A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is bleeding profusely from a deep laceration on his left lower forearm. After observing standard precautions, which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?
Clean the wound.
Apply a tourniquet just below the elbow.
Apply direct pressure over the wound.
Elevate the limb and apply ice.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because cleaning the wound is not a priority when the client is bleeding profusely. Cleaning the wound can also dislodge any clots that have formed and increase bleeding.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because applying a tourniquet is a last resort when direct pressure fails to stop bleeding. A tourniquet can cause tissue damage, nerve injury, and infection if applied incorrectly or for too long.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because applying direct pressure over the wound is the first and most effective action to stop bleeding from a wound. This is the first and most effective action to stop bleeding from a wound. Direct pressure compresses the blood vessels and prevents further blood loss. The nurse should use a clean cloth or dressing to cover the wound and apply firm pressure with both hands.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because elevating the limb and applying ice are not effective actions to stop bleeding from a wound. Elevating the limb can reduce blood flow to the injured area, but it does not compress the blood vessels or prevent blood loss. Applying ice can cause vasoconstriction, but it can also damage the skin and tissues if applied for too long.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice a) is incorrect because nausea is not a common manifestation of ARF. Nausea is a sensation of discomfort in the stomach that may or may not lead to vomiting. Nausea can be caused by many other conditions, such as gastroenteritis, motion sickness, or pregnancy.
Choice b) is correct because severe dyspnea is a common manifestation of ARF. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling of difficulty or discomfort in breathing. Severe dyspnea indicates that the client is not getting enough oxygen and may have low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) or high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia).
Choice c) is correct because headache is a common manifestation of ARF. Headache is a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Headache can be caused by high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), which can affect the blood vessels and nerves in the brain.
Choice d) is correct because a decreased level of consciousness is a common manifestation of ARF. Level of consciousness is a measure of how alert and oriented a person is. A decreased level of consciousness can be caused by low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), high carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia), or acid-base imbalance, which can affect brain function and mental status.
Choice e) is correct because hypotension is a common manifestation of ARF. Hypotension is a condition in which the blood pressure is lower than normal. Hypotension can be caused by low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia), which can impair heart function and reduce cardiac output.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Provide a brightly lit environment is not an intervention that the nurse should take. A brightly lit environment can stimulate the brain and increase intracranial pressure. The nurse should provide a quiet and dimly lit environment to reduce sensory stimuli and promote rest.
Choice B: Elevate the head of the bed is an intervention that the nurse should take. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees can help reduce intracranial pressure by facilitating venous drainage from the brain and decreasing cerebral blood volume. The nurse should avoid flexing or extending the neck, which can impede blood flow and increase intracranial pressure.
Choice C: Encourage a minimum intake of 2000 mL (67.6 oz) of clear fluids per day is not an intervention that the nurse should take. A high fluid intake can increase intracranial pressure by increasing blood volume and cerebral edema. The nurse should monitor fluid balance and restrict fluid intake as prescribed to maintain normal osmolality and prevent fluid overload.
Choice D: Teach controlled coughing and deep breathing is not an intervention that the nurse should take. Coughing and deep breathing can increase intrathoracic pressure, which can increase intracranial pressure by reducing venous return from the brain. The nurse should avoid activities that can increase intrathoracic pressure, such as straining, sneezing, or blowing the nose. The nurse should also administer oxygen as prescribed to maintain adequate oxygenation and perfusion of the brain.
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