TCRN Test Topic Exam Newest Version
2026 Exam Prep|Highly Graded With
Complete Solutions
Circumfrential burns - ANSWER-Full-thickness burns result in the formation of an
eschar that is tough and unyielding.
Can cause a burn compartment syndrome, and often requires escharotomy
Shock - ANSWER-Systemic reaction to insult that causes decreased oxygen delivery to
the cells
4 Classifications of Shock - ANSWER-1. Hypovolemic
2. Distributive
3. Cardiogenic
4. Obstruction
Hypovolemic Shock - ANSWER-Low blood volume results in altered perfusion (Ex:
Hemorrhage, third spacing)
Distributive Shock - ANSWER-Severe vasodilation with normal blood volume results in
altered perfusion (Ex: Sepsis, anaphylaxis, neurogenic)
Cardiogenic Shock - ANSWER-Altered cardiac function results in reduced perfusion
(Ex: Blunt chest injury, CHF)
Obstructive Shock - ANSWER-Blockage in the system causes altered perfusion (Ex:
PE, high PEEP, tension pneumothorax)
Alpha Receptors - ANSWER-Activated by sympathetic nervous system, causing:
Vasoconstriction
Glycogenolysis
Diaphoresis
Glycogenolysis - ANSWER-Breakdown of glucose stores in the liver to provide
increased circulating glucose, stimulated by Alpha receptors
Beta 1 Receptors - ANSWER-*Think: 1 heart
Cause increased heart rate and contractility
Beta 2 receptors - ANSWER-*Think: 2 lungs
,Cause bronchodilation and increased respiratory rate
RAAS System - ANSWER-Increases resorption of sodium and water in the kidneys to
increase vascular volume, decreasing urine output
3 hr. Sepsis Bundle - ANSWER-Lactic level
Blood cultures before antibiotics
Broad spectrum antibiotics
30 ml/kg fluid bolus for hypotension
6 hr. Sepsis Bundle - ANSWER-Repeat lactic
Start pressors if fluid bolus ineffective
Gain central access for pressors
Symptoms of Early Shock - ANSWER-Normotensive with NARROWING pulse pressure
Tachycardia
Weak and thready pulse
Tachypnea with DEEP respirations
Normal lactic
Cool and clammy
Anxiety, impending doom
Decreased urine output
Symptoms of Late Shock - ANSWER-Hypotension
Tachycardia
Tachypnea with shallow respirations
Elevated lactic
Cool, clammy, and mottled skin
Confusion, decreased LOC
SUPER decreased to no urine output
Stages of Shock - ANSWER-1. Early (Compensatory)
2. Late (Decompensated)
3. Irreversible
Irreversible Shock Symptoms - ANSWER-MODS
Severe acidosis
Obtunded
Cardiac arrest
Trauma Triad of Death - ANSWER-Hypothermia
Acidosis
Coagulopathy
Symptoms of Hypothermia - ANSWER-Decreased cardiac output and HR (reduced
perfusion)
,Vasoconstriction
Depressed CNS
Bleeding due to decreased coagulation
Symptoms of acidosis - ANSWER-Decreased myocardial contractility
Prolonged PTT
Increased risk of dysrhythmias
SIRS
Explain the trauma triad of death - ANSWER-Hypothermia causes coagulopathies
which worsen acidosis, causing cardiac dysfunction and further worsening shock
What blood product is administered for low fibrinogen levels? - ANSWER-Cryo
What blood product is used to address increased PT/PTT? - ANSWER-FFP
What blood product is used for thrombocytopenia? - ANSWER-Platelets
Where should tourniquets be placed in relation to the injury? - ANSWER-As close to the
bleed as possible to preserve as much limb as possible
Pneumoperitoneum - ANSWER-Air in the peritoneal cavity that is related to a ruptured
hollow organ
Displays as abdominal distention
Cullen's sign - ANSWER-
Chance fractures - ANSWER-Lumbar spine fractures caused by hyperflexion over a
seat belt
Indications for TXA - ANSWER-Indicated for SBP <90 or HR >110
Major hemorrhage (except in the head)
Indicated <3 hours from injury
Contraindications for TXA - ANSWER-Isolated brain bleeds
Known DVT/PE
Known clotting disorder
Transexamic Acid (TXA) - ANSWER-IV medication that inhibits the formation and
binding of plasmin/plasminogen to prevent degradation of clots
Dose of TXA - ANSWER-1G in 100 cc in NS or LR given over 10 minutes
REBOA - ANSWER-Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta
, Provides balloon tamponade of the aorta to inhibit blood flow to the lower half of the
body to try and stop hemorrhage
Indications for REBOA - ANSWER-PEA arrest
Hypovolemia with SBP <70 mmHg related to bleeding below the diaphragm (Pelvic,
severe abdominal injuries, etc..)
