The nurse in the 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?
Check pupillary response to light.
Check the client's response to questions about place and time.
Assess the capillary refill.
Evaluate chest expansion.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
(Correct Choice) Checking pupillary response to light is a critical first step in the assessment of a client with multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. Pupillary changes can indicate neurological issues, increased intracranial pressure, or damage to the brainstem. Rapidly assessing pupil size, equality, and reactivity helps identify potential life-threatening conditions.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the client's response to questions about place and time is important but not the highest priority in this scenario. Neurological and physiological stability should be addressed first to ensure the client's overall well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing capillary refill is valuable in assessing peripheral circulation and hydration status. However, it is not the primary concern when dealing with a client who has potentially sustained traumatic injuries, where neurological and intracranial issues need to be ruled out or addressed urgently.
Choice D rationale:
Evaluating chest expansion is relevant for assessing lung function and detecting potential injuries like rib fractures. However, given the context of a trauma client, focusing on neurological assessment takes precedence over respiratory assessment in the immediate term.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Drowsiness alone may not be a reliable indicator of pain, as it can result from various factors such as medications or the postoperative recovery process. While pain might cause drowsiness in some cases, it is not a definitive nonverbal sign of pain.
Choice B rationale:
Grimacing is a nonverbal behavior that often indicates pain or discomfort. It involves facial expressions of pain, such as frowning or wincing. Grimacing is a significant indicator that the nurse should consider in assessing the client's pain level.
Choice C rationale:
Screaming is a more overt expression of pain and discomfort. However, it is less common in a postoperative setting and might also be associated with anxiety or other emotional states. While it can indicate pain, it's not as reliable a marker as grimacing, moaning, or restlessness.
Choice D rationale:
Moaning is a nonverbal behavior that can signal pain in a postoperative client. It's an audible expression of discomfort and should be considered as a potential indication of pain.
Choice E rationale:
Restlessness can be an indication of pain as well. The client may shift positions frequently or exhibit signs of agitation in response to pain. However, restlessness can also have other causes, such as anxiety or medication effects.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Cyanosis - Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to inadequate oxygenation of the blood. This is an objective sign that can be visually assessed, not based on the patient's description.
Choice B rationale:
Petechiae - Petechiae are small, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. Like cyanosis, this is a physical finding that can be observed directly.
Choice C rationale:
Dizziness - This is the correct choice. Dizziness is a subjective sensation that the patient experiences. It cannot be directly observed and relies on the patient's description of feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or having a spinning sensation.
Choice D rationale:
Blood pressure - Blood pressure is an objective measurement that can be taken using a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope or automated device. It is not based on the patient's description and does not fall under subjective data.
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