A nurse is assisting with triage for group of clients following a mass casualty incident. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Check blood pressure for a client who is short of breath.
Identify arterial bleeding by the presence of dark red blood.
Open the airway of a client who has a cervical injury by using the jaw-thrust technique.
Request the assistance of another staff member to log roll a client.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Check blood pressure for a client who is short of breath:
In a mass casualty incident, triage prioritizes addressing life-threatening conditions first. While shortness of breath may indicate a serious problem, assessing blood pressure would not be the most immediate action. The nurse should focus on airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs) before checking vital signs like blood pressure, as these could indicate the need for more urgent interventions.
B) Identify arterial bleeding by the presence of dark red blood:
Arterial bleeding is typically characterized by bright red blood that spurts or pulses with the heartbeat. Dark red blood is more indicative of venous bleeding. Recognizing arterial bleeding involves identifying the bright red, spurting blood, not dark red blood. It is essential to address major bleeding immediately by applying pressure or using a tourniquet as needed.
C) Open the airway of a client who has a cervical injury by using the jaw-thrust technique:
In clients with potential cervical spine injuries, the jaw-thrust technique is the recommended method to open the airway, as it does not involve tilting the head and neck, which could exacerbate a cervical injury. Ensuring the airway is patent is a priority in triage, and the jaw-thrust maneuver minimizes the risk of further injury to the spine.
D) Request the assistance of another staff member to log roll a client:
While log rolling is important for proper spinal alignment in clients with suspected spinal injuries, it is not the most urgent action during triage. In the context of a mass casualty incident, other immediate interventions, such as securing the airway and controlling bleeding, should take precedence before moving the patient unless the client’s condition requires repositioning to facilitate life-saving care.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Measure the client’s vital signs: The first priority after a fall is to assess the client's physical condition to determine if any immediate harm or injury has occurred. Taking the vital signs allows the nurse to assess for signs of shock, internal injury, or other complications that could require urgent intervention. This step should be done before notifying the provider or completing paperwork.
B) Notify the client's provider: While notifying the provider is important, it is not the first step. The nurse's priority is to assess the client’s condition and ensure they are stable. Once the client’s condition has been assessed, the provider can be notified if necessary.
C) Complete an incident report: An incident report should be completed after the client’s immediate needs are addressed. While documentation of the fall is important, the priority is the client’s safety and well-being. The nurse should first evaluate and stabilize the client before focusing on administrative tasks like the incident report.
D) Document the fall in the client's medical record: Although documentation is essential, the first priority should always be assessing and stabilizing the client. Once the client’s safety is ensured, then documenting the event and any findings is appropriate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "The client should use a hair dryer on a warm setting to relieve itching inside the cast.": Using a hair dryer on a warm setting to relieve itching inside the cast is not recommended because it could potentially lead to burns or skin irritation. The client should avoid inserting objects inside the cast to scratch, as this could damage the skin or cause an infection.
B) "The client can shower with the cast after 24 hr.": A plaster cast is not waterproof, and the client should avoid getting it wet. Although the cast may feel dry on the outside after 24 hours, it typically takes about 48 hours or longer for a plaster cast to fully dry and harden. Showering with a plaster cast is not safe, as moisture could cause skin irritation or lead to the development of sores or infection.
C) "The client’s extremity should be elevated after the cast is applied.": Elevating the extremity after a cast is applied is a key teaching point to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. This is especially important during the first 24 to 48 hours after cast application. Elevation helps to prevent or manage swelling, which can be a common complication after an injury and cast application.
D) "The client should keep the cast covered until it is dry.": While it is important to keep a cast clean and dry during the drying process, the cast should not be covered with plastic or other materials that could trap moisture. The cast needs air circulation to dry properly, and covering it could lead to the cast becoming too moist, increasing the risk of skin issues or infection.
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