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

The primary concern when assessing a trauma patient is assessing and managing airway, breathing, and circulation. This focus is part of the initial assessment in trauma care and is critical for patient survival.

In trauma situations, the presence of life-threatening conditions can quickly arise, and the airway must be assessed first to ensure it is patent. Any obstruction can lead to hypoxia and subsequent cardiac arrest. Following airway management, assessing breathing is essential to determine if the patient is adequately ventilating, as inadequate breathing can result in respiratory failure. Circulation assessment is also vital; it involves evaluating the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, and signs of shock. Addressing these three components promptly and effectively can make the difference between life and death.

Other options, such as coordinating with family members for care decisions, ensuring dietary needs are met, and explaining hospital policies, while important in a holistic approach to patient care, are secondary to the immediate life-saving measures addressed in airway, breathing, and circulation. In trauma care, prioritization of interventions can significantly affect outcomes, and the ABCs are central to this priority.