ATLS Pre Test Questions and Correct Answers 2026

ATLS PRE TEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS

What is the difference between profound shock and immediate shock ? Q 30 1. Which one of the following is the recommended method for initially treating frostbite? a. vasodilators b. anticoagulants c. warm (40°C) water d. padding and elevation e. application of heat from a hair dryer The recommended initial treatment for frostbite is to immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water to gradually rewarm it. This helps restore blood flow and can prevent further tissue damage. 2. A 6 year old boy is struck by an automobile and brought to the emergency department. He is lethargic, but withdraws purposefully from painful stimuli. His blood pressure is 90 mm Hg systolic, heart rate is 140 beats per minute, and his respiratory rate is 36 breaths per minute. The preferred route of venous access in this patient is: a. percutaneous femoral vein cannulation. b. cutdown on the saphenous vein at the ankle. c. intraosseous catheter placement in the proximal tibia. d. percutaneous peripheral veins in the upper extremities. e. central venous access via the subclavian or internal jugular vein. In this scenario, the patient is a young child with a traumatic injury and signs of shock. The preferred route of venous access in this case is to establish access quickly and effectively. In pediatric cases, intraosseous (IO) catheter placement is often the preferred method because it provides rapid access to the circulatory system when other routes may be difficult or time-consuming. Intraosseous access is a valuable option for pediatric patients in critical situations when traditional venous access is challenging or not feasible. It allows for the administration of fluids and medications to stabilize the patient. Intraosseous infusions should be limited to emergency resuscitation and shoud be discontinued as soon as other venous access is obtained. needle 15 mm/ indicated for patients weighing 3-39 kg needle 25 mm/ indicated for patients weighing 39 kg or over needle 45 mm/ indicated for patients weighing 40 kg or over IO insertion 1 cm medial to tibial tuberosity or just below the patella approximately one cm and slightly medial 90 degree angle to center of the bone Size of needle for needle cricothyroidotomy? 12 gauge Size of needle for needle thoracentesis? 14 gauge Size of needle for peripheral IV? 16 gauge Size of needle for pericardiocentesis? 18 gauge (spinal needle) 3. Which one of the following physical findings suggests a cause of hypotension other than spinal cord injury? a. priapism. b. bradycardia. c. diaphragmatic breathing. d. presence of deep tendon reflexes. e. ability to flex forearms but inability to extend them. What level of spinal cord injury affects the arms? Low-Cervical Nerves (C5 – C8) Priapism is a prolonged and painful erection of the penis that can be associated with certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell disease, medications, or other underlying issues. It is not typically related to spinal cord injury and can be a sign of other medical problems. 4. A young man sustains a gunshot wound to the abdomen and is brought promptly to the emergency department by prehospital personnel. His skin is cool and diaphoretic, and he is confused. His pulse is thready and his femoral pulse is only weakly palpable. The definitive treatment in managing this patient is to: a. administer O negative blood. b. apply external warming devices. c. control internal hemorrhage operatively. d. apply a pneumatic antishock garment (PASG). e. infuse large volumes of intravenous crystalloid solutions In a trauma patient with a gunshot wound to the abdomen who presents with cool, diaphoretic skin, confusion, a thready pulse, and weakly palpable femoral pulse, the most appropriate and definitive treatment is: c. control internal hemorrhage operatively. This patient's clinical presentation suggests significant internal bleeding, and operative intervention is necessary to locate and control the source of bleeding and repair any damage. Administering blood