A nurse in the emergency room is caring for a client who presents with manifestations that indicate a myocardial infarction. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse take first?

Attach the leads for a 12-lead ECG.

Initiate oxygen therapy.

Insert the IV catheter.

Obtain a blood sample.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The correct answer is: B. Initiate oxygen therapy.

Choice A reason:

Attaching the leads for a 12-lead ECG is crucial for diagnosing a myocardial infarction. However, it is not the first priority. Ensuring the patient receives adequate oxygen is more critical to prevent further myocardial damage. The ECG can be performed immediately after oxygen therapy is initiated to confirm the diagnosis and guide further treatment.

Choice B reason:

Initiating oxygen therapy is the first priority because it ensures that the heart muscle receives adequate oxygen, which is essential to prevent further damage during a myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy helps to maintain tissue oxygenation and can reduce the extent of myocardial injury. This immediate intervention is vital to stabilize the patient and improve outcomes.

Choice C reason:

Inserting the IV catheter is important for administering medications and fluids. However, it is not the first step. Oxygen therapy takes precedence to ensure the heart and other vital organs receive sufficient oxygen. Once oxygen is administered, IV access can be established to facilitate further treatment.

Choice D reason:

Obtaining a blood sample is necessary for confirming the diagnosis and assessing cardiac markers. However, it is not the immediate priority. Ensuring the patient is oxygenated is more urgent to prevent further myocardial damage. Blood samples can be drawn after oxygen therapy is initiated.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

A. Place a black tag on the client’s upper body and atempt to help the next client in need. B. Start CPR C. Place a red tag on the client’s upper body and obtain immediate help from other personnel. D. Reposition the client's upper airway a second time before assessing his respirations.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is: a. Place a black tag on the client’s upper body and attempt to help the next client in need.

Choice A: Place a black tag on the client’s upper body and attempt to help the next client in need.

In mass casualty incidents, the START (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment) triage system is often used. According to this system, if a patient is apneic (not breathing) and does not resume breathing after repositioning the airway, they are considered deceased or non-salvageable and should be tagged with a black tag. This allows the nurse to focus on other victims who have a higher chance of survival.

Choice B: Start CPR

While starting CPR might seem appropriate in a normal setting, during a mass casualty incident, resources and time are limited. The priority is to save as many lives as possible. Performing CPR on an apneic patient with a weak pulse would take significant time and resources that could be used to help other victims with a higher chance of survival.

Choice C: Place a red tag on the client’s upper body and obtain immediate help from other personnel.

A red tag is used for patients who need immediate care and have a high chance of survival if treated promptly. Since the client remains apneic even after repositioning the airway, they do not meet the criteria for a red tag.

Choice D: Reposition the client’s upper airway a second time before assessing his respirations.

Repositioning the airway a second time is not recommended in the START triage system. If the patient does not resume breathing after the initial repositioning, they are considered non-salvageable.

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A nurse in the emergency room is caring for a client who presents with manifestations that indicate a myocardial infarction. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse take first?

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