Page 1 of 139
Master the PHTLS Pre & Post Test with this
2025 review guide. Includes answer keys,
rationales, and trauma care review aligned
with the 10th Edition PHTLS.
1. What is the primary purpose of PHTLS?
a) To replace advanced life support training
b) To reduce mortality and morbidity from traumatic injury
through evidence-based prehospital care
c) To certify paramedics in trauma center transport
d) To teach surgical airway techniques only
Correct Answer: b) To reduce mortality and morbidity from
traumatic injury through evidence-based prehospital care.
Rationale: PHTLS focuses on early, systematic assessment and
intervention to improve outcomes in trauma patients.
,Page 2 of 139
2. The "golden hour" concept refers to:
a) The first 60 minutes after dispatch
b) The time window in which definitive surgical intervention (e.g.,
damage control surgery) significantly improves survival
c) The first 60 minutes of scene time
d) The time needed to apply a tourniquet
Correct Answer: b) The time window in which definitive surgical
intervention significantly improves survival.
Rationale: The golden hour emphasizes rapid transport to an
appropriate trauma center, but patient physiology matters more
than a fixed clock. PHTLS teaches that interventions en route can
extend this window.
3. According to the PHTLS 10th Edition, which of the following
best describes the "load and go" decision?
a) Treat all injuries on scene before transport
b) Rapid transport with essential interventions performed en
,Page 3 of 139
route
c) Wait for ALS backup at all times
d) Always use helicopter transport
Correct Answer: b) Rapid transport with essential interventions
performed en route.
Rationale: For unstable patients (e.g., penetrating torso trauma,
severe hemorrhage), limit on-scene time to <10 minutes and
perform critical interventions (airway, bleeding control) en route.
4. The "ABCDE" primary survey should be completed initially
in:
a) 30-60 seconds
b) 5-10 minutes
c) 10-15 minutes
d) As long as needed to be thorough
, Page 4 of 139
Correct Answer: a) 30-60 seconds.
Rationale: The primary survey is rapid to identify life threats.
Detailed secondary survey follows after stabilization.
5. Which of the following findings indicates that a trauma
patient is in "compensated shock"?
a) Hypotension, confusion, weak pulse
b) Normal blood pressure, tachycardia, cool extremities
c) Unresponsiveness and absent radial pulses
d) Bradypnea and bradycardia
Correct Answer: b) Normal blood pressure, tachycardia, cool
extremities.
Rationale: Compensation maintains near-normal BP via
vasoconstriction and increased heart rate. Hypotension is a late,
decompensated sign.
6. A patient with a gunshot wound to the chest and absent
breath sounds on the left should be treated initially with:
Master the PHTLS Pre & Post Test with this
2025 review guide. Includes answer keys,
rationales, and trauma care review aligned
with the 10th Edition PHTLS.
1. What is the primary purpose of PHTLS?
a) To replace advanced life support training
b) To reduce mortality and morbidity from traumatic injury
through evidence-based prehospital care
c) To certify paramedics in trauma center transport
d) To teach surgical airway techniques only
Correct Answer: b) To reduce mortality and morbidity from
traumatic injury through evidence-based prehospital care.
Rationale: PHTLS focuses on early, systematic assessment and
intervention to improve outcomes in trauma patients.
,Page 2 of 139
2. The "golden hour" concept refers to:
a) The first 60 minutes after dispatch
b) The time window in which definitive surgical intervention (e.g.,
damage control surgery) significantly improves survival
c) The first 60 minutes of scene time
d) The time needed to apply a tourniquet
Correct Answer: b) The time window in which definitive surgical
intervention significantly improves survival.
Rationale: The golden hour emphasizes rapid transport to an
appropriate trauma center, but patient physiology matters more
than a fixed clock. PHTLS teaches that interventions en route can
extend this window.
3. According to the PHTLS 10th Edition, which of the following
best describes the "load and go" decision?
a) Treat all injuries on scene before transport
b) Rapid transport with essential interventions performed en
,Page 3 of 139
route
c) Wait for ALS backup at all times
d) Always use helicopter transport
Correct Answer: b) Rapid transport with essential interventions
performed en route.
Rationale: For unstable patients (e.g., penetrating torso trauma,
severe hemorrhage), limit on-scene time to <10 minutes and
perform critical interventions (airway, bleeding control) en route.
4. The "ABCDE" primary survey should be completed initially
in:
a) 30-60 seconds
b) 5-10 minutes
c) 10-15 minutes
d) As long as needed to be thorough
, Page 4 of 139
Correct Answer: a) 30-60 seconds.
Rationale: The primary survey is rapid to identify life threats.
Detailed secondary survey follows after stabilization.
5. Which of the following findings indicates that a trauma
patient is in "compensated shock"?
a) Hypotension, confusion, weak pulse
b) Normal blood pressure, tachycardia, cool extremities
c) Unresponsiveness and absent radial pulses
d) Bradypnea and bradycardia
Correct Answer: b) Normal blood pressure, tachycardia, cool
extremities.
Rationale: Compensation maintains near-normal BP via
vasoconstriction and increased heart rate. Hypotension is a late,
decompensated sign.
6. A patient with a gunshot wound to the chest and absent
breath sounds on the left should be treated initially with:
