TNCC Notes for Written Exam (Latest 2022/2023) Graded A, Exams of Nursing

Download TNCC Notes for Written Exam (Latest 2022/2023) Graded A and more Exams Nursing in PDF only on Docsity! TNCC Notes for Written Exam Define central or transtentorial herniation. – CORRECT ANSWER: A downward movement of the cerebral hemispheres with herniation of the diencephalon and midbrain through the elongated gap of the tentorium. Define Hemothorax. – CORRECT ANSWER: Accumulation of blood in the pleural space. Define Minor Head Trauma. – CORRECT ANSWER: GCS 13-15 Define Moderate Head Trauma – CORRECT ANSWER: Postresuscitative state with GCS 9-13. Define Pneumothorax. – CORRECT ANSWER: Results when an injury to lung leads to accumulation of air in pleural space w/subsequent loss of negative intrapleural pressure. Partial or total collapse of lung may ensue. An open pneumothorax results from wound through chest wall. Air enters pleural space both through the wound and trachea. Define Severe Head Trauma. – CORRECT ANSWER: Postresuscitative state with GCS score of 8 or less. Define tension pneumothorax. – CORRECT ANSWER: Life-threatening injury. Air enters pleural space on inspiration, but air cannot escape on expiration. Rising intrathoracic pressure collapses lung on side of injury causing a mediastinal shift that compresses the heart, great vessels, trachea and uninjured lung. Venous return impeded, cardiac output falls, hypotension results. Immediate decompression should be performed. Treatment should not be delayed. Define uncal herniation. – CORRECT ANSWER: The uncus (medial aspect of the temporal lobe) is displaced over the tentorium into the posterior fossa. This herniation is the more common of the two types of herniation syndromes. Disruptions of the bony structures of the skull can result in what? – CORRECT ANSWER: Displaced or nondisplaced fx's causing CSF leakage b/c of lac to the dura mater, creating a passage for CSF. CSF leaks through the nose (rhinorrhea) or the ears (otorrhea). A potential entrance for invading bacteria. Also: meningitis or encephalitis or brain abscess Explain adrenal gland response. – CORRECT ANSWER: When adrenal glands are stimulated by SNS, release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) from adrenal medulla will increase. Epi stimulates receptors in heart to increase force of cardiac contraction (positive inotropy) and increase HR (positive chronotropy) to improve cardiac output, BP and tissue perfusion. Shock stimulates hypothalamus to release corticotropin-releasing hormone that stimulates pituitary to release ACTH that stimulates adrenal gland to release cortisol. Effect of cortisol release is elevation in blood sugar and increased insulin resistance and gluconeogenesis, hepatic process to produce more sugar. Cortisol also causes renal retention of water and sodium, a compensatory mechanism to conserve body water. Explain Cardiogenic Shock. – CORRECT ANSWER: Syndrome that results from ineffective perfusion caused by ineffective perfusion caused by inadequate contractility of cardiac muscle. Some causes: - MI - Blunt cardiac injury - Mitral valve insufficiency - dysrhythmias - Cardiac Failure Explain Distributive Shock. – CORRECT ANSWER: Results from disruption in SNS control of the tone of blood vessels, which leads to vasodilation and maldistribution of blood volume and flow. (Neurogenic and Septic Shock). Neurogenic shock may result from injury to spinal cord in cervical or upper thoracic region. - Listening to breath sounds over the epigastrum and chest walls while ventilating the pt - CO2 detector - Esophageal detection device - Chest x-ray How do you inspect the chest for adequate ventilation? - CORRECT ANSWER: Observe: - mental status - RR and pattern - chest wall symmetry - any injuries - patient's skin color (cyanosis?) - JVD or tracheal deviation? (Tension pneumothorax) How would you assess a patient with ocular, maxillofacial and neck trauma? - CORRECT ANSWER: (Initial assessment) HISTORY - MOI? - Acceleration/Deceleration? - What was it caused by? - Pt restrained? Airbags deployed? Etc. - What are the pt's complaints? - Pt