PHTLS 10TH EDITION POST TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of shock in the early stages of trauma?
A. Drop in blood pressure
B. Anxiety and restlessness
C. Loss of consciousness
D. Weak peripheral pulses
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Anxiety and restlessness are often the earliest signs of
compensated shock due to sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
2. What is the primary goal of fluid resuscitation in a trauma patient with uncontrolled
hemorrhage?
A. Maintain normal blood pressure
B. Normalize heart rate
C. Ensure adequate urine output
D. Prevent clot disruption
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypotensive resuscitation aims to maintain perfusion while
preventing the dislodgement of newly formed clots.
3. Which anatomical structure is the primary site for needle decompression of a tension
pneumothorax?
A. Third intercostal space, parasternal line
B. Fifth intercostal space, anterior axillary line
C. Second intercostal space, midclavicular line
D. Fourth intercostal space, midclavicular line
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The traditional site for needle decompression is the second
intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the affected side.
4. What is the immediate priority in managing a trauma patient with an airway obstruction?
A. Administering high-flow oxygen
B. Clearing the airway
C. Establishing IV access
D. Applying a cervical collar
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Airway management is always the first priority in the primary
survey (ABCDE).
5. Which type of shock is most commonly caused by acute blood loss?
A. Cardiogenic
B. Septic
C. Neurogenic
D. Hypovolemic
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypovolemic shock in trauma is primarily caused by
hemorrhage.
6. Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate the level of consciousness in trauma
patients?
A. APGAR score
B. CRAMS scale
C. Glasgow Coma Scale
D. SALT triage
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is the standard tool for assessing
level of consciousness.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2027
1. Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of shock in the early stages of trauma?
A. Drop in blood pressure
B. Anxiety and restlessness
C. Loss of consciousness
D. Weak peripheral pulses
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Anxiety and restlessness are often the earliest signs of
compensated shock due to sympathetic nervous system stimulation.
2. What is the primary goal of fluid resuscitation in a trauma patient with uncontrolled
hemorrhage?
A. Maintain normal blood pressure
B. Normalize heart rate
C. Ensure adequate urine output
D. Prevent clot disruption
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypotensive resuscitation aims to maintain perfusion while
preventing the dislodgement of newly formed clots.
3. Which anatomical structure is the primary site for needle decompression of a tension
pneumothorax?
A. Third intercostal space, parasternal line
B. Fifth intercostal space, anterior axillary line
C. Second intercostal space, midclavicular line
D. Fourth intercostal space, midclavicular line
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The traditional site for needle decompression is the second
intercostal space at the midclavicular line on the affected side.
4. What is the immediate priority in managing a trauma patient with an airway obstruction?
A. Administering high-flow oxygen
B. Clearing the airway
C. Establishing IV access
D. Applying a cervical collar
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Airway management is always the first priority in the primary
survey (ABCDE).
5. Which type of shock is most commonly caused by acute blood loss?
A. Cardiogenic
B. Septic
C. Neurogenic
D. Hypovolemic
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypovolemic shock in trauma is primarily caused by
hemorrhage.
6. Which assessment tool is commonly used to evaluate the level of consciousness in trauma
patients?
A. APGAR score
B. CRAMS scale
C. Glasgow Coma Scale
D. SALT triage
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is the standard tool for assessing
level of consciousness.
