TNCC Nursing Skills 2

Question 1

A trauma patient requires rapid fluid resuscitation through a large-bore IV catheter. Which gauge is most appropriate for this situation?

Accepted Answer

14-gauge or 16-gauge

Answer

Large-bore IV catheters (14- or 16-gauge) are recommended for rapid fluid resuscitation in trauma patients because they allow the highest flow rates.

Question 2

During a trauma assessment, the nurse notes paradoxical chest wall movement. This finding is most consistent with which injury?

Accepted Answer

Flail chest

Answer

Paradoxical chest wall movement, where a segment moves inward on inspiration and outward on expiration, is the hallmark sign of flail chest.

Question 3

Which nursing intervention is the priority when caring for a patient with a suspected cervical spine injury?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining manual in-line stabilization

Answer

Manual in-line stabilization of the cervical spine is the priority to prevent secondary spinal cord injury during assessment and interventions.

Question 4

A trauma nurse is preparing to assist with a chest tube insertion for a hemothorax. The correct anatomical landmark for insertion is:

Accepted Answer

Fifth intercostal space, anterior axillary line

Answer

The fifth intercostal space at the anterior axillary line (or midaxillary line) is the standard insertion site for a chest tube to drain a hemothorax.

Question 5

Which assessment finding in a trauma patient indicates the need for immediate surgical intervention?

Accepted Answer

Initial chest tube output of 1,500 mL of blood

Answer

An initial chest tube output of 1,500 mL or more indicates a massive hemothorax requiring emergent thoracotomy.

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC Nursing Skills 2