TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Airway and Ventilation Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

A trauma patient with a significant inhalation injury, facial burns, and carbonaceous sputum is becoming increasingly agitated and hoarse.
Oxygen saturation is currently 92% on a non-rebreather mask.
Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Prepare for and facilitate early endotracheal intubation.

Answer

Continue to monitor the patient's respiratory status closely.

Answer

Administer a sedative to calm the patient's agitation.

Answer

Apply a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask.

Question 2

When assessing a trauma patient's airway, which maneuver is recommended to open the airway when a cervical spine injury is suspected?

Accepted Answer

Jaw-thrust maneuver

Answer

Head-tilt, chin-lift

Answer

Flexion of the neck

Answer

Placement of an oropharyngeal airway without positioning

Question 3

A trauma nurse is caring for an intubated and ventilated patient. A sudden drop in the end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) reading to a near-zero value is observed. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Dislodged endotracheal tube

Answer

Hypoventilation

Answer

Malignant hyperthermia

Answer

Increased cardiac output

Question 4

Which of the following is a definitive indication for endotracheal intubation in an adult trauma patient?

Accepted Answer

A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 7

Answer

A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute

Answer

The presence of a simple rib fracture

Answer

An oxygen saturation of 95% on room air

Question 5

A patient arrives after a motor vehicle crash with significant maxillofacial trauma, making oral intubation difficult. The patient is apneic. If endotracheal intubation attempts are unsuccessful, what is the next appropriate step in securing an airway?

Accepted Answer

Insert a supraglottic airway device.

Answer

Perform a blind nasotracheal intubation.

Answer

Ventilate with a bag-valve-mask until an anesthesiologist arrives.

Answer

Wait for the patient's breathing to resume spontaneously.

Question 6

When initiating mechanical ventilation for a trauma patient with suspected Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), which strategy is most appropriate to prevent further lung injury?

Accepted Answer

Low tidal volumes and high PEEP.

Answer

High tidal volumes and high respiratory rates.

Answer

High FiO2 and minimal PEEP.

Answer

Low respiratory rates and high tidal volumes.