PHTLS 10TH EDITION STUDY GUIDE & PRACTICE
POST TEST (2026–2027) | COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
PREPARATION
PHTLS 10TH EDITION COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM (2026/2027)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Section 1: Scene Assessment and Kinematics
2. Section 2: The Primary Survey (XABCDE)
3. Section 3: Airway and Ventilation
4. Section 4: Shock and Fluid Resuscitation
5. Section 5: Neurological Trauma (Head and Spine)
6. Section 6: Special Populations and Environmental Trauma
Section 1: Scene Assessment and Kinematics
Question 1
In the kinematics of trauma, the "First Law of Motion" (Newton’s Law) states that a body at rest
will stay at rest and a body in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
In a motor vehicle collision, what is the "second" collision?
• A. The vehicle hitting an object (e.g., a tree).
• B. The occupants hitting the interior of the vehicle.
• C. The internal organs hitting the skeletal structures of the body.
• D. The vehicle hitting a second vehicle.
Correct Answer: B Rationale: In trauma kinematics, the first collision is the vehicle hitting an
object. The second collision is the occupant hitting the interior of the vehicle (steering wheel,
dashboard). The third collision is the internal organs hitting the body's internal structures (e.g.,
the brain hitting the skull).
Question 2
, When evaluating a patient involved in a fall, what is the "critical" height associated with a high
probability of multisystem trauma in an adult?
• A. 5 feet
• B. 10 feet
• C. 20 feet (approx. 3 stories)
• D. 40 feet
Correct Answer: C Rationale: According to PHTLS guidelines, a fall from greater than 20 feet (6
meters) for an adult is considered a significant mechanism of injury (MOI) likely to result in
multisystem trauma.
Question 3
The "Golden Period" refers to:
• A. The first 60 minutes of surgery.
• B. The time from injury to definitive care.
• C. The time it takes for an ambulance to arrive on scene.
• D. The duration of the primary survey.
Correct Answer: B Rationale: The Golden Period is the window of time from the moment of
injury to the time the patient receives definitive surgical care. Outcomes significantly improve if
this period is minimized.
Section 2: The Primary Survey (XABCDE)
Question 4
In the PHTLS 10th Edition, the primary survey sequence begins with "X." What does "X" stand
for?
• A. X-ray
• B. eXposure
• C. eXanguinating Hemorrhage
• D. eXamine airway
POST TEST (2026–2027) | COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
PREPARATION
PHTLS 10TH EDITION COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE EXAM (2026/2027)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Section 1: Scene Assessment and Kinematics
2. Section 2: The Primary Survey (XABCDE)
3. Section 3: Airway and Ventilation
4. Section 4: Shock and Fluid Resuscitation
5. Section 5: Neurological Trauma (Head and Spine)
6. Section 6: Special Populations and Environmental Trauma
Section 1: Scene Assessment and Kinematics
Question 1
In the kinematics of trauma, the "First Law of Motion" (Newton’s Law) states that a body at rest
will stay at rest and a body in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
In a motor vehicle collision, what is the "second" collision?
• A. The vehicle hitting an object (e.g., a tree).
• B. The occupants hitting the interior of the vehicle.
• C. The internal organs hitting the skeletal structures of the body.
• D. The vehicle hitting a second vehicle.
Correct Answer: B Rationale: In trauma kinematics, the first collision is the vehicle hitting an
object. The second collision is the occupant hitting the interior of the vehicle (steering wheel,
dashboard). The third collision is the internal organs hitting the body's internal structures (e.g.,
the brain hitting the skull).
Question 2
, When evaluating a patient involved in a fall, what is the "critical" height associated with a high
probability of multisystem trauma in an adult?
• A. 5 feet
• B. 10 feet
• C. 20 feet (approx. 3 stories)
• D. 40 feet
Correct Answer: C Rationale: According to PHTLS guidelines, a fall from greater than 20 feet (6
meters) for an adult is considered a significant mechanism of injury (MOI) likely to result in
multisystem trauma.
Question 3
The "Golden Period" refers to:
• A. The first 60 minutes of surgery.
• B. The time from injury to definitive care.
• C. The time it takes for an ambulance to arrive on scene.
• D. The duration of the primary survey.
Correct Answer: B Rationale: The Golden Period is the window of time from the moment of
injury to the time the patient receives definitive surgical care. Outcomes significantly improve if
this period is minimized.
Section 2: The Primary Survey (XABCDE)
Question 4
In the PHTLS 10th Edition, the primary survey sequence begins with "X." What does "X" stand
for?
• A. X-ray
• B. eXposure
• C. eXanguinating Hemorrhage
• D. eXamine airway
