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:
The nurse's first priority in the event of a fire is the safety and well-being of the clients. Clients who are in immediate danger due to the fire should be assisted to a safe location as quickly as possible. This choice is supported by the principles of prioritizing client safety during emergencies.
Choice B rationale:
Closing doors and windows on the unit is a secondary action and comes after ensuring the safety of clients in immediate danger. While it can help contain the fire's spread, it should not be the nurse's first action, as it does not address the immediate risk to clients' lives.
Choice C rationale:
Attempting to extinguish the fire using an ABC fire extinguisher might be a consideration in emergency situations; however, the nurse's first responsibility is to ensure the safety of clients. The nurse should not put themselves or clients at risk by attempting to extinguish the fire before moving clients to safety.
Choice D rationale:
Discontinuing oxygen use for clients who can breathe without it is not the nurse's primary action during a fire emergency. While it's important to manage resources, such as oxygen, the immediate focus should be on evacuating clients from the danger zone.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Notify the charge nurse of the client's request for transfer. This action might be taken eventually, but it is not the first step. The nurse should directly address the client's concerns before escalating the situation to the charge nurse.
Choice B rationale:
Assure the client that their concern has been shared with the staff. Tell the client that future calls will be answered in a timely manner. While it's important to reassure the client, promising timely responses to calls before understanding their expectations might not effectively address the underlying issue. It's better to communicate openly with the client first.
Choice C rationale:
Ask the client to verbalize their expectations. This is the correct choice. By asking the client to express their expectations, the nurse can gather crucial information about the client's concerns and needs. This allows the nurse to address the specific issues that led to the client's dissatisfaction and work toward a resolution that aligns with the client's preferences.
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