A nurse is caring for a client who has sustained a severe head trauma and has significant bleeding from the nose. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Establish a patent airway
Prepare for a CT scan
Insert a peripheral IV line
Apply direct pressure to the nose.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Establish a patent airway: Severe head trauma with active nasal bleeding raises concern for airway obstruction from blood pooling, impaired consciousness, or loss of protective reflexes. Ensuring a patent airway prevents hypoxia, which can rapidly worsen neurologic injury. Early airway control is the priority because compromised breathing poses an immediate threat to life
B. Prepare for a CT scan: A CT scan is essential for diagnosing intracranial injuries, fractures, and sources of bleeding, but the client must first have a stable airway and adequate oxygenation. Imaging cannot safely proceed until airway patency is confirmed, since deterioration during transport is a major risk.
C. Insert a peripheral IV line: IV access is necessary for fluid resuscitation and medication administration, but it is not the most urgent action when airway compromise is suspected. The risk of hypoxia outweighs the risk of delayed IV access, and airway management must occur before secondary stabilization steps. Once the airway is secured, IV access can be safely done.
D. Apply direct pressure to the nose: Direct pressure is generally used to control epistaxis, but in severe head trauma, nasal bleeding may indicate a basilar skull fracture, and pressure could worsen underlying injury or dislodge clots. Additionally, controlling bleeding is secondary to securing the airway, as blood flow can interfere with breathing.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Cheese: Aged and fermented cheeses contain high levels of tyramine, which can interact with MAOIs and cause a hypertensive crisis. Clients taking MAOIs must avoid foods rich in tyramine to prevent sudden and dangerous increases in blood pressure. This dietary restriction is a critical safety consideration when prescribing these medications.
B. Eggs: Eggs are low in tyramine and do not interact with MAOIs. They are safe to consume and provide a good source of protein for clients on this medication. No dietary restrictions are required regarding eggs.
C. Potatoes: Potatoes are low in tyramine and do not pose a risk for hypertensive crisis when taken with MAOIs. They can be included safely in the diet of clients receiving this medication.
D. Grapefruit: Grapefruit interacts with certain medications by affecting CYP450 metabolism, but it does not contain significant tyramine and is not contraindicated with MAOIs. While clients may need to avoid grapefruit with other drugs, it is not a concern specifically for MAOI therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Uses the TPN IV tubing to administer the client's next dose of antibiotics: TPN lines should never be used for administering other medications or fluids because this increases the risk of contamination, infection, and incompatibility reactions. TPN requires dedicated IV access to maintain sterility and prevent complications such as sepsis.
B. Plans for a check of the client's fingerstick glucose level every 6 hr: Monitoring blood glucose regularly is essential during TPN administration because high dextrose concentrations can cause hyperglycemia. Checking every 4–6 hours aligns with safe monitoring practices and does not require intervention.
C. Gradually increases the TPN infusion rate each hour until the prescribed rate is achieved: Slowly titrating the TPN rate helps the client adjust to the high glucose content and reduces the risk of hyperglycemia or fluid overload. This demonstrates safe and appropriate administration practice.
D. Schedules a bag and tubing change for 24 hr after the start of the infusion: Changing the TPN solution and tubing every 24 hours is consistent with infection control guidelines. This action maintains sterility and prevents microbial growth, reflecting proper technique.
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