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?

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to ambulate frequently is important for preventing complications associated with immobility, such as deep vein thrombosis and muscle atrophy. However, it is not a direct intervention for promoting the thinning of respiratory secretions.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake is a valuable intervention to help thin respiratory secretions. However, the most effective method mentioned here is the use of the incentive spirometer, which directly assists the client in taking deep breaths and enhancing lung function.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging regular use of the incentive spirometer is a crucial intervention for promoting the thinning of respiratory secretions. Incentive spirometry helps prevent atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue) and promotes deep breathing, which aids in clearing secretions and maintaining lung health.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging coughing and deep breathing is generally important for maintaining lung health and preventing complications like pneumonia. However, the specific action of using the incentive spirometer is more targeted and effective for promoting respiratory secretion clearance in clients with pneumonia.

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.