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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Cushing's Triad is a set of three classic signs associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). These signs include hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. The presence of Cushing's Triad indicates severe brain injury or increased ICP, often leading to brainstem compression.
A. Tachycardia (Option A): Increased intracranial pressure can initially lead to tachycardia as the body attempts to compensate for the changes. However, as ICP continues to rise and brainstem compression occurs, the sympathetic response diminishes, resulting in bradycardia rather than tachycardia. Therefore, Cushing's Triad is not associated with preventing tachycardia.
B. Agonal breathing (Option B): Agonal breathing, characterized by gasping, labored breathing, or irregular breathing patterns, may occur as a result of brainstem dysfunction or damage. Cushing's Triad, indicative of increased ICP and impending brainstem herniation, does not prevent agonal breathing. In fact, irregular respirations are part of Cushing's Triad.
C. Chest pain (Option C): Chest pain may occur due to various cardiac or respiratory conditions and is not directly related to Cushing's Triad or increased intracranial pressure. Therefore, Cushing's Triad does not prevent chest pain.
D. Brainstem ischemia (Option D): Increased intracranial pressure can lead to brainstem compression, compromising blood flow to the brainstem and resulting in brainstem ischemia. Cushing's Triad, characterized by hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations, is a nervous system response indicative of severe brain injury or increased ICP, which can lead to brainstem ischemia if left untreated. Therefore, Cushing's Triad is associated with brainstem ischemia rather than preventing it.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
A. Limit exercise to 10 min, 2 days per week. This recommendation is incorrect. Regular physical activity is essential for heart health. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, spread throughout the week.
B. Monitor blood pressure This recommendation is correct. Monitoring blood pressure is an essential aspect of heart disease prevention. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease, so regular monitoring allows for early detection and management.
C. Lose weight if necessary. This recommendation is correct. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if overweight or obese is important for heart disease prevention. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, increases the risk of heart disease and other health conditions.
D. Eat a diet high in saturated fats. This recommendation is incorrect. A diet high in saturated fats is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Instead, the nurse should encourage a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
E. Maintain current cholesterol level This recommendation is not entirely accurate. While maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is important for heart health, individuals with high cholesterol levels may need to take steps to lower their cholesterol through lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, medication. Therefore, simply maintaining current cholesterol levels may not be sufficient for heart disease prevention.
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