1
ATCN FINAL EXAM Questions 1 – 200 | Pass
Guaranteed | Verified Questions and Detailed
Rationales | Graded A+
[1] A trauma patient arrives after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. During the primary
survey, the patient is found to have massive facial swelling and bloody secretions in the mouth.
What is the priority action?
A. Perform a secondary survey to identify other injuries
B. Obtain a CT scan of the head
C. Suction the airway and prepare for definitive airway management
D. Administer IV fluids
☑ Correct Answer: C
☑ Explanation: Massive facial swelling and bloody secretions indicate potential airway
compromise. The ATCN protocol emphasizes that airway is the first priority in the ABCDE
approach. The team should prepare to provide a definitive airway without delay. Obtaining a CT
or performing a secondary survey would delay critical airway intervention.
,2
[2] During the primary survey, a patient with a suspected head injury has a Glasgow Coma Scale
(GCS) of 6. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Conduct a secondary survey
B. Insert an orogastric tube
C. Prepare for intubation and protect the airway
D. Obtain IV access
☑ Correct Answer: C
☑ Explanation: A GCS score of less than 8 is an indication for airway protection. The
priority is to secure the airway to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate oxygenation.
Secondary interventions follow airway management.
[3] When sedating a head-injured patient prior to intubation, what is the most important step?
A. Administer the sedative rapidly
B. Obtain a baseline GCS and pupillary exam prior to administering medications
C. Ensure the patient has an empty stomach
D. Check for allergies to the sedative
,3
☑ Correct Answer: B
☑ Explanation: Obtaining a baseline neurological assessment before administering
sedatives is critical for evaluating the patient's neurologic status, detecting changes that may
indicate deterioration, and guiding further management.
[4] During the 'A' (Airway) portion of the primary survey, what is the priority action for a trauma
patient with a suspected neck injury?
A. Applying a soft cervical collar immediately
B. Hyperextending the neck to visualize the glottis
C. Using a standard head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver
D. Maintaining cervical spine protection using manual in-line stabilization
☑ Correct Answer: D
☑ Explanation: Manual in-line stabilization is the established standard in the ATCN
curriculum to maintain cervical spine protection while establishing the airway. This prevents
further spinal cord injury. A soft collar alone does not provide adequate stabilization, and
hyperextension or head-tilt/chin-lift can worsen spinal injury.
, 4
[5] What is the primary survey in trauma care?
A. A thorough head-to-toe examination to identify all injuries
B. A rapid assessment to identify and manage life-threatening conditions following the ABCDE
approach
C. A detailed neurological assessment performed after resuscitation
D. A comprehensive history and physical examination
☑ Correct Answer: B
☑ Explanation: The primary survey is a rapid, systematic assessment to identify and
manage life-threatening conditions. It follows the ABCDE approach: Airway, Breathing,
Circulation, Disability, and Exposure.
[6] What does the "C" in the ABCDE primary survey stand for?
A. Cervical spine
B. Consciousness
ATCN FINAL EXAM Questions 1 – 200 | Pass
Guaranteed | Verified Questions and Detailed
Rationales | Graded A+
[1] A trauma patient arrives after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. During the primary
survey, the patient is found to have massive facial swelling and bloody secretions in the mouth.
What is the priority action?
A. Perform a secondary survey to identify other injuries
B. Obtain a CT scan of the head
C. Suction the airway and prepare for definitive airway management
D. Administer IV fluids
☑ Correct Answer: C
☑ Explanation: Massive facial swelling and bloody secretions indicate potential airway
compromise. The ATCN protocol emphasizes that airway is the first priority in the ABCDE
approach. The team should prepare to provide a definitive airway without delay. Obtaining a CT
or performing a secondary survey would delay critical airway intervention.
,2
[2] During the primary survey, a patient with a suspected head injury has a Glasgow Coma Scale
(GCS) of 6. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Conduct a secondary survey
B. Insert an orogastric tube
C. Prepare for intubation and protect the airway
D. Obtain IV access
☑ Correct Answer: C
☑ Explanation: A GCS score of less than 8 is an indication for airway protection. The
priority is to secure the airway to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate oxygenation.
Secondary interventions follow airway management.
[3] When sedating a head-injured patient prior to intubation, what is the most important step?
A. Administer the sedative rapidly
B. Obtain a baseline GCS and pupillary exam prior to administering medications
C. Ensure the patient has an empty stomach
D. Check for allergies to the sedative
,3
☑ Correct Answer: B
☑ Explanation: Obtaining a baseline neurological assessment before administering
sedatives is critical for evaluating the patient's neurologic status, detecting changes that may
indicate deterioration, and guiding further management.
[4] During the 'A' (Airway) portion of the primary survey, what is the priority action for a trauma
patient with a suspected neck injury?
A. Applying a soft cervical collar immediately
B. Hyperextending the neck to visualize the glottis
C. Using a standard head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver
D. Maintaining cervical spine protection using manual in-line stabilization
☑ Correct Answer: D
☑ Explanation: Manual in-line stabilization is the established standard in the ATCN
curriculum to maintain cervical spine protection while establishing the airway. This prevents
further spinal cord injury. A soft collar alone does not provide adequate stabilization, and
hyperextension or head-tilt/chin-lift can worsen spinal injury.
, 4
[5] What is the primary survey in trauma care?
A. A thorough head-to-toe examination to identify all injuries
B. A rapid assessment to identify and manage life-threatening conditions following the ABCDE
approach
C. A detailed neurological assessment performed after resuscitation
D. A comprehensive history and physical examination
☑ Correct Answer: B
☑ Explanation: The primary survey is a rapid, systematic assessment to identify and
manage life-threatening conditions. It follows the ABCDE approach: Airway, Breathing,
Circulation, Disability, and Exposure.
[6] What does the "C" in the ABCDE primary survey stand for?
A. Cervical spine
B. Consciousness