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ATLS Exam 2026-2027 BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
VERIFIED ANSWERS EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME
FROM HERE (100% CORRECT ANSWERS A+ GRADED
1. The initial assessment of a trauma patient is based on which
mnemonic?
A) SOAP
B) ABCDE
C) SAMPLE
D) OPQRST
Answer: B
Explanation: The primary survey in ATLS follows the ABCDE sequence:
Airway with cervical spine protection, Breathing, Circulation with
hemorrhage control, Disability (neurologic status), and
Exposure/Environment.
2. What is the first priority when assessing the airway in a trauma
patient?
A) Checking for facial fractures
B) Administering high-flow oxygen
C) Assessing for patency while protecting the cervical spine
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D) Intubating the patient
Answer: C
Explanation: The airway must be assessed for patency first, and all
airway maneuvers must be performed with inline cervical spine
immobilization to prevent exacerbating a potential spinal injury.
3. A patient who can speak clearly has what type of airway?
A) Compromised
B) At risk for aspiration
C) Patent
D) Obstructed
Answer: C
Explanation: The ability to speak clearly indicates a patent airway,
adequate air movement through the vocal cords, and reasonable
ventilation.
4. Which maneuver is contraindicated in a trauma patient with a
suspected cervical spine injury?
A) Jaw thrust
B) Head-tilt chin-lift
C) Chin lift
D) Oropharyngeal airway insertion
Answer: B
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Explanation: The head-tilt chin-lift maneuver extends the cervical spine
and is contraindicated in trauma. The jaw thrust maintains cervical
spine alignment while opening the airway.
5. What is the definitive airway of choice in most trauma patients?
A) Nasopharyngeal airway
B) Oropharyngeal airway
C) Endotracheal intubation
D) Laryngeal mask airway
Answer: C
Explanation: Endotracheal intubation provides a secure, protected
airway with a cuff to prevent aspiration and allows for mechanical
ventilation, making it the gold standard definitive airway.
6. Which of the following is an indication for a definitive airway?
A) GCS of 15
B) Isolated mandible fracture
C) Apnea
D) Open pneumothorax
Answer: C
Explanation: Apnea, inability to protect the airway, GCS of 8 or less,
severe maxillofacial fractures, and inhalation injury are all indications
for securing a definitive airway.
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7. During breathing assessment, which life-threatening condition
presents with tracheal deviation and absent breath sounds?
A) Simple pneumothorax
B) Tension pneumothorax
C) Pulmonary contusion
D) Cardiac tamponade
Answer: B
Explanation: Tension pneumothorax causes mediastinal shift, leading to
tracheal deviation away from the affected side, distended neck veins,
hypotension, and absent breath sounds on the affected side.
8. Needle decompression of a tension pneumothorax is performed at
which anatomical location?
A) 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line
B) 4th intercostal space, anterior axillary line
C) 5th intercostal space, midaxillary line
D) 6th intercostal space, midclavicular line
Answer: A
Explanation: The classic site for needle decompression is the 2nd
intercostal space in the midclavicular line, although the 5th intercostal
space anterior axillary line is increasingly used.
9. A massive hemothorax is defined by what initial chest tube output?
A) 100 mL
ATLS Exam 2026-2027 BANK QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED
VERIFIED ANSWERS EXAM QUESTIONS WILL COME
FROM HERE (100% CORRECT ANSWERS A+ GRADED
1. The initial assessment of a trauma patient is based on which
mnemonic?
A) SOAP
B) ABCDE
C) SAMPLE
D) OPQRST
Answer: B
Explanation: The primary survey in ATLS follows the ABCDE sequence:
Airway with cervical spine protection, Breathing, Circulation with
hemorrhage control, Disability (neurologic status), and
Exposure/Environment.
2. What is the first priority when assessing the airway in a trauma
patient?
A) Checking for facial fractures
B) Administering high-flow oxygen
C) Assessing for patency while protecting the cervical spine
,2|Page
D) Intubating the patient
Answer: C
Explanation: The airway must be assessed for patency first, and all
airway maneuvers must be performed with inline cervical spine
immobilization to prevent exacerbating a potential spinal injury.
3. A patient who can speak clearly has what type of airway?
A) Compromised
B) At risk for aspiration
C) Patent
D) Obstructed
Answer: C
Explanation: The ability to speak clearly indicates a patent airway,
adequate air movement through the vocal cords, and reasonable
ventilation.
4. Which maneuver is contraindicated in a trauma patient with a
suspected cervical spine injury?
A) Jaw thrust
B) Head-tilt chin-lift
C) Chin lift
D) Oropharyngeal airway insertion
Answer: B
,3|Page
Explanation: The head-tilt chin-lift maneuver extends the cervical spine
and is contraindicated in trauma. The jaw thrust maintains cervical
spine alignment while opening the airway.
5. What is the definitive airway of choice in most trauma patients?
A) Nasopharyngeal airway
B) Oropharyngeal airway
C) Endotracheal intubation
D) Laryngeal mask airway
Answer: C
Explanation: Endotracheal intubation provides a secure, protected
airway with a cuff to prevent aspiration and allows for mechanical
ventilation, making it the gold standard definitive airway.
6. Which of the following is an indication for a definitive airway?
A) GCS of 15
B) Isolated mandible fracture
C) Apnea
D) Open pneumothorax
Answer: C
Explanation: Apnea, inability to protect the airway, GCS of 8 or less,
severe maxillofacial fractures, and inhalation injury are all indications
for securing a definitive airway.
, 4|Page
7. During breathing assessment, which life-threatening condition
presents with tracheal deviation and absent breath sounds?
A) Simple pneumothorax
B) Tension pneumothorax
C) Pulmonary contusion
D) Cardiac tamponade
Answer: B
Explanation: Tension pneumothorax causes mediastinal shift, leading to
tracheal deviation away from the affected side, distended neck veins,
hypotension, and absent breath sounds on the affected side.
8. Needle decompression of a tension pneumothorax is performed at
which anatomical location?
A) 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line
B) 4th intercostal space, anterior axillary line
C) 5th intercostal space, midaxillary line
D) 6th intercostal space, midclavicular line
Answer: A
Explanation: The classic site for needle decompression is the 2nd
intercostal space in the midclavicular line, although the 5th intercostal
space anterior axillary line is increasingly used.
9. A massive hemothorax is defined by what initial chest tube output?
A) 100 mL
