A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has a deep laceration on her left lower forearm and is bleeding heavily from the wound. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform first?
Place the client in a modified Trendelenburg position.
Apply a tourniquet just above the wound.
Start two large-bore IV catheters.
Apply pressure directly to the wound.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Placing the client in a modified Trendelenburg position is not the first intervention for a client with a deep laceration and heavy bleeding. This position involves tilting the patient with the head lower than the feet and is typically used to improve venous return in certain situations, such as hypovolemic shock. However, for a bleeding wound, the priority is to control the bleeding itself.
Choice B rationale:
Applying a tourniquet just above the wound is a drastic measure and is generally not the first intervention for controlling bleeding. Tourniquets are used when direct pressure and other methods are unsuccessful, as they can lead to complications such as tissue damage and ischemia if not used correctly.
Choice C rationale:
Starting two large-bore IV catheters is important for fluid resuscitation in cases of significant bleeding. However, it is not the first intervention. Directly controlling the bleeding takes precedence to prevent further blood loss.
Choice D rationale:
Applying pressure directly to the wound is the correct answer. This is the initial and immediate action to take when dealing with a heavily bleeding wound. Applying pressure helps to stem the bleeding by promoting clot formation and reducing blood loss. It is a vital step in managing the client's condition and preventing further deterioration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest.
Choice A rationale:
Petechiae on the chest (Choice A) are tiny red or purple spots that appear on the skin due to small blood vessel breakage. They are not typically associated with COPD and emphysema. Petechiae are more often related to conditions like thrombocytopenia or certain infections, where blood clotting is impaired.
Choice B rationale:
Increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest, often referred to as "barrel chest," is a characteristic finding in clients with COPD and emphysema. This occurs due to the hyperinflation of the lungs and the loss of elasticity in the lung tissues, which causes the chest to become rounded and the ribs to be positioned more horizontally.
Choice C rationale:
An oxygen saturation level of 96% (Choice C) is within the normal range for oxygen saturation. However, while it's important for clients with COPD to maintain adequate oxygen levels, this value doesn't specifically correlate with the client's symptoms of a wet cough and occasional shortness of breath.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis (Choice D) involves an increase in blood pH due to decreased levels of carbon dioxide (hypocapnia) caused by hyperventilation. While respiratory alkalosis can occur in clients with COPD due to compensatory hyperventilation, it is not a direct assessment finding related to the client's symptoms of a wet cough and occasional shortness of breath.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Love and belonging. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs outlines a pyramid of human needs, starting from basic physiological needs at the bottom and progressing to higher-level psychological and self-fulfillment needs. Love and belonging are higher-level needs, and individuals typically address them after their basic physiological needs are met. Basic needs like food, water, and shelter take precedence over higher-level emotional needs. In this case, the client's most immediate need would be to satisfy their hunger and thirst.
Choice B rationale:
Psychological security. Psychological security is another higher-level need related to safety and a sense of protection. While it is important, it is not the most immediate need according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The client would prioritize fulfilling their basic physiological needs before seeking psychological security.
Choice C rationale:
Self-actualization. Self-actualization is the highest level of need in Maslow's Hierarchy, encompassing personal growth, fulfillment, and achieving one's potential. It is a need that individuals pursue once their lower-level needs are satisfied. Since the question pertains to the first need the client would seek to meet, self-actualization is not the correct answer.
Choice D rationale:
Food and water. Food and water are fundamental physiological needs that form the base of Maslow's Hierarchy. These needs must be met before an individual can move on to addressing higher-level needs. Without addressing the need for sustenance, the client's ability to seek love, belonging, security, or self-actualization would be compromised.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.