A client arrived via ambulance to the emergency department with a chief complaint of gastrointestinal bleeding for 2 hours.
What will the triage nurse do first?
Insert a nasogastric (NG) tube.
Ask the client about the precipitating events.
Obtain vital signs.
Complete a head-to-toe assessment.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube is not the first priority in managing a client with gastrointestinal bleeding. The primary concern is to stabilize the client and assess their condition. Inserting an NG tube can be considered later to decompress the stomach and assess the extent of bleeding, but it is not the initial step.
Choice B rationale
Asking the client about the precipitating events is important for gathering information, but it is not the first priority. The immediate focus should be on assessing the client’s current condition and stabilizing them. Once the client is stable, a detailed history can be obtained.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining vital signs is the first priority in managing a client with gastrointestinal bleeding. Vital signs provide critical information about the client’s hemodynamic status and help determine the severity of the bleeding. This information is essential for guiding further interventions and ensuring the client’s stability.
Choice D rationale
Completing a head-to-toe assessment is important, but it is not the first priority. The initial focus should be on assessing the client’s vital signs to determine their hemodynamic status. A comprehensive assessment can be performed once the client’s immediate condition is stabilized.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Moist skin is not typically associated with cirrhosis. Cirrhosis often leads to dry, itchy skin due to bile salt accumulation under the skin.
Choice B rationale
Blood in the urine is not a common finding in cirrhosis. This symptom is more indicative of urinary tract issues or kidney problems.
Choice C rationale
Spider angiomas are a common finding in clients with cirrhosis. These are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the surface of the skin and are caused by increased estrogen levels due to liver dysfunction.
Choice D rationale
Tarry stools indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which can occur in cirrhosis due to varices, but it is not a primary expected finding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Inserting a nasogastric (NG) tube is not the first priority in managing a client with gastrointestinal bleeding. The primary concern is to stabilize the client and assess their condition. Inserting an NG tube can be considered later to decompress the stomach and assess the extent of bleeding, but it is not the initial step.
Choice B rationale
Asking the client about the precipitating events is important for gathering information, but it is not the first priority. The immediate focus should be on assessing the client’s current condition and stabilizing them. Once the client is stable, a detailed history can be obtained.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining vital signs is the first priority in managing a client with gastrointestinal bleeding. Vital signs provide critical information about the client’s hemodynamic status and help determine the severity of the bleeding. This information is essential for guiding further interventions and ensuring the client’s stability.
Choice D rationale
Completing a head-to-toe assessment is important, but it is not the first priority. The initial focus should be on assessing the client’s vital signs to determine their hemodynamic status. A comprehensive assessment can be performed once the client’s immediate condition is stabilized.
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