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.
Last updated
50 questions · page 3 of 3
- A. Applying a tighter chest dressing
- B. Preparing for an escharotomy
- C. Massaging the burned chest wall
- D. Placing the patient flat without support
Explanation: A tight eschar around the chest can restrict ventilation as swelling develops.
Correct answer: Preparing for an escharotomy- A. Using the same gloves for each wound
- B. Performing hand hygiene before wound care
- C. Leaving the wound uncovered between procedures
- D. Cleaning from the wound edge toward the centre
Explanation: Hand hygiene before and after wound care is a basic measure for preventing transmission of organisms.
Correct answer: Performing hand hygiene before wound care- A. Left-sided haemothorax
- B. Right-sided tension pneumothorax
- C. Simple rib fracture
- D. Acute pulmonary oedema
Explanation: Blood in the pleural space causes reduced breath sounds, dull percussion, respiratory compromise, and possible hypovolaemic shock.
Correct answer: Left-sided haemothorax- A. Elevate the limb and observe closely
- B. Apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound
- C. Remove clots from the wound with gauze
- D. Give oral fluids while awaiting review
Explanation: Life-threatening extremity haemorrhage that is not controlled by pressure requires a tourniquet placed proximal to the wound.
Correct answer: Apply a tourniquet proximal to the wound- A. Pack the nostril firmly with gauze
- B. Suction deeply through the nostril
- C. Place a sterile dressing under the nose
- D. Ask the patient to blow the nose gently
Explanation: Clear drainage may be cerebrospinal fluid from a skull-base fracture, so it should be allowed to drain onto a sterile dressing for…
Correct answer: Place a sterile dressing under the nose- A. Give the next prescribed analgesic dose
- B. Support the airway and administer prescribed naloxone
- C. Place the patient in a warm bath
- D. Encourage the patient to walk around
Explanation: The findings indicate opioid-induced respiratory depression, so airway and breathing take priority.
Correct answer: Support the airway and administer prescribed naloxone- A. Obtain ordered blood cultures and give antibiotics promptly
- B. Restrict fluids until the fever has resolved
- C. Apply a tight abdominal binder immediately
- D. Give a sedative before reassessing vital signs
Explanation: This pattern suggests septic shock, in which infection-related vasodilation causes hypotension and warm skin early in the course.
Correct answer: Obtain ordered blood cultures and give antibiotics promptly- A. Allow the leg to hang unsupported
- B. Apply a suitable traction splint
- C. Manipulate the fracture until it is straight
- D. Apply heat directly over the fracture
Explanation: A traction splint can reduce movement, pain, bleeding, and muscle spasm in a suitable isolated femoral shaft fracture.
Correct answer: Apply a suitable traction splint- A. Bradycardia with warm dry skin
- B. Bounding pulses with flushed skin
- C. Low urine output with increasing restlessness
- D. Slow breathing with equal pupils
Explanation: Reduced circulating volume lowers renal perfusion and produces oliguria, while cerebral hypoperfusion may cause restlessness.
Correct answer: Low urine output with increasing restlessness- A. Tension pneumothorax
- B. Cardiac tamponade
- C. Massive haemothorax
- D. Pulmonary contusion
Explanation: The combination of hypotension, raised venous pressure, and muffled heart sounds is Beck's triad, which suggests cardiac tamponade.
Correct answer: Cardiac tamponade