ATLS WRITTEN REVIEW EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 2026/2027 NEWEST EXAM | INSTANT
PDF ACCESS
In a subdural hematoma, what is the cause? - CORRECT ANSWER -
injury to bridging veins that extend from brain surface to the sinuses
within the dura.
_______ fills the space between the arachnoid and pia mater? -
CORRECT ANSWER -CSF. this cushions the brain and spinal cord.
What location of brain hemorrhage is frequently seen in brain
contusion or injury to major blood vessels at base of brain? - CORRECT
ANSWER -subarachnoid.
The ____ and _____ contain the reticular activating system which is
responsible for ____. - CORRECT ANSWER -midbrain and upper
pons state of alertness
What important function resides in the medulla? - CORRECT ANSWER -
cardiorespiratory centers.
,What important functions are in the following brain segments:
1. left hemisphere:
2. frontal lobe:
3. parietal lobe:
4. temporal: - CORRECT ANSWER -1. left hemisphere: language center
2. frontal lobe: executive function, emotions, motor
3. parietal lobe: sensory function/spatial orientation
4. temporal: memory functions
What divides the brain into supratentorial and infratentorial
compartments? - CORRECT ANSWER tentorium cerebelli. (tent over
cerebellum)
What is the physiology behind a blown pupil? - CORRECT ANSWER -
blown pupil: dilation of pupil
-CN III runs along the tentorium cerebelli. parasympathetic fibers that
constrict the pupil run along CN III (oculomotor). When temporal lobe is
herniated, it can compress these fibers. Unapposed sympathetic
activity causes pupillary dilation.
, What is the tentorial notch/hiatus - CORRECT ANSWER -this is where
the midbrain passes through into the infratentorial compartment.
what part of the brain most commonly herniates through the tentorial
notch? - CORRECT ANSWER Uncus (medial part of temporal lobe)
does weakness occur on the same or opposite side of the uncal
herniation? - CORRECT ANSWER OPPOSITE. the corticospinal tract of
the midbrain is compressed and then crosses at the foramen magnum.
state: Ipsilateral/contralateral
____ pupillary dilation associated with _____ hemiparesis is the classic
sign of uncial herniation. - CORRECT ANSWER -ipsi
contra
average ICP is _____ mmHg. - CORRECT ANSWER -10
The monro-kellie doctrine states that the total volume of intracranial
contents must remain constant, because the cranium is ___ - CORRECT
ANSWER -a rigid, non expandable container.
ANSWERS 2026/2027 NEWEST EXAM | INSTANT
PDF ACCESS
In a subdural hematoma, what is the cause? - CORRECT ANSWER -
injury to bridging veins that extend from brain surface to the sinuses
within the dura.
_______ fills the space between the arachnoid and pia mater? -
CORRECT ANSWER -CSF. this cushions the brain and spinal cord.
What location of brain hemorrhage is frequently seen in brain
contusion or injury to major blood vessels at base of brain? - CORRECT
ANSWER -subarachnoid.
The ____ and _____ contain the reticular activating system which is
responsible for ____. - CORRECT ANSWER -midbrain and upper
pons state of alertness
What important function resides in the medulla? - CORRECT ANSWER -
cardiorespiratory centers.
,What important functions are in the following brain segments:
1. left hemisphere:
2. frontal lobe:
3. parietal lobe:
4. temporal: - CORRECT ANSWER -1. left hemisphere: language center
2. frontal lobe: executive function, emotions, motor
3. parietal lobe: sensory function/spatial orientation
4. temporal: memory functions
What divides the brain into supratentorial and infratentorial
compartments? - CORRECT ANSWER tentorium cerebelli. (tent over
cerebellum)
What is the physiology behind a blown pupil? - CORRECT ANSWER -
blown pupil: dilation of pupil
-CN III runs along the tentorium cerebelli. parasympathetic fibers that
constrict the pupil run along CN III (oculomotor). When temporal lobe is
herniated, it can compress these fibers. Unapposed sympathetic
activity causes pupillary dilation.
, What is the tentorial notch/hiatus - CORRECT ANSWER -this is where
the midbrain passes through into the infratentorial compartment.
what part of the brain most commonly herniates through the tentorial
notch? - CORRECT ANSWER Uncus (medial part of temporal lobe)
does weakness occur on the same or opposite side of the uncal
herniation? - CORRECT ANSWER OPPOSITE. the corticospinal tract of
the midbrain is compressed and then crosses at the foramen magnum.
state: Ipsilateral/contralateral
____ pupillary dilation associated with _____ hemiparesis is the classic
sign of uncial herniation. - CORRECT ANSWER -ipsi
contra
average ICP is _____ mmHg. - CORRECT ANSWER -10
The monro-kellie doctrine states that the total volume of intracranial
contents must remain constant, because the cranium is ___ - CORRECT
ANSWER -a rigid, non expandable container.