**VERY invasive measure that should only be used for patients that would otherwise die
of hemorrhage extremely quickly
What is the current recommendation for initial fluid bolus in hypovolemic shock and
why? - ANSWER-500 ml, to maintain BP >90 systolic
Second 500 ml bolus can be administered if first is ineffective
Because approximately 75% will third space after administration. More than 1L is not
recommended. Blood products are the preferred option.
What should be the ratio of blood product resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock? -
ANSWER-1:1:1
PRBC, FFP, Platelets
How much will 1 unit of PRBC increase the hemoglobin in a patient? - ANSWER-1 unit=
1 g/dL
What is a "unit" of blood for a pediatric patient? - ANSWER-10 ml/kg is considered a
unit for kids
Pulse pressure - ANSWER-SBP-DBP
TIC (Trauma Induced Coagulopathy) - ANSWER-Coagulopathy cascade initiated by a
traumatic insult
2 Stages:
1-Increased coagulopathy related to trauma triad of death, hypercoagulopathy
2- Excessive bleeding due to consumption of clotting factors, can result in DIC
Where are the primary access locations used for intraosseous cannulation? - ANSWER-
Sternum, proximal humerus, proximal tibia
Contraindications to an IO - ANSWER-Fracture, repeated attempts in same location
Average volume of one unit of blood - ANSWER-250-300 ml
FFP (fresh frozen plasma) - ANSWER-Contains the majority of clotting factors
2026 Exam Prep|Highly Graded With
Complete Solutions
Circumfrential burns - ANSWER-Full-thickness burns result in the formation of an
eschar that is tough and unyielding.
Can cause a burn compartment syndrome, and often requires escharotomy
Shock - ANSWER-Systemic reaction to insult that causes decreased oxygen delivery to
the cells
4 Classifications of Shock - ANSWER-1. Hypovolemic
2. Distributive
3. Cardiogenic
4. Obstruction
Hypovolemic Shock - ANSWER-Low blood volume results in altered perfusion (Ex:
Hemorrhage, third spacing)
Distributive Shock - ANSWER-Severe vasodilation with normal blood volume results in
altered perfusion (Ex: Sepsis, anaphylaxis, neurogenic)
Cardiogenic Shock - ANSWER-Altered cardiac function results in reduced perfusion
(Ex: Blunt chest injury, CHF)
Obstructive Shock - ANSWER-Blockage in the system causes altered perfusion (Ex:
PE, high PEEP, tension pneumothorax)
Alpha Receptors - ANSWER-Activated by sympathetic nervous system, causing:
Vasoconstriction
Glycogenolysis
Diaphoresis
Glycogenolysis - ANSWER-Breakdown of glucose stores in the liver to provide
increased circulating glucose, stimulated by Alpha receptors
Beta 1 Receptors - ANSWER-*Think: 1 heart
Cause increased heart rate and contractility
Beta 2 receptors - ANSWER-*Think: 2 lungs
,Cause bronchodilation and increased respiratory rate
RAAS System - ANSWER-Increases resorption of sodium and water in the kidneys to
increase vascular volume, decreasing urine output
3 hr. Sepsis Bundle - ANSWER-Lactic level
Blood cultures before antibiotics
Broad spectrum antibiotics
30 ml/kg fluid bolus for hypotension
6 hr. Sepsis Bundle - ANSWER-Repeat lactic
Start pressors if fluid bolus ineffective
Gain central access for pressors
Symptoms of Early Shock - ANSWER-Normotensive with NARROWING pulse pressure
Tachycardia
Weak and thready pulse
Tachypnea with DEEP respirations
Normal lactic
Cool and clammy
Anxiety, impending doom
Decreased urine output
Symptoms of Late Shock - ANSWER-Hypotension
Tachycardia
Tachypnea with shallow respirations
Elevated lactic
Cool, clammy, and mottled skin
