A nurse in an emergency department is performing triage on a group of clients.
Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
A client who has heart failure and peripheral edema.
A client who has cirrhosis of the liver and bruising on their arms.
A client who reports urinary burning and a temperature of 39.2° C (102.5° F).
A client who has a new onset of atrial fibrillation and a heart rate of 152/min.
The Correct Answer is D
Atrial fibrillation with a rapid heart rate can lead to decreased cardiac output and compromised blood flow, which can have serious consequences, including stroke and heart failure. Therefore, this client requires immediate attention to assess and manage the cardiac rhythm.
While the other clients also have significant health concerns, they are not as acutely life-threatening as a new onset of atrial fibrillation with a high heart rate. Prioritizing care based on the urgency and severity of the condition is crucial in the emergency department setting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
The statement "The ACA is primarily for individuals requiring tertiary care" is not accurate. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is designed to improve access to healthcare for a broad range of individuals, not just those in need of tertiary care. It aims to make healthcare coverage more affordable and accessible for all, regardless of the level of care needed.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "Individuals must qualify to participate in ACA insurance coverage" is correct to some extent. Individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria to enroll in ACA insurance plans, such as being a U.S. citizen or lawfully present, but it does not capture the full scope of the ACA's purpose. The primary goal of the ACA is to expand access to healthcare and reduce disparities, not just limited to qualification requirements.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "Individuals with pre-existing conditions are not eligible for ACA coverage" is incorrect. One of the significant achievements of the ACA is that it prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions. In fact, the ACA has provisions to protect individuals with pre-existing conditions and ensure their access to insurance coverage.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood. High lipid levels are associated with atherosclerosis and impaired blood flow, which can hinder wound healing. Therefore, having hyperlipidemia places the client at risk for delayed wound healing.
Choice B rationale:
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that can lead to impaired wound healing. High blood sugar levels in diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, reducing blood flow to wounds and impairing the body's ability to fight infection. Therefore, diabetes mellitus places the client at risk for delayed wound healing.
Choice C rationale:
The medication history is a crucial factor to consider in wound healing. Prednisolone, a corticosteroid, can suppress the immune system and impair the body's ability to heal wounds. Long-term use of prednisolone, as in this case (20 mg/day for the past 2 years), increases the risk of delayed wound healing. Therefore, the medication history places the client at risk for delayed wound healing.
Choice D rationale:
The cholesterol level, in this context, is less relevant to the immediate risk of delayed wound healing. While high cholesterol levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, they do not have a direct impact on wound healing. The other choices (A, B, and C) are more directly related to delayed wound healing in the context of this surgical patient.
Choice E rationale:
Prealbumin is a protein that reflects a person's nutritional status. A low prealbumin level indicates malnutrition or inadequate protein intake, which can hinder wound healing. Therefore, a low prealbumin level places the client at risk for delayed wound healing. Now, let's move on to the last question.
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