An adult with head and facial injuries from a motor vehicle collision is fully immobilized and has a Glasgow coma score of 6. The client is intubated, sedated, and is being prepared for transfer to a regional trauma center. Which intervention(s) should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
Allow the family to touch and talk to the client.
Reassess the client's vascular access.
Assess neurological vital signs every 15 minutes.
Administer ophthalmic ointment.
Apply soft bilateral wrist restraints for transport.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
A. Allow the family to touch and talk to the client. Family presence can provide emotional support for both the client and loved ones. Even though the client is sedated and has a low GCS, familiar voices and touch may reduce stress and anxiety. Allowing family interaction fosters comfort and connection during a critical time.
B. Reassess the client's vascular access. Maintaining secure and functional vascular access is essential for administering fluids, medications, and emergency interventions. Before transport, the nurse should confirm IV patency, ensure secure connections, and assess for signs of infiltration or malfunction. Trauma patients may require additional or larger bore IV access for fluid resuscitation or transfusion.
C. Assess neurological vital signs every 15 minutes. Frequent neurological assessments are crucial in head trauma patients with a low GCS to monitor for signs of worsening intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, or herniation. Changes in pupil response, motor function, or vital signs may indicate neurological deterioration requiring urgent intervention. Monitoring trends over time is necessary for early detection of complications.
D. Administer ophthalmic ointment. Clients with a low GCS often have impaired blinking, placing them at risk for corneal abrasions and dryness. Applying ophthalmic lubricant or artificial tears protects the cornea from injury and promotes eye health. Preventing exposure keratitis is essential in unconscious or sedated clients to avoid long-term ocular damage.
E. Apply soft bilateral wrist restraints for transport. Restraints are unnecessary because the client is sedated, intubated, and has a GCS of 6, meaning they cannot attempt self-extubation or interfere with care. Restraints should only be used if the client demonstrates a risk of harm. Standard transport protocols prioritize sedation and safety measures over restraints unless specifically required.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Muffled heart tones. Muffled heart tones in a client with blunt chest trauma are a key sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening emergency where blood or fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, preventing proper cardiac filling. This condition is part of Beck's triad (muffled heart tones, hypotension, and jugular vein distention) and requires immediate intervention, such as pericardiocentesis, to relieve pressure on the heart.
B. Bilateral sonorous wheezes. While wheezing indicates airway obstruction or bronchospasm, it is not as immediately life-threatening as cardiac tamponade. The nurse should continue monitoring and consider interventions like bronchodilators, but the priority is addressing muffled heart tones.
C. Widening pulse pressure. A widening pulse pressure (increased difference between systolic and diastolic BP) is typically associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) rather than blunt chest trauma. In chest trauma, a narrowing pulse pressure (e.g., in hypovolemic or obstructive shock) would be a greater concern.
D. Decreased urinary output. Reduced urine output may indicate shock or poor perfusion, but it is not the most urgent finding compared to muffled heart tones, which suggest impending cardiovascular collapse. While decreased urinary output should be addressed, cardiac tamponade takes priority due to the immediate risk of death.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administer a PRN bolus normal saline. The client is exhibiting signs of hypovolemic shock, including tachycardia (HR 110 bpm), tachypnea (RR 24), and hypotension (BP 80/50 mmHg) following massive gastrointestinal bleeding and multiple blood transfusions. Immediate fluid resuscitation with a normal saline bolus is the priority to restore intravascular volume, maintain perfusion, and prevent further deterioration.
B. Obtain a blood specimen for hematocrit. While monitoring hematocrit is important to assess ongoing blood loss, it does not take priority over treating the client’s current hypovolemia. A delay in resuscitation could worsen hypotension, decrease organ perfusion, and lead to shock.
C. Measure strict hourly urinary output. Monitoring urine output is important in assessing renal perfusion and fluid balance, but the client’s immediate need is volume replacement. If fluid resuscitation is delayed, renal perfusion could worsen, leading to acute kidney injury.
D. Switch oxygen delivery to a face mask. The client’s oxygen saturation is 94% on 4 L/min nasal cannula, indicating adequate oxygenation at this time. Increasing oxygen delivery is not immediately necessary compared to fluid resuscitation. However, if the client’s condition worsens, oxygen therapy adjustments may be needed.
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