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

Malingering

Answer

Alcohol intoxication

Answer

Conversion disorder

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

Leave the patient alone in a quiet room to self-regulate

Answer

Administer sedatives immediately to prevent further agitation

Answer

Discourage the patient from talking about the traumatic event to avoid re-traumatization

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

Provide information in a busy hallway to be efficient

Answer

Deliver only positive information to prevent distress

Answer

Delegate all family communication to the social worker exclusively

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

PTSD involves physical symptoms while ASD involves only emotional symptoms

Answer

PTSD is diagnosed only in combat veterans

Answer

ASD requires hospitalization while PTSD does not

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

Burnout only

Answer

Normal adjustment to a high-acuity environment

Answer

Depression unrelated to work

Question 6

Which statement best reflects the trauma-informed care principle of 'safety'?

Accepted Answer

Creating an environment where patients feel physically and emotionally safe and in control of their care

Answer

Restraining patients immediately when they display agitation

Answer

Ensuring the hospital is physically secure from external threats

Answer

Administering anxiolytics prophylactically to all trauma patients