A nurse working in an emergency department is triaging four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse recommend for treatment first?
An older adult client who reports constipation of 4 days
A preschooler who has a skin rash
An adolescent who has a closed fracture
A middle adult client who has unstable vital signs
The Correct Answer is D
- A. This choice is incorrect because an older adult client who reports constipation of 4 days is not an urgent situation that requires immediate attention. The nurse should assess the client's hydration status, bowel habits, and medication use, and provide education on dietary and lifestyle modifications to prevent constipation.
- B. This choice is incorrect because a preschooler who has a skin rash is not an urgent situation that requires immediate attention. The nurse should assess the type, location, and distribution of the rash, as well as any history of allergies, exposure, or infection, and provide appropriate treatment and education.
- C. This choice is incorrect because an adolescent who has a closed fracture is not an urgent situation that requires immediate attention. The nurse should assess the site of injury, neurovascular status, pain level, and immobilization device, and provide analgesia and education on fracture care.
- D. This choice is correct because a middle adult client who has unstable vital signs is an urgent situation that requires immediate attention. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness, airway, breathing, circulation, and possible causes of instability, and initiate lifesaving interventions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Initiating IV access on the palmar side of the client's wrist is not recommended. This area has many delicate structures and is prone to complications such as nerve damage. Choosing a safer, larger vein proximal to the wrist is a better practice.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a larger gauge IV catheter is not necessary unless the client's condition or prescribed therapy specifically requires it. Using an unnecessarily large catheter can cause discomfort and increase the risk of complications, such as phlebitis.
Choice C rationale:
Choosing the client's dominant arm for IV access whenever possible is not a universally appropriate guideline. The choice of the arm should depend on the condition of the veins and the individual patient's circumstances. The nurse should assess both arms and choose the one with the most suitable and accessible veins.
Choice D rationale:
Selecting a site proximal to previous venipuncture sites is the correct action. Repeated venipuncture in the same area can cause phlebitis and compromise the integrity of the veins. Selecting a new site proximal to previous punctures helps to preserve vein health and reduce the risk of complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
- A. This client is at risk of harming themselves by removing the IV line, which could cause bleeding, infection, or loss of medication. This is a priority issue that requires immediate intervention by the nurse.
- B. This client is experiencing a common side effect of pain medication, which can be managed by administering antiemetics, fluids, or changing the medication. This is not a life-threatening issue and can be addressed after attending to the client in choice A.
- C. This client has a chronic condition that requires regular dialysis, but they are not in acute distress at this time. They should be monitored for signs of fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, or infection, but they are not a priority over the client in choice A.
- D. This client has a psychosocial need that should be respected and supported by the nurse, but it is not an urgent issue that requires immediate attention. The nurse can arrange for a visit from the chaplain after attending to the client in choice A.
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