ATLS Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

Which of the following situations can make performing a lighted stylet intubation difficult?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The patient recently vomited.. A lighted stylet intubation is the process of inserting an intubation tube using a lighted stylet as a guide. It guides the tube into the trachea by trans-illuminating the soft tissues in the throat. However, if the patient has recently vomited, the pathway to the trachea (mouth, throat, larynx), could be filled with fluid and debris, making it difficult for the tube to follow the light source into the trachea.

Question 2

The E from the LEMON stands for:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Evaluate the 3-3-2 rule. The 3-3-2 rule is an evaluation tool for the forecasting of challenging intubations in unexpectedly challenging airways.

Question 3

Decide if the following sentence is true:

'Extraglottic devices sit under the larynx.'

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

False. Another family of supraglottic devices that are inserted through the mouth and rest on top of the larynx is known as extraglottic devices.

Question 4

The amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled in one normal breathing cycle is called what?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Tidal volume.. When measuring breathing and respiration, tidal volume is the measurement of air that is inhaled and then exhaled in a normal breathing cycle. The air measured that comes in and goes out is the total amount measured and tracked.

Question 5

What is the score on the Glasgow Coma Scale at which a patient is considered to be in a dead-brain state or in a deep coma?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

3. The Glasgow Coma Scale's minimum score is 3, indicating a profound coma or brain death.

Question 6

If you do not know the effective biphasic dose range for the defibrillator that you are using, you should deliver a first shock and all subsequent shocks at _________.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The maximal energy dose that is available. "If you do not know the effective dose range, deliver the maximal energy dose for the first and all subsequent shocks.

Question 7

Which one of the following is/are complication/complications of compartment syndrome?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

All of these. If the pressure is not relieved in the affected area the pressure can result in necrosis of tissue in that compartment, since capillary perfusion will fall leading to increasing oxygen deprivation of those tissues. As intercompartmental pressure rises during compartment syndrome, perfusion within the compartment is reduced leading to ischemia, which if left untreated, results in necrosis of nerves and muscles of the compartment.

Question 8

If using a monophasic defibrillator for Pulseless VF/VT the first dose and all subsequent doses should be _______J.

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

360. Even though monophasic defibrillators are becoming more and more uncommon there are still some available for use.

Question 9

Decide if the following sentence is true:

'Shock cannot be accurately diagnosed by a single vital sign or laboratory test.'

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

True. A combination of clinical observations and laboratory tests is used to diagnose shock in trauma patients. Shock cannot be diagnosed with certainty by any one vital sign or laboratory test on its own.

Question 10

What happens during vasogenic shock?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Cardiac output decreases, the heart muscle weakens, and venous pressure is unstable. Two examples are anaphylaxis and septic shock.. Vasogenic shock most frequently occurs with anaphylaxis and septic shock (toxic shock) from infection.Hemorrhagic shock results from hemorrhage or inadequate blood volume replacement.

Neurogenic shock is loss of vasomotor tone in peripheral blood vessels, leading to sudden vasodilation and pooling of blood.

Cardiogenic shock occurs when the pumping action of the left ventricle is insufficient to pump enough blood to vital organs.

ATLS Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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