A nurse enters a client's room and finds her sitting on the floor next to the shower. The client states that she slipped on some water outside of the shower. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Notify the client's provider.
Measure the client's vital signs.
Complete an incident report.
Document the fall in the client's medical record.
The Correct Answer is B
When a nurse encounters a client who has fallen, the immediate priority is to assess the client's condition and ensure their safety. By measuring the client's vital signs, the nurse can gather important information about the client's overall well-being, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. This assessment helps determine if there are any immediate medical concerns resulting from the fall, such as injury or shock, that require prompt attention.
The other options listed are also important but should be addressed after the initial assessment and safety measures:
A. Notify the client's provider: After assessing the client's condition, if there are significant injuries or concerns identified, the nurse should promptly notify the client's provider to seek further medical guidance and intervention.
C. Complete an incident report: Reporting the fall incident is an essential part of ensuring quality and safety in healthcare. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The immediate focus should be on the client's assessment and safety. Completing an incident report can be done once the client's immediate needs are addressed.
D. Document the fall in the client's medical record: Documenting the fall in the client's medical record is important for maintaining accurate and comprehensive documentation. However, it should be done after the client's assessment, vital sign measurement, and any necessary interventions have been carried out.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The plantar Babinski reflex is assessed by stroking the sole of the foot from the heel toward the toes. A normal response is the flexion or curling of the toes. An abnormal response, known as a positive Babinski sign, is the extension and fanning out of the toes, which indicates an upper motor neuron lesion.
"Place your foot in my hand and I will tap the back of your heel": This instruction is more relevant to testing the Achilles tendon reflex, where the nurse taps the back of the heel to elicit a plantarflexion response.
"Sit on the edge of the bed while I tap your knee": This instruction is more relevant to testing the patellar reflex, also known as the knee-jerk reflex. The nurse taps the patellar tendon just below the kneecap to elicit a reflexive contraction of the quadriceps muscle.
"Relax your arm across your chest and I will test your elbow extension": This instruction is more relevant to testing the triceps reflex, where the nurse taps the triceps tendon to elicit a reflexive extension of the elbow.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Opening the dampers of fireplaces: This instruction is not appropriate during an outdoor chemical disaster. Opening the dampers of fireplaces can allow contaminated air from outside to enter the home, increasing exposure to hazardous substances. It is best to avoid introducing outdoor air into the home during such incidents.
B. Turning on ceiling fans and air conditioners: This instruction is also not recommended during an outdoor chemical disaster. Turning on fans and air conditioners can potentially circulate contaminated air within the home, leading to increased exposure. It is best to turn off fans and air conditioners during such incidents and focus on evacuating the area.
C. Covering heat registers with plastic and tape:This would help seal the house and prevent contaminated air from entering through heating vents.
D. While evacuation is essential in some situations (such as fires), it’s not the first step during a chemical disaster.Immediate evacuationmay not be safe if the outdoor environment is hazardous. First, take protective measures within the home.
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