College
1. A patient in the emergent phase of a burn injury has a blood pressure of
88/50 mmHg and a heart rate of 120 bpm. Which physiologic process explains
these findings?
A. Increased systemic vascular resistance
B. Decreased capillary permeability
C. Massive fluid shift into the interstitial space
D. Release of hormones from the adrenal medulla
Answer: C
Rationale: In the emergent phase of a burn, increased capillary permeability leads to a
massive fluid shift from the intravascular to the interstitial space, resulting in hypovolemia
and hypotension.
2. Using the Parkland Formula, calculate the total fluid volume for the first 24
hours for a 70 kg patient with a 50% TBSA burn.
A. 7,000 mL
B. 14,000 mL
C. 10,500 mL
D. 28,000 mL
Answer: B
Rationale: The Parkland Formula is 4 mL x weight (kg) x % TBSA. Thus, 4 x 70 x 50 =
14,000 mL.
,3. An adult patient has burns on the entire left arm and the entire left leg. Using
the Rule of Nines, what is the estimated TBSA?
A. 18%
B. 9%
C. 36%
D. 27%
Answer: D
Rationale: The entire arm is 9% and the entire leg is 18%. 9 + 18 = 27%.
4. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of the hyperdynamic (warm)
phase of septic shock?
A. Cool, clammy skin
B. Decreased cardiac output
C. Severe bradycardia
D. Increased cardiac output and vasodilation
Answer: D
Rationale: Septic shock initially presents with a hyperdynamic state characterized by high
cardiac output and low systemic vascular resistance due to vasodilation.
5. A patient is admitted with neurogenic shock. Which vital sign is most
characteristic of this condition?
A. Heart rate 130, BP 80/40
B. Heart rate 90, BP 150/90
C. Heart rate 50, BP 82/40
D. Heart rate 110, BP 110/70
Answer: C
Rationale: Neurogenic shock is unique because it involves hypotension with bradycardia
due to the loss of sympathetic nervous system tone.
, 6. What is the primary goal of administering Dobutamine in a patient with
cardiogenic shock?
A. Increase systemic vascular resistance
B. Decrease heart rate
C. Increase myocardial contractility
D. Decrease preload
Answer: C
Rationale: Dobutamine is a positive inotrope used in cardiogenic shock to improve the
heart’s pumping effectiveness (contractility).
7. A patient with a burn injury is suspected of having inhalation injury. Which
finding is most indicative of an upper airway injury?
A. Carbonaceous sputum
B. Hoarseness and stridor
C. Wheezing and rales
D. Oxygen saturation of 94%
Answer: B
Rationale: Upper airway injury signs include facial burns, singed nasal hairs, hoarseness,
and stridor due to edema.
8. In the management of Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS), which
organ system is usually the first to show signs of failure?
A. Renal system
B. Respiratory system
C. Cardiovascular system
D. Hepatic system
Answer: B
Rationale: The respiratory system is often the first to fail in MODS, typically manifesting as
ARDS.