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

Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of blunt thoracic trauma in the US, accounting for the majority of chest injuries seen in trauma centers.

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

Tension pneumothorax causes air to accumulate under pressure, shifting the mediastinum and trachea away from the affected side while producing obstructive shock.

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

Needle decompression is the immediate life-saving intervention for tension pneumothorax; imaging should never delay treatment in a deteriorating patient.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Flail chest

Answer

Flail chest occurs when three or more consecutive ribs are fractured in two or more places, creating a free-floating segment that moves opposite to the rest of the chest wall.

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

Beck's triad describes cardiac tamponade, in which fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac restricts cardiac filling and reduces cardiac output.

(TNCC) Trauma Nursing Core Course Certified Practice Test

(TNCC) Trauma Nursing Core Course Certified Practice Test

TNCC Thoracic Trauma