TRAUMA NURSING CORE COURSE MAIN EXAM MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS

TRAUMA NURSING CORE
COURSE MAIN EXAM MULTIPLE
CHOICE QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS

Question 1

Which mnemonic best outlines the components of the Primary Assessment in trauma care?
A. A-B-C-D-E: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure/Environment ✅
B. A-B-C-D-F: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Family
C. A-B-D-C-E: Airway, Breathing, Disability, Circulation, Environment
D. A-C-B-D-E: Airway, Circulation, Breathing, Disability, Exposure

Rationale:
The Primary Assessment uses the mnemonic A-B-C-D-E, focusing on immediate life threats:
Airway with cervical spine protection, Breathing, Circulation, Disability (neurologic
status), and Exposure/Environmental control.



Question 2

What does the Secondary Assessment mnemonic (F–I) represent?
A. Focused adjuncts, Intubation, Head-to-toe, Inspect
B. Full set of vital signs, Give comfort, History and Head-to-toe, Inspect posterior surfaces ✅
C. Fast vitals, General exam, Heart rate, Inspect
D. Full vital scan, Go for lab tests, History, Inspect injuries

Rationale:
The Secondary Assessment follows the mnemonic F–I:
F – Full set of vital signs/focused adjuncts, G – Give comfort measures, H – History and
head-to-toe assessment, and I – Inspect posterior surfaces.
It ensures a thorough yet systematic evaluation after life-threatening issues are stabilized.



Question 3



1

,In a critical situation, which patient information is most essential to obtain first?
A. Full medical and surgical history
B. Current medications and allergies
✅ C. A brief statement of major injuries or chief complaint and the mechanism of injury
D. Family history and social background

Rationale:
During emergencies, speed and relevance are crucial. The mechanism of injury and chief
complaint/major injuries provide the fastest insight into potential life threats and guide
immediate priorities in trauma management.



Question 4

When assessing a patient’s airway, what key signs should you evaluate?
A. The patient’s clothing and posture
✅ B. Vocalization, tongue obstruction, loose teeth or foreign objects, blood or secretions,
and edema
C. The patient’s level of anxiety and comfort
D. The color of the skin and nail beds

Rationale:
Airway assessment focuses on airway patency and obstruction risks. The presence of speech,
secretions, or swelling are vital indicators of airway compromise and dictate whether
interventions like suctioning or intubation are required.



Question 5

When should cervical spine protection be maintained?
A. Only if the patient reports neck pain
✅ B. Whenever the mechanism of injury, symptoms, or findings suggest possible spinal
injury
C. Only for patients with confirmed fractures
D. Only if the patient is unconscious

Rationale:
Cervical spine protection must be maintained whenever there is a potential for spinal injury,
including mechanisms like falls, motor vehicle crashes, or head trauma — even before
confirmation — to prevent secondary spinal damage.




2

,Question 6

Before initiating cervical spine protection, which patient condition must first be ensured?
A. Circulation
✅ B. Breathing
C. Neurological response
D. Exposure

Rationale:
Breathing takes priority because airway management and oxygenation are more immediately
life-threatening. Spinal precautions must not compromise respiratory status.



Question 7

If the airway is obstructed, what is the correct patient positioning and handling sequence?
A. Place in prone position and remove clothing
✅ B. Place in supine position, maintain cervical spine protection, logroll onto the back,
gently remove headgear if needed
C. Sit the patient upright and tilt the head back
D. Place on the side and flex the neck forward

Rationale:
An obstructed airway requires supine positioning while maintaining cervical spine alignment.
Logrolling and careful removal of headgear allow airway access without exacerbating spinal
injury.



Question 8

What are the components of complete spinal immobilization?
A. Rigid cervical collar only
✅ B. Rigid cervical collar, backboard placement, and appropriate strapping
C. Head block with padding only
D. Manual in-line stabilization alone

Rationale:
Effective spinal immobilization includes a rigid cervical collar, securing the patient on a
spinal backboard, and strapping to prevent movement during transfer or assessment.



Question 9



3

, At what point should complete spinal immobilization be performed?
A. Before the primary assessment begins
B. After airway clearance
✅ C. After the secondary assessment, depending on resuscitation needs and available
personnel
D. Only after the patient is conscious

Rationale:
Spinal immobilization timing depends on patient stability and team readiness. It is usually
completed after the secondary survey, once life-threatening issues are addressed.



Question 10

Which of the following are techniques to open or clear an obstructed airway during the
primary assessment?
A. Head tilt only
✅ B. Jaw thrust, chin lift, removal of foreign objects, suctioning
C. Chin press and neck flexion
D. Mouth-to-mouth ventilation

Rationale:
Airway clearance in trauma requires methods that maintain neutral cervical alignment, such as
jaw thrust or chin lift, while clearing obstructions through suctioning or manual removal —
avoiding head tilt to prevent spinal injury.

Question 11

When attempting to clear the airway in a trauma patient, the cervical spine should be maintained
in which position?
A. Flexed
B. Extended
✅ C. Neutral
D. Rotated

Rationale:
The neutral position keeps the spine aligned, minimizing the risk of spinal cord damage.
Flexing, extending, or rotating the neck can worsen cervical injuries during airway maneuvers.



Question 12




4