A nurse in an emergency department is assisting with the care of a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Airway protection
Stabilizing cardiac arrhythmias
Preventing musculoskeletal disability
Decreasing intracranial pressure
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This action is correct because airway protection is the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's airway patency, breathing, and oxygenation, and intervene as needed to secure and maintain the airway. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of aspiration, bleeding, or obstruction, and suction the airway as needed.
Choice B reason: This action is incorrect because stabilizing cardiac arrhythmias is not the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's circulation, blood pressure, and pulse, and intervene as needed to treat any arrhythmias, shock, or hemorrhage. However, this is not a priority over the client's airway, which is essential for survival.
Choice C reason: This action is incorrect because preventing musculoskeletal disability is not the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's mobility, sensation, and alignment, and intervene as needed to prevent or treat any fractures, dislocations, or nerve injuries. However, this is not a priority over the client's airway, which is essential for survival.
Choice D reason: This action is incorrect because decreasing intracranial pressure is not the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness, pupillary response, and neurological status, and intervene as needed to prevent or treat any increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, or brain injury. However, this is not a priority over the client's airway, which is essential for survival.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse’s personal values can and do influence ethical decisions. The nurse should be aware of their own values and how they affect their judgment and actions. The nurse should also respect the values of others and avoid imposing their own values on the clients or colleagues.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect because value clarification is not related to maintaining clinical competency. Value clarification is a process of identifying, examining, and prioritizing one’s values. It can help the nurse to understand their own values and beliefs, as well as those of the clients and the profession.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct because it is important that the nurse is aware of the client’s values. The nurse should assess the client’s values and preferences, and incorporate them into the plan of care. The nurse should also respect the client’s right to self-determination and autonomy, and support the client in making informed decisions.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse's behaviors and actions are not called values. Values are the beliefs and principles that guide one’s decisions and actions. A nurse's behaviors and actions are the expressions of their values, as well as their knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Outside client's room is not an appropriate area to provide report to the oncoming nurse. This area may not be private or quiet enough to ensure confidentiality and accuracy of the information. The nurse may also miss important cues or changes in the client's condition or environment.
Choice B reason: Conference area is not an appropriate area to provide report to the oncoming nurse. This area may be too far from the client's room or the nursing station, which can delay the response time or the continuity of care. The nurse may also lose the opportunity to interact with the client and the family, and to verify the data with the physical assessment.
Choice C reason: Nurse's lounge is not an appropriate area to provide report to the oncoming nurse. This area may be too informal or distracting to maintain the professionalism and focus of the report. The nurse may also violate the privacy and dignity of the client and the family by discussing their personal or medical information in a public place.
Choice D reason: Client's bedside is an appropriate area to provide report to the oncoming nurse. This area allows the nurse to involve the client and the family in the report, which can enhance their satisfaction, safety, and education. The nurse can also observe the client's condition and behavior, and perform the physical assessment and the medication reconciliation with the oncoming nurse.
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