ATLS Exam Latest Update 2026 | Exam Prep | High-Yield
Review Guide
1. Why is early trauma team activation particularly important for elderly
patients?
Elderly patients have decreased physiological reserves, increasing
their mortality risk.
Elderly patients require less monitoring during trauma care.
Elderly patients are less likely to sustain injuries.
Elderly patients respond better to delayed treatment.
2. Describe how arthritis affects the cervical spine in elderly patients and the
potential consequences.
Arthritis can lead to multilevel degenerative changes in the cervical
spine, causing severe central canal stenosis and potential cord
compression.
Arthritis primarily affects the joints in the hands and feet, with minimal
impact on the cervical spine.
Arthritis causes inflammation in the lungs, complicating respiratory
function in elderly patients.
Arthritis has no significant impact on the cervical spine but affects
mobility.
3. Describe what abnormal fetal heart rate patterns might indicate in a pregnant
trauma patient.
Abnormal patterns suggest the fetus is healthy and developing well.
Abnormal patterns indicate the need for immediate delivery
regardless of the situation.
, Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns may indicate fetal distress or
complications related to trauma.
Abnormal patterns are always normal and require no intervention.
4. Physiologic anemia of pregnancy is due to:
increased plasma volume more than red blood cell mass
increased blood flow to the kidneys
increased progesterone causing smooth muscle relaxation
increased production of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)
5. In a case where a pregnant patient presents with trauma and has a low
fibrinogen level, what would be the most critical consideration for her
treatment?
Administering antibiotics to prevent infection.
Increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Assessing and managing the risk of hemorrhage.
Monitoring fetal heart rate for distress.
6. Older people who sustain injuries are more likely to die as a result of them,
regardless of the severity of injury. This increase in morbidity and mortality
stems from a decline in with aging, which can be quickly exceeded after
a traumatic injury. Factors that contribute to higher morbidity and mortality
rates:
High prevalence of comorbidities
Age-related physiologic changes
Poor reserve. Cutungo, C. (2011).
,7. What is a critical immediate action to take in cases of extensive placental
separation?
Monitor fetal heart rate only.
Administer pain relief medication immediately.
Activate the trauma team and provide supportive care.
Perform an emergency cesarean section without assessment.
8. If a pregnant patient experiences a significant drop in cardiac output after the
10th week, what potential complications could arise for both the mother and
fetus?
Increased risk of maternal and fetal hypoxia.
Increased maternal energy levels.
Improved fetal oxygenation.
Decreased maternal blood pressure.
9. A woman experiences an amniotic fluid embolism as the placenta is
delivered. Your first action would be to:
put firm pressure on the fundus of her uterus.
tell the woman to take short, catchy breaths.
administer oxygen by mask.
increase her intravenous fluid infusion rate.
10. If a pregnant patient presents with elevated serum creatinine and urea
nitrogen levels, what could this indicate about her renal function and what
steps should be taken?
, It may indicate impaired renal function, requiring further evaluation
and monitoring.
It suggests a urinary tract infection, and antibiotics should be
prescribed immediately.
It suggests normal renal function, and no action is needed.
It indicates dehydration, and the patient should be given fluids.
11. In a scenario where a pregnant patient presents with signs of amniotic fluid
embolization, what should the medical team prioritize in their management
plan?
Administering antibiotics as a first-line treatment.
Performing a routine ultrasound without immediate intervention.
Immediate stabilization of the mother and assessment of fetal well-
being.
Focusing solely on the fetus and delaying maternal care.
12. What is the primary concern regarding the use of shoulder restraints with lap
belts in pregnant patients?
Fetal injury risk
Increased mobility
Maternal comfort
Cost of restraints
13. In a scenario where a pregnant patient presents with severe abdominal pain
and signs of shock, what should be the immediate course of action
regarding uterine rupture?
Activate the trauma team and prepare for emergency intervention.
Review Guide
1. Why is early trauma team activation particularly important for elderly
patients?
Elderly patients have decreased physiological reserves, increasing
their mortality risk.
Elderly patients require less monitoring during trauma care.
Elderly patients are less likely to sustain injuries.
Elderly patients respond better to delayed treatment.
2. Describe how arthritis affects the cervical spine in elderly patients and the
potential consequences.
Arthritis can lead to multilevel degenerative changes in the cervical
spine, causing severe central canal stenosis and potential cord
compression.
Arthritis primarily affects the joints in the hands and feet, with minimal
impact on the cervical spine.
Arthritis causes inflammation in the lungs, complicating respiratory
function in elderly patients.
Arthritis has no significant impact on the cervical spine but affects
mobility.
3. Describe what abnormal fetal heart rate patterns might indicate in a pregnant
trauma patient.
Abnormal patterns suggest the fetus is healthy and developing well.
Abnormal patterns indicate the need for immediate delivery
regardless of the situation.
, Abnormal fetal heart rate patterns may indicate fetal distress or
complications related to trauma.
Abnormal patterns are always normal and require no intervention.
4. Physiologic anemia of pregnancy is due to:
increased plasma volume more than red blood cell mass
increased blood flow to the kidneys
increased progesterone causing smooth muscle relaxation
increased production of melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH)
5. In a case where a pregnant patient presents with trauma and has a low
fibrinogen level, what would be the most critical consideration for her
treatment?
Administering antibiotics to prevent infection.
Increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Assessing and managing the risk of hemorrhage.
Monitoring fetal heart rate for distress.
6. Older people who sustain injuries are more likely to die as a result of them,
regardless of the severity of injury. This increase in morbidity and mortality
stems from a decline in with aging, which can be quickly exceeded after
a traumatic injury. Factors that contribute to higher morbidity and mortality
rates:
High prevalence of comorbidities
Age-related physiologic changes
Poor reserve. Cutungo, C. (2011).
,7. What is a critical immediate action to take in cases of extensive placental
separation?
Monitor fetal heart rate only.
Administer pain relief medication immediately.
Activate the trauma team and provide supportive care.
Perform an emergency cesarean section without assessment.
8. If a pregnant patient experiences a significant drop in cardiac output after the
10th week, what potential complications could arise for both the mother and
fetus?
Increased risk of maternal and fetal hypoxia.
Increased maternal energy levels.
Improved fetal oxygenation.
Decreased maternal blood pressure.
9. A woman experiences an amniotic fluid embolism as the placenta is
delivered. Your first action would be to:
put firm pressure on the fundus of her uterus.
tell the woman to take short, catchy breaths.
administer oxygen by mask.
increase her intravenous fluid infusion rate.
10. If a pregnant patient presents with elevated serum creatinine and urea
nitrogen levels, what could this indicate about her renal function and what
steps should be taken?
, It may indicate impaired renal function, requiring further evaluation
and monitoring.
It suggests a urinary tract infection, and antibiotics should be
prescribed immediately.
It suggests normal renal function, and no action is needed.
It indicates dehydration, and the patient should be given fluids.
11. In a scenario where a pregnant patient presents with signs of amniotic fluid
embolization, what should the medical team prioritize in their management
plan?
Administering antibiotics as a first-line treatment.
Performing a routine ultrasound without immediate intervention.
Immediate stabilization of the mother and assessment of fetal well-
being.
Focusing solely on the fetus and delaying maternal care.
12. What is the primary concern regarding the use of shoulder restraints with lap
belts in pregnant patients?
Fetal injury risk
Increased mobility
Maternal comfort
Cost of restraints
13. In a scenario where a pregnant patient presents with severe abdominal pain
and signs of shock, what should be the immediate course of action
regarding uterine rupture?
Activate the trauma team and prepare for emergency intervention.
