Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Keeping a trauma patient warm is vital primarily to prevent hypothermia, which can exacerbate coagulopathy. When a patient is exposed to cold, their body temperature drops, leading to a decrease in thermoregulation. This drop can impair the coagulation cascade, which is essential for blood clotting. Hypothermia can cause coagulopathy by affecting platelet function and reducing the activity of clotting factors, thereby increasing the risk of excessive bleeding and potentially worsening the patient's overall condition.

Maintaining normal body temperature helps to ensure that coagulopathy does not develop or worsen, which is critical in trauma scenarios where hemorrhage is a primary concern. By preventing hypothermia, healthcare providers can better support the coagulation process and improve overall patient outcomes in trauma care.

While improving patient comfort and reducing pain, maintaining blood pressure stability, and facilitating faster wound healing are all essential aspects of trauma care, they do not directly address the immediate risks posed by hypothermia and its effects on coagulation during critical moments of treatment.