A nurse is performing triage for a group of clients following a mass casualty incident (MCI). Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to care for first?
A client who has an open upper extremity fracture
A client experiencing a tension pneumothorax
A client who has full-thickness burns over 85% of their body
A client who has agonal respirations
The Correct Answer is B
A. A client who has an open upper extremity fracture: While this is a serious injury, it is less critical compared to a tension pneumothorax in a triage setting.
B. A client experiencing a tension pneumothorax: This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention to relieve pressure on the lungs and restore adequate breathing.
C. A client who has full-thickness burns over 85% of their body: This is a severe condition with a high mortality risk, but in a mass casualty situation, a tension pneumothorax is prioritized for immediate care.
D. A client who has agonal respirations: Agonal respirations indicate severe distress, but the immediate need for intervention is to address conditions that can rapidly compromise life, such as a tension pneumothorax.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Flu-like symptoms: This is correct. Inhalation anthrax initially presents with flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and malaise. This early presentation can progress to severe respiratory distress and systemic illness.
B. Vesicles on the skin: This is incorrect. Vesicular lesions are more characteristic of diseases such as smallpox or chickenpox, not anthrax.
C. Respiratory failure: While respiratory failure can occur with advanced inhalation anthrax, it is a later-stage complication rather than an initial finding.
D. Flaccid paralysis: This is incorrect. Flaccid paralysis is not a typical symptom of anthrax exposure but may be associated with diseases such as botulism.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "It provides an area where clients can be provided a shower and privacy." This is incorrect. While decontamination areas may include showers for client decontamination, the primary rationale is more focused on preventing contamination rather than providing privacy.
B. "It provides a centralized area for the triage of all clients as they arrive to the facility." This is incorrect. Centralized triage is important but not the primary reason for a decontamination area.
C. "It prevents secondary contamination to the facility and its healthcare providers." This is correct. The primary rationale for a designated decontamination area is to prevent secondary contamination of the facility and its personnel by removing contaminants from individuals before they enter the healthcare environment.
D. "It serves as a holding area that isolates the clients who have been exposed to the agent." This is incorrect. Isolation may be a component, but the main purpose of decontamination is to prevent contamination spread.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.