A nurse is caring for a client who has just been diagnosed with cancer of the colon. The client asks the nurse about what the provider might be planning to do. Which of the following nursing responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason:

Performing a rapid head-to-toe assessment is an essential step in triage, especially in a mass casualty incident like a tornado. However, this action alone does not prioritize the client for immediate treatment. The purpose of triage is to quickly categorize patients based on the severity of their injuries to ensure that those who need urgent care receive it first. While a rapid assessment is necessary, it is not the final step in the triage process.

Choice B reason:

Placing a red tag on the client’s upper body is the correct action. In the triage system, a red tag indicates that the patient has life-threatening injuries that require immediate medical attention. An open fracture, especially in a disaster scenario, poses a high risk of infection and significant blood loss, necessitating urgent care. The red tag helps first responders and medical personnel quickly identify and prioritize this patient for immediate treatment and transport.

Choice C reason:

Having the client’s wife drive him to the hospital is not advisable in a mass casualty situation. This action could delay the client’s access to necessary medical care and potentially worsen his condition. In disaster scenarios, it is crucial to use organized medical transport to ensure that patients receive appropriate care en route to the hospital. Additionally, the client with an open fracture needs stabilization and possibly immediate interventions that cannot be provided in a private vehicle.

Choice D reason:

Placing a yellow tag on the client’s upper body is incorrect. A yellow tag is used for patients who have serious but not immediately life-threatening injuries. These patients require medical attention but can wait a short time for treatment. An open fracture, due to the risk of severe complications, should be prioritized with a red tag. The yellow tag would not appropriately reflect the urgency of the client’s condition.

Choice A reason: Wearing heels up to 2 inches in height can contribute to lower back pain by altering posture and increasing the strain on the lower back muscles. It is generally recommended to wear low-heeled or flat shoes to reduce the risk of exacerbating back pain.

Choice B reason: Sleeping lying flat with legs extended straight is not the best position for someone with lower back pain. It is often recommended to sleep on the side with knees slightly bent or on the back with a pillow under the knees to maintain the natural curve of the spine and reduce strain.

Choice C reason: Keeping weight within 10 percent of ideal weight is important for managing lower back pain. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can put additional strain on the lower back muscles and spine, exacerbating pain. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help alleviate back pain.

Choice D reason: Increasing high potassium foods in the diet is beneficial for overall health but is not specifically related to managing lower back pain. Potassium helps with muscle function and can prevent cramps, but it does not directly address the causes of lower back pain.