Pediatric Trauma Flashcards
7 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 7 Pediatric Trauma flashcards as text
SCIWORA (Spinal Cord Injury Without Radiographic Abnormality) is more common in children than adults because of:
Answer: Greater ligamentous laxity and cartilaginous vertebral bodies allowing cord injury without bony fracture
The greater ligamentous laxity and cartilaginous nature of pediatric vertebrae allow the spinal column to distract and injure the cord without producing visible fractures on plain films.
A 3-year-old with suspected inflicted head trauma presents with a bulging fontanelle and high-pitched cry. Which injury mechanism is the primary concern?
Answer: Subdural hematoma from abusive head trauma
Abusive head trauma (formerly shaken baby syndrome) produces subdural hematomas from tearing of bridging veins, causing increased intracranial pressure evidenced by a bulging fontanelle.
During the secondary assessment of a pediatric trauma patient, the nurse notes bruising in a pattern consistent with a hand or belt. The nurse's priority action is:
Answer: Complete the assessment, document objectively, and initiate mandatory reporting protocol
Objective documentation of findings and immediate activation of the mandatory reporting protocol is the nurse's legal and ethical obligation when non-accidental trauma is suspected.
A 10-year-old with a GCS of 13 after blunt head trauma becomes increasingly agitated with a rising blood pressure and falling heart rate. This Cushing's triad response indicates:
Answer: Impending cerebral herniation from raised intracranial pressure
Cushing's triad (hypertension, bradycardia, irregular respirations) is a late, ominous sign of severely elevated ICP and impending brainstem herniation.
Permissive hypotension strategies used in adult hemorrhagic shock resuscitation are generally NOT applied to pediatric trauma patients primarily because:
Answer: Pediatric brains and organs are more sensitive to hypoperfusion injury
Pediatric patients, especially with traumatic brain injury, are more vulnerable to secondary organ injury from hypoperfusion, making permissive hypotension inappropriate.
Which pediatric trauma triage tool uses weight, airway, respirations, perfusion, and mental status to categorize pediatric patients at a mass casualty incident?
Answer: JumpSTART triage
JumpSTART is the pediatric adaptation of START triage, modified to account for pediatric respiratory rates, apneic breathing rescue breaths, and age-appropriate physiologic parameters.
A 7-year-old arrives after a house fire with partial-thickness burns to the face and singed nasal hairs. The highest priority assessment is:
Answer: Assess for inhalation injury and secure the airway early
Facial burns with singed nasal hairs indicate likely inhalation injury; progressive airway edema can cause rapid obstruction, making early airway assessment and securing the airway the top priority.