ATLS POST TEST ASSESSMENT EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. What is the primary goal of the primary survey in ATLS?
A. To identify and treat life-threatening conditions
B. To obtain a detailed medical history
C. To perform a complete head-to-toe physical examination
D. To administer prophylactic antibiotics
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The primary survey focuses on rapid identification and
immediate management of life-threatening conditions using the ABCDE approach.
2. In the ABCDE sequence, what does ‘B’ stand for?
A. Bleeding
B. Blood pressure
C. Breathing
D. Brain function
Answer: C
,Conceptual Explanation: B stands for Breathing and Ventilation, ensuring the patient’s
airway is protected and gas exchange is adequate.
3. Which of the following is the most common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious
trauma patients?
A. Foreign body
B. Laryngeal fracture
C. Blood clots
D. Tongue
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In an unconscious patient, the tongue loses tone and falls
backward, obstructing the oropharynx.
4. What is the initial fluid of choice for resuscitation in severe hemorrhagic shock?
A. 5% Dextrose in Water
B. Free water
C. Colloids
D. Warm isotonic crystalloid solution
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Warm isotonic crystalloids (such as Ringer’s lactate or normal
saline) are recommended as the initial fluid of choice.
, 5. Which sign is most indicative of a tension pneumothorax?
A. Tracheal deviation away from the affected side
B. Bilateral equal breath sounds
C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Tension pneumothorax causes shifting of mediastinal structures,
leading to tracheal deviation away from the affected side, absent breath sounds, and
hypotension.
6. Cushning’s triad consists of bradycardia, respiratory irregularity, and:
A. Hypotension
B. Tachycardia
C. Wide pulse pressure (hypertension)
D. Narrow pulse pressure
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s triad is a sign of increased intracranial pressure and
includes hypertension (wide pulse pressure), bradycardia, and irregular respirations.
QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
1. What is the primary goal of the primary survey in ATLS?
A. To identify and treat life-threatening conditions
B. To obtain a detailed medical history
C. To perform a complete head-to-toe physical examination
D. To administer prophylactic antibiotics
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The primary survey focuses on rapid identification and
immediate management of life-threatening conditions using the ABCDE approach.
2. In the ABCDE sequence, what does ‘B’ stand for?
A. Bleeding
B. Blood pressure
C. Breathing
D. Brain function
Answer: C
,Conceptual Explanation: B stands for Breathing and Ventilation, ensuring the patient’s
airway is protected and gas exchange is adequate.
3. Which of the following is the most common cause of airway obstruction in unconscious
trauma patients?
A. Foreign body
B. Laryngeal fracture
C. Blood clots
D. Tongue
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In an unconscious patient, the tongue loses tone and falls
backward, obstructing the oropharynx.
4. What is the initial fluid of choice for resuscitation in severe hemorrhagic shock?
A. 5% Dextrose in Water
B. Free water
C. Colloids
D. Warm isotonic crystalloid solution
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Warm isotonic crystalloids (such as Ringer’s lactate or normal
saline) are recommended as the initial fluid of choice.
, 5. Which sign is most indicative of a tension pneumothorax?
A. Tracheal deviation away from the affected side
B. Bilateral equal breath sounds
C. Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Tension pneumothorax causes shifting of mediastinal structures,
leading to tracheal deviation away from the affected side, absent breath sounds, and
hypotension.
6. Cushning’s triad consists of bradycardia, respiratory irregularity, and:
A. Hypotension
B. Tachycardia
C. Wide pulse pressure (hypertension)
D. Narrow pulse pressure
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s triad is a sign of increased intracranial pressure and
includes hypertension (wide pulse pressure), bradycardia, and irregular respirations.
