U.S. Critical Care Exam Prep: 50 Trauma,
AKI & DIC Q&A with Expert Explanations
Description:
Struggling to master the complex concepts for your Critical Care, NCLEX-RN, or Trauma Nurse
exam? This targeted review guide delivers 50 precise Q&A pairs covering the hardest-hitting
topics: Trauma System Triage, the ABCDE Survey, Hemorrhagic Shock, Acute Kidney
Injury (AKI) Stages, Hepatic Failure, DIC, and Tumor Lysis Syndrome.
Each question includes a detailed Answer and an Explanation rooted in the latest 2027
guidelines, simulating the clinical judgment needed to pass. Edited for clarity and conciseness,
it’s the perfect tool to identify knowledge gaps, reinforce core principles, and build exam-day
confidence.
Download your edge and ace your exam.
, Critical Care Nursing Exam: 50 Trauma, AKI & Shock Q&A
Review
1. What term describes an external force causing structural or functional damage to the body?
a) Injury
b) Trauma
c) Shock
d) Fracture
Answer: b) Trauma
Explanation: Trauma is specifically defined as an external force or energy impacting the body,
leading to structural damage and functional impairment, distinguishing it from the more general
term "injury."
2. Which level within the trauma system represents a facility capable of providing total care for
every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehabilitation?
a) Level II
b) Level III
c) Level I
d) Level IV
Answer: c) Level I
Explanation: A Level I trauma center is the highest designation, offering comprehensive 24/7
care, including immediate surgeon availability, full specialty services, research, and leadership in
education and system development, per current guidelines.
3. During the primary survey using the C-ABCDE approach, what is the first priority?
a) Airway
b) Catastrophic Hemorrhage
c) Breathing
d) Circulation
, Answer: b) Catastrophic Hemorrhage
Explanation: Contemporary trauma protocols (2027 standards) prioritize "C" for Catastrophic
Hemorrhage first. Controlling life-threatening external bleeding is critical before addressing
airway, breathing, and circulation to prevent exsanguination.
4. The "Golden Hour" in trauma care primarily emphasizes:
a) The time window for surgical repair of fractures.
b) The period where rapid assessment and intervention significantly improve survival outcomes.
c) The mandatory observation period in the emergency department.
d) The time limit for administering antibiotics.
Answer: b) The period where rapid assessment and intervention significantly improve survival
outcomes.
Explanation: The "Golden Hour" concept stresses that morbidity and mortality are reduced if
definitive care for life-threatening injuries is initiated within the first hour after injury,
encompassing prehospital activation, stabilization, transport, and initial resuscitation.
5. In a primary survey, assessment of "Disability" primarily involves:
a) Checking for fractures.
b) Evaluating level of consciousness using AVPU or GCS.
c) Assessing peripheral pulses.
d) Examining for external bleeding.
Answer: b) Evaluating level of consciousness using AVPU or GCS.
Explanation: The "D" in C-ABCDE stands for Disability/Neurologic assessment. A rapid
evaluation of consciousness using the Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive (AVPU) scale or
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) provides critical data on potential brain injury.
6. What is the primary purpose of a secondary survey in trauma management?
a) To replace the primary survey.
b) To conduct a rapid, life-saving intervention.
AKI & DIC Q&A with Expert Explanations
Description:
Struggling to master the complex concepts for your Critical Care, NCLEX-RN, or Trauma Nurse
exam? This targeted review guide delivers 50 precise Q&A pairs covering the hardest-hitting
topics: Trauma System Triage, the ABCDE Survey, Hemorrhagic Shock, Acute Kidney
Injury (AKI) Stages, Hepatic Failure, DIC, and Tumor Lysis Syndrome.
Each question includes a detailed Answer and an Explanation rooted in the latest 2027
guidelines, simulating the clinical judgment needed to pass. Edited for clarity and conciseness,
it’s the perfect tool to identify knowledge gaps, reinforce core principles, and build exam-day
confidence.
Download your edge and ace your exam.
, Critical Care Nursing Exam: 50 Trauma, AKI & Shock Q&A
Review
1. What term describes an external force causing structural or functional damage to the body?
a) Injury
b) Trauma
c) Shock
d) Fracture
Answer: b) Trauma
Explanation: Trauma is specifically defined as an external force or energy impacting the body,
leading to structural damage and functional impairment, distinguishing it from the more general
term "injury."
2. Which level within the trauma system represents a facility capable of providing total care for
every aspect of injury, from prevention through rehabilitation?
a) Level II
b) Level III
c) Level I
d) Level IV
Answer: c) Level I
Explanation: A Level I trauma center is the highest designation, offering comprehensive 24/7
care, including immediate surgeon availability, full specialty services, research, and leadership in
education and system development, per current guidelines.
3. During the primary survey using the C-ABCDE approach, what is the first priority?
a) Airway
b) Catastrophic Hemorrhage
c) Breathing
d) Circulation
, Answer: b) Catastrophic Hemorrhage
Explanation: Contemporary trauma protocols (2027 standards) prioritize "C" for Catastrophic
Hemorrhage first. Controlling life-threatening external bleeding is critical before addressing
airway, breathing, and circulation to prevent exsanguination.
4. The "Golden Hour" in trauma care primarily emphasizes:
a) The time window for surgical repair of fractures.
b) The period where rapid assessment and intervention significantly improve survival outcomes.
c) The mandatory observation period in the emergency department.
d) The time limit for administering antibiotics.
Answer: b) The period where rapid assessment and intervention significantly improve survival
outcomes.
Explanation: The "Golden Hour" concept stresses that morbidity and mortality are reduced if
definitive care for life-threatening injuries is initiated within the first hour after injury,
encompassing prehospital activation, stabilization, transport, and initial resuscitation.
5. In a primary survey, assessment of "Disability" primarily involves:
a) Checking for fractures.
b) Evaluating level of consciousness using AVPU or GCS.
c) Assessing peripheral pulses.
d) Examining for external bleeding.
Answer: b) Evaluating level of consciousness using AVPU or GCS.
Explanation: The "D" in C-ABCDE stands for Disability/Neurologic assessment. A rapid
evaluation of consciousness using the Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive (AVPU) scale or
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) provides critical data on potential brain injury.
6. What is the primary purpose of a secondary survey in trauma management?
a) To replace the primary survey.
b) To conduct a rapid, life-saving intervention.
