ATLS Post Test 2026 Complete Study Resource | High-
Yield Exam Prep
1. Appropriate management of a stable child with a grade IV splenic injury is
Embolization
Observation
Splenorrhaphy
Splenectomy
2. Describe how increased heart rate can be associated with causes of
hypertension other than spinal cord injury.
Increased heart rate has no relation to hypertension.
Increased heart rate can indicate compensatory mechanisms in
response to conditions like pain or anxiety, which can lead to
hypertension.
Increased heart rate is solely a result of spinal cord injury.
Increased heart rate is only observed in athletes.
3. In a scenario where a patient presents with a suspected skull base fracture,
what would be the most appropriate action regarding nasogastric
intubation?
Avoid nasogastric intubation
Consult a neurologist before intubation
Proceed with nasogastric intubation cautiously
Perform nasogastric intubation immediately
,4. Describe how the principles of triage can impact the outcome of victims in a
mass casualty incident.
Triage focuses solely on the speed of treatment regardless of injury
severity.
The principles of triage prioritize patients based on the severity of
their injuries to maximize survival rates.
Triage aims to provide the same level of care to all patients.
Triage is only necessary in hospital settings, not in the field.
5. Describe why log rolling could be considered destabilizing for fractures
located at T12-L1 in patients with thoracic spine injuries.
Log rolling is a safe maneuver for all thoracic spine injuries.
Log rolling helps stabilize all types of spinal fractures.
Log rolling can cause movement that may exacerbate instability in
T12-L1 fractures.
Log rolling is only relevant for cervical spine injuries.
6. How is "Shock" defined?
Systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or reduction of at least 40
mmHg from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
Systolic blood pressure <60 mmHg or reduction of at least 30 mmHg
from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
Systolic blood pressure <160 mmHg or reduction of at least 80 mmHg
from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
Systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg or reduction of at least 70 mmHg
from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
, Systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg or reduction of at least 60 mmHg
from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
7. What is the primary concern for a patient trapped under a heavy object for an
extended period?
Spinal cord injury
Concussion
Fractured ribs
Crush injury
8. A 20-year-old athlete is involved in a motorcycle crash. When he arrives in
the ED, he shouts that he cannot move his legs. On physical examination,
there are no abnormalities of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. The patient has
no sensation in his legs and cannot move them, but his arms are moving. The
patient's RR is 28 bpm, HR is 88 bpm, and BP is 80/60 mmHg. He is pale and
sweaty. What is the most likely cause of this condition?
Hyperthermia
Neurogenic shock
Abdominal hemorrhage
Myocardial contusion
Cardiogenic shock
9. What is the mandatory test or treatment required before transporting a
patient with a GCS of four?
Endotracheal intubation
Chest X-ray
Intravenous fluid resuscitation
, CT scan of the abdomen
10. What is the most appropriate next step in management for a 19-year-old
woman who was attacked and presents with a stab wound and unstable vital
signs?
Exploratory laparotomy
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage
Noncontrast CT of the head
Abdominal ultrasound
Peritoneal laparoscopy
11. In a scenario where a trauma patient presents with multiple severe injuries,
what would be the most appropriate reason for the transferring physician to
decide on a transfer to a higher level trauma center?
The current hospital has a policy against treating trauma patients
The patient's family insists on a transfer
Resource limitations as determined by the transferring doctor
The transferring doctor is unfamiliar with trauma protocols
12. Why are X-rays of the chest and pelvis considered important in the
assessment of a trauma patient with bilateral open tibial fractures?
They help identify potential injuries to the chest and pelvis that may
not be immediately apparent.
They are only necessary if the patient shows signs of respiratory
distress.
They are primarily used to assess soft tissue injuries.
They are used to confirm the presence of fractures in the lower limbs.
Yield Exam Prep
1. Appropriate management of a stable child with a grade IV splenic injury is
Embolization
Observation
Splenorrhaphy
Splenectomy
2. Describe how increased heart rate can be associated with causes of
hypertension other than spinal cord injury.
Increased heart rate has no relation to hypertension.
Increased heart rate can indicate compensatory mechanisms in
response to conditions like pain or anxiety, which can lead to
hypertension.
Increased heart rate is solely a result of spinal cord injury.
Increased heart rate is only observed in athletes.
3. In a scenario where a patient presents with a suspected skull base fracture,
what would be the most appropriate action regarding nasogastric
intubation?
Avoid nasogastric intubation
Consult a neurologist before intubation
Proceed with nasogastric intubation cautiously
Perform nasogastric intubation immediately
,4. Describe how the principles of triage can impact the outcome of victims in a
mass casualty incident.
Triage focuses solely on the speed of treatment regardless of injury
severity.
The principles of triage prioritize patients based on the severity of
their injuries to maximize survival rates.
Triage aims to provide the same level of care to all patients.
Triage is only necessary in hospital settings, not in the field.
5. Describe why log rolling could be considered destabilizing for fractures
located at T12-L1 in patients with thoracic spine injuries.
Log rolling is a safe maneuver for all thoracic spine injuries.
Log rolling helps stabilize all types of spinal fractures.
Log rolling can cause movement that may exacerbate instability in
T12-L1 fractures.
Log rolling is only relevant for cervical spine injuries.
6. How is "Shock" defined?
Systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or reduction of at least 40
mmHg from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
Systolic blood pressure <60 mmHg or reduction of at least 30 mmHg
from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
Systolic blood pressure <160 mmHg or reduction of at least 80 mmHg
from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
Systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg or reduction of at least 70 mmHg
from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
, Systolic blood pressure <120 mmHg or reduction of at least 60 mmHg
from baseline despite adequate fluid resuscitation
7. What is the primary concern for a patient trapped under a heavy object for an
extended period?
Spinal cord injury
Concussion
Fractured ribs
Crush injury
8. A 20-year-old athlete is involved in a motorcycle crash. When he arrives in
the ED, he shouts that he cannot move his legs. On physical examination,
there are no abnormalities of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. The patient has
no sensation in his legs and cannot move them, but his arms are moving. The
patient's RR is 28 bpm, HR is 88 bpm, and BP is 80/60 mmHg. He is pale and
sweaty. What is the most likely cause of this condition?
Hyperthermia
Neurogenic shock
Abdominal hemorrhage
Myocardial contusion
Cardiogenic shock
9. What is the mandatory test or treatment required before transporting a
patient with a GCS of four?
Endotracheal intubation
Chest X-ray
Intravenous fluid resuscitation
, CT scan of the abdomen
10. What is the most appropriate next step in management for a 19-year-old
woman who was attacked and presents with a stab wound and unstable vital
signs?
Exploratory laparotomy
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage
Noncontrast CT of the head
Abdominal ultrasound
Peritoneal laparoscopy
11. In a scenario where a trauma patient presents with multiple severe injuries,
what would be the most appropriate reason for the transferring physician to
decide on a transfer to a higher level trauma center?
The current hospital has a policy against treating trauma patients
The patient's family insists on a transfer
Resource limitations as determined by the transferring doctor
The transferring doctor is unfamiliar with trauma protocols
12. Why are X-rays of the chest and pelvis considered important in the
assessment of a trauma patient with bilateral open tibial fractures?
They help identify potential injuries to the chest and pelvis that may
not be immediately apparent.
They are only necessary if the patient shows signs of respiratory
distress.
They are primarily used to assess soft tissue injuries.
They are used to confirm the presence of fractures in the lower limbs.
