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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Impetigo contagiosa: Impetigo contagiosa is a bacterial skin infection caused by either Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. While it is contagious, it is not typically required to be reported to the state health department, as it is not considered a high-priority communicable disease that mandates immediate reporting.
B) Sarcoptes scabiei: Scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is a contagious parasitic skin infection. Although scabies can be easily spread, it is generally not a reportable disease to the state health department unless there is an outbreak in a specific setting, such as a healthcare facility or school.
C) Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium that causes gonorrhea, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is required by law to be reported to the state health department. Gonorrhea is a notifiable disease because of its potential for rapid transmission, complications, and its increasing resistance to antibiotics. Early reporting helps control the spread and provides opportunities for public health interventions.
D) Human papillomavirus (HPV): Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that is not required to be reported to the state health department. While HPV is the most common STI and can lead to cancers such as cervical cancer, it is not mandated for reporting as an individual infection. However, certain types of HPV-related cancers may be tracked through cancer registries.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Dampened clothes are used for dusting the area: Using dampened clothes for dusting can help minimize the spread of dust and particulate matter in the environment. As long as the cloth is clean and properly disinfected, this action is not typically a source of infection. This is generally a safer approach for cleaning and does not pose an immediate infection risk.
B) Waste containers are lined with: While the phrasing is incomplete, if waste containers are lined properly with appropriate liners and are disposed of regularly, they should not serve as a significant source of infection. Waste disposal is important, but a properly lined container reduces the risk of contamination.
C) Soiled linens are placed on the floor: Placing soiled linens on the floor is a significant source of potential infection for immunocompromised clients. Floors can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, and placing soiled linens there increases the likelihood of cross-contamination. The linens should be handled in a way that prevents contact with unclean surfaces to avoid spreading infection.
D) Uncapped sharps are put in a puncture-resistant container: A puncture-resistant container is designed to safely contain sharps such as needles, scalpels, or other sharp objects, minimizing the risk of injury. If sharps are uncapped, however, they could present a risk of needle-stick injury or contamination. However, the main risk comes from improper disposal, not the container itself. Proper disposal in an appropriately designed container is essential to minimizing infection risks.
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