A nurse in an emergency department is triaging clients following an external natural disaster. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify to receive care first?
A client who has an open fracture of the tibia and reports pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10
A client who has suspected appendicitis and reports severe lower right abdominal pain
A client who has a penetrating head wound and fixed pupils
A client who has flail chest and a respiratory rate of 32/min
The Correct Answer is D
A. A client who has an open fracture of the tibia and reports pain as 5 on a scale of 0 to 10: While the open fracture requires prompt attention to prevent infection and manage pain, it is not immediately life-threatening. This client can be treated after more critical, unstable patients.
B. A client who has suspected appendicitis and reports severe lower right abdominal pain: Suspected appendicitis is urgent but not immediately life-threatening unless complications like rupture occur. This client’s condition is lower priority compared to airway or breathing compromise.
C. A client who has a penetrating head wound and fixed pupils: Fixed pupils suggest a non-survivable brain injury. In a mass casualty or disaster triage situation, this client is considered expectant and would not receive immediate intervention.
D. A client who has flail chest and a respiratory rate of 32/min: Flail chest with increased respiratory rate indicates respiratory compromise and potential hypoxia, which is life-threatening. Airway and breathing take priority, so this client requires immediate intervention to stabilize breathing and prevent rapid deterioration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B"}}
Explanation
Rationale:
• Deep tendon patellar reflex: The client’s patellar reflex decreased from 4+ on day 1 to 2+ on day 2, indicating reduced hyperreflexia. This suggests a positive response to antihypertensive and preeclampsia management, lowering the risk for complications such as eclampsia or seizures.
• Heart rate: The client’s heart rate increased slightly from 84/min on day 1 to 90/min on day 2, which falls within a normal physiologic range and does not indicate significant improvement or deterioration. This shows that cardiovascular status has remained relatively stable.
• Blood pressure: Blood pressure decreased from severely elevated readings (162/112 mm Hg and 166/110 mm Hg) to 152/90 mm Hg, reflecting a partial response to antihypertensive therapy. Although still above normal, the downward trend indicates some improvement in maternal hemodynamic status.
• Edema: The client continues to have +3 pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities, which has not improved since the previous day. Persistent edema suggests that fluid balance and vascular permeability issues related to preeclampsia remain a concern and require ongoing monitoring.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administer a dose of fluoxetine to the client: Fluoxetine is an antidepressant and is not indicated for acute psychotic symptoms such as auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications, not SSRIs, are the standard treatment for managing hallucinations.
B. Avoid making eye contact with the client: Avoiding eye contact can be perceived as disengagement or disinterest, which may increase the client’s anxiety or mistrust. Therapeutic communication with appropriate eye contact helps establish rapport and conveys presence and support.
C. Request the client to lie down in a quiet room: Forcing the client to lie down may increase distress or feelings of loss of control. While a quiet environment can reduce stimuli, the intervention should be voluntary and focused on coping strategies rather than directives.
D. Encourage the client to listen to music: Listening to music can help distract the client from hallucinations and provide a coping mechanism to reduce distress. This intervention supports safety, comfort, and engagement without confrontation, aligning with therapeutic approaches for managing auditory hallucinations.
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