TNCC 9th Edition Exam|Latest Update 2026 | 100%
Correct Answers | Exam Prep
1. What is the "triad of death" when it comes to trauma surgery. (Also known as
the bloody vicious cycle)
Fever, right upper quadrant pain and jaundice
Hypotension, distended neck veins, muffled heart sounds
Hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis
Coagulapathy, thrombocytopaenia and anaemia
2. Which of the following are the most accurate assessment parameters to use
in determining adequate tissue perfusion in the patient in shock?
Level of consciousness, urine output, skin color and temperature
Breath sounds, BP, body temperature
BP, pulse, & respiration
Pulse pressure, level of consciousness, & pupillary response
3. The nurse notes that a client who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury's
(TBI) mean arterial pressure (MAP) has been trending down and the
intracranial pressure (ICP) has been trending up. What does the nurse
determine about the cerebral perfusion pressure of this client?
There is no concern as this patient will retain sufficient autoregulation
of cerebral blood flow
These changing values indicate increasing blood flow to the brain
There is no cause for concern as CPP only relates to the ICP
There is cause for concern due to impaired blood flow to the brain
,4. The patient has a chest tube in place. If the system is functioning correctly,
the nurse understands that the water seal chamber will
fluctuate with the patient's respirations.
bubble gently and continuously.
bubble vigorously and continuously.
stop fluctuation, and bubbling is not observed.
5. What imaging technique is commonly used to assess delayed complications
after blunt abdominal trauma?
Ultrasound
MRI
CT scan
X-ray
6. If the triage nurse suspects a contagious disease based on the symptoms of
the three adults, what should be the next step in management?
Isolate the patients and notify public health authorities.
Administer antibiotics to all patients immediately.
Send the patients home with instructions to monitor symptoms.
Conduct a full physical examination on each patient before any action.
7. What is the recommended technique for interviewing a patient who has been
sexually assaulted?
Focus on physical injuries
Prioritize legal documentation
, Use a trauma-informed approach
Conduct a rapid assessment
8. A patient arrives by EMS to the emergency department. EMS reports that the
patient jumped from a third-story balcony when the support structure gave
way. The patient landed on both feet and has been found to have a
compression fracture of the lumbar spine with significant pain. Neurological
assessment indicates the spine is intact, and the patient has no other
complaints of pain. GCS is 15, with no reported LOC. In addition to the
compression fracture of the lumbar spine, this patient should also be
evaluated for the presence of a:
femur fracture
calcaneus fracture
hidden foreign body impalement
subdural hematoma
9. What is a key finding associated with complete transection of the spinal cord?
Normal neurological function
Increased reflex activity
Partial sensation in the lower extremities
Loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury
10. Why is it important for nurses to manage the emotional responses of family
members in trauma situations?
Managing emotional responses helps to facilitate communication
and support for the family during a crisis.
It allows nurses to focus solely on the patient’s medical needs.
, It prevents family members from interfering with medical staff.
It ensures that the family understands all medical procedures
immediately.
11. In a scenario where a patient with a GCS of 9 is showing signs of respiratory
distress, what should be the nurse's immediate action?
Ensure airway patency and provide supplemental oxygen.
Administer pain medication to the patient.
Wait for the physician to arrive before taking any action.
Perform a full neurological assessment without intervention.
12. Describe how the Glasgow Coma Scale assists in determining the necessity
for airway intervention during trauma assessment.
The Glasgow Coma Scale provides a checklist for physical injuries.
The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses the patient's pain levels to decide
on airway management.
The Glasgow Coma Scale measures vital signs to determine airway
needs.
The Glasgow Coma Scale evaluates a patient's level of
consciousness, helping to identify if airway intervention is
necessary based on their responsiveness.
13. Describe the significance of monitoring both MAP and ICP in a patient with a
traumatic brain injury.
Monitoring MAP and ICP is crucial as it helps assess cerebral
perfusion and the risk of secondary brain injury.