Confusion, decreased LOC
SUPER decreased to no urine output
Stages of Shock - ANSWER-1. Early (Compensatory)
2. Late (Decompensated)
3. Irreversible
Irreversible Shock Symptoms - ANSWER-MODS
Severe acidosis
Obtunded
Cardiac arrest
Trauma Triad of Death - ANSWER-Hypothermia
Acidosis
Coagulopathy
Symptoms of Hypothermia - ANSWER-Decreased cardiac output and HR (reduced
perfusion)
,Vasoconstriction
Depressed CNS
Bleeding due to decreased coagulation
Symptoms of acidosis - ANSWER-Decreased myocardial contractility
Prolonged PTT
Increased risk of dysrhythmias
SIRS
Explain the trauma triad of death - ANSWER-Hypothermia causes coagulopathies
which worsen acidosis, causing cardiac dysfunction and further worsening shock
What blood product is administered for low fibrinogen levels? - ANSWER-Cryo
What blood product is used to address increased PT/PTT? - ANSWER-FFP
What blood product is used for thrombocytopenia? - ANSWER-Platelets
Where should tourniquets be placed in relation to the injury? - ANSWER-As close to the
bleed as possible to preserve as much limb as possible
Pneumoperitoneum - ANSWER-Air in the peritoneal cavity that is related to a ruptured
hollow organ
Displays as abdominal distention
Cullen's sign - ANSWER-
Chance fractures - ANSWER-Lumbar spine fractures caused by hyperflexion over a
seat belt
Indications for TXA - ANSWER-Indicated for SBP <90 or HR >110
Major hemorrhage (except in the head)
Indicated <3 hours from injury
Contraindications for TXA - ANSWER-Isolated brain bleeds
Known DVT/PE
Known clotting disorder
Transexamic Acid (TXA) - ANSWER-IV medication that inhibits the formation and
binding of plasmin/plasminogen to prevent degradation of clots
Dose of TXA - ANSWER-1G in 100 cc in NS or LR given over 10 minutes
REBOA - ANSWER-Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta
, Provides balloon tamponade of the aorta to inhibit blood flow to the lower half of the
body to try and stop hemorrhage
Indications for REBOA - ANSWER-PEA arrest
Hypovolemia with SBP <70 mmHg related to bleeding below the diaphragm (Pelvic,
severe abdominal injuries, etc..)
**VERY invasive measure that should only be used for patients that would otherwise die
of hemorrhage extremely quickly
What is the current recommendation for initial fluid bolus in hypovolemic shock and
why? - ANSWER-500 ml, to maintain BP >90 systolic
Second 500 ml bolus can be administered if first is ineffective
Because approximately 75% will third space after administration. More than 1L is not
recommended. Blood products are the preferred option.
What should be the ratio of blood product resuscitation in hemorrhagic shock? -
ANSWER-1:1:1
PRBC, FFP, Platelets
How much will 1 unit of PRBC increase the hemoglobin in a patient? - ANSWER-1 unit=
1 g/dL
What is a "unit" of blood for a pediatric patient? - ANSWER-10 ml/kg is considered a
unit for kids
Pulse pressure - ANSWER-SBP-DBP
TIC (Trauma Induced Coagulopathy) - ANSWER-Coagulopathy cascade initiated by a
traumatic insult
2 Stages:
1-Increased coagulopathy related to trauma triad of death, hypercoagulopathy
2- Excessive bleeding due to consumption of clotting factors, can result in DIC
Where are the primary access locations used for intraosseous cannulation? - ANSWER-
Sternum, proximal humerus, proximal tibia
Contraindications to an IO - ANSWER-Fracture, repeated attempts in same location
Average volume of one unit of blood - ANSWER-250-300 ml
FFP (fresh frozen plasma) - ANSWER-Contains the majority of clotting factors
