What should the nurse do first when a client with a head injury begins to have clear drainage from the nose?
Compress the nares.
Administer decongestant for postnasal drip.
Tilt the head back.
Collect the drainage.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Compressing the nares is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it may increase intracranial pressure and worsen the head injury.
Choice B Reason: Administering decongestant for postnasal drip is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it may mask the signs of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and delay diagnosis and treatment.
Choice C Reason: Tilting the head back is not the first action that the nurse should take, as it may cause aspiration of CSF or blood and increase the risk of infection.
Choice D Reason: Collecting the drainage is the first action that the nurse should take, as it helps to identify if the drainage is CSF or nasal secretions, and to monitor the amount and characteristics of the drainage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Cushing's is not an expected health problem in a client with high potassium level, as it causes low potassium level due to excess cortisol and aldosterone production.
Choice B Reason: Diabetes insipidus is not an expected health problem in a client with high potassium level, as it causes low potassium level due to excessive water loss and dilution of blood.
Choice C Reason: Addison's is an expected health problem in a client with high potassium level, as it causes high potassium level due to insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production.
Choice D Reason: Diarrhea is not an expected health problem in a client with high potassium level, as it causes low potassium level due to excessive fluid and electrolyte loss.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Contacting the health care provider is the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it indicates that the client may have compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent tissue necrosis and nerve damage.
Choice B Reason: Administering PRN pain medication is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may not relieve the pain and may mask the symptoms of compartment syndrome.
Choice C Reason: Documenting the findings is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may delay the treatment and worsen the outcome of compartment syndrome.
Choice D Reason: Elevating the extremity is not the first nursing action that the nurse should perform, as it may decrease blood flow and increase tissue ischemia in compartment syndrome.
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