ADVANCED PHTLS-FR (FIRST RESPONDER) FINAL EXAM: ACTUAL EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS | COMPLETE EXAM PREP
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Core Domains
Scene Safety and Situational Awareness
Airway Management and Ventilation
Shock Recognition and Management
Trauma Assessment and Decision-Making
Hemorrhage Control and Fluid Resuscitation
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Management
Spinal Motion Restriction
Chest and Abdominal Trauma
Musculoskeletal Trauma
Special Populations (Pediatric, Geriatric, Pregnant Patients)
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Management
Emergency Medical Ethics and Communication
,Introduction
This comprehensive assessment evaluates advanced competencies expected of a PHTLS
First Responder, emphasizing critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the application of
trauma principles in dynamic, real-world environments. Candidates are challenged to
synthesize knowledge across multiple domains, prioritize interventions under pressure,
and justify decisions based on patient presentation and evolving clinical data. The
examination focuses on high-stakes scenarios requiring rapid assessment, decisive action,
and adherence to evidence-based trauma care standards.
Questions 1–35
1. You arrive at a motor vehicle collision where a driver is unconscious with snoring
respirations and visible facial trauma. What is the most appropriate immediate
intervention?
A. Insert an oropharyngeal airway
B. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Begin bag-valve-mask ventilation immediately
D. Place the patient in recovery position
Correct Answer: Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale: The jaw-thrust maneuver maintains airway patency while protecting the
cervical spine. An oropharyngeal airway may be appropriate later but not before
, manual airway opening. Immediate BVM is premature without airway positioning.
Recovery position is contraindicated in trauma.
2. A patient presents with tachycardia, hypotension, cool clammy skin, and delayed
capillary refill following trauma. What type of shock is most likely?
A. Neurogenic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Septic shock
Correct Answer: Hypovolemic shock
Rationale: Classic signs indicate volume loss. Neurogenic shock presents with
bradycardia and warm skin. Cardiogenic shock involves pump failure signs. Septic shock
is unlikely in acute trauma.
3. During a primary survey, a patient has decreased breath sounds on one side and
tracheal deviation. What is the priority intervention?
A. Oxygen administration
B. Chest compressions
C. Needle decompression
D. Rapid transport
Correct Answer: Needle decompression
Rationale: Signs indicate tension pneumothorax requiring immediate decompression.
Oxygen and transport are important but secondary. Chest compressions are not
indicated.
, 4. A conscious trauma patient refuses care despite significant bleeding. What is the best
course of action?
A. Treat without consent
B. Respect refusal if patient is competent
C. Call law enforcement immediately
D. Restrain the patient
Correct Answer: Respect refusal if patient is competent
Rationale: Competent patients have the right to refuse care. Forced treatment violates
autonomy. Law enforcement is not automatically required.
5. A patient has a penetrating abdominal injury with evisceration. What is the correct
management?
A. Push organs back inside
B. Cover with moist sterile dressing
C. Apply direct pressure
D. Leave exposed for observation
Correct Answer: Cover with moist sterile dressing
Rationale: Organs must be protected with moist sterile dressings. Replacing them risks
damage. Pressure may cause harm.
6. A patient with head trauma shows unequal pupils and deteriorating consciousness.
What does this suggest?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Increased intracranial pressure
QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS | COMPLETE EXAM PREP
TESTBANK | GUARANTEED PASS | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Scene Safety and Situational Awareness
Airway Management and Ventilation
Shock Recognition and Management
Trauma Assessment and Decision-Making
Hemorrhage Control and Fluid Resuscitation
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Management
Spinal Motion Restriction
Chest and Abdominal Trauma
Musculoskeletal Trauma
Special Populations (Pediatric, Geriatric, Pregnant Patients)
Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Management
Emergency Medical Ethics and Communication
,Introduction
This comprehensive assessment evaluates advanced competencies expected of a PHTLS
First Responder, emphasizing critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the application of
trauma principles in dynamic, real-world environments. Candidates are challenged to
synthesize knowledge across multiple domains, prioritize interventions under pressure,
and justify decisions based on patient presentation and evolving clinical data. The
examination focuses on high-stakes scenarios requiring rapid assessment, decisive action,
and adherence to evidence-based trauma care standards.
Questions 1–35
1. You arrive at a motor vehicle collision where a driver is unconscious with snoring
respirations and visible facial trauma. What is the most appropriate immediate
intervention?
A. Insert an oropharyngeal airway
B. Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver
C. Begin bag-valve-mask ventilation immediately
D. Place the patient in recovery position
Correct Answer: Perform a jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale: The jaw-thrust maneuver maintains airway patency while protecting the
cervical spine. An oropharyngeal airway may be appropriate later but not before
, manual airway opening. Immediate BVM is premature without airway positioning.
Recovery position is contraindicated in trauma.
2. A patient presents with tachycardia, hypotension, cool clammy skin, and delayed
capillary refill following trauma. What type of shock is most likely?
A. Neurogenic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Septic shock
Correct Answer: Hypovolemic shock
Rationale: Classic signs indicate volume loss. Neurogenic shock presents with
bradycardia and warm skin. Cardiogenic shock involves pump failure signs. Septic shock
is unlikely in acute trauma.
3. During a primary survey, a patient has decreased breath sounds on one side and
tracheal deviation. What is the priority intervention?
A. Oxygen administration
B. Chest compressions
C. Needle decompression
D. Rapid transport
Correct Answer: Needle decompression
Rationale: Signs indicate tension pneumothorax requiring immediate decompression.
Oxygen and transport are important but secondary. Chest compressions are not
indicated.
, 4. A conscious trauma patient refuses care despite significant bleeding. What is the best
course of action?
A. Treat without consent
B. Respect refusal if patient is competent
C. Call law enforcement immediately
D. Restrain the patient
Correct Answer: Respect refusal if patient is competent
Rationale: Competent patients have the right to refuse care. Forced treatment violates
autonomy. Law enforcement is not automatically required.
5. A patient has a penetrating abdominal injury with evisceration. What is the correct
management?
A. Push organs back inside
B. Cover with moist sterile dressing
C. Apply direct pressure
D. Leave exposed for observation
Correct Answer: Cover with moist sterile dressing
Rationale: Organs must be protected with moist sterile dressings. Replacing them risks
damage. Pressure may cause harm.
6. A patient with head trauma shows unequal pupils and deteriorating consciousness.
What does this suggest?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Increased intracranial pressure
