1|Page
SSM TCAR Exam 2025 – Study Guide, Practice
Questions, and Test Review for Surgical Nursing
Prepare for your SSM TCAR Exam 2025 with this comprehensive study guide, featuring
practice questions, surgical care concepts, and exam strategies. Perfect for nurses and
medical professionals looking to excel in the Transcarotid Artery Revascularization certification.
SSM TCAR Exam
• TCAR certification study guide
• SSM TCAR practice questions
• Transcarotid Artery Revascularization exam
What is the most common site of an epidural hematoma? - ANSWER-Under the temporal bone, at site of
the middle meningeal artery. Blood accumulates under the dura. On CT the hematoma appears convex
What is the hallmark of an epidural hematoma? - ANSWER-A lucid interval after the injury, the as the
bleeding puts more pressure on the brain-fixed & dilated pupils on the injured side, motor and sensory
changes on the CONTRALATERAL side
What is the cause of a Subdural hematoma? - ANSWER-Bleeding bridging vein is cause
More common than epidural
Blood on brain causes mechanical & chemical damage
Will have same sided (ipsilateral) pupil dilation, contralateral weakness and sensory dysfunction
,2|Page
What diagnostic study best identifies intracranial bleeds? - ANSWER-CT, fractures and bleeds are readily
apparent on CT, concussions and diffuse injuries are not
What is a cerebral contusion? - ANSWER-It is bruising of gray or white matter, that "blossom" over time
What is the chief nursing concern with a cerebral contusion? - ANSWER-Neurological deterioration,
reassess frequently
Early findings include confusion, drowsiness, irritability, Disorientation, H/A, N&V
What is muscle compartment syndrome? - ANSWER-Elevated fascial compartment pressure, higher than
arterial pressure. MOST prominent symptom is unrelieved pain
What is the ankle-brachial pressure index? - ANSWER-SBP of ankle (lower leg) divided by
SBP of brachial (upper arm), normal is 1,
<0.8 means decreased flow
What are symptoms of fat embolism syndrome and when do they occur? - ANSWER-Respiratory
(tachypnea), neuro (agitation, anxiety) and dermal (petechial rash on chest), occur 12-72 hours after
pelvic or long bone fractures
What is a diffuse brain injury? - ANSWER-Global, generalized. Directly affects consciousness, such as
diffuse axonal injury or concussion
What is a focal brain injury? - ANSWER-Local, indirectly affects consciousness. Focal injuries are
something you could point to like a skull fracture or bleed
What events are typical of diffuse brain injuries? - ANSWER-Following the injury, there is a transient loss
of consciousness, then the brain re-boots
What are clinical findings suggestive of TBI? - ANSWER-Somatic-H/A, N&V, blurred vision, fatigue
Cognitive-confusion, impaired judgement
Emotional-depression, irritability, sleep disturbances
, 3|Page
What is the treatment for TBI? - ANSWER-REST
What is TBI and second impact syndrome? - ANSWER-Occurs when an injured brain receives a SECOND
blow in anywhere from minutes to weeks after the initial impact. This condition is often fatal
Peri-orbital ecchymosis or 'raccoon eyes" are result of? - ANSWER-Anterior fossa fracture
Post-aricular hematoma or "Battle sign" is a result of? - ANSWER-Middle fossa fracture.
If patient has a tympanic tear, CSF leaks -otorrhea
Pressure on which cranial nerve results in pupillary dilation and loss of reactivity? - ANSWER-Cranial
nerve III
What is a intraparenchymal hemorrhage? - ANSWER-It is bleeding within the brain tissue, cerebrum,
cerebellum or brainstem. They are NOT routinely or easily evacuated.
What is a subarachnoid hemorrhage? - ANSWER-Usually a medical problem, not traumatic. Commonly
caused by aneurysm rupture of AVM, often at circle of Willis
What are the earliest signs of neurological deterioration? - ANSWER-Altered LOC, drowsiness, confusion,
disorientation, H/A, agitation, N&V
What is Secondary Brain injury? - ANSWER-Hypoxemia -SpO2 <90%
Hypotension-SBP<90
What are the classic symptoms of brain herniation? - ANSWER-Cushing's Triad-irregular respirations,
bradycardia, systolic hypertension (widened pulse pressure)
What are cervial spine patients at greatest risk for? - ANSWER-Risk of respiratory comprimise
C3, 4, 5- Keep diaphragm alive
SSM TCAR Exam 2025 – Study Guide, Practice
Questions, and Test Review for Surgical Nursing
Prepare for your SSM TCAR Exam 2025 with this comprehensive study guide, featuring
practice questions, surgical care concepts, and exam strategies. Perfect for nurses and
medical professionals looking to excel in the Transcarotid Artery Revascularization certification.
