A nurse is assessing an adolescent who experienced blunt trauma to the abdomen. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Respiratory rate 20/min
Abdominal pain rated 4 on a scale of 0 to 10
Heart rate 72/min
Blood pressure 92/50 mm Hg
The Correct Answer is D
The nurse's priority assessment finding in an adolescent who experienced blunt trauma to the abdomen is low blood pressure (hypotension). Hypotension could indicate significant internal bleeding or hemorrhage, which is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate attention. The decreased blood pressure may be a sign of shock, and prompt intervention is needed to stabilize the client's condition and prevent further deterioration.
While all the other findings (respiratory rate, abdominal pain, and heart rate) are important and should be assessed and monitored, blood pressure is the most critical in this situation due to its potential association with severe internal injuries and the risk of hypovolemic shock.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should recommend bananas as a safe food choice for a 2-year-old child. Bananas are soft and easy to chew, making them safe for young children. They do not pose a choking hazard, unlike grapes, raw carrots, or celery.
Option B (Grapes) can be a choking hazard for young children, especially if they are not cut into small pieces or are given whole.
Option C (Raw carrots) and Option D (Celery) are hard and crunchy, and they require more chewing, which may not be safe for a 2-year-old child who is still developing their chewing and swallowing abilities.
As a general guideline, when selecting foods for young children, it is essential to choose soft, easily chewable, and non-choking hazard options to promote safe eating and reduce the risk of choking incidents.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Correct answer: B
A. Increased pain: Increased pain is a common and expected finding after a tonsillectomy. The surgical removal of tonsils creates wounds in the throat, which can cause discomfort and pain during the healing process. However, increased pain alone is not a specific manifestation of hemorrhage. Hemorrhage would be indicated by other signs, such as drooling, frequent swallowing, or vomiting blood.
B. Frequent swallowing: This can indicate that the child is swallowing blood, which is a common sign of bleeding at the surgical site. Children might not always show obvious signs of bleeding in the mouth, so frequent swallowing can be a subtle but critical indicator of hemorrhage.
C. Poor fluid intake: Poor fluid intake is a common concern after a tonsillectomy due to postoperative pain and discomfort in the throat. The child may be reluctant to drink or eat initially because of their sore throat. However, poor fluid intake alone is not an indicative sign of hemorrhage. Hemorrhage would present with other symptoms, such as drooling, frequent swallowing, or vomiting blood.
D. Drooling:While drooling can occur due to discomfort, pain, or difficulty swallowing, it is not as specific or immediate a sign of hemorrhage as frequent swallowing.
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