TCRN Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma Care

Question 1

A patient arrives to the ED after a motor vehicle crash. Despite minor physical injuries, she is mute, staring blankly, and unresponsive to questions. This presentation is most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Acute stress reaction

Answer

Acute stress reaction is a normal immediate response to overwhelming trauma, often manifesting as dissociation, numbness, or mutism.

Question 2

Which intervention best supports a trauma patient experiencing acute psychological distress in the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Provide calm, brief explanations of procedures, maintain a therapeutic presence, and involve support persons when possible

Answer

Consistent presence, clear communication, and family support reduce anxiety and foster trust during acute trauma care.

Question 3

When informing a family of a patient's critical condition, which communication strategy is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Use clear, jargon-free language in a private space, and allow time for questions and emotional responses

Answer

Private, honest, compassionate communication with time for questions is the standard for delivering difficult news to trauma families.

Question 4

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) differs from acute stress disorder (ASD) primarily in which way?

Accepted Answer

ASD symptoms resolve within 4 weeks of trauma, while PTSD symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks

Answer

ASD occurs within the first month after trauma; PTSD is diagnosed when similar symptoms persist beyond one month.

Question 5

A trauma nurse who begins experiencing nightmares, emotional numbing, and avoidance of trauma cases is likely experiencing:

Accepted Answer

Compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress

Answer

Compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress occurs when caregivers absorb the trauma of their patients, producing PTSD-like symptoms.

TCRN Exam Practice Test

TCRN Exam Practice Test

TCRN Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma Care