TNCC Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma 2

Question 1

A trauma nurse has been involved in resuscitating a child who died from injuries. Which response by the charge nurse best supports the staff nurse's well-being?

Accepted Answer

Offering a brief debriefing session and connecting the nurse with peer support resources

Answer

Telling the nurse to take the rest of the shift off without discussion

Answer

Assigning the nurse to another critical patient immediately to stay busy

Answer

Suggesting the nurse avoid discussing the event to prevent emotional distress

Question 2

Which behavior in a trauma patient is most suggestive of an acute stress response?

Accepted Answer

Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and emotional numbness

Answer

Calm and cooperative behavior throughout the assessment

Answer

Steady improvement in pain scores over time

Answer

Sleeping comfortably between assessments

Question 3

A domestic violence victim presents with injuries inconsistent with the stated mechanism. The most appropriate nursing action is:

Accepted Answer

Document the inconsistency, interview the patient privately, and provide domestic violence resources

Answer

Directly confront the patient's partner about the injuries

Answer

Accept the stated mechanism without question to avoid conflict

Answer

Contact law enforcement before speaking with the patient

Question 4

Compassion fatigue in trauma nurses is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from the cumulative impact of caring for trauma patients

Answer

Physical exhaustion from long shifts

Answer

Disinterest in professional development

Answer

Annoyance with difficult patients

Question 5

When communicating with the family of a critically injured trauma patient, which approach is most therapeutic?

Accepted Answer

Providing honest, timely updates in clear language while demonstrating empathy

Answer

Avoiding all communication until a definitive prognosis can be given

Answer

Using medical jargon to convey professionalism

Answer

Giving overly optimistic reassurance to reduce family anxiety

Question 6

A patient who survived a severe motor vehicle collision repeatedly states 'I should have died in that accident.' This statement may indicate:

Accepted Answer

Survivor's guilt and potential risk for post-traumatic stress disorder

Answer

Normal gratitude for survival

Answer

Attention-seeking behavior

Answer

Complete psychological recovery