CEN Trauma Nursing 3

Question 1

A patient with a blunt abdominal trauma has a positive FAST exam showing free fluid in Morrison's pouch. The patient is hemodynamically unstable. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Emergent surgical exploration (trauma laparotomy)

Answer

CT scan of the abdomen for definitive injury identification

Answer

Diagnostic peritoneal lavage

Answer

Repeat FAST exam in 30 minutes

Question 2

Which spinal injury pattern is most commonly associated with a diving accident causing cervical spine injury?

Accepted Answer

Compression (burst) fracture with spinal cord injury

Answer

Distraction injury

Answer

Rotational fracture-dislocation

Answer

Jefferson fracture of C1 only

Question 3

A pregnant trauma patient at 28 weeks gestation is in hemorrhagic shock. Which positioning modification is essential during resuscitation?

Accepted Answer

Left lateral uterine displacement to relieve aortocaval compression

Answer

Trendelenburg position with both legs elevated

Answer

Prone positioning

Answer

Supine position only

Question 4

A patient with a closed head injury and GCS of 14 presents to the ED. CT scan shows no intracranial hemorrhage. Which observation criteria allows discharge?

Accepted Answer

The patient has no history of anticoagulant use, has a reliable adult companion, and clear discharge instructions

Answer

The patient has only a mild headache with normal exam

Answer

The patient tolerated oral fluids in the ED

Answer

The patient's GCS returned to 15 within 30 minutes

Question 5

A trauma patient develops a massive hemothorax. Initial management includes placement of a large-bore (36–40 Fr) chest tube. If initial drainage exceeds what volume, is operative intervention indicated?

Accepted Answer

1000–1500 mL

Answer

250 mL

Answer

500 mL

Answer

2000 mL

Question 6

A patient with a lap-belt injury mechanism presents with abdominal wall bruising in a horizontal pattern and lower back pain. Which injury should the nurse specifically suspect?

Accepted Answer

Chance fracture of the lumbar spine

Answer

Splenic laceration

Answer

Aortic injury

Answer

Pancreatic transection