TCRN Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep for Your Test

Effective resuscitation in trauma patients is indicated by a core body temperature above 35°C. Maintaining normothermia is critical in trauma patients as hypothermia can lead to coagulopathy, increased blood loss, and decreased metabolic function. A body temperature below 35°C can complicate the patient's condition and negatively impact recovery outcomes.

In contrast, the other options reflect states that suggest inadequate resuscitation or are outside the desired physiological ranges for trauma patients. A core body temperature below 35°C indicates hypothermia, while a pulse pressure closer to 20 mm Hg signifies severe hypotension and poor perfusion, both of which are concerning. Additionally, a base excess of -2 to +2 suggests a relatively stable acid-base balance but doesn’t directly indicate effective resuscitation since greater correction may be needed in a critically injured patient to ensure adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Thus, a core temperature above 35°C is a key sign of stabilization and effective resuscitation efforts.