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TNCC 9th EDITION EXAM AND STUDY GUIDE EXAM
LATEST 2026-2027 ACTUAL EXAM 300 QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS AND RATIONALES JUST
RELEASED THIS YEAR
1. The first step in the primary survey of a trauma patient is:
A) Assess circulation
B) Assess airway with cervical spine protection
C) Assess disability (GCS)
D) Expose the patient
Answer: B The ABCDE approach begins with airway assessment while maintaining cervical spine
immobilization. A compromised airway is the most immediate threat to life.
2. Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of a patent airway in an unresponsive
trauma patient?
A) Ability to speak
B) Presence of breath sounds
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C) Chest rise with bag-valve-mask ventilation
D) Absence of stridor
Answer: A A patient who can speak clearly has a patent airway. Speech requires air movement
through the vocal cords. For unresponsive patients, look for foreign bodies, vomitus, or edema.
3. The "Jaw-thrust" maneuver is preferred over head-tilt/chin-lift in trauma patients because:
A) It is easier to perform
B) It provides better airway visualization
C) It minimizes cervical spine movement
D) It requires less equipment
Answer: C The jaw-thrust maneuver is preferred in trauma patients because it opens the airway
while minimizing cervical spine movement, reducing the risk of spinal cord injury.
4. A 4-person log-roll is performed on a trauma patient to:
A) Assess the posterior body while maintaining spinal alignment
B) Transfer the patient to a bed
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C) Apply a cervical collar
D) Perform a FAST exam
Answer: A A 4-person log-roll (one at head, one at shoulders/chest, one at hips/pelvis, one at
legs) maintains spinal alignment while allowing examination of the back and placement of a
backboard.
5. During the primary survey, life-threatening conditions are identified and treated:
A) In order of severity
B) Simultaneously as they are found
C) After completing the entire primary survey
D) After the secondary survey
Answer: B Life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive
hemorrhage) are treated immediately as they are identified during the primary survey.
6. True or False: A patient with a GCS of 14 who is combative and attempting to remove their
cervical collar should be sedated immediately.
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A) True
B) False
Answer: B Sedation may compromise airway and neurologic assessment. First, attempt to
redirect the patient. If necessary, use chemical restraint only after ensuring airway protection.
7. Stridor in a trauma patient indicates:
A) Normal airway function
B) Impending airway obstruction from laryngeal edema or foreign body
C) Clear lung sounds
D) A need for bronchodilators
Answer: B Stridor indicates impending airway obstruction from laryngeal edema or foreign
body. This is a critical airway finding requiring immediate intervention.
8. During the primary survey, the nurse notes absent breath sounds on the left with tracheal
deviation to the right. The most likely diagnosis is:
A) Simple pneumothorax
TNCC 9th EDITION EXAM AND STUDY GUIDE EXAM
LATEST 2026-2027 ACTUAL EXAM 300 QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT SOLUTIONS AND RATIONALES JUST
RELEASED THIS YEAR
1. The first step in the primary survey of a trauma patient is:
A) Assess circulation
B) Assess airway with cervical spine protection
C) Assess disability (GCS)
D) Expose the patient
Answer: B The ABCDE approach begins with airway assessment while maintaining cervical spine
immobilization. A compromised airway is the most immediate threat to life.
2. Which of the following is the most reliable indicator of a patent airway in an unresponsive
trauma patient?
A) Ability to speak
B) Presence of breath sounds
, Page 2 of 166
C) Chest rise with bag-valve-mask ventilation
D) Absence of stridor
Answer: A A patient who can speak clearly has a patent airway. Speech requires air movement
through the vocal cords. For unresponsive patients, look for foreign bodies, vomitus, or edema.
3. The "Jaw-thrust" maneuver is preferred over head-tilt/chin-lift in trauma patients because:
A) It is easier to perform
B) It provides better airway visualization
C) It minimizes cervical spine movement
D) It requires less equipment
Answer: C The jaw-thrust maneuver is preferred in trauma patients because it opens the airway
while minimizing cervical spine movement, reducing the risk of spinal cord injury.
4. A 4-person log-roll is performed on a trauma patient to:
A) Assess the posterior body while maintaining spinal alignment
B) Transfer the patient to a bed
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C) Apply a cervical collar
D) Perform a FAST exam
Answer: A A 4-person log-roll (one at head, one at shoulders/chest, one at hips/pelvis, one at
legs) maintains spinal alignment while allowing examination of the back and placement of a
backboard.
5. During the primary survey, life-threatening conditions are identified and treated:
A) In order of severity
B) Simultaneously as they are found
C) After completing the entire primary survey
D) After the secondary survey
Answer: B Life-threatening conditions (e.g., airway obstruction, tension pneumothorax, massive
hemorrhage) are treated immediately as they are identified during the primary survey.
6. True or False: A patient with a GCS of 14 who is combative and attempting to remove their
cervical collar should be sedated immediately.
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A) True
B) False
Answer: B Sedation may compromise airway and neurologic assessment. First, attempt to
redirect the patient. If necessary, use chemical restraint only after ensuring airway protection.
7. Stridor in a trauma patient indicates:
A) Normal airway function
B) Impending airway obstruction from laryngeal edema or foreign body
C) Clear lung sounds
D) A need for bronchodilators
Answer: B Stridor indicates impending airway obstruction from laryngeal edema or foreign
body. This is a critical airway finding requiring immediate intervention.
8. During the primary survey, the nurse notes absent breath sounds on the left with tracheal
deviation to the right. The most likely diagnosis is:
A) Simple pneumothorax
