CTRN Transport Nursing Certification Exam 2026: Comprehensive
Professional Practice Test — Critical Care Transport, Patient
Stabilization, Airway Management, Hemodynamic, Trauma &
Transport Safety — 190 Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers &
Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF GROUND TRANSPORT NURSING PRACTICE
(Questions 1–42)
Question 1
A transport nurse is preparing for an interfacility transfer of a patient with a suspected intra-
abdominal hemorrhage. The patient's abdomen is distended and firm. Which principle of
transport physiology most directly influences the nurse's decision to initiate transport
rapidly?
A. Acceleration forces increase intra-abdominal pressure
B. Ground transport vibration worsens peritoneal irritation
C. Decreased atmospheric pressure at altitude expands intra-abdominal gas
D. Vehicle deceleration reduces venous return from the abdomen
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Rapid deceleration during braking reduces venous return, potentially worsening
hemodynamic instability in patients with intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Minimizing transport
time and securing the patient properly are critical.
Question 2
,A transport team is dispatched to a scene where a chemical tanker has overturned. The
incident commander reports a visible vapor cloud. What is the transport nurse's first
priority?
A. Donning appropriate personal protective equipment
B. Triaging patients based on injury severity
C. Establishing an incident command post
D. Positioning the vehicle upwind of the scene
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Personal protective equipment must be donned before any patient contact.
Without appropriate PPE, the nurse becomes a casualty, compromising the entire transport
operation.
Question 3
During a nighttime transport on a rural highway, the ambulance experiences a sudden
blowout. The driver maintains control and safely stops on the shoulder. What should the
transport nurse do FIRST?
A. Assess the patient for new injuries from the sudden stop
B. Exit the vehicle to assess the damage
C. Notify dispatch of the situation and request assistance
D. Continue patient monitoring while the driver changes the tire
Correct Answer: A
,Explanation: The sudden deceleration and change in motion can cause patient injury or
dislodgement of lines and tubes. Patient assessment takes priority before addressing vehicle
issues.
Question 4
A transport nurse is communicating a patient handoff to the receiving facility via radio.
Which communication technique best ensures accurate information transfer?
A. Using standardized SBAR format
B. Speaking quickly to minimize radio airtime
C. Providing only the most critical information
D. Using medical terminology exclusively
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) provides a
structured, comprehensive framework that reduces communication errors during handoffs.
Question 5
A competent adult patient scheduled for interfacility transfer for a higher level of care states,
"I've changed my mind. I don't want to go." What is the transport nurse's most appropriate
action?
A. Proceed with transport since the receiving facility is expecting the patient
B. Have the sending physician sign an against-medical-advice form
C. Respect the patient's decision and document the refusal
D. Contact the receiving facility to cancel the transfer
, Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Competent adults have the right to withdraw consent at any time. The nurse
must respect this decision, document the refusal, and notify appropriate parties.
Question 6
Which legal principle requires that a patient presenting to an emergency department be
stabilized before transfer to another facility?
A. HIPAA
B. EMTALA
C. Patient Self-Determination Act
D. Good Samaritan Law
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: EMTALA mandates medical screening and stabilization before transfer for any
patient presenting to an emergency department, regardless of insurance status.
Question 7
A transport nurse is preparing a patient for ground transport. Which action best minimizes
the risk of pressure injury during a prolonged transport?
A. Positioning the patient supine with arms extended
B. Padding all bony prominences and securing the patient snugly
C. Removing the cervical collar to reduce pressure on the neck
D. Elevating the head of the stretcher to 45 degrees throughout transport
Professional Practice Test — Critical Care Transport, Patient
Stabilization, Airway Management, Hemodynamic, Trauma &
Transport Safety — 190 Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers &
Detailed Rationales
SECTION 1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF GROUND TRANSPORT NURSING PRACTICE
(Questions 1–42)
Question 1
A transport nurse is preparing for an interfacility transfer of a patient with a suspected intra-
abdominal hemorrhage. The patient's abdomen is distended and firm. Which principle of
transport physiology most directly influences the nurse's decision to initiate transport
rapidly?
A. Acceleration forces increase intra-abdominal pressure
B. Ground transport vibration worsens peritoneal irritation
C. Decreased atmospheric pressure at altitude expands intra-abdominal gas
D. Vehicle deceleration reduces venous return from the abdomen
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Rapid deceleration during braking reduces venous return, potentially worsening
hemodynamic instability in patients with intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Minimizing transport
time and securing the patient properly are critical.
Question 2
,A transport team is dispatched to a scene where a chemical tanker has overturned. The
incident commander reports a visible vapor cloud. What is the transport nurse's first
priority?
A. Donning appropriate personal protective equipment
B. Triaging patients based on injury severity
C. Establishing an incident command post
D. Positioning the vehicle upwind of the scene
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Personal protective equipment must be donned before any patient contact.
Without appropriate PPE, the nurse becomes a casualty, compromising the entire transport
operation.
Question 3
During a nighttime transport on a rural highway, the ambulance experiences a sudden
blowout. The driver maintains control and safely stops on the shoulder. What should the
transport nurse do FIRST?
A. Assess the patient for new injuries from the sudden stop
B. Exit the vehicle to assess the damage
C. Notify dispatch of the situation and request assistance
D. Continue patient monitoring while the driver changes the tire
Correct Answer: A
,Explanation: The sudden deceleration and change in motion can cause patient injury or
dislodgement of lines and tubes. Patient assessment takes priority before addressing vehicle
issues.
Question 4
A transport nurse is communicating a patient handoff to the receiving facility via radio.
Which communication technique best ensures accurate information transfer?
A. Using standardized SBAR format
B. Speaking quickly to minimize radio airtime
C. Providing only the most critical information
D. Using medical terminology exclusively
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) provides a
structured, comprehensive framework that reduces communication errors during handoffs.
Question 5
A competent adult patient scheduled for interfacility transfer for a higher level of care states,
"I've changed my mind. I don't want to go." What is the transport nurse's most appropriate
action?
A. Proceed with transport since the receiving facility is expecting the patient
B. Have the sending physician sign an against-medical-advice form
C. Respect the patient's decision and document the refusal
D. Contact the receiving facility to cancel the transfer
, Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Competent adults have the right to withdraw consent at any time. The nurse
must respect this decision, document the refusal, and notify appropriate parties.
Question 6
Which legal principle requires that a patient presenting to an emergency department be
stabilized before transfer to another facility?
A. HIPAA
B. EMTALA
C. Patient Self-Determination Act
D. Good Samaritan Law
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: EMTALA mandates medical screening and stabilization before transfer for any
patient presenting to an emergency department, regardless of insurance status.
Question 7
A transport nurse is preparing a patient for ground transport. Which action best minimizes
the risk of pressure injury during a prolonged transport?
A. Positioning the patient supine with arms extended
B. Padding all bony prominences and securing the patient snugly
C. Removing the cervical collar to reduce pressure on the neck
D. Elevating the head of the stretcher to 45 degrees throughout transport
