Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN) Practice Exam

When assessing a hypotensive patient with abdominal trauma, which additional factor should the trauma nurse consider?

1. The patient's level of consciousness

2. The patient's history of hypertension

3. Medication history related to beta-blockers

4. The presence of circulation and capillary refill

The correct answer is: Medication history related to beta-blockers

When assessing a hypotensive patient with abdominal trauma, considering medication history related to beta-blockers is crucial. Beta-blockers can significantly influence a patient's vascular response, heart rate, and blood pressure, especially in the context of trauma where hemodynamic stability is critical. Beta-blockers prevent the typical compensatory mechanisms that occur during a hypotensive episode, such as increased heart rate and increased cardiac output. This can obscure the true extent of hypovolemia or shock, making it challenging for the trauma nurse to properly assess the patient's status and intervene appropriately. Understanding whether the patient is on beta-blockers allows the nurse to anticipate potential physiological responses and prioritize care accordingly. In trauma care, this information can be pivotal for timing interventions and making informed decisions about fluid resuscitation or other treatments. Although other factors like the patient's level of consciousness, history of hypertension, and circulation status are important in a comprehensive assessment, the specific impact of beta-blockers on a patient's hemodynamic response in the setting of trauma and hypotension underscores the necessity of focusing on medication history in this situation.