A nurse in an emergency department is planning care for a client who has abdominal trauma from a motor-vehicle crash. Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse implement first?
Administer packed RBCS.
Obtain a specimen for ABG analysis.
Place a large-bore IV catheter in an upper extremity.
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administer packed RBCs. While blood transfusion may be urgently needed for hemorrhagic shock, it cannot be initiated until vascular access is established. It is important, but not the first step.
B. Obtain a specimen for ABG analysis. Arterial blood gases can provide valuable information about respiratory and metabolic status, but they are not the top priority in an unstable trauma patient.
C. Place a large-bore IV catheter in an upper extremity. Establishing IV access is the priority in trauma care, as it allows for rapid fluid resuscitation and medication administration. This intervention supports all subsequent emergency treatments.
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. A catheter may be necessary for monitoring urine output as a sign of perfusion, but this is not the first action in a trauma situation where immediate stabilization is the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. First trimester bleeding. Abruptio placentae typically occurs in the third trimester, not the first. First trimester bleeding is more commonly associated with miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
B. Severe abdominal pain. Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, often leading to sudden, severe abdominal pain and possibly vaginal bleeding. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
C. Nausea. While nausea can occur during pregnancy, it is not a hallmark symptom of abruptio placentae and does not assist in differentiating it from other complications.
D. Delayed menses. Delayed menses may indicate early pregnancy, but it is not related to abruptio placentae, which occurs later in pregnancy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Irrigate the wound using a 10-mL syringe. A 10-mL syringe does not provide adequate pressure for effective irrigation. Typically, a 30- to 60-mL syringe with an 18-gauge catheter is used to deliver appropriate pressure (between 4–15 psi) to clean wounds effectively.
B. Irrigate the wound with a low-pressure flow of solution. This is correct. A low-pressure irrigation system helps gently remove debris and bacteria without damaging healthy tissue. It also minimizes the risk of forcing contaminants deeper into the wound bed.
C. Cleanse the insertion site of the drain using a circular motion toward the center. The site should be cleansed from the center outward, not toward the center, to prevent dragging contaminants into the insertion site and reduce infection risk.
D. Cleanse the wound starting at the bottom and moving upward. Wound cleaning should occur from the least contaminated (top) to the most contaminated (bottom) area to avoid transferring microorganisms from dirtier areas to cleaner areas, thereby minimizing the risk of infection.
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