Latest ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life
Support) Practice Exam Questions
[100% correctly Solved] Graded A+
What is the first step in the management of a patient with suspected spinal cord injury?
Immobilization of the spine.
Spinal immobilization is critical to prevent further damage until the ...
Latest ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life
Support) Practice Exam Questions
[100% correctly Solved] Graded A+
What is the first step in the management of a patient with suspected spinal cord injury?
Immobilization of the spine.
Spinal immobilization is critical to prevent further damage until the patient is fully evaluated.
How should you treat an open pneumothorax?
Apply an occlusive dressing and insert a chest tube.
An open pneumothorax needs to be sealed to prevent air entry while allowing trapped air to
escape.
What is the initial priority in a patient with airway obstruction due to facial trauma?
Establish a definitive airway, such as intubation or a surgical airway.
Airway protection is the top priority when airway obstruction is present.
In a trauma patient with a suspected pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability, what is the
next best step?
Apply a pelvic binder and prepare for rapid transfer to definitive care.
Pelvic binders can stabilize the fracture and reduce bleeding, but the patient may need further
interventions.
1
,How is hemorrhagic shock identified in trauma patients?
By hypotension, tachycardia, and cool, clammy skin.
These signs are classic indicators of hypovolemic shock due to blood loss.
What is the primary concern when treating a patient with a flail chest?
Ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Flail chest compromises respiratory function, so managing oxygenation and ventilation is
crucial.
In which circumstance would you perform a thoracotomy in the emergency department?
When there is penetrating chest trauma and cardiac tamponade with no response to initial
fluid resuscitation.
Thoracotomy is indicated in cases where other resuscitative measures fail, especially with signs
of tamponade.
What is the initial management for a patient with suspected tension pneumothorax?
Needle decompression followed by chest tube insertion.
Tension pneumothorax requires immediate decompression to relieve pressure on the lung and
heart.
What are the signs of basilar skull fracture?
Battle’s sign (bruising behind the ears) and raccoon eyes (periorbital bruising).
These are characteristic findings in patients with fractures at the base of the skull.
2
, What clinical feature would suggest a diaphragmatic injury in a trauma patient?
Bowel sounds in the chest and respiratory distress.
A diaphragmatic injury may allow abdominal organs to move into the thoracic cavity,
compromising breathing.
What should be done for a trauma patient with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8?
Immediate airway management, typically by intubation.
A GCS score of 8 or lower indicates the need for airway protection.
How is pericardial tamponade diagnosed in a trauma patient?
By clinical signs such as hypotension, jugular venous distension, and muffled heart sounds.
These signs, part of Beck’s triad, are classic indicators of cardiac tamponade.
What is the primary treatment for a patient with massive hemothorax?
Insertion of a large-bore chest tube.
Chest tube insertion is necessary to drain the blood and allow lung re-expansion.
In a trauma patient with blunt abdominal injury, what is the most commonly injured organ?
The spleen.
The spleen is the most frequently injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma, often leading to
significant hemorrhage.
3
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