A nurse is caring for a 10-month-old child who was brought to the emergency department by his parents following a head injury.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Assess respiratory status.
Inspect for fluid leaking from the ears.
Examine the scalp for lacerations.
Check pupil reactions.
The Correct Answer is A
The first action the nurse should take is to assess the respiratory status of the infant.

After a head injury, it is important to ensure that the child’s airway is clear and that they are breathing adequately.
This is a crucial step in providing care for a patient with a head injury.
Choice B is wrong because inspecting for fluid leaking from the ears is not the first priority.
Choice C is wrong because examining the scalp for lacerations is not the first priority.
Choice D is wrong because checking pupil reactions is not the first priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A preschool-age child who has a muffled voice and no spontaneous cough should be assessed first.
These symptoms may indicate epiglottitis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Choice A, B and D are also important but not as urgent as choice C. A toddler with nephrotic syndrome and facial edema, an adolescent with Crohn’s disease and recent weight loss, and a school-age child with diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose of 200 mg/dL should be assessed after the preschool-age child with a muffled voice and no spontaneous cough.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should first check the pH of the gastric secretions to confirm the placement of the NG tube before administering the enteral feeding.
Choice A is wrong because flushing the tube with water should be done after confirming the placement of the NG tube.
Choice B is wrong because attaching the feeding bag tubing to the end of the NG tube should be done after confirming the placement of the NG tube.
Choice D is wrong because setting the administration rate on the feeding pump should be done after confirming the placement of the NG tube.
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