ATLS Post Test Latest Update 2026 | Exam Prep | High-
Yield Review Guide
1. What is the first step to take for a patient with potential multiple closed
extremity fractures?
Evaluation for occult crush syndrome
A thorough assessment of four limb perfusion
Manuevers to prevent necrosis of the skin
Ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation
Extremity compartment syndrome release
2. Why is a FAST exam considered an appropriate next step for a patient with a
gunshot wound who is hypotensive?
A FAST exam helps quickly assess for internal bleeding in trauma
patients.
A FAST exam determines the need for immediate surgery.
A FAST exam is used to evaluate lung function in respiratory distress.
A FAST exam is primarily used for neurological assessments.
3. Why is a laparotomy considered the most appropriate next step for a patient
with a rifle wound to the abdomen and unstable vital signs?
A laparotomy is only performed in cases of blunt abdominal trauma.
A laparotomy is less invasive than other imaging techniques.
A laparotomy is used to visualize the abdomen without making large
incisions.
A laparotomy is primarily for diagnostic purposes rather than
, therapeutic.
A laparotomy allows for direct access to the abdominal cavity to
control bleeding and assess organ damage.
4. Describe the role of Rh immunoglobulin therapy in the context of Rh
isoimmunization during pregnancy.
Rh immunoglobulin therapy is used to treat infections in pregnant
women.
Rh immunoglobulin therapy is only necessary after delivery.
Rh immunoglobulin therapy prevents the mother's immune system
from producing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells from the
fetus.
Rh immunoglobulin therapy has no effect on fetomaternal
hemorrhage.
5. Which indicator is considered the least reliable for confirming esophageal
intubation?
End-tidal CO2
Symmetrical chest wall movement
Bilateral breath sounds
Oxygen saturation >92%
ETT above carina on chest x-ray
6. Which one of the following statements is true regarding access in pediatric
resuscitation?
Blood transfusion can be delivered through intraosseous access
Cutdown at the ankle is the preferred initial access technique
Intraosseous access should be considered only after 5 percutaneous
, attempts
Internal jugular cannulation is the next preferred option when
percutaneous venous access fails
Intraosseous cannulation should be the first choice
7. In a scenario where a patient with a gunshot wound shows signs of internal
bleeding, what would be the most critical reason to perform a FAST exam
before any surgical intervention?
To assess the patient's vital signs.
To confirm the presence of a gunshot wound.
To identify the source of bleeding and guide surgical decision-
making.
To evaluate the effectiveness of initial resuscitation efforts.
8. Why does spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality sometimes
occur in children?
Radiographic abnormalities are not evident because of incomplete
ossification of the vertebrae.
Children can suffer momentary severe subluxation and trauma to
the spinal cord.
The hemorrhaging that occurs with injury obscures radiographic
abnormalities.
The immature spinal column in children does not allow for quality
films.
9. What does the absence of fracture dislocation in spinal x-rays indicate about
the likelihood of a spinal injury in the case of an unrestrained passenger?
A spinal injury is still possible.
The spine is completely healthy.
Yield Review Guide
1. What is the first step to take for a patient with potential multiple closed
extremity fractures?
Evaluation for occult crush syndrome
A thorough assessment of four limb perfusion
Manuevers to prevent necrosis of the skin
Ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation
Extremity compartment syndrome release
2. Why is a FAST exam considered an appropriate next step for a patient with a
gunshot wound who is hypotensive?
A FAST exam helps quickly assess for internal bleeding in trauma
patients.
A FAST exam determines the need for immediate surgery.
A FAST exam is used to evaluate lung function in respiratory distress.
A FAST exam is primarily used for neurological assessments.
3. Why is a laparotomy considered the most appropriate next step for a patient
with a rifle wound to the abdomen and unstable vital signs?
A laparotomy is only performed in cases of blunt abdominal trauma.
A laparotomy is less invasive than other imaging techniques.
A laparotomy is used to visualize the abdomen without making large
incisions.
A laparotomy is primarily for diagnostic purposes rather than
, therapeutic.
A laparotomy allows for direct access to the abdominal cavity to
control bleeding and assess organ damage.
4. Describe the role of Rh immunoglobulin therapy in the context of Rh
isoimmunization during pregnancy.
Rh immunoglobulin therapy is used to treat infections in pregnant
women.
Rh immunoglobulin therapy is only necessary after delivery.
Rh immunoglobulin therapy prevents the mother's immune system
from producing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells from the
fetus.
Rh immunoglobulin therapy has no effect on fetomaternal
hemorrhage.
5. Which indicator is considered the least reliable for confirming esophageal
intubation?
End-tidal CO2
Symmetrical chest wall movement
Bilateral breath sounds
Oxygen saturation >92%
ETT above carina on chest x-ray
6. Which one of the following statements is true regarding access in pediatric
resuscitation?
Blood transfusion can be delivered through intraosseous access
Cutdown at the ankle is the preferred initial access technique
Intraosseous access should be considered only after 5 percutaneous
, attempts
Internal jugular cannulation is the next preferred option when
percutaneous venous access fails
Intraosseous cannulation should be the first choice
7. In a scenario where a patient with a gunshot wound shows signs of internal
bleeding, what would be the most critical reason to perform a FAST exam
before any surgical intervention?
To assess the patient's vital signs.
To confirm the presence of a gunshot wound.
To identify the source of bleeding and guide surgical decision-
making.
To evaluate the effectiveness of initial resuscitation efforts.
8. Why does spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality sometimes
occur in children?
Radiographic abnormalities are not evident because of incomplete
ossification of the vertebrae.
Children can suffer momentary severe subluxation and trauma to
the spinal cord.
The hemorrhaging that occurs with injury obscures radiographic
abnormalities.
The immature spinal column in children does not allow for quality
films.
9. What does the absence of fracture dislocation in spinal x-rays indicate about
the likelihood of a spinal injury in the case of an unrestrained passenger?
A spinal injury is still possible.
The spine is completely healthy.
