NSG 430 Exam 3: (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Abdominal Trauma,
Neurological Emergencies, Orthopedic Injuries, & Critical Care Topics |
Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers)
Subject: Advanced Medical-Surgical / Emergency & Trauma Care
Source: NSG 430 Exam 3 – Broad Topic Review Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale
1: What is abdominal trauma and how is it treated?
Correct Answer: Injuries to the abdominal region, often caused by blunt force or
penetrating trauma, potentially affecting organs like the liver or spleen. Can cause internal
bleeding or organ damage. Treatment: Surgery may be necessary for severe injuries.
Stabilization, pain management, and monitoring for internal bleeding are essential.
Assessment: Assess for signs of internal bleeding (e.g., abdominal pain, tenderness,
distension) and signs of shock.
1. Blunt trauma (MVC, falls) and penetrating trauma (GSW, stab) cause abdominal injuries.
2. Liver and spleen are most commonly injured solid organs.
3. FAST exam (ultrasound) detects hemoperitoneum; unstable patients go directly to OR.
2: What is acetaminophen overdose and how is it treated?
Correct Answer: Excessive ingestion of acetaminophen (Tylenol) leading to liver damage.
Can be accidental or intentional. Treatment: Administer activated charcoal, N-acetylcysteine
(NAC), and supportive care. Assessment: Assess the patient's level of consciousness, liver
function, and potential symptoms of overdose (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain).
1. NAC is most effective when given within 8-10 hours of ingestion.
2. Activated charcoal if patient presents within 4 hours.
3. Monitor LFTs, INR, and renal function.
3: What is ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)?
Correct Answer: ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in
the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventually paralysis. Treatment:
There is no cure, but supportive care and management of symptoms are essential.
Assessment: Monitor for progressive muscle weakness, respiratory function, and nutritional
needs.
1. ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons.
2. Respiratory failure is leading cause of death.
3. Riluzole and edaravone may slow progression.
, 4: What are amputations and their treatment?
Correct Answer: Treatment: Surgical intervention to control bleeding and amputation site
closure, followed by wound care and rehabilitation. Assessment: Assess for hemorrhage,
infection risk, and the need for psychological support.
1. Traumatic amputation requires bleeding control and preservation of severed part (wrap in moist
gauze, then sealed bag, then on ice).
2. Surgical amputation for non-healing ulcers, tumors, or severe trauma.
3. Phantom limb pain management and prosthesis fitting are essential post-op.
5: What is back pain and how is it managed?
Correct Answer: Back pain can result from various causes, such as muscle strains, disc
herniations, or degenerative conditions, and it can range from mild to severe. Treatment:
Pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Assessment: Evaluate the
location and intensity of pain and any neurological deficits.
1. Red flags: bladder/bowel dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, progressive weakness (cauda equina
syndrome).
2. Most acute back pain resolves with conservative management.
3. MRI indicated for neurologic deficits or suspected infection/malignancy.
6: What are bee stings and how are they treated?
Correct Answer: Bee stings can cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions in some
individuals. Treatment: Remove the stinger, apply cold compresses, and consider
antihistamines or epinephrine for severe allergic reactions. Assessment: Monitor for allergic
reactions, swelling, and anaphylaxis.
1. Remove stinger by scraping (not squeezing) to prevent more venom injection.
2. Anaphylaxis requires IM epinephrine immediately.
3. Patients with known severe allergy should carry epinephrine auto-injector.
7: What is Buck's traction?
Correct Answer: Buck's traction is a method of immobilizing and aligning a fractured or
dislocated limb by applying continuous pulling force using weights and pulleys. Treatment:
Maintain traction, ensure proper alignment, and manage pain. Assessment: Assess skin
integrity, alignment, and patient comfort.
1. Buck's traction is skin traction, not skeletal traction.
2. Used for hip fractures, femur fractures, or low back pain.
3. Weights should hang freely; never remove or adjust without order.
8: What is carbon monoxide poisoning and how is it treated?
Correct Answer: Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion;
poisoning can occur when individuals are exposed to high levels of this gas, leading to
symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and even death. Treatment: Administer 100%
oxygen, remove from the source, and consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy for severe cases.
Assessment: Monitor for symptoms like headache, confusion, and unconsciousness.
