Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) 9th Edition 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In the context of a patient involved in a high-speed motor vehicle collision exhibiting symptoms such as chest pain and tachycardia, inotropic support is the most appropriate intervention. This choice is based on the understanding that such symptoms may indicate a compromised cardiovascular status, potentially due to blunt chest trauma.

Inotropic agents are utilized to enhance the contractility of the heart, which can be critical in situations where the heart's performance is inadequate, such as in cases of cardiogenic shock that might arise from myocardial contusion or other cardiac injuries sustained during the collision. Elevation of heart rate (tachycardia) can be a compensatory mechanism in response to hypotension or reduced cardiac output, making it essential to consider pharmacological support to stabilize the patient's hemodynamics.

While fluid resuscitation may be warranted for overall volume status and to address hypovolemia, in situations where cardiac function is suspect, managing the contractility directly with inotropic support can be more impactful. Surgical intervention might be necessary if there are signs of life-threatening injuries or bleeding, but it is not the immediate response for addressing cardiac function or stabilization. The administration of analgesics can help relieve pain, but it does not tackle the underlying potential cardiovascular compromise that needs to