A nurse working in an emergency department is performing triage. To which of the following clients should the nurse assign priority?
A client who reports night sweats and fever for the last week
A client who has compound fractures of the tibia and humerus
A client who reports severe vomiting and diarrhea
A client who has soot markings around each naris following a house fire
The Correct Answer is D
a. A client who reports night sweats and fever for the last week:
Night sweats and fever can be indicative of various underlying conditions, including infections. While these symptoms may require medical attention, they do not necessarily indicate an immediately life-threatening condition compared to other options.
b. A client who has compound fractures of the tibia and humerus:
Compound fractures involve broken bones that penetrate through the skin, leading to a risk of severe bleeding, infection, and other complications. This client's injuries are significant and require immediate attention to prevent further complications and provide pain management and stabilization.
c. A client who reports severe vomiting and diarrhea:
Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications, especially if prolonged or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever. While this client requires prompt assessment and treatment, the urgency may not be as high as for other conditions.
d. A client who has soot markings around each naris following a house fire:
Soot markings around the nares (nostrils) suggest inhalation injury, which can lead to airway compromise, respiratory distress, and other serious complications. This client requires immediate assessment and intervention to ensure airway patency, oxygenation, and respiratory support.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Providing a 10-minute rest period prior to meals:
This action is not specifically related to feeding technique for clients with dysphagia. While providing a rest period before meals may be beneficial for some clients, especially those who experience fatigue or dyspnea, it is not a standard technique for managing dysphagia during mealtime.
b. Elevating the head of the client’s bed to 30 degrees during mealtime:
The head of the bed should be elevated to at least 45–90 degrees during meals to minimize the risk of aspiration. A 30-degree elevation is insufficient for safe swallowing and increases the likelihood of aspiration.
c. Instructing the client to place her chin toward her chest when swallowing:
This technique, known as the chin-tuck maneuver, helps reduce the risk of aspiration in clients with dysphagia by improving airway protection and directing food and liquid down the esophagus instead of the trachea. It is a widely recommended method to promote safe swallowing.
d. Withholding fluids until the end of the meal:
Fluids should not be withheld until the end of the meal as they are often necessary to help the client swallow food safely and prevent choking. Thickened fluids may be prescribed for clients with dysphagia to aid in safe swallowing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Educate the client about the risks of refusing the procedure:
This option suggests providing information about the potential consequences of not undergoing the gastroscopy. While educating the client about risks is essential, the immediate concern is the client's lack of understanding about the procedure itself.
b. Complete the incident report:
Filling out an incident report is typically reserved for situations where there has been an actual incident, such as a medical error or adverse event. In this case, the client's lack of understanding does not constitute an incident but rather a need for clarification.
c. Inform the provider that the client requires clarification about the procedure:
This is the correct action. It involves escalating the issue to the provider responsible for performing the gastroscopy. The provider can then address the client's concerns, answer questions, and provide additional information to ensure informed consent.
d. Answer the client’s questions concerning the procedure:
While answering the client's questions is important, it's not solely the nurse's responsibility to ensure the client understands the procedure. The provider, who will perform the gastroscopy, should be informed of the client's confusion so they can address it effectively.
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