ATLS 10th Edition Post Test 3 Questions
and Ansẉers with
Expert-Verified Explanation 2026\2027
update
This Exam contains:
Guarantee passing score
Questions and Ansẉers
format set of multiple-choice
Expert-Verified Explanation
, Verified ẉith trusted textbooks
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
─
Question 1
Which of the following is the most common cause of preventable death after
trauma?
A) Sepsis
B) Hemorrhage
C) Traumatic brain injury
D) Multiple organ failure
Correct Answer: B) Hemorrhage
Expert Explanation: Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in
trauma patients. While traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of overall death,
uncontrolled bleeding is the primary target for prevention strategies. Early
recognition and rapid control of bleeding—whether by direct pressure,
tourniquets, pelvic binders, or surgery—are critical to improving survival.
Question 2
During the primary survey, which intervention takes priority in a trauma patient
with a suspected tension pneumothorax?
A) Endotracheal intubation
B) Needle decompression
C) Chest tube placement
D) Rapid fluid administration
Correct Answer: B) Needle decompression
Expert Explanation: Tension pneumothorax is an immediately life-
threatening condition where air accumulates in the pleural space under
pressure, shifting the mediastinum and compromising cardiac output. Needle
decompression (2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line) relieves this pressure
and must be performed before any other intervention. Chest tube placement
follows as definitive management.
, Question 3
A trauma patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 6 should first
receive:
A) Immediate head CT
B) Endotracheal intubation
C) Mannitol administration
D) Cervical spine immobilization
Correct Answer: B) Endotracheal intubation
Expert Explanation: A GCS score of 8 or less indicates severe traumatic brain
injury and an inability to protect the airway. The priority is securing the airway
via endotracheal intubation to prevent hypoxia and hypercapnia, which would
worsen secondary brain injury. Cervical spine protection must be maintained
during intubation.
Question 4
Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of hypovolemic shock in a
trauma patient?
A) Tachycardia
B) Hypotension
C) Altered mental status
D) Decreased urine output
Correct Answer: C) Altered mental status
Expert Explanation: Altered mental status—such as confusion, agitation, or
lethargy—is an early and sensitive sign of cerebral hypoperfusion due to shock.
Hypotension is a late finding, especially in young patients who can maintain
blood pressure through compensatory mechanisms until significant blood loss
(30-40%) has occurred.
Question 5
A patient with a pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability should first
receive:
A) External fixation
B) Pelvic angiography
C) Pelvic binder application
and Ansẉers with
Expert-Verified Explanation 2026\2027
update
This Exam contains:
Guarantee passing score
Questions and Ansẉers
format set of multiple-choice
Expert-Verified Explanation
, Verified ẉith trusted textbooks
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
─
Question 1
Which of the following is the most common cause of preventable death after
trauma?
A) Sepsis
B) Hemorrhage
C) Traumatic brain injury
D) Multiple organ failure
Correct Answer: B) Hemorrhage
Expert Explanation: Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in
trauma patients. While traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of overall death,
uncontrolled bleeding is the primary target for prevention strategies. Early
recognition and rapid control of bleeding—whether by direct pressure,
tourniquets, pelvic binders, or surgery—are critical to improving survival.
Question 2
During the primary survey, which intervention takes priority in a trauma patient
with a suspected tension pneumothorax?
A) Endotracheal intubation
B) Needle decompression
C) Chest tube placement
D) Rapid fluid administration
Correct Answer: B) Needle decompression
Expert Explanation: Tension pneumothorax is an immediately life-
threatening condition where air accumulates in the pleural space under
pressure, shifting the mediastinum and compromising cardiac output. Needle
decompression (2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line) relieves this pressure
and must be performed before any other intervention. Chest tube placement
follows as definitive management.
, Question 3
A trauma patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 6 should first
receive:
A) Immediate head CT
B) Endotracheal intubation
C) Mannitol administration
D) Cervical spine immobilization
Correct Answer: B) Endotracheal intubation
Expert Explanation: A GCS score of 8 or less indicates severe traumatic brain
injury and an inability to protect the airway. The priority is securing the airway
via endotracheal intubation to prevent hypoxia and hypercapnia, which would
worsen secondary brain injury. Cervical spine protection must be maintained
during intubation.
Question 4
Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of hypovolemic shock in a
trauma patient?
A) Tachycardia
B) Hypotension
C) Altered mental status
D) Decreased urine output
Correct Answer: C) Altered mental status
Expert Explanation: Altered mental status—such as confusion, agitation, or
lethargy—is an early and sensitive sign of cerebral hypoperfusion due to shock.
Hypotension is a late finding, especially in young patients who can maintain
blood pressure through compensatory mechanisms until significant blood loss
(30-40%) has occurred.
Question 5
A patient with a pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability should first
receive:
A) External fixation
B) Pelvic angiography
C) Pelvic binder application
