TCAR POST TEST EXAM
Latest 2025/2026 Edition • 83 Real Exam Questions • Fully Verified A+ Answers
EXAM OVERVIEW
The TCAR POST TEST EXAM presents a comprehensive and authentic 2025/2026 exam
experience, meticulously crafted to fortify mastery and test readiness. With 83 rigorously
structured questions and a commitment to professional-level accuracy, this resource
empowers students to develop critical reasoning and confidence, ensuring reliable, high-
quality exam preparation and a genuine reflection of the actual exam experience.
EXAM FEATURES
• 83 exam-accurate questions aligned with standards
• Comprehensive coverage of 7 domains for complete preparation
• Verified accuracy and high-yield content for efficient study
• Realistic exam simulation for confidence-building
• Detailed explanations for understanding and retention
CORE TESTING AREAS
→ Abdominal & Pelvic Trauma (9 Questions)
→ Neurologic Trauma (22 Questions)
→ Nursing Priorities & Clinical Decision-making (14 Questions)
→ Thoracic Trauma (9 Questions)
→ Trauma Complications & Post-resuscitation Care (9 Questions)
→ Trauma Physiology & System Response (9 Questions)
→ Vascular Trauma & Hemorrhage Control (11 Questions)
Page 1
,Trauma Physiology & System Response (9 Questions)
Question 1
Which physiologic mechanism most directly contributes to the development of the 'lethal triad'
(hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy) in a severely injured trauma patient?
A. Increased sympathetic tone causing peripheral vasoconstriction
B. Excessive tissue hypoperfusion leading to anaerobic metabolism
C. Elevated catecholamine release stimulating platelet aggregation
D. Hyperventilation causing respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer
Excessive tissue hypoperfusion leading to anaerobic metabolism
Rationale:
Inadequate perfusion forces cells into anaerobic metabolism, producing lactic acid (acidosis), which impairs
coagulation factors and promotes hypothermia through reduced heat production, forming the lethal triad.
Question 2
A trauma patient presents with a systolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg, a heart rate of 130 bpm,
and a narrow pulse pressure. Which type of shock is most consistent with these findings and
what is the primary physiologic driver?
A. Distributive shock; loss of systemic vascular resistance
B. Cardiogenic shock; pump failure
C. Obstructive shock; cardiac tamponade
D. Hypovolemic shock; intravascular volume loss
Correct Answer
Hypovolemic shock; intravascular volume loss
Rationale:
Hypovolemic shock from hemorrhage reduces preload, leading to low systolic pressure, tachycardia, and a
narrowed pulse pressure due to decreased stroke volume.
Page 2
,Question 3
During massive transfusion, which physiologic change is most likely to cause a progressive
metabolic acidosis if not addressed promptly?
A. Citrate toxicity from stored blood products
B. Hyperchloremic acidosis from large-volume normal saline
C. Respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation
D. Lactic acidosis from ongoing tissue hypoperfusion
Correct Answer
Lactic acidosis from ongoing tissue hypoperfusion
Rationale:
Continued hypoperfusion despite transfusion leads to anaerobic metabolism and lactate accumulation, the primary
driver of metabolic acidosis in massive transfusion scenarios.
Question 4
Which of the following best explains the physiologic rationale for permissive hypotension
(target MAP 50‑65 mmHg) in uncontrolled torso hemorrhage before definitive surgical control?
A. It maximizes tissue oxygen delivery while reducing cardiac workload.
B. It minimizes disruption of forming clots by lowering hydrostatic pressure.
C. It enhances renal perfusion by maintaining autoregulation.
D. It increases systemic vascular resistance to improve perfusion.
Correct Answer
It minimizes disruption of forming clots by lowering hydrostatic pressure.
Rationale:
Lower arterial pressure reduces the shear forces that can dislodge nascent clots at bleeding sites, improving
hemostasis while still providing enough perfusion to vital organs.
Page 3
, Question 5
In the context of blunt thoracic trauma, what physiologic alteration most commonly leads to the
development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) within 48 hours?
A. Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure from fluid overload
B. Release of inflammatory mediators causing increased alveolar-capillary permeability
C. Bronchospasm due to airway irritation
D. Pulmonary embolism from deep vein thrombosis
Correct Answer
Release of inflammatory mediators causing increased alveolar-capillary permeability
Rationale:
Blunt trauma triggers a systemic inflammatory response that increases capillary permeability, leading to
non‑cardiogenic pulmonary edema characteristic of ARDS.
Question 6
A patient with severe lower‑extremity crush injury develops increasing pain, pallor, and
paresthesia. Which physiologic process underlies the imminent development of compartment
syndrome?
A. Venous outflow obstruction leading to intracellular edema and rising intracompartmental
pressure
B. Arterial inflow obstruction causing ischemic necrosis
C. Lymphatic drainage failure resulting in proteinaceous fluid accumulation
D. Neural hyperexcitability causing vasodilation and swelling
Correct Answer
Venous outflow obstruction leading to intracellular edema and rising intracompartmental
pressure
Rationale:
Crush injury impairs venous return, causing fluid to accumulate within the confined fascial space, raising pressure
and compromising perfusion, which defines compartment syndrome.
