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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is important, but it's not the first action to take in this situation. The immediate concern should be addressing the potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct choice. Washing the area of the puncture thoroughly with soap and water is the first step the nurse should take after an accidental needlestick. It helps reduce the risk of infection by cleaning the wound and removing any potential contaminants.

Choice C rationale:

Going to employee health services is a valid step, but it's not the immediate action needed after an accidental needlestick. Cleaning the wound should come first.

Choice D rationale:

Completing an incident report is important for documentation purposes, but it is not the nurse's first priority in this situation. Immediate wound care takes precedence.

A. Apply a moisture barrier ointment to the client's skin. B. Request a prescription for the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter. C. Reposition the client every 8 hours to prevent skin breakdown. D. Check the client's skin every 8 hours for signs of breakdown.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Applying a moisture barrier ointment helps protect the skin from the effects of moisture exposure due to urinary incontinence. Prolonged exposure to urine can lead to skin breakdown, irritation, and infection. A moisture barrier ointment creates a protective barrier, reducing the risk of skin damage.

Choice B rationale:

Requesting a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter is not typically the first intervention to prevent skin breakdown in clients with urinary incontinence. Catheters carry their own set of risks, including infection, and should be considered after other interventions have been explored.

Choice C rationale:

Repositioning the client every 8 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown due to urinary incontinence. Clients with urinary incontinence should be repositioned more frequently to address the effects of moisture.

Choice D rationale:

Checking the client's skin every 8 hours is an important step, but it alone may not effectively prevent skin breakdown. Incontinence-associated dermatitis can develop quickly, so it's essential to implement protective measures like using a moisture barrier ointment.

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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?

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