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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Protective precautions (also known as reverse isolation) are implemented to protect clients with compromised immune systems from potential pathogens brought in by healthcare providers or visitors. This choice would be appropriate for clients who are highly susceptible to infections, but it's not the primary choice for managing a wound infected with MRSA.
Choice B rationale:
Droplet precautions are utilized for diseases spread by respiratory droplets. MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact with contaminated skin or objects. Therefore, droplet precautions are not the most appropriate choice for this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Airborne precautions are designed for diseases that spread via small particles suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis. MRSA does not spread through the airborne route, so airborne precautions are not necessary for a wound infection with MRSA.
Choice D rationale:
Contact precautions are the correct choice when dealing with MRSA infections. MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct physical contact or contact with contaminated objects. By implementing contact precautions, the nurse can effectively prevent the spread of the infection to other clients and healthcare workers.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Helping the client select a low-salt diet is not directly related to addressing tenacious bronchial secretions. While a low-salt diet might have some implications for overall cardiovascular health, it doesn't specifically address the issue of secretions in the lungs.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to drink 2 to 3 L of water daily is generally beneficial for maintaining hydration and thinning mucus secretions. However, it doesn't directly address the problem of not being able to bring up secretions. Other interventions are more suitable for that issue.
Choice C rationale:
Administering oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min can provide respiratory support, but it doesn't directly address the problem of tenacious bronchial secretions. Oxygen therapy primarily aims to improve oxygenation, not facilitate mucus clearance.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct choice. Maintaining a semi-Fowler's position (head of the bed elevated to approximately 30-45 degrees) can help improve lung expansion and facilitate drainage of bronchial secretions. This position helps to reduce the pooling of secretions in the airways, making it easier for the client to cough and bring up the mucus.
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