TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma Questions and Answers

Question 1

A trauma patient's spouse arrives in the emergency department, yelling at the triage nurse and demanding to see the patient, who is currently undergoing active resuscitation.
What is the trauma nurse's most therapeutic initial action?

Accepted Answer

Approach the spouse calmly, acknowledge their distress, and explain that the team is doing everything possible, promising to provide an update shortly.

Answer

Ask security to escort the spouse to the waiting room to prevent disruption.

Answer

Immediately bring the spouse to the patient's bedside regardless of the ongoing interventions.

Answer

Firmly tell the spouse that they cannot see the patient right now and must wait for a doctor.

Question 2

Which of the following is the PRIMARY patient- and family-centered rationale for facilitating Family Presence During Resuscitation (FPDR) when deemed appropriate?

Accepted Answer

To help family members understand the severity of the situation and begin the coping and grieving process.

Answer

To allow family members to assist the trauma team with non-clinical tasks.

Answer

To ensure the family witnesses the quality of care being provided, thereby reducing the risk of litigation.

Answer

To satisfy hospital administrators who are focused on improving patient satisfaction scores.

Question 3

A trauma nurse is caring for a patient whose injuries are inconsistent with the stated mechanism of injury. When screening for intimate partner violence (IPV), which of the following approaches is considered best practice?

Accepted Answer

Asking direct, non-judgmental questions while the patient is alone.

Answer

Questioning the patient's partner about the incident in front of the patient.

Answer

Documenting suspicion of IPV in the chart but avoiding direct questions to not offend the patient.

Answer

Giving the patient a brochure on domestic violence resources and waiting for them to initiate the conversation.

Question 4

A 22-year-old patient, who is hemodynamically stable with minor injuries after a motor vehicle collision, is tearful, breathing rapidly, and repeatedly asks, "Am I going to be okay?" Which response by the trauma nurse is the most therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

"I can see that you are very frightened. We've examined you, and your injuries are not life-threatening. We are here to take care of you."

Answer

"You're overreacting; your injuries are very minor."

Answer

"I don't know if you'll be okay until all the tests come back."

Answer

"You need to take some deep breaths and calm down right now."

Question 5

The gradual emotional and physical exhaustion that leads to a decreased ability to empathize with patients, often experienced by nurses in high-stress environments like trauma, is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Compassion Fatigue

Answer

Burnout

Answer

Acute Stress Response

Answer

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Question 6

When resuscitation efforts for a trauma patient are deemed futile, the trauma team's priority shifts to end-of-life care. Which of the following actions is a primary component of this care?

Accepted Answer

Shifting the focus from curative measures to providing comfort, managing symptoms, and supporting the family.

Answer

Immediately transferring the patient to an inpatient unit to free up the trauma bay.

Answer

Discontinuing all monitoring equipment and interventions at once.

Answer

Continuing all resuscitation efforts until an organ procurement organization representative can arrive.

A trauma patient's spouse arrives in the emergency department, yelling at the triage nurse and demanding to see the patient, who is currently undergoing active resuscitation.What is the trauma nurse's most therapeutic initial action?

A trauma patient's spouse arrives in the emergency department, yelling at the triage nurse and demanding to see the patient, who is currently undergoing active resuscitation.
What is the trauma nurse's most therapeutic initial action?