Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam

The primary assessment tool used in trauma nursing is the Primary Survey. This method is fundamental in the initial evaluation of trauma patients, allowing healthcare providers to systematically assess and address life-threatening conditions.

The Primary Survey follows the ABCDE approach: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This structured approach ensures that critical elements of the patient’s condition are evaluated quickly and efficiently. The focus is on identifying and managing immediate threats to life, such as an obstructed airway, inadequate breathing, or compromised circulation.

During this assessment, interventions can be carried out simultaneously as findings are uncovered. For example, if a patient presents with an open airway obstruction, immediate measures can be taken to secure the airway while continuing the assessment of other areas. This prioritization of care is vital in trauma situations, where swift recognition and management of life-threatening injuries significantly impact patient outcomes.

The other assessment tools mentioned—Comprehensive Assessment, Secondary Survey, and Triage Assessment—play roles in a more detailed evaluation process or in determining the priority of treatment among multiple patients but do not serve as the primary initial assessment in the context of trauma nursing. Therefore, while they are important in the continuum of comprehensive care, they do not replace the critical and immediate focus that the