When triaging emergency room clients, which client should the nurse assess first?
A male adolescent who has been vomiting for the past 12 hours and describes himself as very weak.
A female client with severe right lower abdominal pain who is febrile and vomiting.
An elderly client with peripheral vascular disease who is complaining of severe leg pain when ambulating.
A child who has had a cold for two days and now is coughing up green sputum.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This is not the first priority because it is not a life-threatening condition. The male adolescent may have gastroenteritis or food poisoning, which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. The nurse should monitor his vital signs and fluid intake, but he can wait for further assessment.
Choice B Reason: This is the first priority because it is a potential surgical emergency. The female client may have appendicitis, which can cause peritonitis and sepsis if left untreated. The nurse should assess her pain level, vital signs, and abdominal signs, and prepare her for diagnostic tests and possible surgery.
Choice C Reason: This is not the first priority because it is a chronic condition that does not require immediate intervention. The elderly client may have intermittent claudication, which is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease. The nurse should educate him on leg care and exercise, but he can wait for further assessment.
Choice D Reason: This is not the first priority because it is a common condition that can be treated with antibiotics. The child may have a bacterial infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia, which can cause productive cough and fever. The nurse should auscultate his lungs and check his temperature, but he can wait for further assessment.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Instructing UAPs to transfer all non-ambulatory clients via wheelchairs is not a good intervention, as it may expose the clients and the UAPs to smoke and fire, and cause panic and congestion in the hallways. The charge nurse should follow the RACE protocol (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish), which means rescuing only those clients who are in immediate danger, and containing the fire by closing doors and windows.
Choice B Reason: Instructing the nursing staff to evacuate ambulatory clients to the nearest fire exits is not a good intervention, as it may also expose the clients and the staff to smoke and fire, and interfere with the fire
department's efforts. The charge nurse should follow the RACE protocol, which means evacuating only as a last resort, and only after receiving instructions from the fire department.
Choice C Reason: Shutting all doors to client rooms and telling everyone to stay in their rooms until the fire
department arrives is the best intervention, as it follows the RACE protocol, which means containing the fire by closing doors and windows, and extinguishing it if possible with a fire extinguisher. This intervention also helps protect the clients and staff from smoke inhalation and fire spread, and allows the fire department to access and control the fire.
Choice D Reason: Announcing in a calm voice that all visitors should proceed immediately to the first floor via the service elevators is not a good intervention, as it may endanger the visitors and cause more damage. The charge nurse should follow the RACE protocol, which means alarming others by activating the fire alarm system and calling 911. The charge nurse should also instruct visitors not to use elevators during a fire, as they may malfunction or trap them inside.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the best action because it describes the current situation of the client and alerts the family to a possible change in the client's status. The nurse should provide the most relevant and urgent information first using the SBAR communication.
Choice B Reason: This is not the first action because it does not address the current situation of the client. The nurse should verify the client's healthcare power of attorney, but this is not a priority at this time.
Choice C Reason: This is not the first action because it does not explain the cause of the client's confusion. The nurse should review the client's medications and assess for any adverse effects, but this is not a priority at this time.
Choice D Reason: This is not the first action because it provides background information that is not directly related to the current situation of the client. The nurse should give a brief history of the client's admission, but this can be done later.
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