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 C
Explanation
A. The left fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line is the location for palpating the apical pulse, not the pulmonic area. This area is used to assess the heart's apex, particularly for detecting the point of maximal impulse (PMI).
B. The left fifth intercostal space is also associated with the apical pulse, but it lacks the specificity of the midclavicular line, making it less precise for identifying the pulmonic area.
C. The left second intercostal space is the correct location for palpating the pulmonic area. This area is where the pulmonic valve is best auscultated and palpated, allowing for the detection of any abnormal pulsations or sounds related to the pulmonary artery.
D. The right second intercostal space is the location for palpating the aortic area, not the pulmonic area. This site is used to assess the aortic valve and any related abnormalities.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Applying a moisture barrier ointment helps protect the skin from the effects of moisture exposure due to urinary incontinence. Prolonged exposure to urine can lead to skin breakdown, irritation, and infection. A moisture barrier ointment creates a protective barrier, reducing the risk of skin damage.
Choice B rationale:
Requesting a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter is not typically the first intervention to prevent skin breakdown in clients with urinary incontinence. Catheters carry their own set of risks, including infection, and should be considered after other interventions have been explored.
Choice C rationale:
Repositioning the client every 8 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown due to urinary incontinence. Clients with urinary incontinence should be repositioned more frequently to address the effects of moisture.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the client's skin every 8 hours is an important step, but it alone may not effectively prevent skin breakdown. Incontinence-associated dermatitis can develop quickly, so it's essential to implement protective measures like using a moisture barrier ointment.
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