TCRN Trauma Nurse Practice 202 practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11Damage to the cribriform plate would most likely be expected with which of the following fractures?
✓ Correct answer: C. Le Fort II
Answer: Le Fort II A Le Fort II fracture is a pyramidal fracture that extends from the nasal bone through the infraorbital rims, lacrimal bones, and can reach the cribriform plate. This fracture pattern leads to proximity with the cribriform plate. A Le Fort I fracture, also known as a horizontal maxillary fracture, does not involve the cribriform plate. A Le Fort III fracture, a craniofacial disjunction, extends higher and involves the orbital walls and zygomatic arches, but not primarily the cribriform plate. A mandibular fracture is related to the lower jaw and does not affect the cribriform plate.
Q12An unconscious patient arrives at the emergency department following a severe head injury that resulted in a basal skull fracture. What clinical signs should the trauma nurse assess for to confirm this diagnosis?
✓ Correct answer: A. Battle's sign, Raccoon eyes, CSF rhinorrhea, CSF otorrhea
Answer: Battle's sign, Raccoon eyes, CSF rhinorrhea, CSF otorrhea Basal skull fractures often result in certain hallmark signs due to the anatomical location of the injury. Battle's sign refers to bruising behind the ears, while Raccoon eyes indicate bruising around the eyes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea and CSF otorrhea are indicative of CSF leakage from the nose and ears, respectively.
Q13Which of the following statements is not true regarding the administration of hypertonic saline in patients with traumatic brain injury?
✓ Correct answer: C. The mechanism of beneficial action for hypertonic saline is well understood
Answer: The mechanism of beneficial action for hypertonic saline is well understood The mechanism of action for hypertonic saline is not completely understood, similar to mannitol. Current understanding suggests that hypertonic saline reduces intracranial pressure by creating an osmotic gradient that draws water out of brain cells and into the bloodstream. Hypertonic saline solutions must be administered with care to avoid complications. They should ideally be given through a central line because peripheral administration can cause vein irritation or infiltration. It is crucial to monitor serum sodium and osmolality levels when administering hypertonic saline to prevent hypernatremia and other electrolyte imbalances.
Q14When managing a pediatric trauma patient, it is essential to recognize normal physiological differences compared to adults. Which of the following respiratory parameters is least affected by age in children?
✓ Correct answer: A. Tidal volume
Answer: Tidal volume Tidal volume generally remains stable across different ages in children when adjusted for body size. Respiratory rate varies significantly with age, being higher in younger children and decreasing as they grow older. Oxygen saturation is an important indicator that should be consistently high but can be influenced by various conditions, including age-related respiratory efficiency. Lung compliance can also change with age due to developmental and anatomical changes in the lungs.
Q15A geriatric patient with head trauma has a normal initial CT scan. Which of the following interventions is best for this patient?
✓ Correct answer: A. Monitor the patient in the hospital and get an order for an MRI
Answer: Monitor the patient in the hospital and get an order for an MRI Head injuries in geriatric patients can sometimes present with subtle or delayed symptoms, and a normal CT scan initially does not rule out significant injuries. An MRI can provide more detailed imaging to identify potential complications such as hemorrhage or brain lesions that may not be visible on a CT scan. Hospital monitoring allows for immediate intervention if the patient's condition deteriorates.
Q16A 29-year-old male with a history of epilepsy is brought to the emergency department after experiencing a severe head trauma in a bicycle accident without wearing a helmet. Which of the following is a consideration for this patient?
✓ Correct answer: C. The risk of seizure activity may increase due to head trauma
Answer: The risk of seizure activity may increase due to head trauma Head trauma can act as a precipitating factor for seizures in patients with a history of epilepsy. The mechanical force on the brain during trauma can disrupt neuronal functions, potentially increasing the frequency and severity of seizures. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injury and consequently the risk of triggering seizure activity in epileptics.
Q17An elderly patient presents with signs of physical abuse. The trauma nurse understands that which of the following is true for elderly patients?
✓ Correct answer: D. Elderly patients are at higher risk for abuse by caregivers.
Answer: Elderly patients are at higher risk for abuse by caregivers. Statistics show that elderly patients have a higher likelihood of suffering from abuse, particularly by their caregivers. Abuse can be physical, emotional, or financial. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of these risks and to take appropriate measures to safeguard elderly patients.
Q18Which laboratory value should be monitored closely in a patient with severe crush injuries to anticipate complications?
✓ Correct answer: C. Creatine Kinase
Answer: Creatine Kinase Severe crush injuries can lead to rhabdomyolysis, where muscle breakdown products such as creatine kinase are released into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of creatine kinase can indicate muscle damage and potential kidney injury. Lactate, BUN, and myoglobin are also relevant but not as critical initially as creatine kinase in assessing the extent of muscle damage in these patients.
Q19A patient recovering from a spinal cord injury (SCI) is able to independently perform daily activities and return to their previous level of employment. How would this patient be described using the ASIA Impairment Scale?
✓ Correct answer: C. ASIA E
Answer: ASIA E The ASIA Impairment Scale is used to classify the severity of spinal cord injuries. The scale ranges from A to E: A - Complete: No motor or sensory function is preserved in the sacral segments S4-S5. B - Incomplete: Sensory but not motor function is preserved below the neurological level and includes the sacral segments S4-S5. C - Incomplete: Motor function is preserved below the neurological level, and more than half of key muscles below the neurological level have a muscle grade less than 3. D - Incomplete: Motor function is preserved below the neurological level, and at least half of key muscles below the neurological level have a muscle grade of 3 or more. E - Normal: Motor and sensory functions are normal. Therefore, a patient who can independently perform daily activities and return to their previous level of employment would be classified as ASIA E.
Q20Which of the following conditions is least likely to be a common complication in pediatric patients who experience a traumatic injury?
✓ Correct answer: A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Answer: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is uncommon in pediatric patients who suffer from traumatic injuries. DVT typically occurs in the adult population or children with specific risk factors (e.g., congenital thrombophilia). In contrast, complications such as internal bleeding, fractures, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more prevalent in pediatric trauma cases.
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