PHTLS PRE-TEST EXAM (10TH EDITION) ACTUAL EXAM PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS | COMPLETE
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Core Domains
Trauma Assessment and Primary Survey (ABCDE Approach)
Airway and Ventilation Management
Shock Pathophysiology and Management
Hemorrhage Control and Resuscitation
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Neurological Emergencies
Spinal Trauma and Immobilization Principles
Thoracic Trauma and Respiratory Compromise
Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
Musculoskeletal Trauma and Limb Injuries
Special Populations (Pediatric, Geriatric, Pregnant Patients)
Trauma Pharmacology and Fluid Resuscitation
Scene Management, Safety, and Triage
, Rapid Transport Decision-Making and Trauma Systems
Evidence-Based Trauma Care and Critical Thinking
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate advanced clinical reasoning and
decision-making in prehospital trauma care. Candidates are expected to synthesize
theoretical knowledge with real-world application, navigating complex, high-stakes
scenarios commonly encountered in emergency settings. The examination emphasizes
prioritization, rapid assessment, and evidence-based interventions, requiring not only
recall but critical evaluation of competing clinical strategies.
Questions 1–35
1. A 28-year-old male involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision presents with
altered mental status, snoring respirations, and visible facial trauma. What is the most
appropriate immediate intervention?
A. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway
B. Perform endotracheal intubation without suction
,C. Suction the airway and perform a jaw-thrust maneuver
D. Apply a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
Correct Answer: C. Suction the airway and perform a jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale: Airway obstruction due to blood or secretions must be cleared immediately. A
jaw-thrust maintains spinal precautions. NPA may be contraindicated with facial trauma,
and oxygen alone does not address obstruction. Immediate suction precedes advanced
airway placement.
2. A trauma patient presents with hypotension, tachycardia, and cool clammy skin after a
fall. Which mechanism best explains these findings?
A. Neurogenic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Obstructive shock
Correct Answer: C. Hypovolemic shock
Rationale: Classic signs of hypovolemia include tachycardia, hypotension, and cool skin.
Neurogenic shock presents with warm skin and bradycardia; cardiogenic shock involves
pump failure; obstructive shock involves mechanical obstruction.
, 3. A patient with penetrating chest trauma develops severe dyspnea, hypotension, and
distended neck veins. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Simple pneumothorax
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary contusion
D. Hemothorax
Correct Answer: B. Tension pneumothorax
Rationale: The triad of hypotension, JVD, and respiratory distress indicates tension
pneumothorax. Immediate decompression is required. Other options lack the same
obstructive physiology.
4. During rapid trauma assessment, which finding indicates immediate life-threatening
hemorrhage?
A. Bruising over the abdomen
B. Controlled bleeding from a laceration
C. Pulsatile bleeding from a thigh wound
D. Minor abrasions
Correct Answer: C. Pulsatile bleeding from a thigh wound
Rationale: Pulsatile bleeding suggests arterial hemorrhage requiring immediate control.
QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS | COMPLETE
EXAM PREP TESTBANK | GUARANTEED PASS | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Core Domains
Trauma Assessment and Primary Survey (ABCDE Approach)
Airway and Ventilation Management
Shock Pathophysiology and Management
Hemorrhage Control and Resuscitation
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Neurological Emergencies
Spinal Trauma and Immobilization Principles
Thoracic Trauma and Respiratory Compromise
Abdominal and Pelvic Trauma
Musculoskeletal Trauma and Limb Injuries
Special Populations (Pediatric, Geriatric, Pregnant Patients)
Trauma Pharmacology and Fluid Resuscitation
Scene Management, Safety, and Triage
, Rapid Transport Decision-Making and Trauma Systems
Evidence-Based Trauma Care and Critical Thinking
Introduction
This comprehensive assessment is designed to evaluate advanced clinical reasoning and
decision-making in prehospital trauma care. Candidates are expected to synthesize
theoretical knowledge with real-world application, navigating complex, high-stakes
scenarios commonly encountered in emergency settings. The examination emphasizes
prioritization, rapid assessment, and evidence-based interventions, requiring not only
recall but critical evaluation of competing clinical strategies.
Questions 1–35
1. A 28-year-old male involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision presents with
altered mental status, snoring respirations, and visible facial trauma. What is the most
appropriate immediate intervention?
A. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway
B. Perform endotracheal intubation without suction
,C. Suction the airway and perform a jaw-thrust maneuver
D. Apply a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min
Correct Answer: C. Suction the airway and perform a jaw-thrust maneuver
Rationale: Airway obstruction due to blood or secretions must be cleared immediately. A
jaw-thrust maintains spinal precautions. NPA may be contraindicated with facial trauma,
and oxygen alone does not address obstruction. Immediate suction precedes advanced
airway placement.
2. A trauma patient presents with hypotension, tachycardia, and cool clammy skin after a
fall. Which mechanism best explains these findings?
A. Neurogenic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Obstructive shock
Correct Answer: C. Hypovolemic shock
Rationale: Classic signs of hypovolemia include tachycardia, hypotension, and cool skin.
Neurogenic shock presents with warm skin and bradycardia; cardiogenic shock involves
pump failure; obstructive shock involves mechanical obstruction.
, 3. A patient with penetrating chest trauma develops severe dyspnea, hypotension, and
distended neck veins. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Simple pneumothorax
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary contusion
D. Hemothorax
Correct Answer: B. Tension pneumothorax
Rationale: The triad of hypotension, JVD, and respiratory distress indicates tension
pneumothorax. Immediate decompression is required. Other options lack the same
obstructive physiology.
4. During rapid trauma assessment, which finding indicates immediate life-threatening
hemorrhage?
A. Bruising over the abdomen
B. Controlled bleeding from a laceration
C. Pulsatile bleeding from a thigh wound
D. Minor abrasions
Correct Answer: C. Pulsatile bleeding from a thigh wound
Rationale: Pulsatile bleeding suggests arterial hemorrhage requiring immediate control.
