Free Burns and Trauma Nursing MCQs with Answers
50 Burns and Trauma Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
Covers the initial and continuing care of patients with burns, haemorrhage, fractures, head injury, chest trauma and shock. It includes burn depth and surface-area estimation, airway protection, fluid resuscitation, wound care, infection prevention, pain management and the distinction between hypovolaemic, septic and neurogenic shock.
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50 questions · page 2 of 3
- A. Urine output remains about 0.5 mL/kg/hour
- B. Heart rate remains above 120 beats/minute
- C. Systolic pressure remains below 80 mmHg
- D. Urine becomes dark and concentrated
Explanation: Hourly urine output of about 0.5 mL/kg/hour in an adult is a practical indicator of adequate renal perfusion during burn resuscitation.
Correct answer: Urine output remains about 0.5 mL/kg/hour- A. Apply an occlusive dressing over the area
- B. Remove contaminated clothing and irrigate the skin
- C. Neutralise the chemical with another chemical
- D. Apply antibiotic ointment before washing
Explanation: The nurse removes contaminated clothing and irrigates the affected skin with copious running water, while protecting personal safety.
Correct answer: Remove contaminated clothing and irrigate the skin- A. Assess cardiac rhythm and obtain an electrocardiogram
- B. Measure the wound diameter and apply dry gauze
- C. Encourage oral fluids and reassess in two hours
- D. Check the patient's vaccination record first
Explanation: Electrical current can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias and deep tissue injury even when the skin wounds appear small.
Correct answer: Assess cardiac rhythm and obtain an electrocardiogram- A. Place the patient in a sitting position
- B. Apply a pelvic binder according to protocol
- C. Encourage walking to assess stability
- D. Massage the lower abdomen to reduce pain
Explanation: A pelvic binder can reduce pelvic movement and bleeding from an unstable pelvic fracture when applied according to local trauma protocol.
Correct answer: Apply a pelvic binder according to protocol- A. Mild itching beneath the cast
- B. Warm toes with brisk capillary refill
- C. Increasing numbness and inability to move the toes
- D. Moderate discomfort relieved by elevation
Explanation: Increasing numbness and loss of toe movement may indicate neurovascular compromise from swelling or a tight cast.
Correct answer: Increasing numbness and inability to move the toes- A. Apply oxygen and prepare for ventilatory support
- B. Bind the entire chest firmly with a wide bandage
- C. Place the patient flat and restrict all movement
- D. Give oral fluids to prevent dehydration
Explanation: Flail chest causes impaired ventilation because a free chest segment moves paradoxically, and respiratory failure may develop.
Correct answer: Apply oxygen and prepare for ventilatory support- A. Remove the splint to inspect the fracture site
- B. Support the injured limb and maintain immobilisation
- C. Ask the patient to move the limb before transfer
- D. Apply heat directly over the swollen area
Explanation: The injured limb should remain supported and immobilised during movement to prevent further tissue, nerve or vessel damage.
Correct answer: Support the injured limb and maintain immobilisation- A. Hypovolaemic shock from acute blood loss
- B. Septic shock from systemic infection
- C. Neurogenic shock from spinal injury
- D. Obstructive shock from reduced venous return
Explanation: Septic shock can cause hypotension with warm, flushed skin early in the course because of widespread vasodilation, along with fever and an…
Correct answer: Septic shock from systemic infection- A. Arrange assessment for tetanus prophylaxis
- B. Close the wound tightly without further review
- C. Give only an oral analgesic and discharge the patient
- D. Delay treatment until redness and swelling appear
Explanation: A contaminated wound with uncertain immunisation history requires clinical assessment for tetanus vaccine and, when indicated, tetanus…
Correct answer: Arrange assessment for tetanus prophylaxis- A. About 1%
- B. About 3%
- C. About 5%
- D. About 9%
Explanation: The patient's palm, including the fingers, represents approximately 1% of total body surface area.
Correct answer: About 1%- A. Red, dry skin without blisters
- B. Pale, mottled skin with reduced sensation
- C. Black, leathery skin without pain
- D. Bright red skin that blanches completely
Explanation: Deep partial-thickness burns damage much of the dermis and may appear pale, mottled, moist, and less sensitive.
Correct answer: Pale, mottled skin with reduced sensation- A. Offer oral fluids to relieve throat dryness
- B. Place the patient flat and reassess later
- C. Notify the team and prepare for early airway support
- D. Apply petroleum gauze over the mouth and nose
Explanation: Hoarseness and inspiratory noise indicate developing upper-airway oedema, which can worsen rapidly after a burn.
Correct answer: Notify the team and prepare for early airway support- A. Use clean gloves for the entire procedure
- B. Maintain aseptic technique and avoid touching sterile surfaces
- C. Apply the same dressing to adjacent infected wounds
- D. Leave the wound uncovered during routine ward activity
Explanation: Aseptic technique reduces introduction of microorganisms into the exposed wound.
Correct answer: Maintain aseptic technique and avoid touching sterile surfaces- A. Apply a sterile occlusive dressing taped on three sides
- B. Pack the wound tightly with dry gauze
- C. Remove any dressing during inspiration
- D. Place the patient in a prone position
Explanation: A three-sided occlusive dressing limits air entry while allowing trapped air to escape during expiration.
Correct answer: Apply a sterile occlusive dressing taped on three sides- A. Encourage walking to improve circulation
- B. Administer oxygen and notify the emergency team
- C. Massage the affected leg to reduce swelling
- D. Give oral fluids and observe for one hour
Explanation: The combination of respiratory distress, neurological changes, and petechiae suggests fat embolism syndrome after a long-bone fracture.
Correct answer: Administer oxygen and notify the emergency team- A. Hypovolaemic shock
- B. Neurogenic shock
- C. Septic shock
- D. Obstructive shock
Explanation: Septic shock results from severe infection and may cause fever, hypotension, and warm flushed skin early in its course.
Correct answer: Septic shock- A. Keep the neck flexed to improve venous return
- B. Elevate the head about 30 degrees with the neck midline
- C. Place the patient flat with the hips sharply flexed
- D. Turn the head fully to one side against the pillow
Explanation: Elevating the head about 30 degrees and keeping the neck midline promotes cerebral venous drainage without compromising spinal alignment.
Correct answer: Elevate the head about 30 degrees with the neck midline38. A patient with a suspected forearm fracture is awaiting splinting. Which nursing action is correct?
- A. Straighten the limb forcefully before applying the splint
- B. Immobilise the joints above and below the suspected fracture
- C. Apply heat directly over the injured area
- D. Ask the patient to move the limb repeatedly to assess function
Explanation: The injured area and the joints above and below it should be immobilised in the position found, unless circulation is threatened.
Correct answer: Immobilise the joints above and below the suspected fracture- A. Document the finding as an expected response
- B. Assess the catheter and notify the clinician promptly
- C. Restrict all fluids until the urine increases
- D. Administer a diuretic without a prescription
Explanation: A marked fall in urine output may indicate inadequate perfusion, catheter obstruction, or another complication during burn resuscitation.
Correct answer: Assess the catheter and notify the clinician promptly- A. Apply ice directly to the burned skin
- B. Cool the area with clean running water
- C. Cover the area with thick cotton wool
- D. Apply an antibiotic cream before cooling
Explanation: Clean, cool running water limits ongoing thermal injury and relieves pain.
Correct answer: Cool the area with clean running water