Page 4
Latest 2025/2026 Edition • 83 Real Exam Questions • Fully Verified A+ Answers
EXAM OVERVIEW
The TCAR POST TEST EXAM presents a comprehensive and authentic 2025/2026 exam
experience, meticulously crafted to fortify mastery and test readiness. With 83 rigorously
structured questions and a commitment to professional-level accuracy, this resource
empowers students to develop critical reasoning and confidence, ensuring reliable, high-
quality exam preparation and a genuine reflection of the actual exam experience.
EXAM FEATURES
• 83 exam-accurate questions aligned with standards
• Comprehensive coverage of 7 domains for complete preparation
• Verified accuracy and high-yield content for efficient study
• Realistic exam simulation for confidence-building
• Detailed explanations for understanding and retention
CORE TESTING AREAS
→ Abdominal & Pelvic Trauma (9 Questions)
→ Neurologic Trauma (22 Questions)
→ Nursing Priorities & Clinical Decision-making (14 Questions)
→ Thoracic Trauma (9 Questions)
→ Trauma Complications & Post-resuscitation Care (9 Questions)
→ Trauma Physiology & System Response (9 Questions)
→ Vascular Trauma & Hemorrhage Control (11 Questions)
Page 1
,Trauma Physiology & System Response (9 Questions)
Question 1
Which physiologic mechanism most directly contributes to the development of the 'lethal triad'
(hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy) in a severely injured trauma patient?
A. Increased sympathetic tone causing peripheral vasoconstriction
B. Excessive tissue hypoperfusion leading to anaerobic metabolism
C. Elevated catecholamine release stimulating platelet aggregation
D. Hyperventilation causing respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer
Excessive tissue hypoperfusion leading to anaerobic metabolism
Rationale:
Inadequate perfusion forces cells into anaerobic metabolism, producing lactic acid (acidosis), which impairs
coagulation factors and promotes hypothermia through reduced heat production, forming the lethal triad.
Question 2
A trauma patient presents with a systolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg, a heart rate of 130 bpm,
and a narrow pulse pressure. Which type of shock is most consistent with these findings and
what is the primary physiologic driver?
A. Distributive shock; loss of systemic vascular resistance
B. Cardiogenic shock; pump failure
C. Obstructive shock; cardiac tamponade
D. Hypovolemic shock; intravascular volume loss
Correct Answer
Hypovolemic shock; intravascular volume loss
Rationale:
Hypovolemic shock from hemorrhage reduces preload, leading to low systolic pressure, tachycardia, and a
narrowed pulse pressure due to decreased stroke volume.
Page 2
,Question 3
During massive transfusion, which physiologic change is most likely to cause a progressive
metabolic acidosis if not addressed promptly?
A. Citrate toxicity from stored blood products
B. Hyperchloremic acidosis from large-volume normal saline
C. Respiratory alkalosis from hyperventilation
D. Lactic acidosis from ongoing tissue hypoperfusion
Correct Answer
Lactic acidosis from ongoing tissue hypoperfusion
Rationale:
Continued hypoperfusion despite transfusion leads to anaerobic metabolism and lactate accumulation, the primary
driver of metabolic acidosis in massive transfusion scenarios.
Question 4
Which of the following best explains the physiologic rationale for permissive hypotension
(target MAP 50‑65 mmHg) in uncontrolled torso hemorrhage before definitive surgical control?
A. It maximizes tissue oxygen delivery while reducing cardiac workload.
B. It minimizes disruption of forming clots by lowering hydrostatic pressure.
C. It enhances renal perfusion by maintaining autoregulation.
D. It increases systemic vascular resistance to improve perfusion.
Correct Answer
It minimizes disruption of forming clots by lowering hydrostatic pressure.
Rationale:
Lower arterial pressure reduces the shear forces that can dislodge nascent clots at bleeding sites, improving
hemostasis while still providing enough perfusion to vital organs.
Page 3
, Question 5
In the context of blunt thoracic trauma, what physiologic alteration most commonly leads to the
development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) within 48 hours?
A. Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure from fluid overload
B. Release of inflammatory mediators causing increased alveolar-capillary permeability
C. Bronchospasm due to airway irritation
D. Pulmonary embolism from deep vein thrombosis
Correct Answer
Release of inflammatory mediators causing increased alveolar-capillary permeability
Rationale:
Blunt trauma triggers a systemic inflammatory response that increases capillary permeability, leading to
non‑cardiogenic pulmonary edema characteristic of ARDS.
Question 6
A patient with severe lower‑extremity crush injury develops increasing pain, pallor, and
paresthesia. Which physiologic process underlies the imminent development of compartment
syndrome?
A. Venous outflow obstruction leading to intracellular edema and rising intracompartmental
pressure
B. Arterial inflow obstruction causing ischemic necrosis
C. Lymphatic drainage failure resulting in proteinaceous fluid accumulation
D. Neural hyperexcitability causing vasodilation and swelling
Correct Answer
Venous outflow obstruction leading to intracellular edema and rising intracompartmental
pressure
Rationale:
Crush injury impairs venous return, causing fluid to accumulate within the confined fascial space, raising pressure
and compromising perfusion, which defines compartment syndrome.
Page 4
