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

A brief debriefing session and peer support resources provide immediate emotional support, normalize the grief response, and connect the nurse with ongoing resources if needed.

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

Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and emotional numbness are hallmarks of the acute stress response, a normal psychological reaction to traumatic events.

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

The nurse should document inconsistencies objectively, interview the patient privately (without the suspected abuser present), screen for domestic violence, and provide resources while respecting patient autonomy.

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

Compassion fatigue is the emotional and physical cost of caring for traumatized patients over time, resulting in diminished ability to empathize, emotional exhaustion, and decreased job satisfaction.

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

Honest, timely, empathetic communication using clear language helps families understand the situation, maintain trust, and begin processing the traumatic event.

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum Practice Test

TNCC Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma 2