A nurse in an emergency department is preparing to care for a client who is being brought in with multiple system trauma following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following should the nurse identify as the priority focus of care?
Preventing musculoskeletal disability
Airway protection
Stabilizing cardiac arrhythmias
Decreasing intracranial pressure
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: Preventing musculoskeletal disability is important, but not the priority focus of care. The nurse should first assess and manage the client's life-threatening injuries, such as airway obstruction, bleeding, shock, or brain injury.
Choice B Reason: Airway protection is the priority focus of care for a client with multiple system trauma. The nurse should ensure that the client has a patent airway and adequate ventilation, as any compromise in these areas can quickly lead to hypoxia, respiratory failure, and death.
Choice C Reason: Stabilizing cardiac arrhythmias is also important, but not the priority focus of care. The nurse should monitor the client's cardiac rhythm and treat any arrhythmias that may occur, but only after securing the airway and breathing.
Choice D Reason: Decreasing intracranial pressure is another important goal, but not the priority focus of care. The nurse should assess the client's neurological status and intervene to prevent or reduce increased intracranial pressure, such as elevating the head of the bed, maintaining normothermia, and administering osmotic diuretics. However, these measures are secondary to ensuring adequate oxygenation and perfusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride is a hypertonic solution that can cause fluid overload and pulmonary edema in a client who has burns.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because dextrose 5% in water is a hypotonic solution that can cause fluid shifts from the intravascular space to the interstitial space, resulting in hypovolemia and hypotension in a client who has burns.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because 0.9% sodium chloride is an isotonic solution that can cause hypernatremia and hyperchloremia in a client who has burns, as the fluid loss from burns is greater than the sodium loss.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because lactated Ringer's is an isotonic solution that contains electrolytes similar to plasma, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride. It also contains lactate, which is converted to bicarbonate in the liver and helps correct the metabolic acidosis that occurs in a client who has burns.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Packed RBCs are indicated for clients who have hypovolemic shock due to blood loss, as they increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and restore the blood volume.
Choice B Reason: Cryoprecipitates are indicated for clients who have hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, as they contain clotting factors that help stop bleeding.
Choice C Reason: Albumin is indicated for clients who have hypovolemic shock due to fluid loss, such as from burns or ascites, as it increases the plasma oncotic pressure and draws fluid into the vascular space.
Choice D Reason: Platelets are indicated for clients who have thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction, as they help prevent or control bleeding.
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