Download TNCC Written Exam Notes and more Exams Public Health in PDF only on Docsity! lOMoARcPSD|3013804 lOMoARcPSD|3013804 TNCC Written Exam TNCC Notes for Written Exam, TNCC Prep, TNCC test prepA 415 Questions with 100% Correct Answers What are the late signs of breathing compromise? - Answer--- Tracheal deviation - JVD What are signs of ineffective breathing? - 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. Upon initial assessment, what type of oxygen should be used for a pt breathing effectively? - Answer--A tight-fitting nonrebreather mask at 12-15 lpm. What intervention should be done if a pt presents with effective circulation? - Answer--- Insert 2 large caliber IV's - Administer warmed isotonic crystalloid solution at an appropriate rate What are signs of ineffective circulation? - Answer--- Tachycardia - AMS - Uncontrolled external bleeding - Pale, cool, moist skin - Distended or abnormally flattened external jugular veins - Distant heart sounds What are the interventions for Effective/Ineffective Circulation? - Answer--- Control any uncontrolled external bleeding by: lOMoARcPSD|3013804 - 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 factors that contribute to ineffective ventilation? - Answer--- AMS - LOC - Neurologic injury - Spinal Cord Injury - Intracranial Injury - Blunt trauma - Pain caused by rib fractures - Penetrating Trauma - Preexisting hx of respiratory diseases - Increased age What medications are used during intubation? - Answer--LOAD Mnemonic: L = Lidocaine O = Opioids A = Atropine D = Defasiculating agents What are the Rapid Sequence Intubation Steps? - Answer--PREPARATION: - gather equipment, staffing, etc. PREOXYGENATION: - Use 100% O2 (prevent risk of aspiration). PRETREATMENT: - Decrease S/E's of intubation PARALYSIS WITH INDUCTION: - Pt has LOC, then administer neuromuscular blocking agent PROTECTION AND POSITIONING: - Apply pressure over cricoid cartilage (minimizes likelihood of vomiting and aspiration PLACEMENT WITH PROOF - Each attempt NOT to exceed 30 seconds, max of 3 attempts. Ventilate pt 30-60 seconds between attempts. lOMoARcPSD|3013804 Some causes: - Blood loss - Burns, etc. Explain Cardiogenic Shock. - Answer--Syndrome that results from ineffective perfusion caused by inadequate contractility of cardiac muscle. Some causes: MI, Blunt cardiac injury, Mitral valve insufficiency, dysrhythmias, Cardiac Failure Explain Obstructive Shock. - Answer--Results from inadequate circulating blood volume because of an obstruction or compression of great veins, aorta, pulmonary arteries, or heart itself. Some causes: - Cardiac tamponade (may compress the heart during diastole to such and extent that atria cannot adequately fill, leading to decreased stroke volume). - Tension pneumothorax may lead to inadequate stroke volume by displacing inferior vena cava and obstructing venous return to right atrium. - Air embolus may lead to obstruction of pulmonary artery and subsequent obstruction to right ventricular outflow during systole, with resulting obstructive shock Explain Distributive Shock. - 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. Spinal shock = areflexia and flaccidity associated with lower motor neuron involvement in complete cord injuries; reflexes return with resolution of spinal shock. Septic shock from bacteremia is distributive shock. Endotoxins and other inflammatory mediators cause vasodilation, shunting of blood in microcirculation, and other perfusion abnormalities. What is vascular response? - 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 is renal response? - Answer--Renal ischemia activates release of renin. Kidneys do not receive adequate blood supply, renin is release into circulation. Renin causes angiotensinogen, normal plasma protein, to release angiotensin I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme from the lungs converts into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes: lOMoARcPSD|3013804 - Vasoconstriction of arterioles and some veins - Stimulation of sympathetic nervous system - Retention of water by kidneys - Stimulation of release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex (sodium retention hormone) *Decreased urinary output = early sign renal hypoperfusion and an indicator that there's systemic hypoperfusion. Explain adrenal gland response. - 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 Hepatic Response. - Answer--Liver can store excess glucose as glycogen. As shock progresses, glycogenolysis is activated by epi to break down glycogen into glucose. In a compensatory response to shock, hepatic vessels constrict to redirect blood flow to other vital areas. Explain Pulmonary Response. - Answer--Tachypnea happens for 2 reasons: 1. Maintain acid-base balance 2. Maintain increased supply of oxygen * Metabolic acidosis from anaerobic metabolism will be a stimulus for the lungs to increase rate of ventilation. Increased RR is an attempt to correct acidosis + augments oxygen supply to maximize oxygen delivery to alveoli. Explain Irreversible Shock. - Answer--Shock uncompensated or