SSM TCAR Exam
• TCAR certification study guide
• SSM TCAR practice questions
• Transcarotid Artery Revascularization exam
What is the most common site of an epidural hematoma? - ANSWER-Under the temporal bone, at site of
the middle meningeal artery. Blood accumulates under the dura. On CT the hematoma appears convex
What is the hallmark of an epidural hematoma? - ANSWER-A lucid interval after the injury, the as the
bleeding puts more pressure on the brain-fixed & dilated pupils on the injured side, motor and sensory
changes on the CONTRALATERAL side
What is the cause of a Subdural hematoma? - ANSWER-Bleeding bridging vein is cause
More common than epidural
Blood on brain causes mechanical & chemical damage
Will have same sided (ipsilateral) pupil dilation, contralateral weakness and sensory dysfunction
,2|Page
What diagnostic study best identifies intracranial bleeds? - ANSWER-CT, fractures and bleeds are readily
apparent on CT, concussions and diffuse injuries are not
What is a cerebral contusion? - ANSWER-It is bruising of gray or white matter, that "blossom" over time
What is the chief nursing concern with a cerebral contusion? - ANSWER-Neurological deterioration,
reassess frequently
Early findings include confusion, drowsiness, irritability, Disorientation, H/A, N&V
What is muscle compartment syndrome? - ANSWER-Elevated fascial compartment pressure, higher than
arterial pressure. MOST prominent symptom is unrelieved pain
What is the ankle-brachial pressure index? - ANSWER-SBP of ankle (lower leg) divided by
SBP of brachial (upper arm), normal is 1,
<0.8 means decreased flow
What are symptoms of fat embolism syndrome and when do they occur? - ANSWER-Respiratory
(tachypnea), neuro (agitation, anxiety) and dermal (petechial rash on chest), occur 12-72 hours after
pelvic or long bone fractures
What is a diffuse brain injury? - ANSWER-Global, generalized. Directly affects consciousness, such as
diffuse axonal injury or concussion
What is a focal brain injury? - ANSWER-Local, indirectly affects consciousness. Focal injuries are
something you could point to like a skull fracture or bleed
What events are typical of diffuse brain injuries? - ANSWER-Following the injury, there is a transient loss
of consciousness, then the brain re-boots
What are clinical findings suggestive of TBI? - ANSWER-Somatic-H/A, N&V, blurred vision, fatigue
Cognitive-confusion, impaired judgement
Emotional-depression, irritability, sleep disturbances
, 3|Page
What is the treatment for TBI? - ANSWER-REST
What is TBI and second impact syndrome? - ANSWER-Occurs when an injured brain receives a SECOND
blow in anywhere from minutes to weeks after the initial impact. This condition is often fatal
Peri-orbital ecchymosis or 'raccoon eyes" are result of? - ANSWER-Anterior fossa fracture
Post-aricular hematoma or "Battle sign" is a result of? - ANSWER-Middle fossa fracture.
If patient has a tympanic tear, CSF leaks -otorrhea
Pressure on which cranial nerve results in pupillary dilation and loss of reactivity? - ANSWER-Cranial
nerve III
What is a intraparenchymal hemorrhage? - ANSWER-It is bleeding within the brain tissue, cerebrum,
cerebellum or brainstem. They are NOT routinely or easily evacuated.
What is a subarachnoid hemorrhage? - ANSWER-Usually a medical problem, not traumatic. Commonly
caused by aneurysm rupture of AVM, often at circle of Willis
What are the earliest signs of neurological deterioration? - ANSWER-Altered LOC, drowsiness, confusion,
disorientation, H/A, agitation, N&V
What is Secondary Brain injury? - ANSWER-Hypoxemia -SpO2 <90%
Hypotension-SBP<90
What are the classic symptoms of brain herniation? - ANSWER-Cushing's Triad-irregular respirations,
bradycardia, systolic hypertension (widened pulse pressure)
What are cervial spine patients at greatest risk for? - ANSWER-Risk of respiratory comprimise
C3, 4, 5- Keep diaphragm alive
