ITLS - International Trauma Life Support Patient Assessment and Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

During the ITLS Primary Survey of a trauma patient, which of the following is the correct and immediate action for an identified airway obstruction?

Accepted Answer

Immediately intervene to clear the obstruction before proceeding.

Answer

Continue the survey to assess breathing and circulation.

Answer

Complete the full primary survey and then address the airway.

Answer

Apply a cervical collar and move to the breathing assessment.

Question 2

You are assessing a 34-year-old male who was the unrestrained driver in a high-speed frontal impact collision. He is unconscious, tachycardic, and hypotensive. His trachea is deviated to the left, and he has absent breath sounds on the right side of his chest. Which intervention is the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Performing needle decompression of the right chest.

Answer

Initiating two large-bore IVs and administering a fluid bolus.

Answer

Applying a pelvic binder due to the high-risk mechanism.

Answer

Immediately securing the patient to a long spine board for transport.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key component of the ITLS Secondary Survey?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining a SAMPLE history.

Answer

A rapid head-to-toe check for life-threatening injuries.

Answer

Assessing airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).

Answer

Determining the patient's level of consciousness using AVPU.

Question 4

In the assessment of a pediatric trauma patient, which finding should be considered a more significant indicator of shock compared to an adult patient?

Accepted Answer

Tachycardia.

Answer

Hypotension.

Answer

Altered mental status.

Answer

Slow capillary refill.

Question 5

A patient has sustained a penetrating injury to the chest and you have identified an open pneumothorax (sucking chest wound). What is the appropriate initial management for this injury in the field?

Accepted Answer

Apply an occlusive dressing taped on three sides.

Answer

Pack the wound with sterile gauze.

Answer

Immediately perform a needle decompression.

Answer

Log roll the patient onto the injured side.

Question 6

According to ITLS guidelines, a Rapid Trauma Survey is performed instead of a Focused Exam when which of the following is present?

Accepted Answer

A significant mechanism of injury.

Answer

An isolated injury to a single limb.

Answer

The patient complains of pain in only one specific area.

Answer

The patient is alert, oriented, and has stable vital signs.