normally wear glasses or contacts? - Pt have hx of eye problems? - Pt ever have eye surgery? - Pt have visual or ocular changes associated with chronic illness? PHYSICAL INSPECTION: - Inspect eye, orbits, face and neck - Check for symmetry, edema, ecchymosis, ptosis, lacerations and hematomas - Inspect globe for lacerations, large corneal abrasions, hyphema, and extrusion or prolapse of intraocular contents - Determine whether lid lac's - Assess pupil's (PERRL) - Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil may indicate oculomotor nerve compression as a result of ICP + herniation syndrome - Bilateral fixed and pinpoint pupils = pontine lesion or drugs - Mildly dilated pupil w/sluggish response may early sign of herniation syndrome - Widely dilated pupil occasionally occurs w/direct trauma to globe of eye - Assess for consensual response - Assess redness, eye watering, blepharospasm - Assess extraocular movement, except when an open globe injury is known or suspected. - Limitation range of ocular motion may indicate orbital rim fx w/entrapment or paralysis of cranial nerve or ocular muscle - Perform visual acuity exam - Use Snellen or handheld chart. Check uninjured eye first - Assess for blurred or double vision with injured eye and then with both eyes open - Inspect for rhinorrhea or otorrhea - If drng present, may indicate CSF leak - Observe for impaled objects - Assess occlusion of mandible and maxilla - Malocclusion or inability to open + close mouth is highly indicative of maxillary or mandibular fx - Observe for uncontrolled bleeding PALPATION - Palpate periorbital area, face and neck for: - Tenderness - Edema - Step-off defects or depressions - Subcutaneous emphysema (esophageal or tracheal tear) - Palpate trachea above suprasternal notch - Trach deviation = late indication of tension pneumothorax or massive hemothorax - Assess sensory fx of perioribital areas, face and neck - Facial fx's can impinge on infraorbital nerve, causing numbness of inferior eyelid, lateral nose, cheek, or upper lip on affected side. - Check position of trachea DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES: - Xrays, CT scans, MRI's - Fluorescein staining - Slit-lamp exam - tonometry (measures intraocular pressure) - Bronchoscopy or esophagoscopy How would you assess a pt with a cranial injury? - CORRECT ANSWER: (Initial assessment) INSPECTION: - Assess airway - RR, pattern and effort - Assess pupil size and response to light - Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil = oculomotor nerve compression from increased ICP + herniation syndrome - Bilateral fixed and pinpoint pupils indicate a pontine lesion or effects of opiates - Mildly dilated pupil w/sluggish response may be early sign of herniation syndrome - Widely dilated pupil occasionally occurs w/direct trauma to globe of eye - Determine if pt uses eye meds - Abnormal posturing? - Inspect craniofacial area for ecchymosis/contusions - Periorbital ecchymosis - Mastoid's process ecchymosis - Blood behind tympanic membrane - Inspect nose and ears for drainage - Wound repair for facial/scalp Lac's - Admin other meds - Analgesics, sedatives, narcan, romazicon, etc. - Admin antibiotics - Pt's w/basilar skull fx need prophylaxis against meningitis - Prepare pt for OR, hospital admin or transfer. How would you assess a pt with a thoracic injury? - CORRECT ANSWER: (Initial assessment) Obtain Hx. PHYSICAL: Inspection: - Observe chest wall - Assess breathing effort and RR - Symmetry - Inspect jugular veins (Distended = increased intrathoracic pressure as result of tension pneumothorax or pericardial tamponade. Flat = external jugular veins may reflect hypovolemia) - Inspect upper abdominal region for injury Percussion: - Percuss the chest (Dullness = hemothorax, Hyperresonance = pneumothorax) Palpation: - Palpate chest wall, clavicles and neck for: - Tenderness - Swelling or hematoma - Subcutaneous emphysema - Note presence of bony crepitus - Palpate central and peripheral pulses and compare quality between: - Right and left extremities - Upper and lower extremities - Palpate the trachea (above suprasternal