ATLS 10TH EDITION POST TEST
4 Questions and Answers
Latest (Verified Answers by
Expert)
1. What is the recommended method for treating
frostbite?
A. Vasodilators
B. Anticoagulants
C. Warm (40°C) water immersion
D. Padding and elevation
E. Application of heat from a hairdryer
Correct Answer C. Warm (40°C) water immersion
Explanation: The optimal treatment for frostbite is rapid
rewarming in warm water around 40°C (104°F). This
method restores blood flow and minimizes tissue
damage. Vasodilators and anticoagulants are not first-line
treatments, and applying direct heat or heat sources like
a hairdryer can cause burns.
,2. Which physical finding suggests a cause of
hypotension other than spinal cord injury?
A. Priapism
B. Bradycardia
C. Diaphragmatic breathing
D. Presence of deep tendon reflexes
E. Ability to flex forearms but not extend them
Correct Answer D. Presence of deep tendon reflexes
Explanation: Spinal shock causes loss of reflexes,
including deep tendon reflexes. Their presence indicates
the hypotension may be due to other causes, such as
hemorrhage, not spinal shock.
3. The primary indication for transferring a patient
to a higher-level trauma center is:
A. Unavailability of surgical staff
B. Multiple severe injuries, including head trauma
C. Resource limitations as judged by the transferring
doctor
D. Resource limitations as judged by hospital
,administration
E. Widened mediastinum on chest x-ray after blunt
trauma
Correct Answer B. Multiple severe injuries, including
head trauma
Explanation: The main reason to transfer to a higher-
level trauma center is the presence of multiple serious
injuries that require specialized care, such as severe head
injury.
4. A young man with a gunshot wound to the
abdomen shows signs of shock unresponsive to
fluids. The next step is:
A. Laparotomy
B. Abdominal CT scan
C. Diagnostic laparoscopy
D. Abdominal ultrasound (FAST)
E. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage
Correct Answer A. Laparotomy
Explanation: Hemodynamic instability with penetrating
, abdominal trauma indicates need for immediate surgical
exploration for hemorrhage control.
5. A man trapped beneath a tractor shows no
movement of lower limbs, but pupils are reactive.
The most likely cause is:
A. Epidural hematoma
B. Pelvic fracture
C. Central cord syndrome
D. Intracerebral hemorrhage
E. Bilateral compartment syndrome
Correct Answer C. Central cord syndrome
Explanation: Central cord syndrome causes motor
paralysis in the lower limbs while upper limb function
may be preserved. The absence of lower limb movement
with preserved pupils suggests spinal cord injury rather
than intracranial injury.
6. A lethargic 6-year-old with blood pressure 90
mmHg, tachycardia, and tachypnea needs venous
access. The preferred route is:
4 Questions and Answers
Latest (Verified Answers by
Expert)
1. What is the recommended method for treating
frostbite?
A. Vasodilators
B. Anticoagulants
C. Warm (40°C) water immersion
D. Padding and elevation
E. Application of heat from a hairdryer
Correct Answer C. Warm (40°C) water immersion
Explanation: The optimal treatment for frostbite is rapid
rewarming in warm water around 40°C (104°F). This
method restores blood flow and minimizes tissue
damage. Vasodilators and anticoagulants are not first-line
treatments, and applying direct heat or heat sources like
a hairdryer can cause burns.
,2. Which physical finding suggests a cause of
hypotension other than spinal cord injury?
A. Priapism
B. Bradycardia
C. Diaphragmatic breathing
D. Presence of deep tendon reflexes
E. Ability to flex forearms but not extend them
Correct Answer D. Presence of deep tendon reflexes
Explanation: Spinal shock causes loss of reflexes,
including deep tendon reflexes. Their presence indicates
the hypotension may be due to other causes, such as
hemorrhage, not spinal shock.
3. The primary indication for transferring a patient
to a higher-level trauma center is:
A. Unavailability of surgical staff
B. Multiple severe injuries, including head trauma
C. Resource limitations as judged by the transferring
doctor
D. Resource limitations as judged by hospital
,administration
E. Widened mediastinum on chest x-ray after blunt
trauma
Correct Answer B. Multiple severe injuries, including
head trauma
Explanation: The main reason to transfer to a higher-
level trauma center is the presence of multiple serious
injuries that require specialized care, such as severe head
injury.
4. A young man with a gunshot wound to the
abdomen shows signs of shock unresponsive to
fluids. The next step is:
A. Laparotomy
B. Abdominal CT scan
C. Diagnostic laparoscopy
D. Abdominal ultrasound (FAST)
E. Diagnostic peritoneal lavage
Correct Answer A. Laparotomy
Explanation: Hemodynamic instability with penetrating
, abdominal trauma indicates need for immediate surgical
exploration for hemorrhage control.
5. A man trapped beneath a tractor shows no
movement of lower limbs, but pupils are reactive.
The most likely cause is:
A. Epidural hematoma
B. Pelvic fracture
C. Central cord syndrome
D. Intracerebral hemorrhage
E. Bilateral compartment syndrome
Correct Answer C. Central cord syndrome
Explanation: Central cord syndrome causes motor
paralysis in the lower limbs while upper limb function
may be preserved. The absence of lower limb movement
with preserved pupils suggests spinal cord injury rather
than intracranial injury.
6. A lethargic 6-year-old with blood pressure 90
mmHg, tachycardia, and tachypnea needs venous
access. The preferred route is:
