ATLS EXAM STUDY GUIDE (VERIFIED
AND CORRECT Q & A) SATISFACTION
GUARANTEED 2026/2027
1. According to the ATLS 10th edition, what is the recommended initial fluid bolus for an
adult patient in hemorrhagic shock?
A. 2 liters of Ringers Lactate
B. 500 ml of normal saline
C. 1 liter of isotonic crystalloid
D. 2 liters of normal saline
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The ATLS 10th edition updated the initial crystalloid bolus to 1
liter for adults to avoid over-resuscitation and the lethal triad of trauma.
2. In the primary survey, what is the anatomical landmark for performing a needle
decompression in an adult with a tension pneumothorax?
A. 2nd intercostal space, mid-clavicular line
B. 5th intercostal space, mid-axillary line
C. 4th intercostal space, mid-axillary line
D. 3rd intercostal space, anterior axillary line
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ATLS 10th edition now recommends the 5th intercostal space,
just anterior to the mid-axillary line for needle decompression in adults.
3. A 25-year-old male presents with a GCS score of 7 after a motor vehicle accident. What is
the most appropriate next step in airway management?
A. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway
B. Apply high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
C. Perform a surgical cricothyroidotomy
D. Endotracheal intubation with manual in-line stabilization
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A GCS score of 8 or less is a formal indication for a definitive
airway (intubation).
4. Which of the following findings is NOT part of Beck’s triad for cardiac tamponade?
A. Distended neck veins
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Muffled heart sounds
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Beck’s triad consists of muffled heart sounds, hypotension, and
distended neck veins. Bradycardia is not part of this triad.
5. A patient presents with Class III hemorrhagic shock. What is the estimated percentage of
blood volume lost?
A. 15-30%
B. 30-40%
C. Less than 15%
D. More than 40%
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Class III shock involves 30-40% blood volume loss, typically
presenting with tachycardia, tachypnea, and decreased systolic blood pressure.
6. What is the pediatric weight-based fluid bolus for a child in shock?
A. 10 ml/kg
B. 30 ml/kg
C. 20 ml/kg
D. 5 ml/kg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The standard initial fluid bolus for pediatric trauma patients is
20 ml/kg of isotonic crystalloid.
AND CORRECT Q & A) SATISFACTION
GUARANTEED 2026/2027
1. According to the ATLS 10th edition, what is the recommended initial fluid bolus for an
adult patient in hemorrhagic shock?
A. 2 liters of Ringers Lactate
B. 500 ml of normal saline
C. 1 liter of isotonic crystalloid
D. 2 liters of normal saline
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The ATLS 10th edition updated the initial crystalloid bolus to 1
liter for adults to avoid over-resuscitation and the lethal triad of trauma.
2. In the primary survey, what is the anatomical landmark for performing a needle
decompression in an adult with a tension pneumothorax?
A. 2nd intercostal space, mid-clavicular line
B. 5th intercostal space, mid-axillary line
C. 4th intercostal space, mid-axillary line
D. 3rd intercostal space, anterior axillary line
,Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: ATLS 10th edition now recommends the 5th intercostal space,
just anterior to the mid-axillary line for needle decompression in adults.
3. A 25-year-old male presents with a GCS score of 7 after a motor vehicle accident. What is
the most appropriate next step in airway management?
A. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway
B. Apply high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
C. Perform a surgical cricothyroidotomy
D. Endotracheal intubation with manual in-line stabilization
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A GCS score of 8 or less is a formal indication for a definitive
airway (intubation).
4. Which of the following findings is NOT part of Beck’s triad for cardiac tamponade?
A. Distended neck veins
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypotension
D. Muffled heart sounds
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: Beck’s triad consists of muffled heart sounds, hypotension, and
distended neck veins. Bradycardia is not part of this triad.
5. A patient presents with Class III hemorrhagic shock. What is the estimated percentage of
blood volume lost?
A. 15-30%
B. 30-40%
C. Less than 15%
D. More than 40%
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Class III shock involves 30-40% blood volume loss, typically
presenting with tachycardia, tachypnea, and decreased systolic blood pressure.
6. What is the pediatric weight-based fluid bolus for a child in shock?
A. 10 ml/kg
B. 30 ml/kg
C. 20 ml/kg
D. 5 ml/kg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The standard initial fluid bolus for pediatric trauma patients is
20 ml/kg of isotonic crystalloid.
