A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is bleeding profusely from a deep laceration on his left lower forearm. After observing standard precautions, which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

Clean the wound.

Apply a tourniquet just below the elbow.

Apply direct pressure over the wound.

Elevate the limb and apply ice.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because cleaning the wound is not a priority when the client is bleeding profusely. Cleaning the wound can also dislodge any clots that have formed and increase bleeding.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because applying a tourniquet is a last resort when direct pressure fails to stop bleeding. A tourniquet can cause tissue damage, nerve injury, and infection if applied incorrectly or for too long.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because applying direct pressure over the wound is the first and most eﬀective action to stop bleeding from a wound. This is the first and most eﬀective action to stop bleeding from a wound. Direct pressure compresses the blood vessels and prevents further blood loss. The nurse should use a clean cloth or dressing to cover the wound and apply firm pressure with both hands.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because elevating the limb and applying ice are not eﬀective actions to stop bleeding from a wound. Elevating the limb can reduce blood ﬂow to the injured area, but it does not compress the blood vessels or prevent blood loss. Applying ice can cause vasoconstriction, but it can also damage the skin and tissues if applied for too long.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is: C. Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr.
Choice A: Slow the rate to 50 mL/hr
Slowing the IV fluid rate to 50 mL/hr is not appropriate for a patient with a head injury. Adequate fluid management is crucial to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure and prevent secondary brain injury. Reducing the rate to 50 mL/hr could lead to hypovolemia, which might decrease cerebral perfusion and worsen the patient’s condition.
Choice B: Slow the rate to 20 mL/hr
Slowing the IV fluid rate to 20 mL/hr is even less appropriate. Such a low rate would likely result in significant hypovolemia, severely compromising cerebral perfusion pressure. This could exacerbate the patient’s head injury by reducing the blood flow to the brain, leading to further damage.
Choice C: Continue the rate at 125 mL/hr
Continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr is appropriate. This rate helps maintain euvolemia, which is essential for ensuring adequate cerebral perfusion pressure in patients with head injuries. Maintaining a stable fluid rate helps prevent both hypovolemia and hypervolemia, both of which can negatively impact intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion.
Choice D: Increase the rate to 250 mL/hr
Increasing the IV fluid rate to 250 mL/hr is not recommended. Overhydration can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which can be detrimental to a patient with a head injury. Excessive fluid administration can cause cerebral edema, worsening the patient’s condition.

A. Flushing of the skin B. Oliguria C. Hypertension D. Bradypnea

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect. Flushing of the skin is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of vasodilation or fever. Hypovolemic shock causes vasoconstriction and pale, cool, clammy skin.

Choice B Reason: This is correct. Oliguria is a decreased urine output that indicates reduced renal perfusion due to hypovolemia. The normal urine output for an adult is 0.5 to 1 mL/kg/hr.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect. Hypertension is not a sign of hypovolemic shock, but rather of increased vascular resistance or ﬂuid overload. Hypovolemic shock causes hypotension due to decreased blood volume and cardiac output.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect. Bradypnea is a slow respiratory rate that indicates respiratory depression or fatigue. Hypovolemic shock causes tachypnea due to hypoxia and increased metabolic demand.

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A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is bleeding profusely from a deep laceration on his left lower forearm. After observing standard precautions, which of the following actions should the nurse perform first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who sustained a head injury. The nurse notes the client's IV ﬂuids are infusing at 125 mL/hr. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has hypovolemic shock. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as an expected finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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