A client arrives reporting redness, warmth, and swelling after stepping on a nail one week ago. What is the nurse's priority action?
A Cleanse the wound
B Identify when the client was immunized
C Dress the wound
D Request an X-Ray
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Rationale: Cleansing the wound may be necessary, but the priority in this case is to assess for any retained foreign bodies, such as the nail, and potential structural damage, which can be done through an X-ray.
Choice B Rationale: The client's immunization history is not the priority when assessing and managing a wound like this.
Choice C Rationale: Dressing the wound may be necessary but should come after assessing for retained foreign bodies and potential structural damage.
Choice D Rationale: Requesting an X-ray is the priority action because it helps determine if the nail is still present and if there is any damage to deeper structures, such as bones or foreign body remnants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Assessing the client for bladder distention is the first and most crucial step in managing autonomic dysreflexia. Bladder distention is a common trigger for this condition in clients with spinal cord injuries. Identifying and addressing the cause (bladder distention) is the priority to prevent further complications.
Choice B Rationale: Laying the client flat may not resolve the underlying cause of autonomic dysreflexia and should be done after identifying and addressing the trigger.
Choice C Rationale: Obtaining the client's heart rate is important but should come after assessing for bladder distention since the primary concern in autonomic dysreflexia is elevated blood pressure due to a noxious stimulus.
Choice D Rationale: Administering a nitrate antihypertensive may be necessary if other interventions do not resolve the blood pressure elevation, but it should not be the first action. Identifying and addressing the cause, such as bladder distention, is the priority.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Rationale: Urinary output is also an important assessment in clients with a C3 spinal cord injury because it helps monitor for urinary retention and potential complications but it is not a priority compared to assessing the respiratory function of this client.
Choice B Rationale: Blood pressure is important to monitor but may not be the top priority assessment in this context.
Choice C Rationale: The nurse should prioritize counting respirations for a client with a C3 spinal cord injury, as this level of injury affects the phrenic nerve that innervates the diaphragm. The client may have difficulty breathing and require mechanical ventilation.
Choice D Rationale: Bowel sounds are important but may not be the priority assessment in this case.
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