1. CO binds to hemoglobin with 200x greater affinity than oxygen.
2. Pulse oximetry may be falsely normal; need CO-oximetry.
3. Hyperbaric oxygen reduces risk of neurologic sequelae.
Neurological Emergencies, Orthopedic Injuries, & Critical Care Topics |
Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct (Verified Answers)
Subject: Advanced Medical-Surgical / Emergency & Trauma Care
Source: NSG 430 Exam 3 – Broad Topic Review Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale
1: What is abdominal trauma and how is it treated?
Correct Answer: Injuries to the abdominal region, often caused by blunt force or
penetrating trauma, potentially affecting organs like the liver or spleen. Can cause internal
bleeding or organ damage. Treatment: Surgery may be necessary for severe injuries.
Stabilization, pain management, and monitoring for internal bleeding are essential.
Assessment: Assess for signs of internal bleeding (e.g., abdominal pain, tenderness,
distension) and signs of shock.
1. Blunt trauma (MVC, falls) and penetrating trauma (GSW, stab) cause abdominal injuries.
2. Liver and spleen are most commonly injured solid organs.
3. FAST exam (ultrasound) detects hemoperitoneum; unstable patients go directly to OR.
2: What is acetaminophen overdose and how is it treated?
Correct Answer: Excessive ingestion of acetaminophen (Tylenol) leading to liver damage.
Can be accidental or intentional. Treatment: Administer activated charcoal, N-acetylcysteine
(NAC), and supportive care. Assessment: Assess the patient's level of consciousness, liver
function, and potential symptoms of overdose (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain).
1. NAC is most effective when given within 8-10 hours of ingestion.
2. Activated charcoal if patient presents within 4 hours.
3. Monitor LFTs, INR, and renal function.
3: What is ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)?
Correct Answer: ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in
the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventually paralysis. Treatment:
There is no cure, but supportive care and management of symptoms are essential.
Assessment: Monitor for progressive muscle weakness, respiratory function, and nutritional
needs.
1. ALS affects both upper and lower motor neurons.
2. Respiratory failure is leading cause of death.
3. Riluzole and edaravone may slow progression.
, 4: What are amputations and their treatment?
Correct Answer: Treatment: Surgical intervention to control bleeding and amputation site
closure, followed by wound care and rehabilitation. Assessment: Assess for hemorrhage,
infection risk, and the need for psychological support.
1. Traumatic amputation requires bleeding control and preservation of severed part (wrap in moist
gauze, then sealed bag, then on ice).
2. Surgical amputation for non-healing ulcers, tumors, or severe trauma.
3. Phantom limb pain management and prosthesis fitting are essential post-op.
5: What is back pain and how is it managed?
Correct Answer: Back pain can result from various causes, such as muscle strains, disc
herniations, or degenerative conditions, and it can range from mild to severe. Treatment:
Pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. Assessment: Evaluate the
location and intensity of pain and any neurological deficits.
1. Red flags: bladder/bowel dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, progressive weakness (cauda equina
syndrome).
2. Most acute back pain resolves with conservative management.
3. MRI indicated for neurologic deficits or suspected infection/malignancy.
6: What are bee stings and how are they treated?
Correct Answer: Bee stings can cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions in some
individuals. Treatment: Remove the stinger, apply cold compresses, and consider
antihistamines or epinephrine for severe allergic reactions. Assessment: Monitor for allergic
reactions, swelling, and anaphylaxis.
1. Remove stinger by scraping (not squeezing) to prevent more venom injection.
2. Anaphylaxis requires IM epinephrine immediately.
3. Patients with known severe allergy should carry epinephrine auto-injector.
7: What is Buck's traction?
Correct Answer: Buck's traction is a method of immobilizing and aligning a fractured or
dislocated limb by applying continuous pulling force using weights and pulleys. Treatment:
Maintain traction, ensure proper alignment, and manage pain. Assessment: Assess skin
integrity, alignment, and patient comfort.
1. Buck's traction is skin traction, not skeletal traction.
2. Used for hip fractures, femur fractures, or low back pain.
3. Weights should hang freely; never remove or adjust without order.
8: What is carbon monoxide poisoning and how is it treated?
Correct Answer: Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion;
poisoning can occur when individuals are exposed to high levels of this gas, leading to
symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and even death. Treatment: Administer 100%
oxygen, remove from the source, and consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy for severe cases.
Assessment: Monitor for symptoms like headache, confusion, and unconsciousness.
1. CO binds to hemoglobin with 200x greater affinity than oxygen.
2. Pulse oximetry may be falsely normal; need CO-oximetry.
3. Hyperbaric oxygen reduces risk of neurologic sequelae.
