CEN Trauma Nursing

Question 1

A trauma patient arrives after a high-speed MVC. During the primary survey, the nurse identifies absent breath sounds on the left and tracheal deviation to the right. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Perform needle thoracostomy on the left side

Answer

Order portable CXR

Answer

Administer 2L normal saline IV

Answer

Apply a non-rebreather mask

Question 2

During the primary survey (ABCDE), when is massive hemorrhage control addressed in the updated ATLS framework?

Accepted Answer

Before airway — as the first priority (<C>ABC)

Answer

After airway management (A)

Answer

During circulation assessment (C)

Answer

After the secondary survey

Question 3

A patient with an open abdominal wound has loops of bowel eviscerated. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Cover with a moist saline dressing and do not reinsert

Answer

Push the bowel back into the abdominal cavity

Answer

Cover with a dry sterile dressing

Answer

Apply an occlusive plastic dressing tightly

Question 4

A trauma patient has a GCS of 9 (E2V3M4). What does this GCS score indicate about the patient's airway?

Accepted Answer

Definitive airway management should be considered

Answer

The airway is patent and self-maintained

Answer

The patient requires only nasal airway adjunct

Answer

GCS does not predict airway patency

Question 5

Which type of shock is most likely in a trauma patient with distended neck veins, muffled heart sounds, and hypotension without obvious external hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive shock from cardiac tamponade

Answer

Hemorrhagic shock

Answer

Neurogenic shock

Answer

Distributive shock

Question 6

A patient with a suspected pelvic fracture has ongoing hemodynamic instability. Which intervention is priority to reduce pelvic volume and control hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Application of a commercial pelvic binder or sheet wrap

Answer

Emergent surgical exploration

Answer

Bilateral femur traction splints

Answer

Aggressive IV fluid resuscitation with 4L NS