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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Warmth around the IV insertion site is a classic sign of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. This can be caused by irritation from the IV catheter or the infusing solution.
Choice B rationale
A stopped infusion rate without a kinked tubing could indicate an occlusion or infiltration, but it is not a specific sign of phlebitis.
Choice C rationale
Fluid leaking around the insertion site suggests infiltration or extravasation, where the IV fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, rather than phlebitis.
Choice D rationale
Lack of blood return when aspirating the tubing could indicate a positional issue or occlusion, but it is not specific to phlebitis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Loss of appetite is a common symptom of appendicitis due to the inflammation and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. This symptom alone does not indicate an immediate need for intervention.
Choice B rationale
Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms of appendicitis. The pain and inflammation can stimulate the vomiting center in the brain, leading to nausea. This symptom, while uncomfortable, does not require immediate intervention.
Choice C rationale
Pain that worsens with movement, such as positioning on the right side, is typical of appendicitis. This is due to the irritation of the peritoneum and the inflamed appendix. This symptom is expected and does not require immediate intervention.
Choice D rationale
The sudden disappearance of pain in a patient with appendicitis can indicate a rupture of the appendix. This is a medical emergency as it can lead to peritonitis, a severe and potentially life- threatening infection of the abdominal cavity. Immediate intervention is required to prevent complications.
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