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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because the laboratory values are not within the expected reference range in a client who has DIC. DIC is a condition that causes abnormal activation of the clotting cascade, leading to widespread microthrombi formation and consumption of clotting factors and platelets. This results in bleeding complications and organ dysfunction.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because the laboratory values are prolonged in a client who has DIC. PT, aPTT, and INR are tests that measure the time it takes for blood to clot. PT measures the extrinsic pathway, aPTT measures the intrinsic pathway, and INR is a standardized ratio of PT. In DIC, these tests are prolonged because of the depletion of clotting factors and platelets.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because the laboratory values are not the same as the previous test values in a client who has DIC. DIC is an acute and dynamic condition that can change rapidly depending on the underlying cause and treatment. The laboratory values may fluctuate between normal, prolonged, or shortened depending on the balance between clotting and bleeding.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because the laboratory values are not decreased in a client who has DIC. Decreased laboratory values would indicate a shortened clotting time, which can occur in some cases of DIC when there is excessive clotting and thrombosis. However, this is not the typical finding in DIC, as most clients present with bleeding manifestations and prolonged clotting time.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a pneumothorax is a condition in which air enters the pleural space and causes the lung to collapse. It does not cause the chest wall to move inward and outward paradoxically.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because atelectasis is a condition in which alveoli collapse and cause reduced gas exchange. It does not cause the chest wall to move inward and outward paradoxically.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because flail chest is a condition in which multiple ribs are fractured and cause a segment of the chest wall to detach from the rest of the thoracic cage. It causes the chest wall to move inward and outward paradoxically, as well as dyspnea and pain.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a hemothorax is a condition in which blood enters the pleural space and causes the lung to collapse. It does not cause the chest wall to move inward and outward paradoxically.
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