ATLS (ADVANCED TRAUMA LIFE SUPPORT) WRITTEN EXAM 2026/2027 | 40
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED A+ | 100%
VERIFIED
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Provider Examination | Core Domains: Primary & Secondary
Survey, Airway & Cervical Spine Management, Breathing & Ventilation, Circulation & Hemorrhage
Control, Disability & Neurologic Assessment, Exposure & Environmental Control, Shock Management,
Thoracic & Abdominal Trauma, Head & Spine Injuries, Musculoskeletal Trauma, Pediatric & Geriatric
Trauma, and Trauma Team Communication | Course-Aligned Structure | Exam-Ready Format
Exam Structure
The ATLS written provider examination commonly consists of:
● 40 multiple-choice questions
● Single-best-answer format
● Scenario-based, guideline-driven trauma management items
Introduction
This ATLS Written Exam format for the 2026/2027 cycle reflects the standardized post-course
assessment used in Advanced Trauma Life Support programs. It emphasizes rapid prioritization,
systematic trauma assessment, evidence-based intervention sequencing, and team-based decision-making
essential for the initial management of injured patients.
Answer Format
All correct answers must be presented in bold and green, followed by concise rationales explaining
trauma management priorities, clinical reasoning, patient-safety considerations, and why alternative
responses are less appropriate.
Exam Questions (1–40)
1. During the primary survey of a trauma patient, which of the following is the highest priority?
A. Control of external hemorrhage
B. Assessment of neurologic status
C. Establishment of a patent airway with cervical spine protection
D. Initiation of intravenous access
,Rationale: The primary survey follows the ABCDE sequence: Airway (with cervical spine protection)
is always the first priority. Without a patent airway, oxygenation and circulation cannot be
maintained. Hemorrhage control (A) is critical but follows airway. Neurologic assessment (B) and IV
access (D) come later in the sequence.
2. A 25-year-old male is unresponsive after a motor vehicle collision. He has snoring respirations and a
GCS of 6. What is the most appropriate initial airway management?
A. Insert an oropharyngeal airway
B. Administer high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
C. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver and prepare for definitive airway
D. Apply a cervical collar and wait for ENT
Rationale: Snoring suggests airway obstruction due to loss of muscle tone. In a trauma patient with
altered mental status, the jaw-thrust (without neck extension) is used to open the airway while
maintaining cervical spine precautions. Definitive airway (e.g., endotracheal intubation) is likely
needed due to GCS ≤8. Oropharyngeal airways (A) may not suffice; oxygen (B) won’t help if the airway
is obstructed.
3. A patient presents with respiratory distress, tracheal deviation to the right, and absent breath sounds
on the left. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hemothorax
B. Pulmonary contusion
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. Flail chest
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency characterized by progressive air
accumulation under pressure, causing mediastinal shift (tracheal deviation), hypotension, and absent
breath sounds. Immediate needle decompression is required. Hemothorax (A) causes dullness to
percussion; contusion (B) and flail chest (D) do not cause tracheal deviation.
, 4. In a patient with suspected tension pneumothorax, what is the immediate treatment?
A. Chest tube insertion
B. High-flow oxygen
C. Needle decompression in the second intercostal space, midclavicular line
D. Observation and repeat chest X-ray
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax is a clinical diagnosis requiring immediate needle decompression to
relieve pressure. The standard site is the 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line on the affected side.
Chest tube (A) is definitive but not immediate; oxygen (B) and imaging (D) delay life-saving
intervention.
5. A trauma patient has a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg, heart rate of 130 bpm, and capillary refill of 4
seconds. What type of shock is most likely?
A. Cardiogenic
B. Neurogenic
C. Hemorrhagic
D. Septic
Rationale: Hypotension, tachycardia, and delayed capillary refill indicate hypovolemic (hemorrhagic)
shock—the most common cause in trauma. Neurogenic shock (B) presents with hypotension and
bradycardia; cardiogenic (A) and septic (D) are less likely in acute trauma without history.
