TNCC Burn and Thermal Trauma

Question 1

When using the Rule of Nines to estimate total body surface area (TBSA) burned in an adult, what percentage is assigned to the entire head and neck?

Accepted Answer

9%

Answer

In adults, the Rule of Nines assigns 9% of total body surface area to the head and neck combined.

Question 2

A burn wound that is moist, blistered, and extremely painful with a red or pink base is classified as which type?

Accepted Answer

Superficial partial-thickness (second-degree) burn

Answer

Superficial partial-thickness burns involve the epidermis and superficial dermis, presenting with blisters, moisture, and intense pain due to exposed nerve endings.

Question 3

Using the Parkland formula, how much Lactated Ringer's should be administered in the first 8 hours after injury for a 70 kg patient with 30% TBSA burns?

Accepted Answer

4,200 mL

Answer

The Parkland formula (4 mL × kg × %TBSA) gives 8,400 mL total; half is given in the first 8 hours from time of injury, equaling 4,200 mL.

Question 4

What is the highest priority intervention when managing a patient with facial burns, singed nasal hairs, and hoarseness?

Accepted Answer

Securing the airway with early endotracheal intubation

Answer

Singed nasal hairs and hoarseness indicate inhalation injury; early intubation is critical because progressive airway edema can make later intubation impossible.

Question 5

A patient rescued from a house fire presents with headache, nausea, and confusion but has a pulse oximetry reading of 99%. Which explanation is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Standard pulse oximetry cannot differentiate carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin, yielding a falsely normal reading

Answer

Pulse oximetry measures light absorption but cannot distinguish carboxyhemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin, so readings appear falsely normal despite significant CO poisoning.

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC Burn and Thermal Trauma