PHTLS PRE AND POST TEST 4 EXAM SCRIPT
2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
◉ Which of the following is a possible complication of using a
manually triggered oxygen powered device for ventilation?
A. Gastric distention
B. Pneumothorax
C. Inability to feel lung compliance
D. All of the above. Answer: D. All of the above
◉ Which of the following procedures is considered an essential
airway skill?
A. Needle cricothyroidotomy
B. Endotracheal intubation
C. Insertion of an oropharyngeal airway
D. Retrograde endotracheal intubation. Answer: C. Insertion of an
oropharyngeal airway
,◉ Pericardial tamponade is most likely to occur in which of the
following situations?
A. Stab wound to the chest
B. Fall from a height
C. Frontal impact vehicle crash
D. Gunshot wound to the chest. Answer: A. Stab wound to the chest
◉ Which of the following is the preferred site for needle
decompression of a tension pneumothorax?
A. 4th intercostal space, midclavicular line, just over the top of the
5th rib
B. 4th intercostal space, midclavicular line, just below the 4th rib
C. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line, just over top of the 3rd
rib
D. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line, just below the 2nd rib.
Answer: C. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line, just over top of
the 3rd rib
◉ Which of the following is the mechanism by which pulmonary
contusion interferes with oxygenation?
A. Inability to generate negative intrapleural pressure
, B. Decrease in vital capacity due to collapse of the flail segment
C. Increased intrathoracic pressure
D. Blood and fluid in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lung.
Answer: D. Blood and fluid in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the
lung
◉ Your patient is a 55 year old male who was struck in the right side
of the chest with a piece of steel pipe. He presents with
uncooperative behavior, his skin is pale and moist, the ventilatory
rate is 32, there is a weak radial pulse of 112, and breath sounds are
decreased on the right side. The trachea is midline and jugular veins
are flat while the patient is supine. There is isolated crepitus over
the 4th and 5th ribs in the midaxillary line on the patient's right
side. Based on the mechanism of injury and the assessment findings,
which of the following is the most likely cause of the patient's signs
and symptoms?
A. Tension pneumothorax
B. Simple pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary contusion
D. Hemothorax. Answer: D. Hemothorax
◉ Deterioration of ventilation and oxygenation after inflation of a
PASG in a patient who has sustained a high-pressure compression
injury of the abdomen, such as a sudden deceleration with the lap
2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS
◉ Which of the following is a possible complication of using a
manually triggered oxygen powered device for ventilation?
A. Gastric distention
B. Pneumothorax
C. Inability to feel lung compliance
D. All of the above. Answer: D. All of the above
◉ Which of the following procedures is considered an essential
airway skill?
A. Needle cricothyroidotomy
B. Endotracheal intubation
C. Insertion of an oropharyngeal airway
D. Retrograde endotracheal intubation. Answer: C. Insertion of an
oropharyngeal airway
,◉ Pericardial tamponade is most likely to occur in which of the
following situations?
A. Stab wound to the chest
B. Fall from a height
C. Frontal impact vehicle crash
D. Gunshot wound to the chest. Answer: A. Stab wound to the chest
◉ Which of the following is the preferred site for needle
decompression of a tension pneumothorax?
A. 4th intercostal space, midclavicular line, just over the top of the
5th rib
B. 4th intercostal space, midclavicular line, just below the 4th rib
C. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line, just over top of the 3rd
rib
D. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line, just below the 2nd rib.
Answer: C. 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line, just over top of
the 3rd rib
◉ Which of the following is the mechanism by which pulmonary
contusion interferes with oxygenation?
A. Inability to generate negative intrapleural pressure
, B. Decrease in vital capacity due to collapse of the flail segment
C. Increased intrathoracic pressure
D. Blood and fluid in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the lung.
Answer: D. Blood and fluid in the alveoli and interstitial spaces of the
lung
◉ Your patient is a 55 year old male who was struck in the right side
of the chest with a piece of steel pipe. He presents with
uncooperative behavior, his skin is pale and moist, the ventilatory
rate is 32, there is a weak radial pulse of 112, and breath sounds are
decreased on the right side. The trachea is midline and jugular veins
are flat while the patient is supine. There is isolated crepitus over
the 4th and 5th ribs in the midaxillary line on the patient's right
side. Based on the mechanism of injury and the assessment findings,
which of the following is the most likely cause of the patient's signs
and symptoms?
A. Tension pneumothorax
B. Simple pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary contusion
D. Hemothorax. Answer: D. Hemothorax
◉ Deterioration of ventilation and oxygenation after inflation of a
PASG in a patient who has sustained a high-pressure compression
injury of the abdomen, such as a sudden deceleration with the lap
