A nurse is caring for a client who has had a traumatic fall. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Administer acetaminophen by mouth for pain control
Perform a thorough health history
Prepare for a STAT non-contrast CT scan
Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to monitor urine output
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administer acetaminophen by mouth for pain control: While pain management is important, it is not the priority intervention in this situation. Administering acetaminophen for pain control can be done after the client's condition has been assessed and any potential serious injuries, such as head trauma, have been addressed.
B. Perform a thorough health history: Obtaining a health history is essential for understanding the client's baseline health status and any pre-existing conditions that may affect their current condition. However, in the acute phase following a traumatic fall, the priority is to assess and manage any potential life-threatening injuries.
C. Prepare for a STAT non-contrast CT scan: This is the correct answer. In cases of traumatic falls, particularly when there is concern for head injury or intracranial bleeding, obtaining a non-contrast CT scan of the head is a priority. This imaging study helps identify any intracranial injuries such as hemorrhage or skull fractures, allowing for prompt intervention if necessary.
D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to monitor urine output: Monitoring urine output is important for assessing renal function, but it is not the priority intervention in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic fall. The focus initially should be on assessing and managing potential life-threatening injuries, particularly those related to head trauma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Weight loss:
Weight loss can occur in individuals with dementia due to various factors, including decreased appetite, difficulty eating or swallowing, and increased energy expenditure.
Monitoring weight regularly can help detect changes in nutritional status and identify potential health concerns, such as malnutrition or dehydration.
B. Decreased mobility:
Individuals with dementia may experience a decline in mobility and functional abilities as the disease progresses.
Monitoring changes in mobility, such as difficulty walking, transferring, or performing activities of daily living, is important for assessing functional decline and implementing appropriate interventions to maintain mobility and prevent complications such as falls.
C. Increased physical activity:
While dementia can lead to decreased physical activity in some individuals, others may exhibit increased restlessness or wandering behaviors.
Monitoring changes in physical activity levels can help identify agitation, restlessness, or wandering behaviors that may require intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual with dementia.
D. Unkempt appearance:
Individuals with dementia may neglect personal hygiene and grooming tasks, leading to an unkempt appearance.
Monitoring changes in appearance, such as poor personal hygiene, disheveled clothing, or neglect of grooming habits, can indicate difficulties with self-care and may necessitate assistance or supervision to maintain hygiene and appearance.
E. Constipation:
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal symptom in individuals with dementia, often due to factors such as reduced fluid intake, decreased physical activity, and side effects of medications.
Monitoring bowel habits and addressing constipation promptly can help prevent discomfort, complications such as fecal impaction, and maintain overall gastrointestinal health in individuals with dementia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Basketball, office jobs, and listening to loud music: These activities are not typically associated with an increased risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). While some recreational and occupational activities may involve physical or environmental risks, they are not commonly linked to the repetitive head trauma seen in CTE.
B. Swimming, working as a nurse, and painting: These activities are not commonly associated with an increased risk of CTE. Swimming is generally a low-risk activity for head injuries, while working as a nurse and painting are not typically associated with repetitive head trauma.
C. Football, military service, and physical abuse: This is the correct answer. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is strongly associated with repetitive head trauma, particularly in contact sports like football, as well as in military service where blast injuries and combat-related head trauma are common. Physical abuse, especially in contact sports, can also increase the risk of CTE due to repetitive blows to the head.
D. Golfing, working in construction, and horse roping: While some occupational and recreational activities may involve a risk of head injury, they are not commonly associated with the repetitive head trauma seen in CTE. Golfing, construction work, and horse roping typically do not involve the level of repetitive head impacts seen in activities like football or military service.
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