A nurse is prioritizing care for four clients.
Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?
An adolescent who has sickle cell anemia and slurred speech.
An adolescent who is in skin traction and reports a pain level of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10.
A toddler who has a new diagnosis of osteomyelitis and is to receive an IV bolus of nafcillin.
A toddler who has a partial-thickness burn on his right hand and requires a dressing change.
The Correct Answer is A
An adolescent who has sickle cell anemia and slurred speech should be assessed first.
Slurred speech can be a sign of a stroke, which is a known complication of sickle cell anemia.
This requires immediate medical attention.
Choice B is wrong because while pain management is important, it is not as urgent as a potential stroke.
Choice C is wrong because while administering medication is important, it is not as urgent as a potential stroke.
Choice D is wrong because while wound care is important, it is not as urgent as a potential stroke.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should initiate droplet isolation precautions when admitting a child who has acute epiglottitis.
Epiglottitis is commonly caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets.
Choice A is wrong because obtaining a throat culture is not recommended when epiglottitis is suspected, as it can cause further obstruction of the airway.
Choice C is wrong because assisting the child into a supine position can worsen the airway obstruction.
Children with epiglottitis prefer to sit upright with the chin extended and mouth open.
Choice D is wrong because checking oxygen saturation every 4 hours may not be frequent enough for a child with acute epiglottitis who may require continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) death has a devastating effect on parents.
There is no known cause, so parents experience guilt about what they might have done or not done to contribute to the death.
Acknowledging the family members’ feelings of guilt can help provide support to the family.
Choice A is wrong because there are no specific instructions discouraging the parents from allowing siblings to view the body.
Choice B is wrong because avoiding discussing details of the attempt to revive the infant may not necessarily provide support to the family.
Choice C is wrong because while providing a follow-up phone call 1 week following the infant’s death may be helpful, it is not the only action that should be taken by the nurse.
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