MAP indicates fluid levels while ICP indicates blood pressure.
Correct Answers | Exam Prep
1. What is the "triad of death" when it comes to trauma surgery. (Also known as
the bloody vicious cycle)
Fever, right upper quadrant pain and jaundice
Hypotension, distended neck veins, muffled heart sounds
Hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis
Coagulapathy, thrombocytopaenia and anaemia
2. Which of the following are the most accurate assessment parameters to use
in determining adequate tissue perfusion in the patient in shock?
Level of consciousness, urine output, skin color and temperature
Breath sounds, BP, body temperature
BP, pulse, & respiration
Pulse pressure, level of consciousness, & pupillary response
3. The nurse notes that a client who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury's
(TBI) mean arterial pressure (MAP) has been trending down and the
intracranial pressure (ICP) has been trending up. What does the nurse
determine about the cerebral perfusion pressure of this client?
There is no concern as this patient will retain sufficient autoregulation
of cerebral blood flow
These changing values indicate increasing blood flow to the brain
There is no cause for concern as CPP only relates to the ICP
There is cause for concern due to impaired blood flow to the brain
,4. The patient has a chest tube in place. If the system is functioning correctly,
the nurse understands that the water seal chamber will
fluctuate with the patient's respirations.
bubble gently and continuously.
bubble vigorously and continuously.
stop fluctuation, and bubbling is not observed.
5. What imaging technique is commonly used to assess delayed complications
after blunt abdominal trauma?
Ultrasound
MRI
CT scan
X-ray
6. If the triage nurse suspects a contagious disease based on the symptoms of
the three adults, what should be the next step in management?
Isolate the patients and notify public health authorities.
Administer antibiotics to all patients immediately.
Send the patients home with instructions to monitor symptoms.
Conduct a full physical examination on each patient before any action.
7. What is the recommended technique for interviewing a patient who has been
sexually assaulted?
Focus on physical injuries
Prioritize legal documentation
, Use a trauma-informed approach
Conduct a rapid assessment
8. A patient arrives by EMS to the emergency department. EMS reports that the
patient jumped from a third-story balcony when the support structure gave
way. The patient landed on both feet and has been found to have a
compression fracture of the lumbar spine with significant pain. Neurological
assessment indicates the spine is intact, and the patient has no other
complaints of pain. GCS is 15, with no reported LOC. In addition to the
compression fracture of the lumbar spine, this patient should also be
evaluated for the presence of a:
femur fracture
calcaneus fracture
hidden foreign body impalement
subdural hematoma
9. What is a key finding associated with complete transection of the spinal cord?
Normal neurological function
Increased reflex activity
Partial sensation in the lower extremities
Loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury
10. Why is it important for nurses to manage the emotional responses of family
members in trauma situations?
Managing emotional responses helps to facilitate communication
and support for the family during a crisis.
It allows nurses to focus solely on the patient’s medical needs.
, It prevents family members from interfering with medical staff.
It ensures that the family understands all medical procedures
immediately.
11. In a scenario where a patient with a GCS of 9 is showing signs of respiratory
distress, what should be the nurse's immediate action?
Ensure airway patency and provide supplemental oxygen.
Administer pain medication to the patient.
Wait for the physician to arrive before taking any action.
Perform a full neurological assessment without intervention.
12. Describe how the Glasgow Coma Scale assists in determining the necessity
for airway intervention during trauma assessment.
The Glasgow Coma Scale provides a checklist for physical injuries.
The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses the patient's pain levels to decide
on airway management.
The Glasgow Coma Scale measures vital signs to determine airway
needs.
The Glasgow Coma Scale evaluates a patient's level of
consciousness, helping to identify if airway intervention is
necessary based on their responsiveness.
13. Describe the significance of monitoring both MAP and ICP in a patient with a
traumatic brain injury.
Monitoring MAP and ICP is crucial as it helps assess cerebral
perfusion and the risk of secondary brain injury.
MAP indicates fluid levels while ICP indicates blood pressure.
