A nurse is assisting with triaging clients after a mass casualty event. Which of the following clients should the nurse attend to first?
A client who has a splinted open fracture of the left medial malleolus.
A client who has a penetrating head injury and is experiencing seizures.
A client who has severe respiratory stridor and a deviated trachea.
A client who has a small circular partial-thickness burn of the left calf.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: An open fracture, while needing medical attention, is not immediately life-threatening. The client's condition is stable enough to wait while more critical cases are attended to.
Choice B reason: A penetrating head injury with seizures is a critical condition. However, ensuring a patent airway takes precedence in emergency situations. This client's seizures indicate serious brain injury, but the immediate threat to life, such as airway obstruction, must be prioritized.
Choice C reason: Severe respiratory stridor and a deviated trachea indicate a life-threatening airway obstruction. This client needs immediate attention to secure the airway and prevent respiratory failure. This is the highest priority because without a clear airway, the client will not survive long enough to benefit from other interventions.
Choice D reason: A partial-thickness burn, although painful and requiring treatment, is not immediately life-threatening. This client can safely wait while those with more critical needs are attended to.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Local anesthesia is not typically used for a colonoscopy. Sedation and analgesia are used to make the client comfortable, but some sensation may still be felt.
Choice B reason: While it is true that many clients find the bowel preparation uncomfortable, this statement does not address the client's concern about pain during the procedure itself.
Choice C reason: The correct answer is c because it is honest and informative. Clients may experience some cramping during a colonoscopy, but it is usually mild and can be managed with sedation and analgesia.
Choice D reason: This statement may be reassuring but is not entirely accurate. While sedation may cause some amnesia, it is important to provide realistic expectations about the procedure and potential sensations.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on the skin caused by long-term sun exposure. It is usually not purplish-brown and is more common in fair-skinned individuals. These lesions are considered pre-cancerous and can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. The description of purplish-brown lesions in the context of an AIDS diagnosis is more indicative of Kaposi's sarcoma.
Choice B reason: Kaposi's sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of blood and lymph vessels. It often presents as purplish-brown, red, or bluish lesions on the skin or mucous membranes and is commonly associated with AIDS. The multiple, widespread nature of the lesions described aligns with the typical presentation of Kaposi's sarcoma, making it the most likely diagnosis in this scenario.
Choice C reason: Actinic dermatitis, also known as photodermatitis, is an inflammatory reaction of the skin to sunlight. It does not typically present as purplish-brown lesions. This condition manifests as redness, swelling, and possibly blistering in sun-exposed areas. The description given is not consistent with actinic dermatitis and points more towards Kaposi's sarcoma in an AIDS client.
Choice D reason: Basal cell carcinoma does not usually present with multiple, widespread purplish-brown lesions. It is typically a localized lesion that appears as a pearly or waxy bump. The description of multiple, widespread lesions is more characteristic of Kaposi's sarcoma in clients with AIDS, making basal cell carcinoma an unlikely diagnosis in this context.
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