A young adult is admitted to the emergency department after a motor vehicle crash. The client has severe pain in the right chest due to impact with the steering wheel. Which is the priority client goal?
Decrease chest pain
Reduce the client's anxiety
Maintain adequate circulating volume
Maintain adequate oxygenation
The Correct Answer is D
A. Decrease chest pain is important but not the highest priority. Managing pain can help with breathing, but oxygenation is the primary concern.
B. Reduce the client's anxiety is secondary to physiological needs. Anxiety can worsen dyspnea, but addressing oxygenation first is more critical.
C. Maintain adequate circulating volume is a priority if there is hemorrhage, but the question does not indicate bleeding. Oxygenation takes precedence in this case.
D. Maintain adequate oxygenation is the priority. Chest trauma can lead to pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, or other complications that can impair gas exchange. Ensuring adequate oxygenation prevents hypoxia and respiratory failure, which are life-threatening.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inability to understand directions
The client's issue is with motor coordination, not comprehension.
B. Lesion of cranial nerve IX
Cranial nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) is associated with swallowing and taste, not motor coordination.
C. Dysfunction of the cerebellum
The cerebellum controls coordination and fine motor movements. The client's inability to perform rapid alternating movements (dysdiadochokinesia) suggests cerebellar dysfunction.
D. Vestibular disease
Vestibular disorders cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems but do not typically affect rapid alternating movements.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Auscultate bowel sounds, record the findings, and obtain a 12-lead ECG
While auscultating bowel sounds can help assess for bowel injury and an ECG is useful for monitoring cardiac function, these interventions are not the priority. The client is in shock and requires immediate intervention to restore perfusion.
B. Initiate the standing prescription for Dopamine at 16 mcg/kg/minute
Dopamine can be used to support blood pressure in shock, but fluid resuscitation is the first-line intervention in hypovolemic shock. Vasopressors like dopamine are typically added after fluid resuscitation if hypotension persists.
C. Place soft restraints on the upper extremities and sedate as necessary
The client's restlessness is likely due to hypoxia and inadequate perfusion, not agitation. Restraints and sedation would delay critical interventions and could worsen hemodynamic instability.
D. Lower the head of the bed, obtain a pulse ox, and increase the rate of IV fluids
The client is in hypovolemic shock due to suspected internal bleeding. Lowering the head of the bed improves cerebral perfusion, increasing IV fluids restores intravascular volume, and checking pulse oximetry ensures adequate oxygenation. This is the priority action to stabilize the client.
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