The nurse in a trauma unit has received a report on a client who has multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first?
Evaluate chest expansion.
Check pupillary response to light.
Check the client's response to questions about place and time.
Assess the capillary refill.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Evaluating chest expansion is the first action that the nurse should take, because it assesses the client's respiratory status and potential for pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that can result from chest trauma. The nurse should compare the movement of both sides of the chest and listen for breath sounds.
Choice B: Checking pupillary response to light is an important action, but not the first one, because it assesses the client's neurological status and potential for brain injury. The nurse should observe the size, shape, and symmetry of the pupils and their reaction to light.
Choice C: Checking the client's response to questions about place and time is another important action, but not the first one, because it assesses the client's level of consciousness and orientation. The nurse should ask the client simple questions such as their name, date, and location.
Choice D: Assessing the capillary refill is a less important action, and not the first one, because it assesses the client's peripheral circulation and tissue perfusion. The nurse should press on the client's nail beds or fingertips and observe how quickly the color returns.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because slowing the rate to 50 mL/hr may not be enough to prevent cerebral edema, which is a common complication of head injury. Cerebral edema is a swelling of the brain tissue due to increased fluid accumulation. It can cause increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which can lead to brain damage or death. Therefore, the nurse should limit the fluid intake of the client with head injury to avoid worsening the condition.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because increasing the rate to 250 mL/hr may cause fluid overload, which can also increase the ICP and worsen the cerebral edema. Fluid overload is a condition in which the body has too much fluid, which can impair the function of the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Therefore, the nurse should avoid giving too much fluid to the client with head injury.
Choice C Reason: This choice is correct because slowing the rate to 20 mL/hr may help to maintain adequate hydration and electrolyte balance, while preventing fluid overload and cerebral edema. This is a conservative approach that can be used until the client's neurological status and ICP are assessed and monitored.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr may not be appropriate for the client with head injury, depending on their individual needs and condition. The nurse should adjust the fluid rate according to the client's vital signs, urine output, serum osmolality, and ICP. Therefore, the nurse should not assume that this rate is optimal for the client without further evaluation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because hypertension is a condition of high blood pressure. A client who has hypovolemic shock is more likely to have hypotension, which is a condition of low blood pressure, due to fluid loss and reduced cardiac output.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because bradypnea is a condition of slow breathing. A client who has hypovolemic shock is more likely to have tachypnea, which is a condition of fast breathing, due to hypoxia and increased respiratory demand.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because oliguria is a condition of low urine output. A client who has hypovolemic shock may have oliguria due to decreased renal perfusion and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which causes sodium and water retention.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because flushing of the skin is a condition of redness and warmth of the skin. A client who has hypovolemic shock may have pallor and coolness of the skin due to vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow.
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