ATLS: ABDOMINAL AND PELVIC TRAUMA EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025/2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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Defined as the area between the costal margins superiorly, the inguinal ligaments and symphysis pubis inferi
orly and the anterior axillary linesJlaterally. - correct answer-Anterior abdomen
The area inferior to the nipple line anteriorly, infrascapular line posteriorly and superior to the costal margins
encompassingJthe diaphragm, liver, spleen and stomach. - correct answer-Thoracoabdomen
The area located between the anterior and posterior axillary lines from the tip of the scapulae to the iliac crest
. - correct answer-Flank area
Area located posteriorJto the posteriorJaxillary linesJfrom the tip of the scapulae toJthe iliac crests. This includ
es the posterior thoracoabdomen. - correct answer-Back area
What important structures are located in theJretroperitoneal space? - correct answer-1. Aorta
2. IVC
3. Most of theJduodenum
4. Pancreas
5. Kidneys
6. Ureters
7. Posterior ascending colon
8. Posterior descendingJcolon
What important structures are located in theJpelvic cavity? - correct answer-1. Rectum
2. Bladder
3. Iliac vessels
4. Female reproductive organs
A formJof crush injury that can resultJwhen a restraint device is worn inappropriately. - correct answer-
Shearing injury
, A formJonJinjury in which there is a differential movement of fixed and mobile parts of the body. Common ex
amples are liver/spleen lacerationsJas well as bucket handle injuries theJsmall bowel. - correct answer-
Deceleration injury
What is the MC abdominal organ injured 2/2 bluntJtrauma? - correct answer-Spleen
(liver 2nd; small bowel 3rd)
ToJwhichJintercostal space does the diaphragm rise on full exhalation? - correct answer-4thJintercostal space
What is the MC abdominal organ injured 2/2 stab wounds? - correct answer-Liver
What is the MC abdominal organ injured 2/2 GSW? - correct answer-Small bowel
What 3 key determinants are important to know when dealing with GSWs? - correct answer-
1. Type of weapon
2. Muzzle velocity
3. Type of ammunitionJ
(Distance is also important when dealing withJshotguns)
Tear or avulsion of bowel mesentery (bucket handle injury), small bowel/colon rupture, iliac/aortic artery thr
ombosis, chance fracture and pancreatic/duodenal injuries are commonly associated withJthis restraintJdevic
e. - correct answer-LapJseatbelt
(Compression; hyperflexion)
RuptureJof the upper abdominal viscera, thrombosis or intimal tear in innominate/carotid/subclavian/vertebr
al arteries, fracture/dislocationJof cervicaJstone, ribJfractures and pulmonary contusions are commonly assoc
iated with this restraint device. - correct answer-Shoulder harness
(Compression; submarining)
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025/2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
Defined as the area between the costal margins superiorly, the inguinal ligaments and symphysis pubis inferi
orly and the anterior axillary linesJlaterally. - correct answer-Anterior abdomen
The area inferior to the nipple line anteriorly, infrascapular line posteriorly and superior to the costal margins
encompassingJthe diaphragm, liver, spleen and stomach. - correct answer-Thoracoabdomen
The area located between the anterior and posterior axillary lines from the tip of the scapulae to the iliac crest
. - correct answer-Flank area
Area located posteriorJto the posteriorJaxillary linesJfrom the tip of the scapulae toJthe iliac crests. This includ
es the posterior thoracoabdomen. - correct answer-Back area
What important structures are located in theJretroperitoneal space? - correct answer-1. Aorta
2. IVC
3. Most of theJduodenum
4. Pancreas
5. Kidneys
6. Ureters
7. Posterior ascending colon
8. Posterior descendingJcolon
What important structures are located in theJpelvic cavity? - correct answer-1. Rectum
2. Bladder
3. Iliac vessels
4. Female reproductive organs
A formJof crush injury that can resultJwhen a restraint device is worn inappropriately. - correct answer-
Shearing injury
, A formJonJinjury in which there is a differential movement of fixed and mobile parts of the body. Common ex
amples are liver/spleen lacerationsJas well as bucket handle injuries theJsmall bowel. - correct answer-
Deceleration injury
What is the MC abdominal organ injured 2/2 bluntJtrauma? - correct answer-Spleen
(liver 2nd; small bowel 3rd)
ToJwhichJintercostal space does the diaphragm rise on full exhalation? - correct answer-4thJintercostal space
What is the MC abdominal organ injured 2/2 stab wounds? - correct answer-Liver
What is the MC abdominal organ injured 2/2 GSW? - correct answer-Small bowel
What 3 key determinants are important to know when dealing with GSWs? - correct answer-
1. Type of weapon
2. Muzzle velocity
3. Type of ammunitionJ
(Distance is also important when dealing withJshotguns)
Tear or avulsion of bowel mesentery (bucket handle injury), small bowel/colon rupture, iliac/aortic artery thr
ombosis, chance fracture and pancreatic/duodenal injuries are commonly associated withJthis restraintJdevic
e. - correct answer-LapJseatbelt
(Compression; hyperflexion)
RuptureJof the upper abdominal viscera, thrombosis or intimal tear in innominate/carotid/subclavian/vertebr
al arteries, fracture/dislocationJof cervicaJstone, ribJfractures and pulmonary contusions are commonly assoc
iated with this restraint device. - correct answer-Shoulder harness
(Compression; submarining)
