An emergency department nurse triages a group of clients who were injured in a school bus crash. Which of the following clients should the nurse have the provider evaluate first?
A client who has a forehead wound that is bleeding copiously
A client who has a compound fracture of the femur and is crying in pain
A client who was unconscious at the scene and now reports diplopia and nausea
A client who has several missing teeth and a swollen, ecchymotic upper lip
The Correct Answer is C
A. A client who has a forehead wound that is bleeding copiously. Although bleeding may appear dramatic, most scalp wounds bleed heavily and can be controlled with pressure. This is not immediately life-threatening if the client is stable.
B. A client who has a compound fracture of the femur and is crying in pain. This is a serious injury with risk for blood loss and infection, but the client is alert and stable enough to express pain, suggesting less immediate neurologic risk than other clients.
C. A client who was unconscious at the scene and now reports diplopia and nausea. This client likely has a head injury with signs of increased intracranial pressure or concussion (diplopia = double vision, nausea, and prior loss of consciousness). These are neurological red flags and require immediate evaluation to prevent deterioration.
D. A client who has several missing teeth and a swollen, ecchymotic upper lip. While painful and concerning, oral trauma without airway compromise is less urgent than potential brain injury.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A,B,C"}}
Explanation
- Urticaria: Urticaria (hives) is a hallmark sign of an allergic reaction, particularly latex allergy, and typically appears quickly following exposure to allergens. It is not seen in malignant hyperthermia or hypovolemic shock.
- Wheezing: Wheezing can occur in latex allergy due to bronchospasm or airway edema. While respiratory compromise may happen in malignant hyperthermia, it is typically due to muscle breakdown and CO2 retention, not bronchospasm. Wheezing is not expected in hypovolemic shock.
- Muscle rigidity: Generalized rigidity, especially of the jaw (masseter spasm), is a key early sign of malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening reaction to certain anesthetics. It is not a symptom of latex allergy or hypovolemic shock.
- Hypercapnia: An elevated PaCO₂ is an early, sensitive marker of malignant hyperthermia, resulting from increased CO₂ production due to sustained muscle contraction. This does not occur in latex allergy or hypovolemic shock.
- Tachycardia: Elevated heart rate can be seen in all three conditions: in malignant hyperthermia due to increased metabolic demand, in latex allergy due to anaphylactic reaction, and in hypovolemic shock as a compensatory response to fluid loss.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. First trimester bleeding. Abruptio placentae typically occurs in the third trimester, not the first. First trimester bleeding is more commonly associated with miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
B. Severe abdominal pain. Abruptio placentae involves the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, often leading to sudden, severe abdominal pain and possibly vaginal bleeding. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
C. Nausea. While nausea can occur during pregnancy, it is not a hallmark symptom of abruptio placentae and does not assist in differentiating it from other complications.
D. Delayed menses. Delayed menses may indicate early pregnancy, but it is not related to abruptio placentae, which occurs later in pregnancy.
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