TNCC Musculoskeletal Trauma 3

Question 1

Which assessment finding distinguishes a complete spinal cord injury from an incomplete spinal cord injury?

Accepted Answer

Loss of sacral sensation and motor function

Answer

In a complete spinal cord injury, there is complete loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level, including the sacral segments (S4–S5), evidenced by no perianal sensation or voluntary anal contraction.

Question 2

A nurse suspects a scaphoid fracture in a patient who fell on an outstretched hand. Which assessment finding is most specific for this injury?

Accepted Answer

Tenderness over the anatomical snuffbox

Answer

Anatomical snuffbox tenderness is the hallmark finding for scaphoid fractures, which may not be visible on initial radiographs.

Question 3

When applying traction splinting for a femur fracture, which condition is an absolute contraindication?

Accepted Answer

Coexisting hip or knee injury

Answer

Hip or knee injuries are absolute contraindications to traction splinting because applying traction can displace those injuries and cause additional damage.

Question 4

A patient with a calcaneal fracture after falling from a height should be assessed for which associated injury due to the axial loading mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Lumbar spine compression fracture

Answer

Calcaneal fractures from axial loading forces frequently transmit energy up the axial skeleton, causing lumbar spine fractures in up to 10% of cases.

Question 5

During a primary survey, a patient has an actively bleeding extremity wound with a tourniquet already applied. The tourniquet is not controlling bleeding. What is the next intervention?

Accepted Answer

Apply a second tourniquet proximal to the first

Answer

Applying a second tourniquet proximal to the first is the recommended intervention when a single tourniquet fails to control hemorrhage from a proximal extremity wound.

(TNCC) Trauma Nursing Core Course Certified Practice Test

(TNCC) Trauma Nursing Core Course Certified Practice Test

TNCC Musculoskeletal Trauma 3