A nurse witnesses a motor vehicle crash and finds a client who is not breathing. The nurse suspects the client has a cervical vertebrae fracture. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Open the client's airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver to provide oxygenation
Check the client's cranial nerve function by assessing pupils equal, round, reactive to light, and accommodation (PERRLA)
Place the client in a rigid cervical collar
Evaluate the client for brain injury
The Correct Answer is A
A. The first priority in this situation is to open the client's airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver. This technique is preferred for clients with suspected spinal injuries to avoid further spinal cord damage. Ensuring the airway is open and providing oxygenation are immediate life-saving actions.
B. Checking cranial nerve function, including assessing pupils, is important for evaluating neurological status but is not the first action when the client is not breathing. Ensuring the airway is open and providing oxygenation is the priority.
C. While placing the client in a rigid cervical collar is important for stabilizing the spine and preventing further injury, it should be done after ensuring the airway is clear. The immediate concern is to address the client's non-breathing status.
D. Evaluating the client for brain injury is important for overall assessment but is secondary to addressing the immediate life threat of not breathing. Ensuring the airway is open and then stabilizing the spine is the priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Explanation
Sepsis: The client's low CD4 count indicates a weakened immune system, making them susceptible to infections. The presence of fever, cough, and other symptoms suggests a potential infection, which can lead to sepsis if not treated promptly.
Malnutrition: The client's weight loss, diarrhea, anorexia, and difficulty eating are all signs of malnutrition. A compromised immune system can also contribute to malnutrition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While the time of the burn can provide information about the potential progression of injury, it is not the primary factor in determining the severity of the burn.
B. The depth of the burn is crucial for assessing the severity of the injury as it directly impacts the treatment required and the potential for complications. Depth determines whether the burn is superficial, partial-thickness, or full-thickness.
C. The cause of the burn is relevant for understanding the mechanism of injury but does not directly affect the assessment of burn severity.
D. The location of the burn is important for assessing potential complications and functional impairment but is secondary to the depth of the burn when determining overall severity.
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