A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has a sucking chest wound resulting from a gunshot. The client has a blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg, a weak pulse rate of 118/min, and a respiratory rate of 40/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Prepare to insert a central line.

Remove the dressing to inspect the wound.

Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.

Raise the foot of the bed to a 90° angle.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because inserting a central line is not a priority action for a client who has a sucking chest wound. A central line is a catheter that is inserted into a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin to administer ﬂuids, medications, or blood products. It may be indicated for clients who have hypovolemia, sepsis, or shock, but it does not address the underlying cause of the client's respiratory distress.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because removing the dressing to inspect the wound may worsen the client's condition. A sucking chest wound is an open wound in the chest wall that allows air to enter and exit the pleural cavity with each breath. This creates a positive pressure in the pleural space that collapses the lung on the aﬀected side and shifts the mediastinum to the opposite side, impairing the ventilation and circulation of both lungs. Therefore, the nurse should apply an occlusive dressing that covers three sides of the wound and allows air to escape but not enter the pleural cavity. Removing the dressing may allow more air to enter and increase the risk of tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening complication.

Choice C Reason: This choice is correct because administering oxygen via nasal cannula may help to improve the client's oxygenation and ventilation. A nasal cannula is a device that delivers oxygen through two prongs that fit into the nostrils. It can provide oxygen at low ﬂow rates (1 to 6 L/min) and low concentrations (24 to 44 percent). The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, and arterial blood gases to assess the eﬀectiveness of oxygen therapy.

Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because raising the foot of the bed to a 90° angle may worsen the client's respiratory distress. This position may increase the pressure on the diaphragm and reduce the lung expansion. It may also decrease the venous return and cardiac output, leading to hypotension and shock. Therefore, the nurse should position the client in a semi-Fowler's position (30 to 45° angle) or high-Fowler's position (60 to 90° angle) to facilitate breathing and prevent further complications.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: To calculate the total body surface area (TBSA) affected by burns using the Rule of Nines, the body is divided into sections, each representing a percentage of TBSA:

Front of one leg = 9%
Back of one leg = 9%
Front of one arm = 4.5%
Back of one arm = 4.5%

Now for the calculation:

Both legs (front and back):
- Front of both legs = 9% × 2 = 18%
- Back of both legs = 9% × 2 = 18%
- Total for both legs = 18% + 18% = 36%
Both arms (front and back):
- Front of both arms = 4.5% × 2 = 9%
- Back of both arms = 4.5% × 2 = 9%
- Total for both arms = 9% + 9% = 18%
Total TBSA:
- Legs (36%) + Arms (18%) = 54%

The nurse should document burns to 54% of the client's total body surface area (TBSA).

Choice B Reason:This choice is incorrect because it uses the original rule of nines for adults, not children. It also does not account for the depth and degree of the burns.

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because it uses the original rule of nines for adults, not children. It also does not account for the depth and degree of the burns.

Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because it uses a random percentage that does not correspond to any rule or calculation.

A. Packed RBCs B. Cryoprecipitates C. Albumin D. Platelets

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Packed RBCs are indicated for clients who have hypovolemic shock due to blood loss, as they increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and restore the blood volume.

Choice B Reason: Cryoprecipitates are indicated for clients who have hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, as they contain clotting factors that help stop bleeding.

Choice C Reason: Albumin is indicated for clients who have hypovolemic shock due to ﬂuid loss, such as from burns or ascites, as it increases the plasma oncotic pressure and draws ﬂuid into the vascular space.

Choice D Reason: Platelets are indicated for clients who have thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction, as they help prevent or control bleeding.

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A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who has a sucking chest wound resulting from a gunshot. The client has a blood pressure of 100/60 mm Hg, a weak pulse rate of 118/min, and a respiratory rate of 40/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an adult client who has burns on the front and back of both his legs and arms. Using the rule of nines, the nurse should document burns to which percentage of the client's total body surface area (TBSA)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing hypovolemic shock. Which of the following blood products should the nurse anticipate administering to this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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