Module 1: Initial Assessment and Primary Survey | Practice
Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales | Trauma Exam Prep
Resource Features
➢ ATLS 11 Module 1-focused practice questions
➢ Initial assessment and primary survey review
➢ Detailed answers
➢ Elaborated rationales
➢ Clinical scenario-based questions
, ATLS 11 Module 1: Initial Assessment and Primary
Survey | Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed
Rationales | Trauma Exam Prep
Question 1:
What are the three main considerations when preparing for a
trauma patient arrival?
• a. Personnel, medications, imaging
• b. Personnel, equipment, notifications
• c. Equipment, laboratory tests, radiology
• d. Notifications, surgical team, blood products
Answer: b. Personnel, equipment, notifications
Rationale: The three main considerations are: 1) Personnel –
conducting a pre-arrival huddle to assign roles and prepare the
team; 2) Equipment – ensuring all necessary equipment is
available and functional; 3) Notifications – alerting blood bank,
respiratory therapy, and radiology departments. This systematic
preparation ensures readiness and efficient care upon patient
arrival.
,Question 2:
What method of hemorrhage control has been found to increase
better outcomes?
• a. Direct pressure
• b. Tourniquet
• c. Wound packing
• d. Pressure points
Answer: b. Tourniquet
Rationale: Studies have demonstrated that tourniquet use in
trauma patients with severe extremity hemorrhage leads to
improved outcomes, including reduced mortality. Tourniquets
provide effective, rapid hemorrhage control that can be applied
before hospital arrival. Early application has been associated with
better survival rates.
Question 3:
How can you determine if a tourniquet is working properly?
• a. Checking distal pulses
• b. Monitoring capillary refill
, • c. No bleeding!
• d. Patient reports numbness
Answer: c. No bleeding!
Rationale: The most reliable indicator that a tourniquet is
working is the cessation of bleeding from the wound. The
absence of bleeding confirms that adequate pressure has been
applied to occlude arterial flow. Other signs like absence of distal
pulses may be present but are not as definitive as the visual
confirmation of hemorrhage control.
Question 4:
What is the minimum PPE for a trauma scenario?
• a. Gloves only
• b. Eye protection and gloves
• c. Eye protection, mask, gowns, gloves
• d. Mask and gloves
Answer: c. Eye protection, mask, gowns, gloves
Rationale: Standard precautions require full personal protective
equipment including eye protection, mask, gown, and gloves.
Trauma scenarios involve potential exposure to blood and body