A nurse in an emergency department is assisting with the care of a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems following a motor vehicle crash. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Airway protection
Stabilizing cardiac arrhythmias
Preventing musculoskeletal disability
Decreasing intracranial pressure
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This action is correct because airway protection is the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's airway patency, breathing, and oxygenation, and intervene as needed to secure and maintain the airway. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs of aspiration, bleeding, or obstruction, and suction the airway as needed.
Choice B reason: This action is incorrect because stabilizing cardiac arrhythmias is not the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's circulation, blood pressure, and pulse, and intervene as needed to treat any arrhythmias, shock, or hemorrhage. However, this is not a priority over the client's airway, which is essential for survival.
Choice C reason: This action is incorrect because preventing musculoskeletal disability is not the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's mobility, sensation, and alignment, and intervene as needed to prevent or treat any fractures, dislocations, or nerve injuries. However, this is not a priority over the client's airway, which is essential for survival.
Choice D reason: This action is incorrect because decreasing intracranial pressure is not the first priority for a client who is unconscious and has trauma to multiple systems. The nurse should assess the client's level of consciousness, pupillary response, and neurological status, and intervene as needed to prevent or treat any increased intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, or brain injury. However, this is not a priority over the client's airway, which is essential for survival.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Requiring the nurse to reapply for a new license is not the purpose of renewal. Renewal is a process of updating the existing license and verifying the nurse's qualifications and competencies. Reapplying for a new license is a different process that involves submitting a new application and meeting the initial requirements.
Choice B reason: Maintaining the nurse's right to practice nursing is the purpose of renewal. Renewal ensures that the nurse meets the standards of practice and the continuing education requirements. Renewal also protects the public from unqualified or incompetent nurses.
Choice C reason: Granting the nurse permission to practice in more than one state is not the purpose of renewal. Renewal applies to the license issued by the state where the nurse practices. To practice in more than one state, the nurse needs to obtain a multistate license or a license by endorsement from another state.
Choice D reason: Providing the nurse a new license in another state is not the purpose of renewal. Renewal does not change the state of licensure or the license number. To obtain a new license in another state, the nurse needs to apply for a license by endorsement or examination from that state.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This task is unsafe to assign to an AP, as it requires clinical judgment and critical thinking skills that are beyond the scope of practice of an AP. A confused surgical client who has multiple tubes may be at risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, or dislodgement of the tubes. The nurse is responsible for monitoring the client's condition, assessing the tubes' function and placement, and intervening as needed.
Choice B reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it does not involve direct client care or clinical decision making. Providing postmortem care for a client who has died involves preparing the body for transport, removing any tubes or devices, and ensuring respect and dignity for the deceased and their family. The nurse should supervise and instruct the AP on how to perform this task according to the facility's policies and procedures.
Choice C reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it is part of the basic care and comfort activities that an AP can perform under the nurse's delegation. Assisting a client to eat who has difficulty seeing the foods on the tray involves helping the client identify the food items, cutting or opening them if needed, and encouraging adequate intake. The nurse should ensure that the client has no dietary restrictions or swallowing difficulties before assigning this task to the AP.
Choice D reason: This task is safe to assign to an AP, as it is a routine and noninvasive procedure that an AP can perform under the nurse's direction. Delivering a client’s urine specimen to the laboratory involves labeling the specimen container, placing it in a biohazard bag, and transporting it to the designated area. The nurse should provide the AP with clear instructions on how to collect and handle the specimen.
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