A nurse in an emergency department is admitting clients following an earthquake. The emergency disaster plan has been implemented due to the anticipated arrival of a large number of casualties. Which of the following clients should the nurse recommend the provider evaluate first?
A client who has a penetrating head injury and respiratory rate of 4/min.
A client who has a comminuted fracture of the femur.
A client who has a 15.2-cm (6-in) laceration to the scalp with clotted blood visible.
A client who has a sucking chest wound.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
A client who has a penetrating head injury and a respiratory rate of 4/min requires immediate attention due to the critical nature of the head injury and the dangerously low respiratory rate. However, in an emergency situation like this, the priority would be a condition that could be rapidly fatal if not addressed promptly.
Choice B rationale:
A client with a comminuted fracture of the femur has a serious injury that requires assessment and treatment, but it is not an immediately life-threatening condition. It falls lower in the priority compared to conditions that directly impact respiratory and cardiovascular function.
Choice C rationale:
A client with a 15.2-cm laceration to the scalp with clotted blood visible also requires attention, but it is not as time-sensitive as a life-threatening condition. Controlling bleeding and cleaning the wound can be addressed after addressing more critical cases.
Choice D rationale:
Correct. A client with a sucking chest wound has a high risk of tension pneumothorax, a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse and compromised circulation. This condition can be rapidly fatal. Immediate intervention is required to seal the wound and prevent further air from entering the pleural space.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing the sterile package with the top flap opening away from the body is the correct choice. This technique helps maintain the sterility of the contents by preventing potential contamination from the nurse's body and clothing.
Choice B rationale:
Pinching the flap on the inside of the package first to open it is not a recommended sterile technique. It could potentially introduce contamination from the nurse's hand into the sterile field when pinching the inner flap.
Choice C rationale:
Reaching over the package to open the left flap is not the ideal technique. Reaching over the sterile field can introduce the risk of contamination, as the nurse's arm and body might come into contact with the sterile supplies.
Choice D rationale:
Pulling the last flap of the package away from the body is not the most effective technique. This action could potentially lead to the nurse's hand coming close to or over the sterile field, increasing the risk of contamination.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assigning clients who have had stem cell transplants to the same room is not a recommended practice. Clients with compromised immune systems should be isolated to reduce the risk of infection transmission. Placing them together increases the potential for exposure to infectious agents.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining a rectal temperature on clients every 4 hours is not specifically related to caring for clients following stem cell transplants. Vital sign monitoring is essential, but the frequency and method of temperature measurement can vary based on the individual client's condition and clinical judgment.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) Wearing an N95 respirator mask while caring for clients following stem cell transplants is important due to their compromised immune systems. These clients are at higher risk of infections, and N95 masks provide enhanced respiratory protection against airborne pathogens.
Choice D rationale:
Placing clients in positive-pressure airflow rooms is not a standard practice for caring for clients following stem cell transplants. Positive-pressure rooms are often used for clients with conditions like immunodeficiency, but stem cell transplant recipients are generally placed in protective isolation rooms to minimize infection risk.
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