Tachypnea only
D) Warm extremities
Rationale: Beck’s triad (muffled heart sounds, hypotension, JVD) indicates cardiac
tamponade.
Question 8: What is the Parkland formula for burn fluid resuscitation?
A) 2 mL/kg/%TBSA
B) 4 mL/kg/%TBSA
C) 6 mL/kg/%TBSA
D) 1 mL/kg/%TBSA
Rationale: The Parkland formula calculates 4 mL/kg/%TBSA for burn resuscitation.
