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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diminished hand-to-mouth coordination is not a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it is related to the motor function of the upper extremities. The nurse should refer the client to physical therapy or occupational therapy for this issue.
Choice B reason: Impaired voluntary cough is a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it indicates a possible dysfunction of the swallowing mechanism or the vocal cords. The nurse should refer the client to speech-language pathology for a swallowing evaluation and intervention.
Choice C reason: Altered level of consciousness is not a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it is related to the neurological function of the brain. The nurse should monitor the client's Glasgow Coma Scale score and report any changes to the provider.
Choice D reason: Unilateral ptosis is not a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it is related to the cranial nerve function of the eye. The nurse should assess the client's pupillary response and eye movements and report any abnormalities to the provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client's code status is not part of the background information, but rather the recommendation or request section of the SBAR Communication tool. The code status indicates the level of resuscitation the client wishes to receive in case of a cardiac or respiratory arrest.
Choice B reason: The client's vital signs are not part of the background information, but rather the assessment section of the SBAR Communication tool. The vital signs reflect the client's current condition and response to treatment.
Choice C reason: The client's name is part of the background information, along with the client's age, diagnosis, reason for admission, and relevant medical history. The background information provides a brief overview of the client's situation and helps to identify the client.
Choice D reason: A prescribed consultation is not part of the background information, but rather the recommendation or request section of the SBAR Communication tool. A consultation is a referral to another health care professional for further evaluation or management of the client's condition.
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