ENA Medical and Trauma Emergencies — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the initial priority in managing a trauma patient with multiple injuries?
- Control of external bleeding
- Assess neurological status
- Immobilize suspected fractures
- Ensure airway is patent (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ensure airway is patent
Airway management is the first step in trauma care to ensure oxygenation and prevent hypoxia.
Question 2: A patient presents with chest pain and diaphoresis. What is the most appropriate initial action?
- Administer morphine
- Obtain a 12-lead ECG (Correct answer)
- Apply oxygen immediately
- Start an IV line
Correct answer: Obtain a 12-lead ECG
Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is crucial to assess for myocardial infarction and guide treatment decisions.
Question 3: Which symptom is most concerning in a patient with suspected stroke?
- Headache lasting two days
- Bilateral leg cramping
- Unilateral weakness (Correct answer)
- Mild chest discomfort
Correct answer: Unilateral weakness
Sudden onset of unilateral weakness is a hallmark sign of an acute stroke and requires urgent intervention.
Question 4: What is the priority intervention for a patient with a tension pneumothorax?
- Administer pain medication
- Obtain chest x-ray
- Perform needle decompression (Correct answer)
- Start oxygen therapy
Correct answer: Perform needle decompression
A tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate needle decompression to relieve pressure.
Question 5: What is the main concern in a patient with a pelvic fracture?
- Urinary retention
- Infection risk
- Internal bleeding (Correct answer)
- Chronic pain
Correct answer: Internal bleeding
Pelvic fractures can result in major vascular injury leading to significant internal hemorrhage.
Question 6: A patient with diabetes is found unresponsive. What is the nurse’s initial priority?
- Call a code blue
- Administer IV fluids
- Check blood glucose level (Correct answer)
- Place the patient in recovery position
Correct answer: Check blood glucose level
In a diabetic emergency, assessing blood glucose levels is critical to differentiate between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
ENA Medical and Trauma Emergencies
What is the initial priority in managing a trauma patient with multiple injuries?