An emergency department nurse triages a group of school children injured in a school bus crash. Which of the following children should the nurse have the provider evaluate first?
A child who has a forehead wound that is bleeding copiously
A child who has a compound fracture of the femur and is crying in pain
A child who reports diplopia and nausea and was unconscious at the scene but is now awake
A child who has several missing permanent teeth and a swollen, ecchymotic upper lip
The Correct Answer is C
A. A child who has a forehead wound that is bleeding copiously: While bleeding wounds require attention, they are not immediately life-threatening compared to other injuries described.
B. A child who has a compound fracture of the femur and is crying in pain: While painful, a
femur fracture is not typically immediately life-threatening unless it is causing severe bleeding or compromising circulation.
C. A child who reports diplopia and nausea and was unconscious at the scene but is now awake:
These symptoms suggest potential head trauma and require urgent evaluation to assess for intracranial injuries.
D. A child who has several missing permanent teeth and a swollen, ecchymotic upper lip: These injuries, while concerning, are not immediately life-threatening compared to the potential head injury described in option C.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Rupturing the amniotic sac in the case of complete placenta previa can lead to significant bleeding and is contraindicated.
B. Pain medication may be administered if needed, but the priority is to address the placenta previa and potential complications.
C. Complete placenta previa at 36 weeks gestation with contractions and bleeding is a clear
indication for an emergency cesarean section to prevent maternal hemorrhage and fetal distress.
D. Performing a vaginal exam can increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided in cases of placenta previa.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This client's symptom of shortness of breath while ambulating indicates possible worsening heart failure, which requires prompt assessment but is not immediately life-threatening.
B. Vomiting coffee-ground emesis suggests upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which could be
indicative of a serious condition such as a gastrointestinal ulcer or tear and requires immediate assessment to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
C. While urinary retention in a client with benign prostatic hyperplasia requires attention, it is not as urgent as upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
D. Green drainage from the T-tube in a client who had an open cholecystectomy may indicate bile leakage, which requires assessment and intervention, but upper gastrointestinal bleeding takes precedence due to its potential for rapid deterioration.
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