6. What is the preferred initial fluid for resuscitation in a hemorrhaging trauma patient?
A. 5% dextrose in water
B. Lactated Ringer’s
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS | ALREADY GRADED A+ | 100%
VERIFIED
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Provider Examination | Core Domains: Primary & Secondary
Survey, Airway & Cervical Spine Management, Breathing & Ventilation, Circulation & Hemorrhage
Control, Disability & Neurologic Assessment, Exposure & Environmental Control, Shock Management,
Thoracic & Abdominal Trauma, Head & Spine Injuries, Musculoskeletal Trauma, Pediatric & Geriatric
Trauma, and Trauma Team Communication | Course-Aligned Structure | Exam-Ready Format
Exam Structure
The ATLS written provider examination commonly consists of:
● 40 multiple-choice questions
● Single-best-answer format
● Scenario-based, guideline-driven trauma management items
Introduction
This ATLS Written Exam format for the 2026/2027 cycle reflects the standardized post-course
assessment used in Advanced Trauma Life Support programs. It emphasizes rapid prioritization,
systematic trauma assessment, evidence-based intervention sequencing, and team-based decision-making
essential for the initial management of injured patients.
Answer Format
All correct answers must be presented in bold and green, followed by concise rationales explaining
trauma management priorities, clinical reasoning, patient-safety considerations, and why alternative
responses are less appropriate.
Exam Questions (1–40)
1. During the primary survey of a trauma patient, which of the following is the highest priority?
A. Control of external hemorrhage
B. Assessment of neurologic status
C. Establishment of a patent airway with cervical spine protection
D. Initiation of intravenous access
,Rationale: The primary survey follows the ABCDE sequence: Airway (with cervical spine protection)
is always the first priority. Without a patent airway, oxygenation and circulation cannot be
maintained. Hemorrhage control (A) is critical but follows airway. Neurologic assessment (B) and IV
access (D) come later in the sequence.
2. A 25-year-old male is unresponsive after a motor vehicle collision. He has snoring respirations and a
GCS of 6. What is the most appropriate initial airway management?
A. Insert an oropharyngeal airway
B. Administer high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask
C. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver and prepare for definitive airway
D. Apply a cervical collar and wait for ENT
Rationale: Snoring suggests airway obstruction due to loss of muscle tone. In a trauma patient with
altered mental status, the jaw-thrust (without neck extension) is used to open the airway while
maintaining cervical spine precautions. Definitive airway (e.g., endotracheal intubation) is likely
needed due to GCS ≤8. Oropharyngeal airways (A) may not suffice; oxygen (B) won’t help if the airway
is obstructed.
3. A patient presents with respiratory distress, tracheal deviation to the right, and absent breath sounds
on the left. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hemothorax
B. Pulmonary contusion
C. Tension pneumothorax
D. Flail chest
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency characterized by progressive air
accumulation under pressure, causing mediastinal shift (tracheal deviation), hypotension, and absent
breath sounds. Immediate needle decompression is required. Hemothorax (A) causes dullness to
percussion; contusion (B) and flail chest (D) do not cause tracheal deviation.
, 4. In a patient with suspected tension pneumothorax, what is the immediate treatment?
A. Chest tube insertion
B. High-flow oxygen
C. Needle decompression in the second intercostal space, midclavicular line
D. Observation and repeat chest X-ray
Rationale: Tension pneumothorax is a clinical diagnosis requiring immediate needle decompression to
relieve pressure. The standard site is the 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line on the affected side.
Chest tube (A) is definitive but not immediate; oxygen (B) and imaging (D) delay life-saving
intervention.
5. A trauma patient has a blood pressure of 80/50 mm Hg, heart rate of 130 bpm, and capillary refill of 4
seconds. What type of shock is most likely?
A. Cardiogenic
B. Neurogenic
C. Hemorrhagic
D. Septic
Rationale: Hypotension, tachycardia, and delayed capillary refill indicate hypovolemic (hemorrhagic)
shock—the most common cause in trauma. Neurogenic shock (B) presents with hypotension and
bradycardia; cardiogenic (A) and septic (D) are less likely in acute trauma without history.
6. What is the preferred initial fluid for resuscitation in a hemorrhaging trauma patient?
A. 5% dextrose in water
B. Lactated Ringer’s
