Following an explosion at a local chemical lab, several people have sustained burns and are now in the triage area.
Which patient should be attended to first?
A 33-year-old with burns to the back and shoulders.
A 32-year-old with burns on the hands and face.
A 42-year-old with burns on both legs.
A 25-year-old with a burn on the left arm.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
A 33-year-old with burns to the back and shoulders. While this patient’s injuries are serious, they are not immediately life-threatening. The back and shoulders are not vital areas, and while pain management and wound care will be necessary, this patient’s situation is not as urgent as others.
Choice B rationale
A 32-year-old with burns on the hands and face. This patient should be attended to first. Burns on the hands and face are more serious due to the high risk of infection and the potential for complications such as impaired breathing if the airway swells or becomes blocked due to the burns. Immediate treatment can help to prevent these complications.
Choice C rationale
A 42-year-old with burns on both legs. While these burns are serious, they are not immediately life-threatening. The patient will need pain management and wound care, and may have mobility issues, but their vital organs are not directly impacted by the burns.
Choice D rationale
A 25-year-old with a burn on the left arm. This patient, while in need of treatment, is not the highest priority. A burn on the arm, while painful and requiring treatment, is not as potentially serious or life-threatening as burns to the face, hands, or major portions of the body.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypertension is not typically associated with hypovolemic shock. In fact, hypotension, or low blood pressure, is more common.
Choice B rationale
Purpura, or blood spots, are not typically associated with hypovolemic shock.
Choice C rationale
Bradypnea, or slow breathing, is not typically associated with hypovolemic shock. Rapid, shallow breathing is more common.
Choice D rationale
Oliguria, or decreased urine output, is a common finding in hypovolemic shock. It occurs due to decreased blood flow to the kidneys.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that electrical burns can cause more skin damage than what can be seen on the skin, this statement does not fully address the client’s misconception about the severity of their burn.
Choice B rationale
This is the best response because it directly addresses the client’s misconception and provides accurate information. Electrical burns can indeed have small amounts of skin damage but cause more extensive damage beneath the skin. This is because the electrical current can pass through the body and damage internal tissues and organs, even if the visible wound on the skin is small.
Choice C rationale
While electrical burns can cause reddened or purplish skin, they do not typically cause blistering. Furthermore, this statement does not address the client’s misconception about the severity of their burn.
Choice D rationale
This statement is incorrect. Electrical burns are not typically minor. They can cause serious internal injuries and complications, even if the visible wound on the skin is small.
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