TNCC Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Guide for Trauma Nurse Core Course Prep

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What is the effect of hypothermia on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?

Hemoglobin does not readily release oxygen for use by the tissues

Hypothermia affects the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve by shifting it to the left. This leftward shift indicates that hemoglobin holds onto oxygen more tightly than normal, meaning that it does not readily release oxygen to the tissues when needed. As a result, even though hemoglobin saturation might remain relatively high, the availability of oxygen for the tissues is decreased because hemoglobin is less willing to let go of that oxygen.

This mechanism can lead to impaired tissue oxygenation, as cells may not receive the oxygen required for metabolism, which is critical in a trauma setting. Understanding this relationship is vital for trauma nurses, as they need to be aware of how temperature can impact oxygen delivery in critically injured patients.

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The amount of oxygen available to the tissues increases

Tissue oxygenation (PaO2) increases

Hemoglobin molecule saturation (SaO2) decreases

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