Trauma: ATLS: practice question

A General Surgery question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

General Surgery · Trauma: ATLS

Sample item

In the primary survey of trauma care, what is assessed first?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Airway with cervical-spine protection

ATLS prioritises airway while protecting the cervical spine, followed by breathing, circulation, disability and exposure.

Option by option

  • A. Detailed neurologic examination

    Neurologic assessment follows initial airway, breathing and circulation checks.

  • B. Airway with cervical-spine protection (correct)

    Correct. Airway obstruction is immediately fatal and comes first.

  • C. Definitive fracture fixation

    Fractures are managed after life threats.

  • D. Past medical history

    History is secondary to resuscitation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More General Surgery questions

Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is B, Airway with cervical-spine protection. ATLS prioritises airway while protecting the cervical spine, followed by breathing, circulation, disability and exposure.

Why is "Detailed neurologic examination" not the answer?

Neurologic assessment follows initial airway, breathing and circulation checks.

Why is "Definitive fracture fixation" not the answer?

Fractures are managed after life threats.

Why is "Past medical history" not the answer?

History is secondary to resuscitation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Trauma: ATLS in General Surgery. The correct option holds because: Correct. Airway obstruction is immediately fatal and comes first.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Trauma: ATLS?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.