irreversible stages will cause compromises to most body systems. - Inadequate venous return - inadequate cardiac filling lOMoARcPSD|3013804 - decreased coronary artery perfusion - Membranes of lysosomes breakdown within cells and release digestive enzymes that cause intracellular damage. How would you assess a pt in hypovolemic shock? - 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? - Answer--1. Brain 2. CSF 3. Blood within the nonexpansible cranial vault lOMoARcPSD|3013804 What is diffuse axonal injury and its signs and symptoms? - 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 a cerebral contusion and its S/S? - Answer--A common focal brain injury in which brain tissue is bruised and damaged in a local area. Mainly located in frontal and temporal lobes. May cause hemorrhage, infarction, necrosis and edema. Max effects of bleeding & edema peak 18-36 post injury. S/S: - Alteration in LOC - Behavior, motor or speech deficits - Abnormal motor posturing - Signs of increased ICP What is an epidural hematoma and its S/S? - 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 lOMoARcPSD|3013804 What is a subdural hematoma and its S/S? - 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 are intracerebral hematoma's and its S/S? - Answer--Occur deep within brain tissue, may be single or multiple and commonly associated with contusions (frontal & temporal lobes). They result in significant mass effect, leading to increased ICP and neurologic deterioration. S/S: - Progressive and often rapid decline in LOC - H/A - Signs of increasing ICP - Pupil abnormalities - Contralateral hemiplegia What are the S/S of a linear skull fx? - Answer--- H/A - Possible decreased LOC What are the S/S of a depressed skull fx? - Answer--- H/A - Possible decreased LOC - Possible open fx - Palpable depression of skull over the fx site What are the S/S of a basilar skull fx? - 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 How would you assess a pt with a cranial injury? - Answer--(Initial assessment) INSPECTION: lOMoARcPSD|3013804 - 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 - Drng present w/out blood, test drng w/chemical reagant strip. Presence of glucose indicated drng of CSF - If drng present and mixed with blood, test by placing drop of fluid on linen or gauze. If a light outer ring forms around dark inner ring, drng contains CSF - Assess extraocular eye movement (Tests cranial nerves, III, IV, VI) - Performing extraocular eye movements indicates functioning brainstem - Limitation indicates orbital rim fx w/entrapment or paralysis of either a cranial nerve or ocular muscle - Determine LOC with GCS PALPATION - Palpate cranial area for: - Point tenderness - Depressions or deformities - Hematomas - Assess all 4 extremities for: - Motor function, muscle strength and abnormal motor posturing - Sensory function DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES - Lab Studies PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION - (Initial assessment) - Clear airway (stimulation of gag reflex can produce transient increase in ICP or vomiting with subsequent aspiration. - Administer O2 via NRB - Assist with early ET intubation - Administer sedative/neuromuscular blocking agent - Consider hyperventilation - PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg may cause increased cerebral vasodilation, increased CBF, increased ICP. - Prolonged hyperventilation NOT RECOMMENDED. lOMoARcPSD|3013804 - Massive facial edema - Nasal swelling w/obvious fx of nasal bones - Malocclusion - CSF rhinorrhea What is LeFort III fracture and its S/S? - Answer--Complete craniofacial separation involving maxilla, zygoma and bones of cranial base. This fx is frequently associated w/leakage of CSF and fx mandible. S/S: - Massive facial edema - Mobility and depression of zygomatic bones - Ecchymosis - Anesthesia of the cheek - Diplopia - Open bite or malocclusion - CSF rhinorrhea What are the mandibular fracture S/S? - Answer--- Malocclusion - Inability to open the mouth (trismus) - Pain, especially on movement - Facial asymmetry and a palpable step-off deformity - Edema or hematoma formation at the fracture site - Blood behind, ruptured, tympanic membrane - Anesthesia of the lower lip What are neck injury S/S? - Answer--- Dyspnea - Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) - Subcutaneous emphysema in neck, face, or suprasternal area - Decreased or absent breath sounds - Penetrating wounds or impaled objects - Pulsatile or expanding hematoma - Loss of normal anatomic prominence of the laryngeal region - Bruits - Active external bleeding - Neurologic deficit, such as aphasia or hemiplegia - Cranial nerve deficits - Facial sensory or motor nerve deficits - Dysphonia (hoarseness) - Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) How would you assess a patient with ocular, maxillofacial and neck trauma? - Answer-- (Initial assessment) HISTORY - MOI? - Acceleration/Deceleration? - What was it caused by? lOMoARcPSD|3013804 - 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. lOMoARcPSD|3013804 - Check position