BCEN Trauma Care 2

Question 1

A patient arrives after a high-speed MVC with a GCS of 8. The primary survey reveals no airway obstruction. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Perform rapid sequence intubation

Answer

A GCS of 8 or below indicates inability to protect the airway, making rapid sequence intubation the priority.

Question 2

Which finding is most indicative of a tension pneumothorax in a trauma patient?

Accepted Answer

Tracheal deviation away from the affected side with absent breath sounds

Answer

Tracheal deviation away from the affected side combined with absent breath sounds on that side is the classic presentation of tension pneumothorax.

Question 3

A trauma patient has a systolic BP of 80 mmHg despite 2L of crystalloid. FAST exam shows free fluid in Morrison's pouch. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Activate massive transfusion protocol and prepare for emergent surgery

Answer

Hemorrhagic shock unresponsive to crystalloid with positive FAST requires massive transfusion protocol activation and emergent surgical hemorrhage control.

Question 4

What is the recommended ratio of packed red blood cells to fresh frozen plasma in damage control resuscitation?

Accepted Answer

1:1

Answer

A 1:1 ratio of pRBC to FFP is the standard in damage control resuscitation to correct coagulopathy alongside hemorrhage.

Question 5

A patient sustains blunt abdominal trauma and develops involuntary guarding, rigidity, and rebound tenderness. These findings are most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Peritoneal irritation from hollow viscus injury

Answer

Peritoneal signs (guarding, rigidity, rebound) suggest bowel or hollow viscus injury with spillage of contents causing peritoneal irritation.

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test

BCEN Trauma Care 2