TNCC Musculoskeletal and Surface Trauma 2

Question 1

A patient with a closed femur fracture is at risk for significant hemorrhage. The estimated blood loss from a single femur fracture is approximately:

Accepted Answer

1,000-1,500 mL

Answer

A closed femur fracture can result in 1,000-1,500 mL of blood loss into the thigh compartment, representing a significant source of hemorrhagic shock.

Question 2

A trauma patient presents with a pale, cool, pulseless right lower leg after a knee dislocation. The nurse's priority is:

Accepted Answer

Notify the physician immediately for emergent vascular assessment — limb-threatening vascular injury is likely

Answer

A pulseless extremity after knee dislocation suggests popliteal artery injury, which occurs in 20-40% of knee dislocations. This is a limb-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Question 3

The six P's of compartment syndrome include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Purulent drainage

Answer

The six P's of compartment syndrome are Pain (out of proportion), Pressure (tense compartment), Paresthesia, Paralysis, Pallor, and Pulselessness. Purulent drainage is a sign of infection, not compartment syndrome.

Question 4

A patient has a degloving injury of the forearm with significant soft tissue loss. The appropriate wound management includes:

Accepted Answer

Wound irrigation, debridement of devitalized tissue, moist sterile dressing, and surgical consultation

Answer

Degloving injuries require thorough irrigation, careful debridement of nonviable tissue, moist sterile dressings to protect the wound bed, and surgical consultation for definitive management.

Question 5

Which splinting principle is MOST important when immobilizing a fractured extremity?

Accepted Answer

Splint the joint above and below the fracture site

Answer

Proper splinting requires immobilizing the joint above and the joint below the fracture site to prevent movement at the fracture and reduce pain, bleeding, and further injury.

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC Musculoskeletal and Surface Trauma 2