A nurse is assisting with triage for group of clients following a mass casualty incident. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Check blood pressure for a client who is short of breath.
Identify arterial bleeding by the presence of dark red blood.
Open the airway of a client who has a cervical injury by using the jaw-thrust technique.
Request the assistance of another staff member to log roll a client.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Check blood pressure for a client who is short of breath:
In a mass casualty incident, triage prioritizes addressing life-threatening conditions first. While shortness of breath may indicate a serious problem, assessing blood pressure would not be the most immediate action. The nurse should focus on airway, breathing, and circulation (the ABCs) before checking vital signs like blood pressure, as these could indicate the need for more urgent interventions.
B) Identify arterial bleeding by the presence of dark red blood:
Arterial bleeding is typically characterized by bright red blood that spurts or pulses with the heartbeat. Dark red blood is more indicative of venous bleeding. Recognizing arterial bleeding involves identifying the bright red, spurting blood, not dark red blood. It is essential to address major bleeding immediately by applying pressure or using a tourniquet as needed.
C) Open the airway of a client who has a cervical injury by using the jaw-thrust technique:
In clients with potential cervical spine injuries, the jaw-thrust technique is the recommended method to open the airway, as it does not involve tilting the head and neck, which could exacerbate a cervical injury. Ensuring the airway is patent is a priority in triage, and the jaw-thrust maneuver minimizes the risk of further injury to the spine.
D) Request the assistance of another staff member to log roll a client:
While log rolling is important for proper spinal alignment in clients with suspected spinal injuries, it is not the most urgent action during triage. In the context of a mass casualty incident, other immediate interventions, such as securing the airway and controlling bleeding, should take precedence before moving the patient unless the client’s condition requires repositioning to facilitate life-saving care.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) "Draw up the insulin lispro and insulin glargine in separate syringes.":
Insulin lispro (a rapid-acting insulin) and insulin glargine (a long-acting insulin) should be administered separately, as they have different properties and mechanisms of action. Mixing them in one syringe can affect their effectiveness and may cause inaccurate dosing. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to draw up each insulin in a separate syringe to ensure proper administration and action of both insulins.
B) "Take an extra dose of insulin lispro prior to aerobic exercise.":
Taking an extra dose of insulin lispro before exercise is not recommended unless directed by a healthcare provider. Exercise can lower blood glucose levels, and additional insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Instead, clients with diabetes are typically advised to monitor their blood glucose levels before and after exercise and adjust their insulin dose or carbohydrate intake accordingly, under the guidance of their healthcare provider.
C) "Expect insulin glargine to be cloudy.":
Insulin glargine is a clear, long-acting insulin. It should not be cloudy. If the insulin appears cloudy, it may be a sign that the insulin has been improperly stored or is no longer effective. The nurse should educate the client to inspect the insulin for cloudiness or particles and to discard any insulin that appears abnormal.
D) "Anticipate that the insulin glargine will peak in 3 hours.":
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that does not have a pronounced peak. It provides a steady release of insulin over 24 hours and helps to maintain baseline insulin levels. It is not meant to peak like rapid-acting or short-acting insulins. Therefore, this instruction is incorrect, as insulin glargine does not follow the same peak-action pattern as other insulins.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Time: The time of administration is an important factor to clarify. The prescription specifies erythromycin 500mg four times per day, but it does not specify the exact times the medication should be administered. The nurse should clarify the specific times to ensure the medication is given at proper intervals, especially considering the potential for drug interactions and the timing of meals, which may impact absorption.
B) Dosage: The dosage of 500mg is specified clearly in the prescription. There is no indication that the dosage is incorrect or needs clarification. Erythromycin 500mg four times per day is a standard dose for certain infections, so no issues are apparent with the dosage itself.
C) Route: The route of administration (oral, intravenous, etc.) is not specified in the question but is typically understood unless otherwise stated. However, in the context of erythromycin, the most common route is oral. Unless there’s uncertainty about the route, it does not need clarification.
D) Medication: The medication is clearly identified as erythromycin, which is a known antibiotic. There is no ambiguity in the medication prescribed, so there is no need for clarification in this regard. The focus should be on confirming the time of administration.
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