A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has a deep laceration on her left lower forearm and is bleeding heavily from the wound. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform first?
Place the client in a modified Trendelenburg position.
Apply a tourniquet just above the wound.
Start two large-bore IV catheters.
Apply pressure directly to the wound.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Placing the client in a modified Trendelenburg position is not the first intervention for a client with a deep laceration and heavy bleeding. This position involves tilting the patient with the head lower than the feet and is typically used to improve venous return in certain situations, such as hypovolemic shock. However, for a bleeding wound, the priority is to control the bleeding itself.
Choice B rationale:
Applying a tourniquet just above the wound is a drastic measure and is generally not the first intervention for controlling bleeding. Tourniquets are used when direct pressure and other methods are unsuccessful, as they can lead to complications such as tissue damage and ischemia if not used correctly.
Choice C rationale:
Starting two large-bore IV catheters is important for fluid resuscitation in cases of significant bleeding. However, it is not the first intervention. Directly controlling the bleeding takes precedence to prevent further blood loss.
Choice D rationale:
Applying pressure directly to the wound is the correct answer. This is the initial and immediate action to take when dealing with a heavily bleeding wound. Applying pressure helps to stem the bleeding by promoting clot formation and reducing blood loss. It is a vital step in managing the client's condition and preventing further deterioration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B. Necrotic subcutaneous tissue.
Choice A rationale:
Partial-thickness skin loss (Choice A) is characteristic of a stage II pressure ulcer, not a stage III ulcer. A stage II pressure ulcer involves the loss of the epidermis and possibly the dermis, resulting in a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.
Choice B rationale:
Necrotic subcutaneous tissue is a manifestation of a stage III pressure ulcer. A stage III ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss where subcutaneous fat may be visible, but exposed bone or muscle is not yet present. Necrotic tissue in the wound bed indicates a more advanced level of tissue damage and the need for appropriate wound care to promote healing.
Choice C rationale:
Blood-filled blisters (Choice C) are not specific to pressure ulcers and are more commonly associated with friction or shear forces. These blisters are not indicative of a stage III pressure ulcer, which involves visible full-thickness tissue loss.
Choice D rationale:
Exposed bone (Choice D) is a characteristic of a stage IV pressure ulcer, not a stage III ulcer. A stage IV ulcer involves extensive tissue loss with exposure of muscle, tendon, or bone. This represents a severe level of tissue damage and requires intensive wound care and management.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Applying a moisture barrier ointment helps protect the skin from the effects of moisture exposure due to urinary incontinence. Prolonged exposure to urine can lead to skin breakdown, irritation, and infection. A moisture barrier ointment creates a protective barrier, reducing the risk of skin damage.
Choice B rationale:
Requesting a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter is not typically the first intervention to prevent skin breakdown in clients with urinary incontinence. Catheters carry their own set of risks, including infection, and should be considered after other interventions have been explored.
Choice C rationale:
Repositioning the client every 8 hours is important for preventing pressure ulcers but may not be sufficient to prevent skin breakdown due to urinary incontinence. Clients with urinary incontinence should be repositioned more frequently to address the effects of moisture.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the client's skin every 8 hours is an important step, but it alone may not effectively prevent skin breakdown. Incontinence-associated dermatitis can develop quickly, so it's essential to implement protective measures like using a moisture barrier ointment.
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