notch. Trach shift may indicate late sign of tension pneumothorax or massive hemothorax) - Palpate extremities for motor and sensory function (lower extremitiy paresis or paralysis may indicate aortic injury). Auscultation: - Auscultate compare BP in both UE's and LE's - Auscultate breath sounds (decreased or absent breath = pneumo or hemothorax. Diminshed BS = splinting. Shallow = b/c of pain). - Auscultate chest for presence of BS (diaphragmatic rupture) - Auscultate Heart sounds (muffled = pericardial tamponade) - Auscultate neck vessels for bruits (vascular injury) Diagnostic Procedures: - Xrays - Arteriography - Bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy - CT's - FAST - Labs (cardiac enzymes) - ECG, CVP How would you assess someone in hypovolemic shock? - CORRECT ANSWER: (Use Initial Assessment) and then: Inspect: - LOC - Rate and quality of respirations - External bleeding? - Skin color and moisture - Assess jugular veins and peripheral veins Auscultate: - BP - Pulse pressure - Breath sounds - Heart sounds - Bowel sounds Percuss: - Chest and abdomen Palpate: - Central pulse (carotid or femoral) - Positive inotropic effect (force of contraction) may be evidence by a bounding central pulse - Palpate peripheral pulses - Palpate skin temp and moisture Diagnostic Procedures: - Xrays and other studies - Labs Planning and Implementation - Oxygen - IV's with warmed replacement fluids - Control external bleeding with direct pressure - Elevate LE's - NGT - Foley - Monitor and pulse oximeter - Monitor for development of coagulopathies - Surgery? ICP is a reflection of what three volumes? What happens when one increases? - CORRECT ANSWER: 1. Brain 2. CSF 3. Blood within the nonexpansible cranial vault As volume of one increases, the volume of another decreases to maintain ICP within normal range. - Dyspnea or orthopnea - Dysphagia - Abdominal pain - Sharp epigastric or chest pain radiating to left shoulder (Kehr's sign) - Bowel sounds heard in lower middle chest - Decreased breath sounds on injured side What are s/s of chemical burns to the eye? - CORRECT ANSWER: Chemical injuries require immediate intervention if it is to be preserved. S/S: - Pain - Corneal Opacification - Coexisting chemical burn and swelling of lids What are S/S of penetrating trauma/open or ruptured globe? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Marked visual impairments - Extrusion of intraocular contents - Flattened or shallow anterior chamber - Subconjunctival hemorrhage, hyphema - Decreased intraocular pressure - Restriction of extraocular movements What are S/S with blunt cardiac injury? - CORRECT ANSWER: "Cardiac contusion" or "concussion." Common with MVC or falls from heights. - ECG (sinus tach, PVC's, AV blocks) - Chest pain - Chest wall ecchymosis What are S/S with tracheobronchial injury? - CORRECT ANSWER: Blunt trauma. "Clothesline- type" injuries. - Dyspnea, tachypnea - Hoarseness - Hemoptysis - Subcutaneous emphysema in neck, face, or suprasternal area - Decreased or absent breath sounds - S/S of airway obstruction What are signs of a serious eye injury? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Visual disturbances - Pain - Redness and ecchymosis of the eye - Periorbital ecchymosis - Increased intraocular pressure What are signs of ineffective breathing? - CORRECT ANSWER: - AMS - Cyanosis, especially around the mouth - Asymmetric expansion of chest wall - Paradoxical movement of the chest wall during inspiration and expiration - Use of accessory muscles or abdominal muscles or both or diaphragmatic breathing - Sucking chest wounds - Absent or diminished breath sounds - Administer O2 via NRB or assist ventilations with a bag-mask device, as indicated - Anticipate definitive airway management to support ventilation. What are signs of ineffective circulation? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Tachycardia - AMS - Uncontrolled external bleeding - Pale, cool, moist skin - Distended or abnormally flattened external jugular veins - Distant heart sounds What are the early signs and symptoms of increased ICP? