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 A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: To calculate the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns using the Rule of Nines, the body is divided into sections, each representing a percentage of TBSA:
- Front of one leg = 9%
- Back of one leg = 9%
- Front of one arm = 4.5%
- Back of one arm = 4.5%
Now for the calculation:
-
Both legs (front and back):
- Front of both legs = 9% × 2 = 18%
- Back of both legs = 9% × 2 = 18%
- Total for both legs = 18% + 18% = 36%
-
Both arms (front and back):
- Front of both arms = 4.5% × 2 = 9%
- Back of both arms = 4.5% × 2 = 9%
- Total for both arms = 9% + 9% = 18%
-
Total TBSA:
- Legs (36%) + Arms (18%) = 54%
The nurse should document burns to 54% of the client's total body surface area (TBSA).
Choice B Reason:This choice is incorrect because it uses the original rule of nines for adults, not children. It also does not account for the depth and degree of the burns.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because it uses the original rule of nines for adults, not children. It also does not account for the depth and degree of the burns.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because it uses a random percentage that does not correspond to any rule or calculation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because monitoring the client's electrolyte levels is not the highest priority, as it does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction or aspiration.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because suctioning saliva from the client's mouth is the highest priority, as it prevents airway obstruction and aspiration, which can lead to respiratory distress and infection.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because recording the client's intake and output is not the highest priority, as it does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction or aspiration.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because performing passive range of motion on each extremity is not the highest priority, as it does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction or aspiration.
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