ATLS Pretest & Modules Latest Update 2026 | Exam Prep
1. What is the primary indication for performing a celiotomy in a patient with a
Grade III splenic injury?
Hemodynamic instability or significant intra-abdominal bleeding
Minor abdominal pain
Presence of a concussion
Age of the patient
2. In a trauma patient with retroperitoneal air and signs of shock, what would be
the most appropriate next step in management?
Order additional imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis.
Initiate fluid resuscitation and monitor vital signs.
Administer pain management and observe the patient.
Perform a laparotomy to assess for hollow viscus injury.
3. A 50-year-old male has fallen from a significant height. He is conscious and
alert, but is unable to feel or move both of his lower extremities. This is MOST
likely the result of:
traumatic brain injury.
a response to severe pain.
injury to the spinal cord.
local nerve injury.
4. What is an important intervention for the patient with multiple rib fractures?
, Pain management and pulmonary hygiene
Chest tube placement
Placing a gauze dressing over the wound
Needle aspiration
5. Describe the rationale behind initiating fluid resuscitation in a trauma patient
with decreased blood pressure.
Fluid resuscitation is used to diagnose internal injuries.
Fluid resuscitation helps to reduce pain and discomfort.
Fluid resuscitation is only necessary if there is visible bleeding.
Fluid resuscitation is crucial to restore blood volume and improve
perfusion to vital organs.
6. A 30-year-old male presents after a motor vehicle crash. Vital signs are RR 18,
HR 88, BP 130/72, GCS 13. Laparotomy is indicated when
The abdomen is distended with localized right upper quadrant
tenderness
There is evidence of extraperitoneal bladder
There is distinct seatbelt sign over the abdomen
The CT scan demonstrates a grade 4 hepatic injury
CT demonstrates retroperitoneal air
7. What is a common sign that an elderly patient with rib fractures may exhibit?
Increased heart rate
Decreased respiratory rate
Splinting the chest
, Coughing blood
8. In a trauma scenario, how would you prioritize interventions for an elderly
patient on beta-blockers and warfarin presenting with hypotension?
Delay interventions until a full assessment is completed.
Focus solely on pain management before addressing blood pressure.
Administer anticoagulants to counteract the effects of warfarin.
Immediate airway management and fluid resuscitation should be
prioritized to stabilize the patient.
9. Describe why the presence of retroperitoneal air on a CT scan may
necessitate a laparotomy.
Retroperitoneal air is a sign of infection that requires antibiotics.
The presence of retroperitoneal air suggests a potential hollow
viscus injury, which may require surgical intervention.
Retroperitoneal air is unrelated to trauma management.
Retroperitoneal air indicates a need for imaging studies only.
10. Which is most inclusive of a complete neurological assessment?
Assessment of vital signs, respiratory rate and visual acuity
Assessment of mental status, motor and sensory functioning
Assessment of LOC, vital signs and coordination
Assessment of vital signs, visual accuity and coordination
11. An 18-year-old man's right leg is trapped beneath his overturned vehicle for
nearly three hours before he is extricated and brought to the ED. On arrival,
his right lower extremity is cool, mottled, insensate, and motionless. Despite
1. What is the primary indication for performing a celiotomy in a patient with a
Grade III splenic injury?
Hemodynamic instability or significant intra-abdominal bleeding
Minor abdominal pain
Presence of a concussion
Age of the patient
2. In a trauma patient with retroperitoneal air and signs of shock, what would be
the most appropriate next step in management?
Order additional imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis.
Initiate fluid resuscitation and monitor vital signs.
Administer pain management and observe the patient.
Perform a laparotomy to assess for hollow viscus injury.
3. A 50-year-old male has fallen from a significant height. He is conscious and
alert, but is unable to feel or move both of his lower extremities. This is MOST
likely the result of:
traumatic brain injury.
a response to severe pain.
injury to the spinal cord.
local nerve injury.
4. What is an important intervention for the patient with multiple rib fractures?
, Pain management and pulmonary hygiene
Chest tube placement
Placing a gauze dressing over the wound
Needle aspiration
5. Describe the rationale behind initiating fluid resuscitation in a trauma patient
with decreased blood pressure.
Fluid resuscitation is used to diagnose internal injuries.
Fluid resuscitation helps to reduce pain and discomfort.
Fluid resuscitation is only necessary if there is visible bleeding.
Fluid resuscitation is crucial to restore blood volume and improve
perfusion to vital organs.
6. A 30-year-old male presents after a motor vehicle crash. Vital signs are RR 18,
HR 88, BP 130/72, GCS 13. Laparotomy is indicated when
The abdomen is distended with localized right upper quadrant
tenderness
There is evidence of extraperitoneal bladder
There is distinct seatbelt sign over the abdomen
The CT scan demonstrates a grade 4 hepatic injury
CT demonstrates retroperitoneal air
7. What is a common sign that an elderly patient with rib fractures may exhibit?
Increased heart rate
Decreased respiratory rate
Splinting the chest
, Coughing blood
8. In a trauma scenario, how would you prioritize interventions for an elderly
patient on beta-blockers and warfarin presenting with hypotension?
Delay interventions until a full assessment is completed.
Focus solely on pain management before addressing blood pressure.
Administer anticoagulants to counteract the effects of warfarin.
Immediate airway management and fluid resuscitation should be
prioritized to stabilize the patient.
9. Describe why the presence of retroperitoneal air on a CT scan may
necessitate a laparotomy.
Retroperitoneal air is a sign of infection that requires antibiotics.
The presence of retroperitoneal air suggests a potential hollow
viscus injury, which may require surgical intervention.
Retroperitoneal air is unrelated to trauma management.
Retroperitoneal air indicates a need for imaging studies only.
10. Which is most inclusive of a complete neurological assessment?
Assessment of vital signs, respiratory rate and visual acuity
Assessment of mental status, motor and sensory functioning
Assessment of LOC, vital signs and coordination
Assessment of vital signs, visual accuity and coordination
11. An 18-year-old man's right leg is trapped beneath his overturned vehicle for
nearly three hours before he is extricated and brought to the ED. On arrival,
his right lower extremity is cool, mottled, insensate, and motionless. Despite
