Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma Flashcards
6 cards from real TNCC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma flashcards as text
A trauma patient from a different cultural background refuses blood transfusion despite life-threatening hemorrhage. The nurse's most appropriate response is:
Answer: Respect the patient's informed refusal while documenting the decision and exploring alternatives
A competent adult patient has the right to refuse treatment, including blood transfusion, even in life-threatening situations. The nurse should document the informed refusal and explore acceptable alternatives.
Which factor most strongly predicts the development of PTSD after a traumatic injury?
Answer: Pre-existing mental health conditions and peritraumatic dissociation
Pre-existing mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, prior PTSD) and peritraumatic dissociation (dissociative symptoms during or immediately after the event) are the strongest predictors of PTSD development.
A trauma patient becomes increasingly agitated, is pulling at IV lines, and is attempting to leave the emergency department against medical advice. The nurse should first:
Answer: Use verbal de-escalation techniques to establish rapport and identify the cause of agitation
Verbal de-escalation should always be attempted first for agitated patients, as agitation may be caused by pain, hypoxia, TBI, substance withdrawal, or psychological distress — each requiring different management.
The nurse suspects elder abuse in a 78-year-old trauma patient who presents with multiple bruises in various stages of healing and appears fearful. The nurse is LEGALLY required to:
Answer: Report the suspected abuse to adult protective services as mandated by law
Healthcare providers are mandatory reporters of suspected elder abuse in all U.S. states. Suspected abuse must be reported to adult protective services; proof is not required for reporting.
Which intervention best promotes psychological resilience in a trauma patient during the acute hospitalization?
Answer: Giving the patient as much control and choice as possible within their care
Restoring a sense of control and agency — through choices about their care, scheduling, and environment — promotes psychological resilience and reduces the sense of helplessness that contributes to traumatic stress.
A trauma nurse notices a colleague making errors, appearing emotionally withdrawn, and increasing alcohol consumption after a series of pediatric trauma cases. This pattern is most consistent with:
Answer: Secondary traumatic stress requiring professional intervention
Performance errors, emotional withdrawal, and increased substance use are warning signs of secondary traumatic stress (STS), a condition requiring professional support and intervention.