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Headache - N/V - Amnesia regarding events around the injury - Altered LOC - Restlessness, drowsiness, changes in speech, or loss of judgement What are the interventions for Disability? - CORRECT ANSWER: - If assessment indicates a decreased LOC, conduct further investigation during secondary focused assessments - If pt is not alert or verbal, continue to monitor for any compromise to ABC's - If pt demonstrates signs of herniation or neurologic deterioration, consider hyperventilation. What are the interventions for Effective/Ineffective Circulation? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Control any uncontrolled external bleeding by: - Applying direct pressure over bleeding site - Elevating bleeding extremity - Applying pressure over arterial pressure points - Using tourniquet (last resort). - Cannulate 2 large-caliber IV's and initiate infusions of an isotonic crystalloid solution - Use warmed solution - Use pressure bags to increase speed of IVF infusion - Use blood administration tubing for possible administration of blood - Use rapid infusion device based on protocol - Use NS 0.9% in same tubing as blood product - IV = surgical cut-down, central line, or both. - Blood sample to determine ABO and Rh group - IO in sternum, legs, arms or pelvis - Administer blood products - PASG (without interfering with fluid resuscitation) What are the late observable signs of symptoms of increased ICP? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Dilated, nonreactive pupil - Unresponsiveness to verbal or painful stimuli - Abnormal motor posturing patterns - Widening pulse pressure - Increased systolic blood pressure - Changes in RR and pattern - Bradycardia What are the late signs of breathing compromise? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Tracheal deviation - JVD - Each attempt NOT to exceed 30 seconds, max of 3 attempts. Ventilate pt 30-60 seconds between attempts. - After intubation, inflate the cuff - Confirm tube placement w/exhaled CO2 detector. POSTINTUBATION MANAGEMENT: - Secure ET tube - Set ventilator settings - Obtain Chest x-ray - Continue to medicate - Recheck VS and pulse oxtimetry What are the S/S of a basilar skull fx? - CORRECT ANSWER: - H/A - Altered LOC - Periorbital ecchymosis (raccoon eyes), mastoid ecchymosis (Battle's sign), or blood behind tympanic membrane (hemotympanum) - Facial nerve (VII) palsy - CSF rhinorrhea or otorrhea What are the S/S of a depressed skull fx? - CORRECT ANSWER: - H/A - Possible decreased LOC - Possible open fx - Palpable depression of skull over the fx site What are the S/S of a linear skull fx? - CORRECT ANSWER: - H/A - Possible decreased LOC What are the S/S of a pneumothorax? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Dyspnea, tachypnea - Tachycardia - Hyerresonance (increased echo produced by percussion over the lung field) on the injured side - Decreased or absent breath sounds on the injured side - Chest pain - Open, sucking wound on inspiration (open pneumothorax) What are the S/S of a tension pneumothorax? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Severe respiratory distress - Markedly diminished or absent breath sounds on affected side - hypotension - Distended neck, head and upper extremity veins-may not be clinically appreciated if significant blood loss present - Tracheal deviation - shift toward uninjured side (LATE sign) - Cyanosis (LATE sign) What are the S/S of flail chest? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Dyspnea - Chest wall pain - Paradoxical chest wall movement - the flail segment moves in during inspiration and out during expiration. What are the S/S of Hemothorax? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Dyspnea, tachypnea - Chest pain - Signs of shock - Decreased breath sounds on injured side - Dullness to percussion on the injured side What are the S/S of orbital fracture (orbital blowout fracture)? