TNCC Thoracic Trauma

Question 1

What is the most common cause of thoracic trauma in adults in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Motor vehicle collisions

Answer

Penetrating stab wounds

Answer

Falls from height

Answer

Blast injuries

Question 2

A patient presents with tracheal deviation away from the affected side, absent breath sounds, hypotension, and jugular venous distension. Which condition does this describe?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Massive hemothorax

Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Flail chest

Question 3

What is the immediate intervention for suspected tension pneumothorax in a rapidly deteriorating patient?

Accepted Answer

Needle decompression at the second intercostal space, midclavicular line

Answer

Chest X-ray confirmation followed by chest tube insertion

Answer

Endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation

Answer

Emergency pericardiocentesis

Question 4

Which injury is characterized by paradoxical chest wall movement during respiration?

Accepted Answer

Flail chest

Answer

Open pneumothorax

Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Pulmonary contusion

Question 5

Beck's triad of hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and distended neck veins is the classic presentation of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Massive hemothorax

Answer

Traumatic aortic injury

Question 6

What is the correct initial management for an open pneumothorax (sucking chest wound)?

Accepted Answer

Application of an occlusive dressing sealed on three sides

Answer

Immediate chest tube insertion directly at the wound site

Answer

Complete occlusion of the wound with an airtight dressing

Answer

Endotracheal intubation as the only intervention

Question 7

Massive hemothorax is defined as blood accumulation in the pleural space of at least how much?

Accepted Answer

1,500 mL

Answer

500 mL

Answer

750 mL

Answer

1,000 mL