Practice Questions (Latest 2026)
Ace your Trauma Nursing Core Course certification on your very first attempt with this
comprehensive, high-yield final exam study package. This emergency nursing resource
delivers a thorough breakdown of the Trauma Nursing Process (TNP) A-I mnemonic,
advanced airway management, shock resuscitation protocols, and specific injury
mechanisms. Eliminate testing anxiety and master high-stakes clinical decision-making
using realistic case-based practice questions modeled directly after the official ENA 9th
edition blueprin
Serum lactate - CORRECT ANSWER Measure of end-organ perfusion and tissue hypoxia
QUESTION : Stage of shock - CORRECT ANSWER Restlessness, confusion, increased
heart rate and respiratory rate
QUESTION : Subdural hematoma - CORRECT ANSWER Likely cause of headache,
dizziness, and nausea after a fall
QUESTION : Radiologic spine clearance - CORRECT ANSWER Assessment finding that
prompts preparation for radiologic clearance
QUESTION : Third impact of a motor vehicle crash - CORRECT ANSWER Deployment of
airbag and impact on front seat passenger
QUESTION : Transfer to a trauma center - CORRECT ANSWER Priority intervention for a
patient with significant abdominal and pelvic injuries
QUESTION : Promptly identified injuries - CORRECT ANSWER Spleen, lung, and brain
injuries
QUESTION : Crush injury - CORRECT ANSWER Condition to monitor for dysrhythmias
QUESTION : Complete spinal cord injury - CORRECT ANSWER Finding of priapism raises
suspicion
,QUESTION : Neurogenic shock - CORRECT ANSWER Hypotension and absent motor
function below the level of injury
QUESTION : Suspected child maltreatment - CORRECT ANSWER Priority nursing
intervention to report suspicion
QUESTION : Lower extremity fracture - CORRECT ANSWER Priority nursing intervention is
elevating the extremity to the level of the heart
QUESTION : Wrist deformity - CORRECT ANSWER Appropriate intervention is applying a
splint and elevating above the level of the heart
QUESTION : Late sign of increased intracranial pressure - CORRECT ANSWER Decreased
respiratory effort
QUESTION : Mnemonic for trauma patient care - CORRECT ANSWER MARCH (Massive
uncontrolled hemorrhage, Airway, Respiration, Circulation, Hypothermia prevention)
QUESTION : Disaster life cycle - CORRECT ANSWER Phase of minimizing impact of future
disasters is mitigation
QUESTION : Early hypovolemic shock - CORRECT ANSWER Narrowed pulse pressure
QUESTION : Thoracostomy connected to chest drainage system - CORRECT ANSWER
Fluctuations in the water seal chamber
QUESTION : Burn center referral - CORRECT ANSWER Diabetic male with partial
thickness burn to the left lower leg
QUESTION : Signs of fat embolism - CORRECT ANSWER Anxiety, restlessness, respiratory
distress, petechiae to the neck
,QUESTION : Effect of hypothermia on oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve - CORRECT
ANSWER Hemoglobin does not readily release oxygen for use by the tissues
QUESTION : Intoxicated driver involved in MVC - CORRECT ANSWER Cervical collar can
be removed after physical examination with no radiologic abnormalities
QUESTION : Tearing of bridging veins - CORRECT ANSWER Most frequently associated
with subdural hematoma
QUESTION : Citrate-preserved blood transfusion - CORRECT ANSWER Calcium is most
likely to drop and require supplementation
QUESTION : Trauma team communication - CORRECT ANSWER Huddle
QUESTION : Modified Lund and Browder chart - CORRECT ANSWER Total BSA burned
calculation for fluid resuscitation
QUESTION : Tension pneumothorax - CORRECT ANSWER Hypotension that worsens with
inspiration
QUESTION : Caring for geriatric trauma patient - CORRECT ANSWER Medical history is
most important consideration
QUESTION : Unresponsive trauma patient with oropharyngeal airway - CORRECT ANSWER
Immediate next step is to ventilate with a BVM
QUESTION : Ramped position for bariatric patient - CORRECT ANSWER Better
visualization during ET tube insertion
QUESTION : Patient with 32-week pregnancy and abd pain - CORRECT ANSWER Findings
consistent with placental abruption
QUESTION : Fluid resuscitation rate for burn patient - CORRECT ANSWER 500 mL/hr
, QUESTION : Possible complication of positive-pressure ventilation - CORRECT ANSWER
Worsening pneumothorax
QUESTION : Goal-directed therapy of cardiogenic shock - CORRECT ANSWER Controlled
fluid boluses, antidysrhythmic administration, cardiac cath
QUESTION : Monitoring parameters for oxygenation and ventilation - CORRECT ANSWER
Pulse oximetry and capnography
QUESTION : Alcohol withdrawal interventions - CORRECT ANSWER CIWA-Ar score of
36
QUESTION : Failed intubation in trauma patient - CORRECT ANSWER Immediate next
step is to ventilate with a BVM
QUESTION :
QUESTION 1
What is the first priority in the primary survey of a trauma patient?
A) Assess circulation with hemorrhage control
B) Assess airway with cervical spine protection
C) Assess disability (GCS)
D) Expose and examine the patient
Answer: B) Assess airway with cervical spine protection
Rationale: The ABCDE approach begins with Airway assessment while maintaining
cervical spine immobilization. A compromised airway is the most immediate threat
to life and must be addressed first .