The nurse is triaging several children as they present to the emergency room after a school bus accident. Which child requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
A 12-year-old reporting neck, arm, and lower back discomfort.
An 8-year-old with a full leg air splint for a possible broken tibia.
A 6-year-old with multiple superficial lacerations of all extremities.
An 11-year-old with a headache, nausea, and projectile vomiting.
The Correct Answer is D
A. A 12-year-old reporting neck, arm, and lower back discomfort:
- This child is reporting discomfort, which is concerning, but it doesn't indicate an immediate life-threatening condition. However, a thorough assessment is needed to rule out any serious injuries, especially to the spine.
B. An 8-year-old with a full leg air splint for a possible broken tibia:
- While a possible broken tibia requires attention, it is not as immediately critical as symptoms such as projectile vomiting. Splinting can help stabilize the limb, but it is not an emergency that requires immediate attention compared to potential neurological issues.
C. A 6-year-old with multiple superficial lacerations of all extremities:
- Superficial lacerations, although they require care, are generally not immediately life-threatening. The child needs appropriate wound care and assessment for any deeper injuries, but this can be addressed in a timely manner without immediate urgency.
D. An 11-year-old with a headache, nausea, and projectile vomiting:
- This is the most concerning presentation among the options. Headache, nausea, and projectile vomiting could be indicative of a severe head injury, and these neurological symptoms require urgent evaluation to assess for conditions such as a concussion, intracranial bleed, or increased intracranial pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A low serum creatinine level indicates decreased muscle mass or impaired kidney function. However, it does not necessarily indicate that the 24-hour creatinine clearance test should be withheld or delayed.
Initiating the urine collection as prescribed allows for the accurate assessment of creatinine clearance and provides valuable information about the client's kidney function. The test results can help guide further evaluation and management of the client's condition.
Assessing the client's serum BUN level, notifying the healthcare provider of the results, or assessing for signs of hypokalemia may be relevant in certain situations but are not the immediate priority based on the information provided.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can have significant impacts on the client's fluid and electrolyte balance. Mannitol, a diuretic, is commonly used to promote diuresis and increase urine
output in cases of AKI. However, it is essential to assess the client's hemodynamic status and overall condition before administering mannitol.
Obtaining vital signs (such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) helps evaluate the client's baseline status and monitor for any changes that may occur after administering mannitol. It is particularly important to assess blood pressure as mannitol can potentially cause hypotension as a side effect.
Assessing breath sounds is also crucial because pulmonary edema can occur as a complication of AKI. Mannitol administration may exacerbate this condition. Therefore, assessing breath sounds allows the nurse to monitor for signs of fluid overload, such as crackles or wheezes.
Collecting a clean catch urine specimen may be necessary for diagnostic purposes to assess kidney function and determine the presence or severity of acute kidney injury. However, obtaining vital signs and assessing breath sounds should be the first nursing intervention before administering any medication, including mannitol, to ensure the client's safety and monitor for any potential adverse effects.
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