A nurse working in the emergency department is assessing several clients. Which of the following clients is the highest priority?
A client who has a raised red skin rash on his arms, neck, and face
A client who has active bleeding from a puncture wound of the left groin area
A client who reports shortness of breath and left neck and shoulder pain
A client who reports right-sided flank pain and is diaphoretic
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: A client who has a raised red skin rash on his arms, neck, and face may have an allergic reaction or a skin infection, which are not life-threatening conditions. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of anaphylaxis or systemic infection, but this client is not the highest priority.
Choice B reason: A client who has active bleeding from a puncture wound of the left groin area is the highest priority because they are at risk of hemorrhage and shock. The nurse should apply direct pressure to the wound, elevate the affected leg, and monitor the client's vital signs and hemoglobin level.
Choice C reason: A client who reports shortness of breath and left neck and shoulder pain may have a cardiac or pulmonary problem, such as angina, myocardial infarction, or pulmonary embolism, which are serious conditions. The nurse should obtain an electrocardiogram, administer oxygen, and prepare for further diagnostic tests and interventions, but this client is not the highest priority.
Choice D reason: A client who reports right-sided flank pain and is diaphoretic may have a renal or urinary problem, such as kidney stones, pyelonephritis, or renal colic, which are painful but not life-threatening conditions. The nurse should administer analgesics, encourage fluid intake, and collect a urine sample, but this client is not the highest priority.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because low pain tolerance is not the most urgent issue to address. The client may experience some pain and discomfort after the surgery, but this can be managed with medication and non-pharmacological interventions. The nurse should educate the client on how to use pain scales, request pain relief, and apply ice packs or heat pads as needed.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because decreased self-esteem is not the most urgent issue to address. The client may have some negative feelings about their appearance or abilities after the surgery, but this can be improved with counseling and support groups. The nurse should encourage the client to express their emotions, focus on their strengths, and seek professional help if necessary.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because limited social support is not the most urgent issue to address. The client may have difficulty coping with the recovery process and the lifestyle changes required after the surgery, but this can be alleviated with community resources and referrals. The nurse should assess the client's social network, provide information on local agencies and organizations, and arrange for home health care or visiting nurses if needed.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because inadequate food supply is the most urgent issue to address. The client needs to have access to nutritious and balanced meals to promote healing and prevent complications after the surgery. The nurse should evaluate the client's food security, provide food vouchers or coupons, and connect the client with food banks or meal delivery services.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because this client has the least urgent and most stable condition. A deep-vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a vein, usually in the leg. An INR of 2.0 indicates that the client's blood is within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation therapy, which prevents the clot from growing or breaking off. The nurse should ensure that the client has a prescription for oral anticoagulants, compression stockings, and follow-up appointments before discharging them.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Tumor lysis syndrome is a complication of chemotherapy that occurs when cancer cells break down rapidly and release their contents into the bloodstream. This can cause electrolyte imbalances, kidney damage, and cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, laboratory values, urine output, and fluid balance, and administer medications and interventions as prescribed.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a new and acute condition. A new onset of left-sided weakness could indicate a stroke, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. The nurse should perform a neurological assessment, check the client's blood pressure and blood glucose levels, and activate the stroke protocol.
Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because this client has a severe and unstable condition. Angina is chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. A troponin level of 3 ng/mL indicates that the client has a high level of cardiac enzymes in the blood, which suggests a heart attack or myocardial infarction. The nurse should administer oxygen, nitroglycerin, aspirin, and morphine as prescribed, and prepare the client for further diagnostic tests and interventions.
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