TNCC Kinematics and Mechanism of Injury

Question 1

Which factor has the greatest effect on kinetic energy in a collision?

Accepted Answer

Velocity of the object

Answer

Kinetic energy equals one half mass times velocity squared. Because velocity is squared, doubling speed quadruples the energy, which makes it the most significant factor.

Question 2

A driver in a frontal collision slides forward and under the steering column, and their knees strike the dashboard. Which injuries should the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Knee, femur, and posterior hip injuries

Answer

In a down-and-under pathway, the knees hit the dashboard, so the energy transfers along the femur to the hip. Look for patellar and femoral fractures and posterior hip dislocation.

Question 3

Which is a hidden injury the nurse should suspect in a patient who fell 25 feet and landed on their feet?

Accepted Answer

Calcaneus fractures with lumbar spine compression fractures

Answer

Landing on the feet sends the force upward through the heels and spine, producing calcaneus fractures, ankle and leg injuries, and lumbar compression fractures. Extending the search to the spine matters because these injuries are often missed.

Question 4

A patient was ejected from a vehicle in a rollover crash. How does the nurse treat this mechanism?

Accepted Answer

A high-risk mechanism that requires a high index of suspicion for multisystem injury

Answer

Ejection greatly raises mortality and the likelihood of serious multisystem injuries. High-risk mechanisms meet criteria for trauma team activation regardless of initial appearance.

Question 5

Which describes a lateral (T-bone) collision on the driver's side?

Accepted Answer

Rib fractures, lateral spine injury, and left-sided organ injury such as the spleen

Answer

Side impacts push the patient's body toward the point of impact and can cause lateral chest injuries, pelvic and acetabular fractures, lateral cervical spine injuries, and injury to underlying organs, such as the spleen on the left.

(TNCC) Trauma Nursing Core Course Certified Practice Test

(TNCC) Trauma Nursing Core Course Certified Practice Test

TNCC Kinematics and Mechanism of Injury