ATLS Post-Test 2025/2026 | Complete Exam with
Verified Questions & 100% Correct Answers
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Post-Test | Key Concepts: Primary & Secondary Survey,
Airway & Breathing Management, Shock & Hemorrhage Control, Head & Spinal Trauma,
Thoracic & Abdominal Injuries, Orthopedic Trauma, Burns, and Trauma Team Dynamics |
Expert-Verified Q&A | Clinical & Exam-Ready
Introduction
This updated 2025/2026 ATLS Post-Test resource provides fully verified exam questions with
100% correct answers. Content covers trauma assessment and resuscitation, airway and
ventilation strategies, fluid and blood product resuscitation, management of head, chest,
abdominal, and musculoskeletal injuries, as well as critical decision-making in trauma care. All
answers are already graded A+ and ensure complete preparation for ATLS post-test success. The
exam consists of 40 questions.
Answer Format
All correct answers are highlighted in bold and green, with rationales that explain trauma
priorities, reinforce ATLS protocols, and strengthen rapid clinical judgment for exam readiness.
ATLS Post-Test 2025/2026 (40 Questions)
Question 1: What is the first step in the primary survey of a trauma patient?
A) Assess circulation
B) Establish airway
C) Evaluate neurological status
D) Obtain vital signs
B) Establish airway
Rationale: The ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) begin with securing the airway per
ATLS protocol.
Question 2: Which of the following signs indicates a tension pneumothorax?
A) Decreased breath sounds on one side
B) Hyperresonance on percussion
C) Tracheal deviation to the affected side
D) Normal oxygen saturation
B) Hyperresonance on percussion
Rationale: Hyperresonance, along with tracheal deviation and decreased breath sounds,
suggests tension pneumothorax.
, Question 3: What is the initial fluid of choice for resuscitation in a hypotensive
trauma patient?
A) Packed red blood cells
B) Normal saline or lactated Ringer’s
C) 5% dextrose in water
D) Albumin
B) Normal saline or lactated Ringer’s
Rationale: Isotonic crystalloids are the initial fluids to restore volume in hemorrhagic shock.
Question 4: Which injury is most likely to cause immediate death if untreated?
A) Femur fracture
B) Ruptured aorta
C) Rib fracture
D) Spleen laceration
B) Ruptured aorta
Rationale: A ruptured aorta leads to rapid exsanguination without immediate intervention.
Question 5: What is the primary concern in a patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale
(GCS) score of 6?
A) Airway obstruction
B) Hypovolemic shock
C) Intracranial hemorrhage
D) Spinal cord injury
C) Intracranial hemorrhage
Rationale: A GCS of 6 indicates severe brain injury, often due to intracranial bleeding.
Question 6: Which imaging study is most appropriate for evaluating a suspected
pelvic fracture?
A) Chest X-ray
B) Pelvic X-ray
C) CT scan of the abdomen
D) MRI of the spine
B) Pelvic X-ray
Rationale: A pelvic X-ray is the initial imaging for detecting fractures.
Question 7: What is the initial management of an open pneumothorax?
A) Chest tube insertion
B) Occlusive dressing with a flutter valve
C) Positive pressure ventilation
D) Needle decompression
B) Occlusive dressing with a flutter valve
Rationale: This seals the wound while allowing air escape to prevent tension pneumothorax.
Question 8: Which of the following is a sign of hypovolemic shock?
A) Bradycardia
B) Warm extremities
C) Tachycardia
Verified Questions & 100% Correct Answers
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Post-Test | Key Concepts: Primary & Secondary Survey,
Airway & Breathing Management, Shock & Hemorrhage Control, Head & Spinal Trauma,
Thoracic & Abdominal Injuries, Orthopedic Trauma, Burns, and Trauma Team Dynamics |
Expert-Verified Q&A | Clinical & Exam-Ready
Introduction
This updated 2025/2026 ATLS Post-Test resource provides fully verified exam questions with
100% correct answers. Content covers trauma assessment and resuscitation, airway and
ventilation strategies, fluid and blood product resuscitation, management of head, chest,
abdominal, and musculoskeletal injuries, as well as critical decision-making in trauma care. All
answers are already graded A+ and ensure complete preparation for ATLS post-test success. The
exam consists of 40 questions.
Answer Format
All correct answers are highlighted in bold and green, with rationales that explain trauma
priorities, reinforce ATLS protocols, and strengthen rapid clinical judgment for exam readiness.
ATLS Post-Test 2025/2026 (40 Questions)
Question 1: What is the first step in the primary survey of a trauma patient?
A) Assess circulation
B) Establish airway
C) Evaluate neurological status
D) Obtain vital signs
B) Establish airway
Rationale: The ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) begin with securing the airway per
ATLS protocol.
Question 2: Which of the following signs indicates a tension pneumothorax?
A) Decreased breath sounds on one side
B) Hyperresonance on percussion
C) Tracheal deviation to the affected side
D) Normal oxygen saturation
B) Hyperresonance on percussion
Rationale: Hyperresonance, along with tracheal deviation and decreased breath sounds,
suggests tension pneumothorax.
, Question 3: What is the initial fluid of choice for resuscitation in a hypotensive
trauma patient?
A) Packed red blood cells
B) Normal saline or lactated Ringer’s
C) 5% dextrose in water
D) Albumin
B) Normal saline or lactated Ringer’s
Rationale: Isotonic crystalloids are the initial fluids to restore volume in hemorrhagic shock.
Question 4: Which injury is most likely to cause immediate death if untreated?
A) Femur fracture
B) Ruptured aorta
C) Rib fracture
D) Spleen laceration
B) Ruptured aorta
Rationale: A ruptured aorta leads to rapid exsanguination without immediate intervention.
Question 5: What is the primary concern in a patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale
(GCS) score of 6?
A) Airway obstruction
B) Hypovolemic shock
C) Intracranial hemorrhage
D) Spinal cord injury
C) Intracranial hemorrhage
Rationale: A GCS of 6 indicates severe brain injury, often due to intracranial bleeding.
Question 6: Which imaging study is most appropriate for evaluating a suspected
pelvic fracture?
A) Chest X-ray
B) Pelvic X-ray
C) CT scan of the abdomen
D) MRI of the spine
B) Pelvic X-ray
Rationale: A pelvic X-ray is the initial imaging for detecting fractures.
Question 7: What is the initial management of an open pneumothorax?
A) Chest tube insertion
B) Occlusive dressing with a flutter valve
C) Positive pressure ventilation
D) Needle decompression
B) Occlusive dressing with a flutter valve
Rationale: This seals the wound while allowing air escape to prevent tension pneumothorax.
Question 8: Which of the following is a sign of hypovolemic shock?
A) Bradycardia
B) Warm extremities
C) Tachycardia