of trachea DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES: - Xrays, CT scans, MRI's - Fluorescein staining - Slit-lamp exam - tonometry (measures intraocular pressure) - Bronchoscopy or esophagoscopy What are the nursing interventions for a pt with an ocular injury? - Answer--- Assess visual acuity & reassess - Elevate HOB to minimize intraocular pressure - Instruct pt not to bend forward, cough or perform Valsalva maneuver b/c these actions may raise intraocular pressure - Assist w/removal of foreign bodies as indicated; stabilize impaled objects - Apply cool packs to decrease pain + periorbital swelling - Admin medications - Instill prescribed topical anesthetic drops for pain - Instill NS drops or artificial tears to keep corneas moist. Cover eyelids w/sterile, moist saline dsg to prevent drying and ulceration - Antibiotics topically or systemically - Admin tetanus prophylactically - Use an eye patch to affected eye - Patch or shield both eyes to reduce movement + photophobia in pt's w/retinal injuries - Patch, shield or cover w/cool pack - Do NOT patch injured eye of pt w/suspected open or ruptured globe or impaled object, patch unaffected eye. Use metal or plastic and do not put pressure on the globe. - Provide psychosocial support - Obtain an ophthalmology consultation - Provide d/c instructions: - Importance of protective eyewear - No driving w/eye patch on - Wear sunglasses to prevent tearing, aid photophobia - Prepare for admission, OR or transfer What are the nursing interventions for a patient with a maxillofacial or neck injury? - Answer--- Administer oxygen - For facial trauma, place pt in high-fowler's position if no spinal injury is present. - Insert OG or NGT. OGT should be used if basilar skull fx or severe midface fx's are suspected - Monitor for progressive airway assessment - Prepare for intubation, PRN. - Cannulate 2 large IV's, initiate isotonic crystalloid IV solution - Control external bleeding w/direct pressure - Monitor for continued bleeding + expanding hematomas - Apply cold compresses to face to minimize edema - Assist w/repair of oral lac's, PRN lOMoARcPSD|3013804 - Respiratory compromise b/c impaired lung capacity + displacement of normal tissue. - Mediastinal structures may shift to opposite side of injury What are S/S of a ruptured diaphragm? - Answer--(Anything below the nipple line and should be evaluated for potential diaphragmatic injury). - 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 with tracheobronchial injury? - 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 S/S with blunt cardiac injury? - 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 the S/S of pericardial tamponade? - 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 aortic injuries S/S? - Answer--- Hypotension - Decreased LOC - Hypertension in UE's - Decreased quality (amplitude) of femoral pulses compared to UE pulses - Loud systolic murmur in parascapular region - Chest pain - Chest wall ecchymosis - Widened mediastinum on chest xray - Paraplegia lOMoARcPSD|3013804 How would you assess a pt with a thoracic injury? - 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 What are S/S of Hepatic Injuries? - Answer---Upper Right Quadrant Pain -Abdominal Wall Muscle Rigidity, Spasm, Involuntary Guarding -Rebound Tenderness lOMoARcPSD|3013804 -Hypoactive or Absent Bowel Sounds -Signs of hemorrhage or hypovolemic shock What are S/S of Splenic Injuries? - Answer---Signs of hemorrhage or hypovolemic shock -Pain in the left shoulder (Kehr's sign) when lying supine or Trendelenburg -Tenderness in the upper left quadrant -Abdominal wall muscle rigidity, spasm, or involuntary guarding S/S of Large and Small Bowel Injuries? - Answer---Peritoneal irritation manifested by abdominal wall muscle rigidity, spasm, involuntary guarding, rebound tenderness, or pain -Evisceration of small bowel or stomach -Hypovolemic Shock -Gross blood from rectum S/S of Gastric Injury? - Answer---Abdominal Pain -Peritoneal irritation -Evisceration of stomach -Gross blood in gastric aspirate S/S of Esophageal Injury? - Answer---Subcutaneous emphysema -Peritoneal irritation -Pain radiating to the neck, chest, shoulders, or throughout the abdomen -Gross blood in gastric aspirate S/S of Renal Injuries? - Answer---Hematuria -Flank or abdominal tenderness elicited during palpation -Ecchymosis over flank may occur, but normally develops 6 to 12 hours after injury How would you care for a pt with an Abdominal Injury? - Answer--(Initial assessment) Obtain Hx. PHYSICAL: Inspection: - Observe the lower chest for asymmetric chest wall movement. -Observe the contour of the abdomen. Distention may indicate bleeding -Inspect lower chest, abdomen, flanks, and back for seat belt abrasions or soft tissue injuries -Inspect pelvic area for soft tissue bruising Percussion: - Percuss for hyperresonance or dullness. Hyperresonance indicates air, dullness indicates fluid. Palpation: - Palpate all four quadrants. Press and quickly release to determine presence of rebound tenderness. -Palpate pelvis for bony instability, asymmetry, or pain.