TNCC 10th Edition Questions and
Answers(2026 edition)
Course
TNCC
1. A trauma patient arrives after a high-speed motor vehicle
collision. Which action should the trauma nurse prioritize during the
initial assessment?
A. Obtain a detailed medical history
B. Assess airway while maintaining cervical spine precautions
C. Obtain a complete medication list
D. Perform a secondary head-to-toe examination
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The initial trauma assessment prioritizes immediately life-
threatening problems. Airway assessment and protection are performed
early while maintaining appropriate cervical spine precautions when
indicated.
2. A patient with facial trauma has gurgling respirations and blood
pooling in the mouth. What is the priority intervention?
A. Obtain a chest x-ray
B. Suction the airway
C. Insert a urinary catheter
D. Assess peripheral pulses
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood and secretions can obstruct the airway. Immediate
suctioning helps clear the airway and allows reassessment of ventilation and
airway patency.
3. Which finding is MOST concerning for impending airway
compromise?
A. Hoarse voice following blunt neck trauma
B. Mild facial bruising
,C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
D. Oxygen saturation of 99%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hoarseness after neck trauma may indicate laryngeal or airway
injury. Airway edema can progress rapidly, making early recognition and
intervention important.
4. A trauma patient suddenly becomes hypotensive with absent
breath sounds on one side and severe respiratory distress. Which
injury should the nurse suspect?
A. Simple rib fracture
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Isolated abdominal injury
D. Stable pelvic fracture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Severe respiratory distress, unilateral absent breath sounds, and
hemodynamic instability strongly suggest tension pneumothorax, an
immediately life-threatening condition requiring urgent intervention.
5. Which assessment finding is most consistent with hemorrhagic
shock?
A. Warm skin with bounding pulses
B. Bradycardia and hypertension
C. Tachycardia, cool skin, and altered mental status
D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Progressive blood loss can produce sympathetic compensation
characterized by tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction, followed by
altered mental status and other signs of inadequate perfusion.
6. A trauma patient has uncontrolled external bleeding from the
thigh. What is the nurse's priority?
, A. Obtain a complete history
B. Control the hemorrhage
C. Perform a detailed neurological examination
D. Obtain a urine specimen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Life-threatening external hemorrhage must be rapidly controlled.
Hemorrhage control is a critical component of early trauma care.
7. A patient has a penetrating chest wound with air movement
through the wound. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Apply an appropriate occlusive dressing
B. Pack the wound deeply with gauze
C. Leave the wound uncovered
D. Apply a circumferential chest bandage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An open chest wound can allow air to enter the pleural space. An
appropriate occlusive dressing helps limit air entry while the patient receives
definitive evaluation and treatment.
8. Which finding is most suggestive of cardiac tamponade?
A. Unilateral absent breath sounds
B. Hypotension with muffled heart sounds and elevated neck veins
C. Massive external hemorrhage
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The classic clinical pattern associated with cardiac tamponade
includes hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distention,
although not every patient demonstrates all findings.
9. A patient with blunt abdominal trauma develops abdominal
distention and hypotension. Which concern is the highest priority?
Answers(2026 edition)
Course
TNCC
1. A trauma patient arrives after a high-speed motor vehicle
collision. Which action should the trauma nurse prioritize during the
initial assessment?
A. Obtain a detailed medical history
B. Assess airway while maintaining cervical spine precautions
C. Obtain a complete medication list
D. Perform a secondary head-to-toe examination
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The initial trauma assessment prioritizes immediately life-
threatening problems. Airway assessment and protection are performed
early while maintaining appropriate cervical spine precautions when
indicated.
2. A patient with facial trauma has gurgling respirations and blood
pooling in the mouth. What is the priority intervention?
A. Obtain a chest x-ray
B. Suction the airway
C. Insert a urinary catheter
D. Assess peripheral pulses
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood and secretions can obstruct the airway. Immediate
suctioning helps clear the airway and allows reassessment of ventilation and
airway patency.
3. Which finding is MOST concerning for impending airway
compromise?
A. Hoarse voice following blunt neck trauma
B. Mild facial bruising
,C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
D. Oxygen saturation of 99%
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hoarseness after neck trauma may indicate laryngeal or airway
injury. Airway edema can progress rapidly, making early recognition and
intervention important.
4. A trauma patient suddenly becomes hypotensive with absent
breath sounds on one side and severe respiratory distress. Which
injury should the nurse suspect?
A. Simple rib fracture
B. Tension pneumothorax
C. Isolated abdominal injury
D. Stable pelvic fracture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Severe respiratory distress, unilateral absent breath sounds, and
hemodynamic instability strongly suggest tension pneumothorax, an
immediately life-threatening condition requiring urgent intervention.
5. Which assessment finding is most consistent with hemorrhagic
shock?
A. Warm skin with bounding pulses
B. Bradycardia and hypertension
C. Tachycardia, cool skin, and altered mental status
D. Increased urine output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Progressive blood loss can produce sympathetic compensation
characterized by tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction, followed by
altered mental status and other signs of inadequate perfusion.
6. A trauma patient has uncontrolled external bleeding from the
thigh. What is the nurse's priority?
, A. Obtain a complete history
B. Control the hemorrhage
C. Perform a detailed neurological examination
D. Obtain a urine specimen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Life-threatening external hemorrhage must be rapidly controlled.
Hemorrhage control is a critical component of early trauma care.
7. A patient has a penetrating chest wound with air movement
through the wound. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Apply an appropriate occlusive dressing
B. Pack the wound deeply with gauze
C. Leave the wound uncovered
D. Apply a circumferential chest bandage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An open chest wound can allow air to enter the pleural space. An
appropriate occlusive dressing helps limit air entry while the patient receives
definitive evaluation and treatment.
8. Which finding is most suggestive of cardiac tamponade?
A. Unilateral absent breath sounds
B. Hypotension with muffled heart sounds and elevated neck veins
C. Massive external hemorrhage
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The classic clinical pattern associated with cardiac tamponade
includes hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and jugular venous distention,
although not every patient demonstrates all findings.
9. A patient with blunt abdominal trauma develops abdominal
distention and hypotension. Which concern is the highest priority?
