ATLS PRETEST
Actual Questions and Answers
Expert-Verified Explanation
This Exam contains:
✪ 40 Questions and Answers
✪ Multiple-choice and True/False Format
✪ Expert-Verified Explanations
✪ Verified with Trusted Textbooks
1. After chest tube insertion for decreased breath sounds and small blood return in a trauma patient,
the next appropriate step is:
A. Begin vasopressors
B. Send for CT scan
C. Re-examine the chest
D. Intubate the patient
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Reassessing the chest post-intervention is crucial to detect complications or persistent
issues.
2. A patient with bilateral calcaneal fractures requires further evaluation. The most appropriate
diagnostic step is:
A. Ankle x-ray
B. Complete spine x-ray series
C. CT of the abdomen
D. Bilateral knee x-ray
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Bilateral calcaneal fractures raise suspicion for axial load injuries, especially to the spine.
3. In trauma resuscitation, which finding suggests improved perfusion?
A. Decreased urine output
B. Bradycardia
C. Higher GCS score
D. Increased respiratory rate
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Improvement in neurologic status, like GCS, is a reliable indicator of better cerebral
perfusion.
, 4. The most important first step in managing a traumatic brain injury patient is:
A. Insert an IV
B. Order a CT scan
C. Secure the airway
D. Administer mannitol
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Securing the airway ensures oxygenation and prevents secondary brain injury.
5. A man with 2L blood loss would most likely demonstrate:
A. Normal pH
B. Base deficit between -6 and -10 mEq/L
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Elevated PaO₂
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Base deficit correlates with shock severity; -6 to -10 reflects significant blood loss.
6. Why is hypervolemia of pregnancy clinically significant in trauma?
A. Decreases fetal oxygenation
B. Masks maternal hypotension
C. Reduces cardiac output
D. Increases risk of pulmonary edema
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Pregnant women can lose more blood before hypotension occurs due to increased
circulating volume.
7. Best indicator of fluid resuscitation in burn patients is:
A. Heart rate
B. Central venous pressure
C. Urinary output
D. Mental status
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: A urine output of 0.5 mL/kg/hr is the most reliable indicator in burn resuscitation.
8. A diagnosis of shock must include:
A. High blood pressure
B. Evidence of inadequate organ perfusion
C. Increased intracranial pressure
D. External bleeding
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Shock is defined physiologically by insufficient perfusion of vital organs.
Actual Questions and Answers
Expert-Verified Explanation
This Exam contains:
✪ 40 Questions and Answers
✪ Multiple-choice and True/False Format
✪ Expert-Verified Explanations
✪ Verified with Trusted Textbooks
1. After chest tube insertion for decreased breath sounds and small blood return in a trauma patient,
the next appropriate step is:
A. Begin vasopressors
B. Send for CT scan
C. Re-examine the chest
D. Intubate the patient
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Reassessing the chest post-intervention is crucial to detect complications or persistent
issues.
2. A patient with bilateral calcaneal fractures requires further evaluation. The most appropriate
diagnostic step is:
A. Ankle x-ray
B. Complete spine x-ray series
C. CT of the abdomen
D. Bilateral knee x-ray
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Bilateral calcaneal fractures raise suspicion for axial load injuries, especially to the spine.
3. In trauma resuscitation, which finding suggests improved perfusion?
A. Decreased urine output
B. Bradycardia
C. Higher GCS score
D. Increased respiratory rate
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Improvement in neurologic status, like GCS, is a reliable indicator of better cerebral
perfusion.
, 4. The most important first step in managing a traumatic brain injury patient is:
A. Insert an IV
B. Order a CT scan
C. Secure the airway
D. Administer mannitol
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: Securing the airway ensures oxygenation and prevents secondary brain injury.
5. A man with 2L blood loss would most likely demonstrate:
A. Normal pH
B. Base deficit between -6 and -10 mEq/L
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Elevated PaO₂
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Base deficit correlates with shock severity; -6 to -10 reflects significant blood loss.
6. Why is hypervolemia of pregnancy clinically significant in trauma?
A. Decreases fetal oxygenation
B. Masks maternal hypotension
C. Reduces cardiac output
D. Increases risk of pulmonary edema
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Pregnant women can lose more blood before hypotension occurs due to increased
circulating volume.
7. Best indicator of fluid resuscitation in burn patients is:
A. Heart rate
B. Central venous pressure
C. Urinary output
D. Mental status
Answer: C
EXPLANATION: A urine output of 0.5 mL/kg/hr is the most reliable indicator in burn resuscitation.
8. A diagnosis of shock must include:
A. High blood pressure
B. Evidence of inadequate organ perfusion
C. Increased intracranial pressure
D. External bleeding
Answer: B
EXPLANATION: Shock is defined physiologically by insufficient perfusion of vital organs.
