PHTLS POST TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2027
1. What is the primary goal of the initial assessment in trauma patients?
A. To identify and manage life-threatening conditions
B. To obtain a detailed medical history
C. To perform a complete head-to-toe physical examination
D. To establish intravenous access
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The primary goal of the initial assessment is to quickly identify
and manage immediate threats to life, following the XABCDE protocol.
2. Which of the following is the most reliable sign of tension pneumothorax?
A. Tracheal deviation towards the affected side
B. Absent breath sounds on the affected side with hemodynamic instability
C. Equal and bilateral chest expansion
D. Bradycardia and hypertension
Answer: B
,Conceptual Explanation: Tension pneumothorax presents with absent breath sounds,
respiratory distress, and shock (hypotension). Tracheal deviation is a late sign.
3. What is the primary mechanism of injury in a blast trauma?
A. Penetrating trauma only
B. Thermal burns exclusively
C. Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary blast effects
D. Crush injuries solely from structural collapse
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Blast injuries are complex and categorized into primary
(pressure wave), secondary (flying debris), tertiary (structural displacement), and
quaternary (burns, toxins).
4. In managing severe external hemorrhage, when should a tourniquet be applied?
A. Only after direct pressure and pressure dressings fail
B. As a last resort after 15 minutes of continuous bleeding
C. Only by physicians in the hospital setting
D. Immediately for life-threatening extremity bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct
pressure
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Current PHTLS guidelines recommend immediate application of
a tourniquet for life-threatening extremity hemorrhage where direct pressure is ineffective
or impractical.
5. What is the normal physiologic response to hemorrhagic shock in the early stages?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Warm, flushed skin and slow respirations
C. Tachycardia and vasoconstriction
D. Immediate loss of consciousness
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In early hemorrhagic shock, sympathetic stimulation causes
tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure.
6. Which fluid is generally preferred for the initial resuscitation of a trauma patient with
hemorrhagic shock?
A. Large volumes of normal saline
B. Hypotonic solutions like 0.45% NaCl
C. Warm blood products or balanced crystalloids in limited amounts
D. Free water via nasogastric tube
Answer: C
ANSWERS 2027
1. What is the primary goal of the initial assessment in trauma patients?
A. To identify and manage life-threatening conditions
B. To obtain a detailed medical history
C. To perform a complete head-to-toe physical examination
D. To establish intravenous access
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The primary goal of the initial assessment is to quickly identify
and manage immediate threats to life, following the XABCDE protocol.
2. Which of the following is the most reliable sign of tension pneumothorax?
A. Tracheal deviation towards the affected side
B. Absent breath sounds on the affected side with hemodynamic instability
C. Equal and bilateral chest expansion
D. Bradycardia and hypertension
Answer: B
,Conceptual Explanation: Tension pneumothorax presents with absent breath sounds,
respiratory distress, and shock (hypotension). Tracheal deviation is a late sign.
3. What is the primary mechanism of injury in a blast trauma?
A. Penetrating trauma only
B. Thermal burns exclusively
C. Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary blast effects
D. Crush injuries solely from structural collapse
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Blast injuries are complex and categorized into primary
(pressure wave), secondary (flying debris), tertiary (structural displacement), and
quaternary (burns, toxins).
4. In managing severe external hemorrhage, when should a tourniquet be applied?
A. Only after direct pressure and pressure dressings fail
B. As a last resort after 15 minutes of continuous bleeding
C. Only by physicians in the hospital setting
D. Immediately for life-threatening extremity bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct
pressure
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Current PHTLS guidelines recommend immediate application of
a tourniquet for life-threatening extremity hemorrhage where direct pressure is ineffective
or impractical.
5. What is the normal physiologic response to hemorrhagic shock in the early stages?
A. Bradycardia and hypotension
B. Warm, flushed skin and slow respirations
C. Tachycardia and vasoconstriction
D. Immediate loss of consciousness
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In early hemorrhagic shock, sympathetic stimulation causes
tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure.
6. Which fluid is generally preferred for the initial resuscitation of a trauma patient with
hemorrhagic shock?
A. Large volumes of normal saline
B. Hypotonic solutions like 0.45% NaCl
C. Warm blood products or balanced crystalloids in limited amounts
D. Free water via nasogastric tube
Answer: C
