A client was found in a parked car with the motor running. The paramedic brought the client to the emergency department with complaints of a headache, nausea, and dizziness and the client is unable to recall their name or address. On assessment, the nurse notes the buccal mucosa is a cherry-red color. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Prepare the client for transfer to a facility with a hyperbaric chamber.
Apply oxygen via a nonrebreather mask at 15 liters.
Check the client's oxygenation level with a pulse oximeter.
Administer intravenous (IV) fluids.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Prepare the client for transfer to a facility with a hyperbaric chamber: This may be required for severe cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, but immediate intervention with high-flow oxygen is essential first.
B. Apply oxygen via a nonrebreather mask at 15 liters: Carbon monoxide poisoning requires immediate high-flow oxygen to help displace carbon monoxide from hemoglobin. This is the first step in treatment to prevent further tissue hypoxia and complications.
C. Check the client's oxygenation level with a pulse oximeter: While important, it does not address the immediate need for high-flow oxygen to treat carbon monoxide poisoning.
D. Administer intravenous (IV) fluids: IV fluids may be necessary for supportive care but are not the priority for treating carbon monoxide poisoning. The immediate need is to provide high-flow oxygen.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A client who reports flank pain radiating to the groin: This could indicate renal colic or a kidney stone. While painful and concerning, it is not as immediately life-threatening as severe hemorrhage.
B. A client who has multiple fractures: Multiple fractures are serious but may not be as immediately life-threatening as severe hemorrhage or airway compromise.
C. A client with partial thickness burns to both hands: While painful and needing care, partial thickness burns are less critical compared to life-threatening hemorrhage.
D. A client who has a punctured femoral artery: This is an emergent situation because it involves severe hemorrhage. The femoral artery is a major artery, and puncture could lead to life-threatening blood loss and requires immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Anthrax: This is incorrect. While a vaccine is available for anthrax, it is generally administered as a pre-exposure prophylaxis, not as a treatment following exposure.
B. Sarin: This is incorrect. Sarin is a nerve agent for which there is no vaccine. Treatment focuses on immediate decontamination and administration of antidotes like atropine.
C. Smallpox: This is correct. A vaccine for smallpox is administered following exposure as a post-exposure prophylaxis, as smallpox is a virus for which immediate vaccination can help prevent the disease.
D. Botulism: This is incorrect. Botulism is treated with antitoxin rather than a vaccine. There is no post-exposure vaccine available for botulism.
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