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Diplopia (double vision) - Loss of vision - Altered extraocular eye movements - Enophthalmos (displacement of the eye backward into the socket) - Subconjunctival hemorrhage or ecchymosis of the eyelid - Infraorbital pain or loss of sensation - Orbital bony deformity What are the S/S of pericardial tamponade? - CORRECT ANSWER: A collection of blood in pericardial sac. As blood accumulates, it exerts pressure on the heart, inhibiting or compromising ventricular filling. - Hyotension - Tachycardia or PEA - Dyspnea - Cyanosis - Beck's Triad (hypotension, distended neck veins + muffled heart sounds) - Progressive decreased voltage of conduction complexes on ECG What are the S/S of pulmonary contusion? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Dyspnea - Ineffective cough - Hemoptysis - Hypoxia - Chest pain - Chest wall contusion or abrasions What are the signs and symptoms of postconcussive syndrome? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Persistent H/A - Dizziness - Nausea - Memory impairment - Attention deficit - Irritability - Insomnia - Impaired judgement - Loss of libido - Anxiety - Depression What are the two types of herniation that occurs with ICP? - CORRECT ANSWER: 1. Uncal herniation 2. Central or transtentorial herniation What are you looking for when auscultating lung sounds? - CORRECT ANSWER: Absence of BS: - Pneumothorax - Hemothorax What is a pulmonary contusion? - CORRECT ANSWER: They occur as a result of direct impact, deceleration or high-velocity bullet wounds. It develops when blood leaks into lung parenchyma, causing edema + hemorrhage. This usually develops overtime and not immediately. What is a subdural hematoma and its S/S? - CORRECT ANSWER: A focal brain injury beneath the dura mater that results from acceleration/deceleration. Usually venous, and not necessarily from a fx. Formation may be acute or chronic. Acute pt's hematoma manifest 48 hrs post injury S/S: - Altered LOC or steady decline in LOC - S/S of increased ICP - Hemiparesis or hemiplegia on opposite side of hematoma - Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil on same side of hematoma Chronic pt's " " up to 2 wks post injury - H/A - Progressive decrease in LOC - Ataxia - Incontinence - Sz's What is an epidural hematoma and its S/S? - CORRECT ANSWER: Results when a collection of blood forms between the skull and the dura mater. Bleeding is arterial=blood accumulates rapidly: - Compression of underlying brain - rapid increase in ICP - Decreased CBF - Secondary brain injury * Usually requires surgical intervention S/S: - Transient LOC - Lucid period lasting a few minutes to several hours - Rapid deterioration in neurologic status - Severe H/A - Sleepiness - Dizziness - N/V - Hemiparesis or hemiplegia on opposite side of hematoma - Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil on same side of hematoma What is assessed and intervened for Expose/Environmental Controls? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Remove clothing - Ensure appropriate decontamination if exposed to hazardous material - Keep pt warm - Keep clothing for evidence What is assessed under the Mnemonic "H"? - CORRECT ANSWER: HISTORY / HEAD-TO- TOE ASSESSMENT - MIVT - M = Mechanism of injury - I = Injuries sustained - V = Vital Signs - T = Treatment - Pt generated information - PMH - Head-to-toe assessment What is assessed under the Mnemonic "I"? - CORRECT ANSWER: INSPECT POSTERIOR SURFACES - While maintaining C-spine, logroll pt with assistance to inspect back, flanks, buttocks and posterior thighs. - Palpate vertebral column for deformity and areas of tenderness - Assess rectum for presence/absence of tone, presence of blood What is Cushing's phenomenon or Cushing's Reflex? - CORRECT ANSWER: Triad of progressive HTN, bradycardia and diminished respiratory effort. What is diffuse axonal injury and its signs and symptoms? - CORRECT ANSWER: (DAI) is widespread, rather than localized, through the brain. Diffuse shearing, tearing and compressive stresses from rotational or accerleration/deceleration forces resulting in microscopic damage primarily to axons within the brain. S/S: - Immediate unconsciousness - mild DAI, coma = 6-24 hrs - severe DAI, coma = weeks/months or persistent vegetative state - Elevated ICP - Abnormal posturing - HTN - Hyperthermia - Excessive sweating because of autonomic dysfunction - Mild to severe memory impairment, cognitive, behavioral, and intellectual deficits What is hyphema and its S/S? - CORRECT ANSWER: Accumulation of blood, mainly RBC's that disperse and layer within the anterior chamber. A severe hymphema obscures entire anterior chamber + will diminish visual acuity severely or completely. Injuries are graded on amount of blood in chamber (Grades I-IV). S/S: - Blood in anterior chamber - Deep, aching pain - Mild to severe diminished visual acuity - Increased intraocular pressure What is kinematics? - CORRECT ANSWER: A branch of mechanics (energy transfer) that refers to motion and does not consider the concepts of force and mass of the object or body. What is kinetic energy (KE)? - CORRECT ANSWER: KE equals 1/2 the mass (M) multiplied by the velocity squared. What is LeFort I fracture and its S/S? - CORRECT ANSWER: Transverse maxillary fx that occurs above level of teeth and results in separation of teeth from rest of maxilla. S/S: - Aspiration - Hemorrhage or hematoma formation or both - Lac to trachea or esophagus - Creation of a false passage - Laryngeal stenosis What is the DOPE mnemonic? - CORRECT ANSWER: D - Displaced tube O - Obstruction: Check secretions or pt biting tube P - Pneumothorax: Condition may occur from original trauma or barotrauma from ventilator E - Equipment failure: pt may have become detached from equipment or there's a kink in the tubing What is the first thing assessed under the Secondary Assessment? - CORRECT ANSWER: FULL SET VS / FOCUSED ADJUNCTS / FAMILY PRESENCE - ABCDE should be completed - Labs, X-rays, CT, Foley, - Family Presence What is the Law of Conservation of Energy? - CORRECT ANSWER: Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. It is only changed from one form to another. What is the Mnemonic for the Initial Assessment? - CORRECT ANSWER: A = Airway with simultaneous cervical spine protection B = Breathing C = Circulation D = Disability (neurologic status) E = Expose/Environmental controls (remove clothing and keep the patient warm) What is the Mnemonic for the Secondary Assessment? - CORRECT ANSWER: F = Full set of VS/Focused adjuncts (includes cardiac monitor, urinary catheter, and gastric tube)/Family presence G = Give comfort measures (verbal reassurance, touch, and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management of pain). H = Hx and Head-to-toe assessment I = Inspect posterior surfaces What is the planning and implementation for thoracic injury? - CORRECT ANSWER: p. 142 What is the second thing assessed under the Secondary Assessment? - CORRECT ANSWER: GIVE COMFORT MEASURES - Talking to pt - Pharmacologic/Nonpharmacologic pain management - Observe for physical signs of pain What is vascular response? - CORRECT ANSWER: As blood volume decreases, peripheral blood vessels vasoconstrict as a result of sympathetic stimulation via inhibition of baroreceptors. Arterioles constrict to increase TPR and BP. What medications are used during intubation? - CORRECT ANSWER: LOAD Mnemonic: L = Lidocaine O = Opioids A = Atropine D = Defasiculating agents What she be done after the Secondary Assessment? - CORRECT ANSWER: Reassess: - Primary survey, - VS - Pain - Any injuries Where do you listen to auscultate breath sounds? - CORRECT ANSWER: Auscultate the lungs bilaterally at the second intercostal space midclavicular line and at the fifth intercostal space at the anterior axillary line. Why does herniation occur? What are the symptoms? - CORRECT ANSWER: Because of uncontrolled increases in ICP. S/E's - Unilateral or bilateral pupillary dilation - AsyDimmetric pupillary reactivity - Abnormal motor posturing - Other evidence of neurologic deterioration With any eye injury, what should the evaluation and ongoing assessments be? - CORRECT ANSWER: - Reassessing visual acuity at reasonable intervals - Reassessing pain, including response to nonpharmacologic + pharmacologic interventions - Monitoring appearance, position, movements of globe and pupillary responses - Monitoring airway patency, respiratory effort and ABG's