Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) Notes, Questions, and Answers, Exams of Nursing

Download Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) Notes, Questions, and Answers and more Exams Nursing in PDF only on Docsity! TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ Define central or transtentorial herniation. - ansA downward movement of the cerebral hemispheres with herniation of the diencephalon and midbrain through the elongated gap of the tentorium. Define Hemothorax. - ansAccumulation of blood in the pleural space. Define Minor Head Trauma. - ansGCS 13-15 Define Moderate Head Trauma - ansPostresuscitative state with GCS 9-13. Define Pneumothorax. - ansResults 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. - ansPostresuscitative state with GCS score of 8 or less. Define tension pneumothorax. - ansLife-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. - ansThe 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? - ansDisplaced 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 TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ Explain adrenal gland response. - ansWhen 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. - ansSyndrome 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. - ansResults 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. TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ - 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 TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ - Edema - Step-off de How would you assess a pt with a cranial injury? - ans(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 - 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 TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ 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 How would you assess a pt with a thoracic injury? - ans(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 TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ What are factors that contribute to ineffective ventilation? - ans- 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 are intracerebral hematoma's and its S/S? - ansOccur 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 neck injury S/S? - ans- 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) What are S/S of a rib fracture? - ans- Dyspnea TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ - Localized pain on movement, palpation, or inspiration - Pt assumes position intended to splint chest wall to reduce pain - Chest wall ecchymosis or sternal contusion - Bony crepitus or deformity What are S/S of a ruptured diaphragm? - ans(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 of chemical burns to the eye? - ansChemical 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? - ans- 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? - ans"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? - ansBlunt trauma. "Clothesline-type" injuries. - Dyspnea, tachypnea - Hoarseness TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ - 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? - ans- Visual disturbances - Pain - Redness and ecchymosis of the eye - Periorbital ecchymosis - Increased intraocular pressure What are signs of ineffective breathing? - ans- 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? - ans- 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? - ans- 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? - ans- 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. TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ - 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 Rapid Sequence Intubation Steps? - ansPREPARATION: - 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. - 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? - ans- 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? - ans- H/A - Possible decreased LOC - Possible open fx - Palpable depression of skull over the fx site TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ What are the S/S of a linear skull fx? - ans- H/A - Possible decreased LOC What are the S/S of a pneumothorax? - ans- 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? - ans- 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? - ans- 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? - ans- 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)? - ans- 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 TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ What are the S/S of pericardial tamponade? - ansA 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? - ans- Dyspnea - Ineffective cough - Hemoptysis - Hypoxia - Chest pain - Chest wall contusion or abrasions What are the signs and symptoms of postconcussive syndrome? - ans- 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? - ans1. Uncal herniation 2. Central or transtentorial herniation What are you looking for when auscultating lung sounds? - ansAbsence of BS: - Pneumothorax - Hemothorax - Airway Obstruction Diminished BS: - Splinting or shallow BS may be a result of pain TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ 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? - ansResults 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? - ans- Remove clothing - Ensure appropriate decontamination if exposed to hazardous material - Keep pt warm - Keep clothing for evidence TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ What is assessed under the Mnemonic "H"? - ansHISTORY / 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"? - ansINSPECT 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? - ansTriad of progressive HTN, bradycardia and diminished respiratory effort. What is diffuse axonal injury and its signs and symptoms? - ans(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? - ansAccumulation of blood, mainly RBC's that disperse and layer within the anterior chamber. A severe hymphema obscures entire anterior TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ 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? - ansA 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)? - ansKE equals 1/2 the mass (M) multiplied by the velocity squared. What is LeFort I fracture and its S/S? - ansTransverse maxillary fx that occurs above level of teeth and results in separation of teeth from rest of maxilla. S/S: - Slight swelling of maxillary area - Possible lip lac's or fractured teeth - Independent movement of the maxilla from rest of face - Malocclusion What is LeFort II fracture and its S/S? - ansPyramidal maxillary fx=middle facial area. Apex of fx transverses bridge of nose. Two lateral fx's of pyramid extend through the lacrimal bone of the face and ethmoid bone of skull into the median portion of both orbits. Base of the fx extends above level of the upper teeth into maxilla. CSF leak is possible. S/S: - Massive facial edema - Nasal swelling w/obvious fx of nasal bones - Malocclusion - CSF rhinorrhea What is LeFort III fracture and its S/S? - ansComplete 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 TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ What is the Mnemonic for the Secondary Assessment? - ansF = 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? - ansp. 142 What is the second thing assessed under the Secondary Assessment? - ansGIVE COMFORT MEASURES - Talking to pt - Pharmacologic/Nonpharmacologic pain management - Observe for physical signs of pain What is vascular response? - ansAs 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? - ansLOAD Mnemonic: L = Lidocaine O = Opioids A = Atropine D = Defasiculating agents What she be done after the Secondary Assessment? - ansReassess: - Primary survey, - VS - Pain - Any injuries Where do you listen to auscultate breath sounds? - ansAuscultate 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? - ansBecause of uncontrolled increases in ICP. S/E's TNCC NOTES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RESCENT REVIEW TESTBANK GRADED A+ - 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? - ans- 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