TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Musculoskeletal and Surface Trauma Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with a casted right tibial fracture develops severe, deep pain that is unrelieved by opioids.
The toes are cool to the touch and swollen, and the patient reports numbness.
Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the provider and prepare for cast removal.

Answer

Elevate the affected limb on two pillows to reduce swelling.

Answer

Apply a warm pack to the foot to improve circulation.

Answer

Administer the next scheduled dose of anxiolytic medication.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of applying a pelvic binder to a patient with a suspected unstable pelvic fracture during the initial trauma assessment?

Accepted Answer

To decrease pelvic volume and provide tamponade for hemorrhage.

Answer

To provide definitive anatomical reduction of the fracture.

Answer

To prevent the development of a fat embolism.

Answer

To ensure complete immobilization of the lumbar spine.

Question 3

A patient is brought to the emergency department after being extricated from a structural collapse where their legs were pinned for several hours. To mitigate the systemic effects of crush syndrome upon reperfusion, which intervention is a critical priority?

Accepted Answer

Aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation with an isotonic crystalloid.

Answer

Administration of a potent diuretic such as furosemide.

Answer

Application of warming blankets to prevent hypothermia.

Answer

Immediate administration of intravenous calcium gluconate.

Question 4

A patient presents with a traumatic amputation of their left hand. A coworker has brought the amputated part. Which method is correct for preserving the part for potential replantation?

Accepted Answer

Wrap the hand in saline-moistened gauze, place in a sealed bag, and put the bag on ice water.

Answer

Place the hand directly into a container of ice.

Answer

Clean the hand with an antiseptic solution and keep it at room temperature.

Answer

Submerge the hand in a container of sterile normal saline.

Question 5

The trauma nurse should maintain a high index of suspicion for fat embolism syndrome (FES) in a patient with which of the following injuries, especially 24-72 hours after the event?

Accepted Answer

Bilateral femur fractures and a pelvic fracture.

Answer

A severe closed head injury with loss of consciousness.

Answer

A flail chest with multiple rib fractures.

Answer

A penetrating abdominal injury requiring laparotomy.

Question 6

When providing initial care for a patient with an open tibial fracture, which nursing action is the priority after controlling life-threatening hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Covering the wound with a sterile, saline-moistened dressing.

Answer

Administering intravenous opioid analgesics for pain control.

Answer

Performing a deep wound culture to guide antibiotic therapy.

Answer

Thoroughly irrigating the wound with 3 liters of normal saline.

A patient with a casted right tibial fracture develops severe, deep pain that is unrelieved by opioids.The toes are cool to the touch and swollen, and the patient reports numbness.Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

A patient with a casted right tibial fracture develops severe, deep pain that is unrelieved by opioids.
The toes are cool to the touch and swollen, and the patient reports numbness.
Which of the following is the priority nursing action?